Roof Pod / Luggage Box

[mumma2pj Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mumma2pj]

Hi

Cars not here yet, but I think one of these will come in handy particularly when we have 6 people in the car for the weekend or just the 4 of us going away without taking the trailer. At this point for luggage & strollers.

I know Toyota have three available I think made by Thuele and Ive been checking out the Rhino Rack website. Does anyone have/had one or any feedback on them in general or particular styles?

Thank you & Regards
Mumma2PJ

[Just*Managing Member Find all posts View Profile Close Just*Managing]

Re: Roof Pod / Luggage Box

I had one on my Challenger and it was good. waterproof and dust proof although if it was poring with rain when you filled it, the water stayed trapped in and it needed airing at first dry spell. Large light items are best. you would be surprised how hard it is to get small things out from the far corner of the box and also how quickly the weight could add up. prados are already quite high so you wouldn't want too much weight on top of it.
mike

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Roof Pod / Luggage Box

Roof pods are great if you frequently go away and just want to chuck things up there. I personally prefer the versatility of say the alloy tray for carrying bigger objects when needed. But you have to deal with the luggage getting rained on or collecting smashed insects.

[Bigs Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bigs]

Re: Roof Pod / Luggage Box

I have the Prorack Whispbar rails with a Rhino 450 Litre pod, Very waterproof i have found. I leave the rails on all the time, Seams to make little to no difference in fuel usage but with the pod on about a extra 1.5L/100kms driving at 110km/h. Rails about $300, Pod about $500. Does make the old prado 2.5 Meters high tho.

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

Re: Roof Pod / Luggage Box

I have got a thule luggage pod and its been handy for strollers tents and bulky awkward stuff and used it on the Jackaroo travelling around OZ etc. I typically put the tent, camping chairs and soft light stuff up there. Kept it dry, is lockable and did the job.
Its also been handy when going away in the Liberty, because the stroller can be awkward. Its loaded from the rear, which is ok in a 4*4, because of the way the rear door opens and a bit of a pain for the Liberty as the wagon door opens up into it.

But in hindsight, I wouldn`t recommend it for the trips with a 4*4, its very easy to damage the car roof getting stuff in and out and its not as versatile as a tray etc.. With 4*4 trips you tend to camp out in the bush more so being able to pick up firewood along the way is handy, its easy to just chuck a few logs on top. Same goes with shovel, fishing gear, attaching a tarp, Gas bottle, spare tyres etc.
So it depends and how you think you will use it, if keeping things dry and locked is priority and you want to use it on a passenger car go with a pod, otherwise I would suggest a tray.

If you do get one, check where the roof rack sits and how you access the pod, rear or side. Then see if you can actually get up there and take stuff in and out with out damaging the cars roof. It might sit a long way fwd making it hard to reach from rear.

[mumma2pj Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mumma2pj]

Re: Roof Pod / Luggage Box

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think a pod will be handy over a tray for us (or me) at least til the family is older. Will go to our 4*4 shop when car arrives and decide.

I hadnt heard of whispbar roof racks before, we were going to get rhino ones, but I like the readup & look of the Whispbar Railbar..nice and neat.

Kind Regards
Mumma2PJ