grifter44 · Mar 22, 2016

So, I'm looking at roof racks and it's all a bit expensive for me at the moment. Plus, especially at the cheap(er) end, they're all pretty heavy leaving very little for actual load.

Would bars, plus some sort of heavy duty wire mesh or box bolted on work? I really only need it for some fairly lightweight camping gear - the heavy stuff would go in the load area. So a tarp enclosing bedding, bits and pieces etc, that I can attach and strap over/on securely.

If this seems feasible or sensible, has anyone found a good supplier of the mesh/platform/box? Googling around keeps taking me to Ebay Australia, and I really don't fancy the courier charges to Somerset.

Coffeelandy · Mar 22, 2016

grifter44 said:
So, I'm looking at roof racks and it's all a bit expensive for me at the moment. Plus, especially at the cheap(er) end, they're all pretty heavy leaving very little for actual load.

Would bars, plus some sort of heavy duty wire mesh or box bolted on work? I really only need it for some fairly lightweight camping gear - the heavy stuff would go in the load area. So a tarp enclosing bedding, bits and pieces etc, that I can attach and strap over/on securely.

If this seems feasible or sensible, has anyone found a good supplier of the mesh/platform/box? Googling around keeps taking me to Ebay Australia, and I really don't fancy the courier charges to Somerset.

Mate I had the same dilemma, I went for Mantec roof bars in the end and they're amazing. Look good too plus you can use them as a light bar. Paddock does them cheapest, about 60 quid, they weigh naff all but can carry 100kg each. I've got 3 on my 110 with an awning attached and they're perfect.

Coffeelandy · Mar 22, 2016

grifter44 said:
So, I'm looking at roof racks and it's all a bit expensive for me at the moment. Plus, especially at the cheap(er) end, they're all pretty heavy leaving very little for actual load.

Would bars, plus some sort of heavy duty wire mesh or box bolted on work? I really only need it for some fairly lightweight camping gear - the heavy stuff would go in the load area. So a tarp enclosing bedding, bits and pieces etc, that I can attach and strap over/on securely.

If this seems feasible or sensible, has anyone found a good supplier of the mesh/platform/box? Googling around keeps taking me to Ebay Australia, and I really don't fancy the courier charges to Somerset.

Here you go Mate,
http://www.paddockspares.com/pm099-mantec-roof-bar.html

grifter44 · Mar 22, 2016

Coffeelandy said:
Here you go Mate,
http://www.paddockspares.com/pm099-mantec-roof-bar.html

Nice one, cheers!

Brown · Mar 22, 2016

For wire baskets you might look at gabions. They're usually to be seen reinforcing river banks and sea defences, but some manufacturers are marketing them for garden use. You can get them with welded mesh and they can be obtained in a variety of sizes.

John S · Mar 22, 2016

And then just use a cheap roof box from Halfords?

grifter44 · Mar 22, 2016

John S said:
And then just use a cheap roof box from Halfords?

I don't really know why but I think I want to avoid a box. Think I'll investigate prices for gabion panels or similar mesh panelling. Possibly topped off with a trailer cover. Was wondering if waffle boards might do a similar job?

John S · Mar 22, 2016

I have secondhand early type defender roof bars but I haven't attempted to try a box or whatever. I use mine for my sea kayak. A gabion will work fine as long as it's lashed down and what's in it is weather protected. I remember as a kid years ago before roof boxes when saloon cars had roofs loaded with suitcases wrapped in plastic sheeting tied on with elastic straps. You'd see them flapping along the motorway, the good bad old days .

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