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eddtheduck
Member Since: 14 Mar 2006
Location: Norwich
Posts: 164
  
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With a long trip in my D3  and 6 occupants  over the summer I need to make extended capacity plans for the car. Now I know loads of you have done big trips and have used roof racks without problems. What I want to know is whether any of you have used a rear load carrier bolted onto the tow ball rather than trailer or roof rack?
I have seen http://www.bak-rak.com/ and to me it looks a bit Heath Robinson at present. There is a new one from Thule as well.
The obvious benefit would be no significant effect on drag and fuel economy (except the weight which would not be an issue anyway). Weight maximum of 60kg seems fine and there is the added benefit of not having to climb the roof. But it may well get in the way of the tailgate.
Anyone got any experience? Am I unnecessarily concerned about the fuel economy? 2008.5 D3 HSE, Stornoway, Ebony
2007 BMW 335iSE - lust for speed satisfied
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 21st Jun 2006 9:24 pm |
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10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
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personally, i'd invest in the dog guard and cargo divider - they will enable you to stack up to the roof without any hazard to the occupants and unload one side or the other without having to unload the whole boot space
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| 21st Jun 2006 9:31 pm |
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Gareth
Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26701
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6 Occupants means he will have humans in the boot, not sure they will appreciate a dog guard!
I got a Halfords large roof box, and drilled out the holes to fit the standard LR cross bars. Holds a lot of stuff. I got the entire caravan awning, poles, 5 camp chairs and a fold up table in mine the other week when I went on holiday.
Much cheaper than the LR top box.
Did not notice a reduction in economy.
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| 21st Jun 2006 9:54 pm |
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10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
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 must have skipped that bit
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| 21st Jun 2006 9:56 pm |
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DG
Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50934
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I agree with Gareth, a roof top box or expedition type rack would be my choice.
A trailer is the second best option but you either have to leave this on site or tow it on all journeys.
I've looked at the Thule tow ball carrier and the one you have linked to, but my concerns included security, reversing damage potential, and access to the rear load compartment when attached. Not for me.
Box or rack  21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
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| 21st Jun 2006 10:53 pm |
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d3matt
Member Since: 03 Aug 2005
Location: South Oxfordshire
Posts: 1485
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The Thule rear box carrier can now be seen in many Halfords shops. The last three Halfords I visited had one on display.
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ is a good site to see what products are available. Matt
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| 22nd Jun 2006 9:47 am |
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KL
Member Since: 16 Jun 2005
Location: Gilling, nr York
Posts: 713
 
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I'd prefer the roof option for stability and security.
I'm not sure I'd like to be hit from behind with a rear box, and I guess it would get rather grimy with all the road muck.
Ferries might charge you more as you are effectively taking a longer vehicle on - no such problems with the roof box.
I agree that roof boxes aren't the easiest of things to access with a D3 (I haven't got one!), but you can at least drop the lower tailgate and use as a step... Discovery 3 tdv6 7 seat Buckingham Blue
Had it since new - sold Jun 17 after 12 years and 214,000 miles
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| 22nd Jun 2006 11:01 am |
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Gareth
Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26701
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..And you can stand on top of the rear tyres, makes access relatively easy.
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| 22nd Jun 2006 4:42 pm |
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