Roof box design

[Jabbawocky]

Hi all

I really don't like the modern roof box on Barney, but it is simple to open and does not leak. The metal trunks look much better IMHO, but do leak a little and the aerodynamics are not the best.

I would like to ask your opinions on what shaped roof box would look best on a LR Classic Camper. I suppose in the 60/70's anything on the rack would have had a sheet over it, but was there anything more solid that we could use for inspiration? Would a fibreglass box be a big no no for Carawagon owners?

I may have a go at making a more aesthetically pleasing box, if we can come up with a good design.

Cheers Mick

[RMS]

Well, on the Carawagon, with new roof woodwork, this box looks like it might belong, though it's a bit tall



Of course, that only works where the roof wood is varnished. On a Dormobile, it might look better painted white

As you know, Mick, we averaged almost 40mpg on the Morocco trip, so it can't have been that un-aerodynamic

I do intend modifying it, perhaps take 6" of the height - it was made that size so the porta-potty would fit in without separating the two halves!

I also need to find a way of sealing the front door a bit better, or do what Steve has done, and have a tailored 'canvas' cover made.

Cheers,
Robin.

[AlexB]

i use a "bag" on the Dormobile

looks fine and works.

[wienun]

Hi Jabbawocky,

i am still thinking of a (wooden) box for my roof rack.

When (if) i get to it, i will let you know my solution. Base should be varnished in clear laquer and the top (lid) limestone of course. Just to fit the appearance of the carawagon roof top.

Just not sure (for the moment) how to get it watertight.

Cheers

Stefan/wienun

[Troika]

For mine, I'm thinking some modern wicker baskets with butyl liners, distressed externally to look older with a bit of similarly distressed canvas sized with securing eyelets to fit over the top.

Obviously not for clothing or items susceptible to ingress of rain, but to carry the BBQ, seats, fishing rods and other infrequently used paraphenalia we all seem to drag round with us.

[DanC]

I think that Alex is closest so far, I looked at bags for the roof rack yesterday, but the one downside is security as I would rather have something lockable on top. Having said that, maybe some standard boxes with a nice tarpaulin lashed down over the top, might also look period? Currently I am thinking self-fabrication, keeping it as aerodynamic as possible, but then there is the problem of weight? I suppose that having a standard Dormi roofrack I have less space than some others do... I like the idea of wicker Graeme, but am a bit worried about what condition it would be after a short stint in the lake district!

[DanC]

Mick,

See attached, not a bad price... Something like this perhaps?

http://www.metallicsuk.com/index.php?ro ... duct_id=75

[RMS]

A bit small, I would have thought

Width isn't bad, at just under 4', but it's only about 19" front to back, and 10" tapering down to 6" at the front.

I'm not sure how useful that would be on a long European tour, Dan

Oh, and it's chequerplate

[DanC]

Yes I know I was just giving Mick some ideas to play with.... Increase the depth, make it out of smooth aluminium painted white and bob's your uncle!! I wasn't advocating plastering a classic LR with a chequerplate roof box

[RMS]

Ah, sorry Dan - just re-read your post and realise it was just the design you were promoting