Thread: roof top luggage pod or basket?

I have a 440L pod and it's silent. It is great as it's easy access and relatively well sealed. It does however let in some very fine dust so you'd still want to bag up whatever you put in there that's precious. I brought mine over from the UK when I returned. They're a great way to get extra boot space essentially. It really comes down to how you want to travel. What would you want to put on the roof? If you want a spare tyre up there, forget it with a roof box - no room alongside.
When you understand what you want on the roof, the decision will be clearer. Personally I love the look of a decent full size rack on the roof and the utility it provides, but compared to a roof box for simply throwing bags of crap in and locking the door, it's a difficult call.
Again, when you determine what you want up there, the decision becomes simpler. Saying that, roof box limits you, rack will support all use cases.

Gday...

I have a Thule pod on the roof of my D3. I have had it up there for seven years.

I travel full-time with my van and I have found the pod to be excellent. It holds lots of stuff - small chainsaw, some engine oil, spare bits and pieces, snatchum strap and attachments, etc etc. Probably close to the 40Kg it is rated to.

It is perfectly waterproof and I think is very aerodynamic. It creates no noise.

Landy - Thule.jpg

Cheers - John

Yeah I find the pod great for road trips where accommodation isn't required but for Oz tents, spare wheels, Jerry cans etc a platform is much more useful. Maybe a space case on a platform is the compromise but there's no doubt modern pods are light, aerodynamic and pretty well sealed - and secure for parking overnight etc

I have a Hapro Carver ~440l roof pod which I used to have mounted on two rails and is now mounted on the long Rhino platform and can fit 2 OzTents alongside. I actually added 2 aero crossbars on top of the platform to mount the pod (to get the right spacing and a better fit for the mounting brackets I have). The pod is silent and I find it really good to carry bulky but light items like self inflating camp mattresses. Have never had any water or dust get in there.

David

I have also got a Thule Pod and it is fantastic. It made less than 5% difference to fuel economy on the freeway. They are super fast to put on and off, and great for being waterproof and fit an amazing amount of gear in them. I can also fit an Oztent beside it.

If you are considering buying one, you might also consider those that can open on either side so that it won't matter which side you mount an awning (if you have one).

I was going to link to the threads that show you the amount of space etc, but it looks like the photos are all wrong.

As for your third question, if you go to a decent roof rack specialist (like Roof Rack World Artarmon) then will most likely be able to fit any adapter plates so that your existing racks will sit on the rails. I have used and recommended them several times in the past and they are great at doing whatever it takes to solve the problem in a cost effective manner.

Hi l00kin4,

did you just cut thew aero bars and bolt onto the platform? been looking to do something similar as the Thule pod I have has claw/clamps that does not look long enough to reach down to grab cross rails on the underside of platform (between gaps)

Any close up pics of how you fixed ?

Cheers

Originally Posted by gotaflat

Hi l00kin4,

did you just cut thew aero bars and bolt onto the platform? been looking to do something similar as the Thule pod I have has claw/clamps that does not look long enough to reach down to grab cross rails on the underside of platform (between gaps)

Any close up pics of how you fixed ?

Cheers

yes, IIRC I just cut one bar into 2. I had the same issue with my mounting clamps for my pod. Away this weekend but will take some photos and post up early next week. I just drilled through the aero bars and used 6mm bolts through to Rhino channel nuts like these: Rhino N002-BP M6 Channel Nut (4 pack) - Roof Rack World
They are meant for heavy duty channel but work fine in the Pioneer tray.
David

Originally Posted by l00kin4

yes, IIRC I just cut one bar into 2. I had the same issue with my mounting clamps for my pod. Away this weekend but will take some photos and post up early next week. I just drilled through the aero bars and used 6mm bolts through to Rhino channel nuts like these: Rhino N002-BP M6 Channel Nut (4 pack) - Roof Rack World
They are meant for heavy duty channel but work fine in the Pioneer tray.
David

Thanks Dave,