What's the right size roof box for a family of 4 in France?

[bearman68]

Hi.
Off to France in the summer. So I picture the LWB Frontera loaded with bikes in the boot, so no room for anything else. So I need a roof box for clothes and general stuff. 2 boys aged 9, me (a good bit older), and the Mrs. Pretty light packers, and Mrs in particular sees no need to pack too much.
What's the smallest roof box I can get away with, or alternatively, what's the recommendation?

Can't put the bikes on the roof due to height restrictions on the ferry.

Thanks

[Gary C]

Can't you put the bikes on the back ?

[Troubleatmill]

^^^This.


Just buy this.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/cycle-...


Edit... actually - buy the this one. It is a much better quality brand
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/cycle-...

[Matttracker]

I've got a half width one but it's very long, Ooer! But you can carry lots in it and get two bikes next to it

[toerag]

I bought a KAMEI 510 last year for 5 of us (boot full of tent), it was perfect.

[bearman68]

LOL, I forgot about the bikes on the back argument - Ferry cost goes up a load with the bikes on the back, and it's difficult to access the boot.
Can I get away with 200l? One for sale near me for £90 odd. But is it big enough??

[toerag]

bearman68 said:

LOL, I forgot about the bikes on the back argument - Ferry cost goes up a load with the bikes on the back, and it's difficult to access the boot.
Can I get away with 200l? One for sale near me for £90 odd. But is it big enough??

200l is the size of a large suitcase.

[Troubleatmill]

You need 600 - 650 litres. But you can rent them.

[bearman68]

Mmm - Just realised it's a 460l one, so prob OK.
Cheers

[Pints]

To give you an idea, these are the boot sizes of a few saloons:

BMW - 3-series: 480 litres
VW Passat: 565 litres
Skoda Octavia: 590 litres

Based on this, one of these 580L boxes should be more than adequate for your needs.

[bearman68]

Oh dear, I'm way out on my perception - appreciate the education.

[A900ss]

I've got an old (ish) Thule. It's about 570 litres and we fill that (but my wife brings a lot of st) when we go to France for a weeks holiday. (PS - we also fill the boot of my 5 series estate as well as the roof box...)

It is 'just' the right size to allow a bike either side of it.

Unless you need to be on the west side of France, Eurotunnel don't charge extra for bikes on top and you can use Tesco vouchers against the cost of the booking.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday.

[bearman68]

Newhaven to Dieppe to get to Brittany.

Breathing twice is an endorsable payment

[Pints]

Have just seen your post that you've a 460 litre box. Given that's only slightly smaller than a 3 series boot, that might be OK fr you.

[DeanoX]

One of those strange laws of physics. However big it is ...you will fill it.

Watch the weight limit for both box and roof (though I suspect the frontera is more generous than some smaller estates/saloons).

A 200l will look silly small one frontera..450 would be the bare minimum. Also remember that it's not as easy to load as a boot as you lifting everything to the roof and then across the width of the car for some of it.

The extra height might also cost you more on the ferry. I didn't think a rear bike carrier did though. I always object to a medium sized camping trailer costing the same as a white shed.