 Poster: A snowHead
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Next year after our baby is born im thinking we will need to buy a luggage trailer as the car (Estate)will be full with 2 dogs,a baby and ourselves. I have thought of buying a roof box but the amount we will taking i thought of a luggage trailer instead.
Has anyone got one or any advice on them ??
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Have no real experience for either, are you likely to be taking it to mountainous regions? If you were I would have thought for safety you'd be better off with a box, I can't imagine a trailor in the ice/snow is a safe proposition.
That goes for general driving I think, I know I'd prefer a box on the top as opposed to a trailor flapping around at the back (plus the speed limit is that much reduced when you're towing.
And how is your reversing ? 
I say Box - you can get pretty big ones now
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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eddyr, We will be taking to the Alps but driving at low levels as we will be leaving the car at valley level.The journey to Jersey - Murren (CH) is 2,000km return. The idea behind this is through the years we have seen loads of cars towing them whille driving in Switzerland/France. The journey itself takes 12hours so we wouldnt be in a rush.Having a box on the roof also slows you down doesnt it ?
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Tue 27-12-05 15:33; edited 1 time in total
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Yes it does, but as does a trailer (you have to obviously adhere to the reduced speed limits certainly in this country, also for safetys sake!)
Just going by my intuition, I'd feel a lot safer with a box on the roof
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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eddyr, true we would have to reduce the speed ALOT
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Chris Brookes, The shorter the trailer, the harder it is to reverse. Security is an issue with trailers, get onewwith a fixed lid and make sure it is properly serviced. Tyres, bearings, brakes and electricals are all vital.
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the harder it is to reverse
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that must be the understatement of the year 
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Chris Brookes, I've a roofbox I've used many times for summer journeys to the south of France. They don't really slow the car down at all but can sometimes be a little noisy. Estates with roof bars are the easiest to fit them to. I just bought a cheap one from my local autoparts shop. It's surprising just how much stuff you can cram into it.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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If you go down the trailer route the bigger the wheels the better
I would go for 10inch or 12inch size or larger
Smaller tyres can be prone to getting overheated with loaded up trailers on long trips
Also make sure you have a spare and a wheel brace etc to fit
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Chris Brookes, I've towed all sorts of things for years(mostly boats)and,for what its worth,if you can avoid it,do so.A good trailer is not cheap.By good I mean,good suspension units,good tyres,good quality tow hitch(not a pressed steel Hal-frauds special  )As mentioned,you will need a spare(and possibly a different jack to your car)Consider also that a trailer has a marked effect on the handling of your car,esp at speed.
On family hols I use a roof box.Mine is a little different to most as its quite large.Looks a little like a streamlined coffin  A large adult could easily lie in it(yes,I have had it scanned by HM Customs at Dover  )German,I think,its capacity is awesome.Its dynamics must be good as no wind noise,and no noticeable difference in fuel consumption.Will try and get a name for you.All that,and zero maintenance.
The only downside is,because of added height,some of the ferries may class you as a 'large vehicle'.But,at least,one of its wheels won't fall off half way to the Alps
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Thanks for your input guys.
snowskisnow, would be interested in the name of your streamlined coffin
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Chris Brookes, mine's a Kamei, German and capacious. If you really need space you could always have 2......
(2p's worth - on top of a CRV it's just too tall for Eurotunnel Club class and the Autoroute credit card lanes, but has fitted in all the resort underground car parks I've tried so far)
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Chris Brookes, try roofbox.co.uk got mine from them last year
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You know it makes sense.
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Alan Craggs, that wouldnt be a problem as we have normal height car. I am no wondering if a roof box is the answer as long as i can find a big enough one that wont slow me down a snails pace
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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kevsmith, Alan Craggs, thanks for the link.
Alan Craggs, are you restricted on speed with them on your roof and is it noisy.After reading the website they suggest the better the quailty the less noise etc ??
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I have driven to the Alps several times with family and have always used a roofbox - used to be on a Passat, more recently an Alhambra (same as Sharan/Galaxy). No noticeable, no noticeable increase in fuel consumption. Only a problem with a strong cross-wind.
Alan Craggs, as regards the resort underground car parks, last winter I experimented with the resilience of fibre glass  which is what mine is made from - so it's now a bit scuffed - but being fibre glass, easy to repair.
Chris Brookes, I would try to avoid the trailer at all cost for all the reasons previously stated.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Nick L, after peoples comments im heading towards a roof box now.
Is it better to go for the car suppliers roofbox (M-Benz) or go with the big name roof box suppliers (eg. Kamei & Thule etc)
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Another consideration is the additional ferry crossing cost with a trailer. We use a trailer tent in the UK, but have only taken it abroad once because the fares have increased considerably. There are no bargain deals for cars with trailers. 
Check out what the ferry companies would charge you with and without a trailer.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Chris Brookes, I second everyhting that snowskisnow, has said and expect to pay about £1,500 for a proper trailer.
A Roof box is a very viable answer. If you are unsure, then hire one for a trip - even a day trip -several companies hire them out. Take a drive on various road types for a few hours and see for yourself. If you do purchase, then buy a good quality one. Ask to see it on a vehicle and test it out - make sure you are happy with its features - opening & closing - some have dual opening i.e they are accessible from both sides of the vehicle, locking, accessories, mounting & dismounting the box, how/where can it be stored etc. Some have a 'hoist' accessory that allows you to drive into your garage, put slings under the roof mounted box and hoist it up for storage. Beats trying to get a big box onto a roof single handed, esp a Land Rover (Wear a helmet) 
In contrast to road noise, the one difficulty I experienced was NOT having any road noise and no indication that a roof box was mounted. I actually used a red sticker on my windscreen to remind me that I had a roof box on.
I have since sold my 6 year old THULE box as I have relocated to Northern Ireland and don't drive to the mountains anymore. I actually sold it for the exact same price I paid for it.
Happy driving....  
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Ray Zorro, never thought about the extra cost the ferry company could charge me.I have phoned them up and yes i would be charge extra as it goes on the length of the vehicle + trailer.
Its now deciding on which roof box.Alan Craggs, am i right in saying that the Kamei is better quailty than the Thule? Would you suggest Kamei or anything else (might not have had it when you were looking etc)
Thanks guys
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Chris, I only have personal experience of Kamei and Thule and of those two I would recommend Kamei. Nothing "wrong" with Thule, just that the Kamei seems to have been designed with a bit more thought - eg apart from the "U bolts" mentioned above I found that the Thule's locking mechanism could get jammed when ski bags were stuffed into it. However you may have preferences re shape or size etc. I found roofbox.co.uk very helpful on the phone if U have any queries.
(In case you're wondering about the U bolts - if you're trying to put a wide box on the car single handed you'll find it a bit tricky to hold the "offside" U bolts underneath whilst putting the first "nut" on inside the box, unless you have remarkably long arms. That's where the Kamei scores - it holds the U bolt for you )
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Alan, thanks for your advice.My only concern is the amount of space the box will/wont give.As the boot will have the two dogs,back seat will have the baby and small amount of items so the box will have to carry everything.
I have emailed roofbox.co.uk for advice etc
Thanks again,im glad i posted the question
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Chris Brookes, & Alan - just for info. at least some of the Thule boxs have a 'U' bolt friendly device. Mine had a ratchet holding mechanism which prevented 'U' bolts falling. Place the box on the roof, align to roof bars, push up 'U' bolts & lock inside the box - hey presto! (Do allow a little more time than this & also a little bit of time for some intemperate language - honestly fitting takes only about 10 minutes, but do double check all 'U' bolts, even if you are sure they have been locked). I eventually 'hoisted' my box - much easier to fit and store.
Also for information, the large Thule and I presume others are about 650 litres capacity. I am also fairly sure that Thule also sell a tow-bar mounted box if you needed additional space. Something to think about, although 650L is a LOT of capacity. Well packed you can expect to carry 4 adults luggage for a weeks trip, including skis,poles and food as I have done regularly. I must admit I did impose a 'Ryanair' luggage culture among my guests, with 'Overweighters' being penalised by having to clean, cook or buy drinks. Vacuum packing luggage also helps - especially with ski wear - it's not so much the weight as the bulk.
Roofbox will give you good advice and service.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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P.S. Chris Brookes, Don't forget your snowHeads stickers on your new roof box!
We'll 'toot' if we see you!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Be careful with empty roof boxes and high winds......
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I certainly wont have that ugly thing on the roof when its not required but thanks for the advise
Bernard Condon, lol
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You know it makes sense.
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Chris Brookes, I drove to Tignes last Feb in atrocious weather all the way from Calais and had no worries at all about the roofbox.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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chris, good find. Interesting. Haven't seen one of these 'on the loose'. Dug around a bit on the site for loading capacities ......
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How heavy can I load my Auto-Box Carrier?
* The Auto-Box Carrier has been tested up to 300kg's, but you're only allowed to load it up to the tow able weight of your specific vehicle. (See your vehicle manual). Remember to subtract the weight of your Auto-Box Carrier (+/- 18 - 20kg) from your vehicles tow able weight to calculate how much you can load. |
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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chris, thats different.
Im trying to find if you can still gain access to the boot as i will need that to let the dogs out
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Chris Brookes, It's not your car towing weight that's important! Check with your handbook or dealer for your roof or load-bar weight limits and your vehicle's maximum carrying weight and be aware that you may have to adjust your tyre pressures for the maxed out load of your vehicle. Plus handling on icy bends is effected by all that inertia.
My neighbour used to swear by his pair of roof ski boxes but he had to use a trailer for one trip (taking a fridge and washer to his apartment) and now will only tow. He recons that the journey is only an hour longer and a lot less stressful at a slightly lower pace and his car (Volvo s60) feels much more stable and he can carry a lot more junk that his wife and kids insist is essential for the holiday.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Chris Brookes, it might be worth actually viewing some boxes. Thye come in different grades of plastic (mins is actually fibre glass), some have a steel frame, some have better locks and different opening (mine has its hinges at the front and the lid opens on gas struts).
Bernard Condon, quite agree about the lack of noise and a great tip re big red sticky lable on windscreen to remind me that it's there, thanks.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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P.S. Mine's made by somebody called "Scandibox"
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Nick L,
| Quote: |
it might be worth actually viewing some boxes. Thye come in different grades of plastic (mins is actually fibre glass), some have a steel frame, some have better locks and different opening (mine has its hinges at the front and the lid opens on gas struts).
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The problem is i live in Jersey and no one sells them here so i have to go on advice.Why did you go for a box trailer and not a roof box ?
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FAQ
Also comes with a "hoist" but you need a 2 storey garage for that 