Roof Top Boxes

[RogerD]

I am looking for some more storage capacity, plenty of motorhomes have roof boxes and I have some questions about them.

Are they a good idea?
Do they reduce the MPG by much?
Are they easy to fit, do I need to drill holes in my roof?
And why are they so Expensive :Angry:

 

[American Dream]

I am looking for some more storage capacity, plenty of motorhomes have roof boxes and I have some questions about them.

Are they a good idea?
Do they reduce the MPG by much?
Are they easy to fit, do I need to drill holes in my roof?
And why are they so Expensive :Angry:

Definately YES IMHO

Not as I would notice.The airstream over a Motorhome is pretty well turbulent any way and this box is usually mounted to the rear of the roof.

Easy to fit.Make a template first.Find a reference point and check there are no light fitments, wiring etc at the points where you're going to drill
.Mount through cross members on the roof.May requires removal of inner roof sheeting.

Expensive.I don't know. they tend to be a fair size bigger that car top boxes.Some have gas struts.

There have been a fair few on ebay recently.

Steve.

 

[Geo]

Yes
No
Yes
Not always
because they are Motorhome toys, and they can get away with it,
Now a serious answer
You can save pound by looking for second hand there are many about,(e-bay) sometimes they can be stuck to your roof depending on vehicle construction (not wise if you change your mind)
Or they can be fitted to existing roof rails
My preference is bolts and adhesive
Geo

 

[scotjimland]

Before going on the roof have you considered a Fiamma rear mounted box ?

Less hazardous and easier to use, no wind drag and no need to drill holes if you already have a bike rack which you don't use.
Arguably safer too with no chance of it coming adrift..

 

[American Dream]

Hi Geo,

I prefer Bolts and Adhesive too.

And silocon sealant around the base of the box to stop any water ingress and prevent the bolts rusting under the box.

Steve. :thumb:

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[RockieRV]

ebay listings at moment:

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[Geo]

My experiance of rear mounted boxs is not favorable, the Fiamma unit i used was one of the smaller type, was only ever half full (cos you cant fil lem when they mount sideways) and the only support given is exhaust like clamps and the box split after 3 weeks, complaints were no use as the stock answer would have been you over loaded itoh:, the constuction is weak to say the least thats why adhisive and bolts work best, there are no reinforced areas inside to just use bolts
Hi steve
I second the silicone use:thumb: Belt, Braces, and a bit of string.
Geo
I see the E-bay queen is on the case
Hi Sharon XX

 

[TestPoster]

Just a word of warning....
If you mount one to the roof of an RV with an EPDM (rubber) membrane roof covering, silicon will not stick to it.

Keith

 

[American Dream]

Hmm It stuck to mine.

I did clean it well first though.

 

[Lindy-C]

Hmm It stuck to mine.

I did clean it well first though.

It won't stay stuck for long.............

Watch out for wet patches on your headlining then....you won't know its leaking until your ceiling turns yellow :Sad:

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[American Dream]

Just a word of warning....
If you mount one to the roof of an RV with an EPDM (rubber) membrane roof covering, silicon will not stick to it.

Keith

Mine's rubber but perhaps it's not EPDM Whatever that is.

I wire brushed it to provide a key to the surface.

Can't pull it off , Yet anyway. That's after 6 months.

Will keep an eye on it though.

 

[TestPoster]

Mine's rubber but perhaps it's not EPDM Whatever that is.

I wire brushed it to provide a key to the surface.

Can't pull it off , Yet anyway. That's after 6 months.

Will keep an eye on it though.

Hi
EPDM = Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer(rubber).
For a better description see HERE.
I seriously doubt that silicon will stick to EPDM for long, but yours does seem to have done???? Never mind me, I'm not a Chemist, but I am sure someone will be along soon
Hope this helps

Keith

 

[American Dream]

Maybe they used a different compound in those days.
Remember this is a 1970's motor.
Was up on the roof last weekend and all seems ok.

Perhaps they use an oil based compound or an extra waterproofing additive these days.That would explain it.

Steve.

 

[Lindy-C]

Maybe they used a different compound in those days.
Remember this is a 1970's motor.
Was up on the roof last weekend and all seems ok.

Perhaps they use an oil based compound or an extra waterproofing additive these days.That would explain it.

Steve.

Asphalt perhaps?

 

[American Dream]

TAA Mac

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[Geo]

The realy worrying thing is, whatever they used to stick your rubber/asphalt roof on with.
Is all that is realy holding your box on
Geo
But you did say you like bolts too!!!

 

[American Dream]

The realy worrying thing is, whatever they used to stick your rubber/asphalt roof on with.
Is all that is realy holding your box on
Geo
But you did say you like bolts too!!!

Hi.
It is bolted on.
Hee Hee. The silicon was just to seal around the base.



Tend to re asphalt it whenever our travelling friends knock on the door with some spare.Have taken out special FIRE cover for the RV.

 

[Geo]

The Reds very nice with the white chippings, bit pricey tho, thought about a thatched roof ?seeing as your fire cover is extended
Geo

 

[American Dream]

Tried the thatched roof but the B***dy Birds keep the missus awake.
Not good news.