So - the euro trip begins on Sunday, decided to take the roofbox as it will keep the cabin clear for the majority of the trip.

 

My only question is - has anyone really tested the top speed with a roof box on? We have a few stretches on Autobahns and to be honest they are some of our longest stints so want to make up as much ground as possible. It's a Thule box with Thule aero bars - so should be up there with the highest quality...

It'll depend which model of roofbox you have.

 

Check the manual, thule normally list it there but I'd expect about ~130 km/h.

Never driven with a roofbox but I have traveled at autobahn speeds with bikes on the top the car without any problem. (Thule bike carriers).

 

I have got a mate who managed to damage his car with kayaks trying to tear the roof off but I would have a roofbox would be designed not to create those problems   

Screw the roofbox, just take the Kawasaki.

4 hours ago, langers2k said:

It'll depend which model of roofbox you have.

 

Check the manual, thule normally list it there but I'd expect about ~130 km/h.

 

I just quickly looked on the Thule website and the ones I looked at state 130 KPH.

 

I have the Altera aerodynamic bars & a Kamei Delphin box. 

 

Nice & tightly fitted (obviously) but comfy at an indicated 140kph. 

 

The box was probably 2/3 full with relatively light bags & boxes. I save the boot for the heavy stuff. 

We used to have a roofbox on our 2001 1.8 Mondeo, then on our 2011 Fabia 86 TSi. 80 mph was no problem in either so an Octavia should comfortably manage more on the Autobahn. How stability might be affected by the change in aerodynamics is another thing though. 

33 minutes ago, just music said:

We used to have a roofbox on our 2001 1.8 Mondeo, then on our 2011 Fabia 86 TSi. 80 mph was no problem in either so an Octavia should comfortably manage more on the Autobahn. How stability might be affected by the change in aerodynamics is another thing though. 

I'm no engineer, but I do take my time getting the box on straight so that it doesn't affect stability more than necessary. 

 

On my frequent trips to the continent, I see many boxes obviously at a slight angle to the car.  That has to affect the way a car drives, especially at higher speeds! 

2 hours ago, dunc69 said:

I'm no engineer, but I do take my time getting the box on straight so that it doesn't affect stability more than necessary. 

 

On my frequent trips to the continent, I see many boxes obviously at a slight angle to the car.  That has to affect the way a car drives, especially at higher speeds! 

This is deliberately, to compensate for the wind direction.

I've watched a box vibrate like crazy through the sunroof at 140km/h on the Autobahn. I would not push it harder than that.

 

 - Bret

Edited 18 July, 20178 yr by brettikivi

Regardless of the speed rating of the roof box I wouldn't stray too far over the speed limits as you just make a target for yourself to be pulled over by the police as they help you spend your holiday money on speeding fines. There are a lot more speed cameras in use now on the continent too. They are not hidden like ours but can be placed in the middle of nowhere and can be anything from pole mounted to chained to the end of a crash barrier on the ground.

I've been looking for a roof box for my 230, must be 5' 8" long and 2' wide.

 

Guess who I'm going to put in it........

 

Is it best to have the feet or the head at the front, face down or what.........

Edited 18 July, 20178 yr by Auric Goldfinger

1 hour ago, Auric Goldfinger said:

I've been looking for a roof box for my 230, must be 5' 8" long and 2' wide.

 

Guess who I'm going to put in it........

 

Is it best to have the feet or the head at the front, face down or what.........

If you drill two holes at the front she may be able to see where you are taking her!

 

So, face down, head at the front! ;-)