Roof Racks / Luggage Pods

scuwp · 13-01-2007, 08:42 PM

Anybody got any fitted and are they any good? Heard all kinds of horror stories about after markets brands of roof racks damaging paint, rubbers etc...just need a bit more luggage space and this is the only way I can think of doing it without going out and buying a Territory. :togo:

private9 · 13-01-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuwp

Anybody got any fitted and are they any good? Heard all kinds of horror stories about after markets brands of roof racks damaging paint, rubbers etc...just need a bit more luggage space and this is the only way I can think of doing it without going out and buying a Territory. :togo:

I've got aftermarket racks on my wagon (I think they're rola brand or something like that). They are basically the same shape and design as the factory option racks and I have not had any undue scratching or damage caused by these racks.

I haven't got a luggage pod, but I do leave the roof racks on at all times (something that would have horrified me 5 years ago!) I keep a bit of rope in the area where the jack goes, and find that I am now using the racks every few weeks, they are sooooo handy!

Whatever you do, if you do go roof racks, don't get the cheap nylon rope as this WILL scratch anything it goes near. Spend a bit extra and get some nice cotton rope or similar as this will not mark your paint.

scuwp · 14-01-2007, 06:48 AM

Cheers private9...sounds a bit more promising, didn't like the idea of a 4x4 (and spending over 30k to get one!)...this ways much cheaper.

private9 · 14-01-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuwp

Cheers private9...sounds a bit more promising, didn't like the idea of a 4x4 (and spending over 30k to get one!)...this ways much cheaper.

No worries! Between the baby seats and the cargo barrier stopping me from easily dropping the back seat, I need alll the space I can get! Lame as the racks may look, they are really handy!

patrat · 14-01-2007, 12:21 PM

I have used a pod for years. It's a 5 min job to put it on & take it off. They come in handy. I could carry all the baby gear years ago, 4 sets of golf clubs. It has sat in the shed for years, now I'm using it on a rack I built for my jetski trailer to carry most of my gear. I have well and truly got my monies worth out of it over the last ten years. I have travelled at speeds up to 140kmh with it on the roof. No problems at all.

It may cost you a few $$'s more in fuel, but it is worth it to keep the family happy, when you can cart all their gear on holidays.

JC · 14-01-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrat

I have used a pod for years. It's a 5 min job to put it on & take it off. They come in handy. I could carry all the baby gear years ago, 4 sets of golf clubs. It has sat in the shed for years, now I'm using it on a rack I built for my jetski trailer to carry most of my gear. I have well and truly got my monies worth out of it over the last ten years. I have travelled at speeds up to 140kmh with it on the roof. No problems at all.

It may cost you a few $$'s more in fuel, but it is worth it to keep the family happy, when you can cart all their gear on holidays.

patrat, given that you have used one for some time, what size would you recommend? I use a trailer when we go on holidays, but a Pod would make more sense, though the $1k price tag (including racks) also puts me off a bit.

jonbays · 14-01-2007, 03:03 PM

Pods are great for bulky things and a wagon with a pod will take a lot of people and all their luggage. Better than a trailer but there is a lower limit to the weight you want to load on the roof though.

patrat · 15-01-2007, 10:31 AM

JC,

Not sure of the exact size, but I have a Thule. As I said it can carry 4 sets of golf clubs, (not 10" bags). You would be surprisesed how much you can fit in them.
$1k sounds steep. I have seen then in autocheap a lot less & there is always pods & racks on Ebay at good prices.

The load limit for my pod is 75kg, but I'm sure the limit for my old AU wagon racks was less. I have had the pod over the load limit a few times, & never had a problem. Maybe I was lucky.

Abacus · 15-01-2007, 04:07 PM

I have a Thule Atlantis 600:

Thule Atlantis

340 litres 1.9m x .63m x .41m. Cost about $570 from Roof Rack World.

I had this installed on my Thule roof racks just before Christmas. Drove Sydney-Melbourne-Sydney with it.

There was no extra noise as compared to the roof racks on their own, and no dust penetration to speak of. Mind you, it was sealed motorway all the way.

Make sure you specify which side you want to open when you order the unit. Mine is hinged on the right, and opens on the left, so that you can open it from the footpath if you stop on the road. It sits on the left hand side of the roof rack and there is room on the right hand side for a bike rack.