LS/LT/LV Roof Box

BrisVegas · 14-08-2009, 04:02 PM

Anyone got a roof rack setup on their Focus with a roof box? Interested to hear advice and feedback on the various ones that fit.

I'm looking at getting a storage box to hold our camping gear for when we go away with the kids. Big tent + big esky = no room for anything else!

I've looked at the Thule Pacific Range, as they seem pretty decent. Just not sure if the Pacific 100 or 200 is the best size. The 100 seems to fit within the area of the roof, whereas the 200 hangs over the windscreen a touch. Is this a problem for handling/safety???

Pacific 100 - 139x90x39cm, 370litres
Pacific 200 - 175x82x45cm, 460litres

It's not something I'd leave on the car when not being used, as I reckon a roof box would kill the fuel consumption. The Thule roof bars detach pretty quickly, so I'd plan to leave the camping gear in the box, packed up ready to go at short notice.

Any and all feedback greatly appreciated, thanks.

BrisVegas · 17-08-2009, 01:16 PM

I ended up buying the Rola Odyssey 360 litre (similar to the Pacific 100 above) for $299 from Repco. It was in their catalog over the weekend, marked down from $399. I got the Rola Extreme Sports aero bar setup too, for $309.

As much as I'd have loved to get the Thule gear, the roof box was $529 and the bars were $360... That's $300 more for somehting I might only use a couple of times a year. I'll post a pic when I get the racks and box fitted.

BlackLS · 17-08-2009, 01:54 PM

While we are on roof racks, I have no idea about them, but I want to get a bike carrier on the roof to carry my XC bike. Whats the general consensus on racks. The ones at supercheap seem to be clipped over the roof and slot into the door crack. Yuck :(

BrisVegas · 17-08-2009, 02:12 PM

the ones at Supercheap are rubbish. (and expensive for what they are). Both Rola and Thule make racks specifically for the focus which mount using the proper holes in the roof.

The Rola ones are:-
$309 ROLA XTREME SPORTS BAR
$319 ROLA ANCHOR POINT EXTENDED SPORTS BAR
http://www.rola.com.au/rola/

The Thule aeros are $360. The square bar ones are $334.
http://www.thule.com.au/vehicleguide...odel_id=196652
http://www.thule.com.au/images/bar_photo/T.jpg

Thule don't offer a non-extended style. Thule appear better quality, but the Rola ones look very sleek.

BrisVegas · 18-08-2009, 07:44 AM

After picking the roof box up from Repco yesterday arvo, the 360 litre size (I got the Rola Odyssey 360) is HEAPS big enough for the Focus!!

BlackLS · 18-08-2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks Brissie

BrisVegas · 27-08-2009, 08:43 AM

I fitted the Rola racks last night. Simple enough to install, once you cut away the paint and insulation(?) that covers the anchor points in the roof channel. Took me an hour or two to get the four anchor points ready. The racks themselves were easy to assemble and install. The little wrench they supply to tighten the anchor bolts is a bit cheap and fiddly, but otherwise, no dramas at all. I think I'll leave the racks on all the time, they look fine.

Oh, and gratuitous shot of the new Potenzas!