Right then folks
I need a roof box for a few long trips I'm going to be making over the next 12 months or so. Each trip will be well over 1000 km's each way

I'm looking at THULE's Excellence box as it's supposed to be their dogs dangly's. However it's also much more expensive than their other boxes.

I understand it's 'super' aerodynamics should offer greater fuel economy ( I'm driving a SC for sake so that isn't a selling point)

I'm also told that you don't have to be so careful with the weight distribution. Not too worried about this either.

What I do want to know if anybody can help is this. Is the wind noise significantly reduced enough to justify the significant price hike?
I've never driven with a roof box and was wondering if one of their other similar sized boxes would suffice?

I just don't fancy driving with a whiny noise for over a thousand kilometres. I have enough of that with SWMBO

Your thought and opinions are appreciated as always
Cheers
Mike

Not tried that one, but have used their regular boxes - have also driven with 4 bikes on the roof - and every year go with 4 pairs of skis & 4 snowboards up there - all around 1000km trips

Shut the inner sunroof blind thingy and I've never found the sound to be too much of an issue.

One thing I like about Thule is that I have the same key for everything - bars, box, bike carriers & ski/board carriers

Thanks for that
What do u think the chances are of getting a big box and 2 adult bikes up there?

Don't know if they'll fit but don't pop into mcdonalds drive through with bikes on the top, happened in front of me the other day with an X5 and it made a right mess of his roof and tailgate!!!!! Pete

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MikeT wrote:

What do u think the chances are of getting a big box and 2 adult bikes up there?

Should be fine - depends on which box - roof bars are 150 cm wide - I think most boxes are under 1m - so should be able to do it

The biggest challenge is getting up there! (Even in access mode) 2006 4.2 SC
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I have side steps, a rope ladder, block and tackle plus my tipper toes so I think it should be ok

Hi, I've had a Thule roof box for a few years now. Not sure on the model without going to look but it's 'kin huge (several small children can be transported in comfort ). We used it on the Outback & Disco 3 (not used on the FFRR yet!!) and apart from the lack of light coming in through the glass roof there is very little difference in driving the car. Neither the Outback or the D3 were exactly frugal so there was no noticeable difference in the economy and even at silly speeds (100 + in the Outback) it remained stable and without issue. Possible the only time you knew something was different was in very strong side winds but that's only to be expected I guess.

Features I like about the Thule roof boxes are the ease in which they fit, the sturdiness of them, the ability to easily open from either side (helps filling greatly) and their stylish appearance.

Personally I wouldn't buy another make as any saving will be lost in not being happy with your purchase - you get what you pay for.

Alternatively, put a divan bed upside down on your car to imitate the latest Thule design

Thanks for the advice guys
I think its saved me quite a bit of money. From the comments on this thread I dont really see the need to spend the extra money on their excellence model for additional aerodynamics - seems their 'normal' boxes are more than adequate

Cheers
Mike