Idiots Guide to Roof Boxes Please

rogerxp · 06-26-2013, 04:00 PM

I'm in the market for a roof box for the Qashqai+2 for two UK based summer holidays and, to save me getting bamboozled at Halfords, wondered if anyone here could share their experience and thoughts to point me in the right direction.

My plan is to shove my Daughter's (6 yrs old) bike into the roof box, handle bars twisted so it's virtually flat, then fill the rest with toys, beach stuff, soft bags, etc. to leave the boot free for my Son's (nearly 2 years old) chunky trike, food and other stuff.

I've considered (and really wanted) a funky Thule bike rake that attaches to a tow bar but as I'd need to get a tow bar fitted the cost got a bit stupid for a total of 18 days away. Thought a roof box would keep the cost reasonable and be easily transferred to a future car - storing the bugger is another issue but one I'm ignoring for now!

So, my brain is telling me Thule Thule Thule, as I've been brainwashed (rightly or wrongly?) that they're the best. Have I been blinkered here or are they truly the best you can get. Any alternatives to consider??

The QQ has bars already running down its roof so guess I just need the right type of adapters/bars and then the box.

Size isn't an issue as the QQ's roof area is huge, and makes sense to get a decent sized one, but do I really need to go for the really big ones?? We like having the luxury of space, and obviously will fill it, so big seems sensible.

I was hoping to pick one up off eBay if I was honest, to keep the cost down, (a plastic box is a plastic box right?) unless I can see a really good deal somewhere for a new one. Buying a large one from eBay obviously being an issue as I'd need to already have the correct bars assuming they're not sold as a package to transport it.

So, over to you guys, is my thought process correct?? Any suggestions on shape/size/colour (do certain colours age badly?)/manufacturer, etc??

themetz · 06-26-2013, 04:07 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=415298

Still got it mate! Would be happy to discuss an extra special deal for you

rogerxp · 06-26-2013, 04:23 PM

Mmm, not sure you can be trusted, you sound a bit dodgy to me

How would I get BMW roof bars to fit a Nissan?? Are these things universal??

themetz · 06-26-2013, 04:29 PM

The box is universal - and AFAIK, is rebadged Thule. You'd need to suss the roof bars to suit the QQ....

themetz · 06-26-2013, 04:30 PM

and I'm only marginally dodgy....

rogerxp · 06-26-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themetz

and I'm only marginally dodgy....

That's questionable

mowflow · 06-26-2013, 05:48 PM

Bars will be a piece of piss to source and fit since the QQ has bars. I'd go for Thule or Mont Blanc and I'd use one of the eBay shops and get aero bars as they do make a bit of a difference (although sticking a big bloody box on top will negate any benefit).

Your other option could be a Saris Bones rack for the boot. Pretty much as good as any tow bar rack.

Hotcoupe · 06-27-2013, 11:00 AM

OT....Did you ever do a write up on the Qashqai Roger.

If yes,have you got a link,if not, why not?

Looks like I'm getting one as a company car,they any good?

ian_m · 06-27-2013, 01:56 PM

http://www.roofracks.co.uk/

i got mine from them

give then a call they will sort it

06-26-2013, 04:00 PM	#1
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	Idiots Guide to Roof Boxes Please I'm in the market for a roof box for the Qashqai+2 for two UK based summer holidays and, to save me getting bamboozled at Halfords, wondered if anyone here could share their experience and thoughts to point me in the right direction. My plan is to shove my Daughter's (6 yrs old) bike into the roof box, handle bars twisted so it's virtually flat, then fill the rest with toys, beach stuff, soft bags, etc. to leave the boot free for my Son's (nearly 2 years old) chunky trike, food and other stuff. I've considered (and really wanted) a funky Thule bike rake that attaches to a tow bar but as I'd need to get a tow bar fitted the cost got a bit stupid for a total of 18 days away. Thought a roof box would keep the cost reasonable and be easily transferred to a future car - storing the bugger is another issue but one I'm ignoring for now! So, my brain is telling me Thule Thule Thule, as I've been brainwashed (rightly or wrongly?) that they're the best. Have I been blinkered here or are they truly the best you can get. Any alternatives to consider?? The QQ has bars already running down its roof so guess I just need the right type of adapters/bars and then the box. Size isn't an issue as the QQ's roof area is huge, and makes sense to get a decent sized one, but do I really need to go for the really big ones?? We like having the luxury of space, and obviously will fill it, so big seems sensible. I was hoping to pick one up off eBay if I was honest, to keep the cost down, (a plastic box is a plastic box right?) unless I can see a really good deal somewhere for a new one. Buying a large one from eBay obviously being an issue as I'd need to already have the correct bars assuming they're not sold as a package to transport it. So, over to you guys, is my thought process correct?? Any suggestions on shape/size/colour (do certain colours age badly?)/manufacturer, etc?? __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
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06-26-2013, 04:07 PM	#2
themetz smokin' kipper 39 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=415298 Still got it mate! Would be happy to discuss an extra special deal for you __________________ Current Audi RS5. Previously enjoyed E92 335i M Sport; E92 M3; E92 335i M Sport; E46 330ci M Sport
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06-26-2013, 04:23 PM	#3
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	Mmm, not sure you can be trusted, you sound a bit dodgy to me How would I get BMW roof bars to fit a Nissan?? Are these things universal?? __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
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06-26-2013, 04:29 PM	#4
themetz smokin' kipper 39 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	The box is universal - and AFAIK, is rebadged Thule. You'd need to suss the roof bars to suit the QQ.... __________________ Current Audi RS5. Previously enjoyed E92 335i M Sport; E92 M3; E92 335i M Sport; E46 330ci M Sport
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06-26-2013, 04:30 PM	#5
themetz smokin' kipper 39 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	and I'm only marginally dodgy.... __________________ Current Audi RS5. Previously enjoyed E92 335i M Sport; E92 M3; E92 335i M Sport; E46 330ci M Sport
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06-26-2013, 05:48 PM	#7
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	Bars will be a piece of piss to source and fit since the QQ has bars. I'd go for Thule or Mont Blanc and I'd use one of the eBay shops and get aero bars as they do make a bit of a difference (although sticking a big bloody box on top will negate any benefit). Your other option could be a Saris Bones rack for the boot. Pretty much as good as any tow bar rack. __________________ Daily Golf R Project Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi
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06-27-2013, 11:00 AM	#8
Hotcoupe Major General 192 Rep 6,110 Posts Drives: Don't know yet! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List November 2008 335D ... [8.34] 2007 335D [0.00]	OT....Did you ever do a write up on the Qashqai Roger. If yes,have you got a link,if not, why not? Looks like I'm getting one as a company car,they any good? __________________ ================================= Never argue with an idiot on the internet. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
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06-27-2013, 01:56 PM	#9
ian_m Private First Class 1 Rep 123 Posts Drives: e90 330 d Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: manchester iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 330D [0.00] 2013 BMW M135I [0.00]	http://www.roofracks.co.uk/ i got mine from them give then a call they will sort it
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