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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10234 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:40 pm Post subject: Rooftop storage boxes |
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Our family has found that the typical "rocket box" type rooftop storage solutions are shaped more for aerodynamics or skiis, than practical storage. But years ago we bought a Sears 20 cubic foot Xcargo box. This solution is much taller and much wider - allowing the dry and clean carriage of truly bulky things you don't want in the vehicle. Folding tables, full size luggage, boxes of food, portable awnings, rolled up campsite ground covers, firewood, etc. It also opens up from the rear, favoring placement on the Van far back for aerodynamic resistance and making it easy to access while standing on the rear bumper.
I have been meaning to offer this review for a while, but Sears puts them on sale only once a year and I noticed it is Saturday. It's a well designed product and also much cheaper than the skinnier name brand roof boxes.
No affiliation.
Doug _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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purplepeopleeater Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2005 Posts: 3117 Location: E. Washington
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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i've been needing one of these too, got any pix of it mouted? |
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jerrydog411 Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2009 Posts: 388 Location: North Vancouver, BC
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks, Doug ... have you a link for this sale?
Cheers,
John
1982 1.9TD Westy w Peloquin
1987 Syncro Westy |
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kurt vonnagon Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2011 Posts: 195 Location: mechanicsburg pa.
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:23 pm Post subject: |
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I see them on c-list all the time. Used their all way's around $30 to $40. Like Doug said sears is a lot better for camping stuff. I am in need of a new one dam tree limb fell on mine. The new ones are a lot better aerodynamic but they still can be found on c-list for a good price. |
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joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:27 pm Post subject: rack box |
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This is a good idea, I have a thule roof basket would fit right in and keep things dry. Pop it out when I don't need it. _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10234 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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We have this exact one and it's 199 this weekend. I guess I assume this is a national sale - the circular doesn't have any store locations on it.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02872020000P
Since I'm posting again, I'll also add that it's a piece of cake to take up and down and was well thought out and designed - and I'm very picky about that due to my background. Even at full retail it's a great value. We have never heard any whistling, and it stores nicely simply leaning up against the wall. Light enough one person can pick it up and plop it onto the roof. Then you just swivel the 4 metal feet and screw them down to the crossbars.
Just don't do what I may or may not have done once. Which is happily mount it in the garage and start loading. Um....then notice that I can't get out of the garage with it on the roof. Heh... It doesn't come with a stupidity alert...
Edit - since someone mentioned getting them used, the older style (Xcargo with snail logo - this is the Sport I'm talking about though forgot above) are not as nice. So be sure it is a Sport - all black, hinges at front and struts hold it open. _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4482 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Rooftop storage boxes |
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IdahoDoug wrote: |
It also opens up from the rear, favoring placement on the Van far back for aerodynamic resistance and making it easy to access while standing on the rear bumper.
Doug |
And here's just the thing you need to reach it, seen on a van parked at a local repair place over the weekend.
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Steelhead Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1791 Location: Kentfield, CA
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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Doug- Got any leftover yellow paint for that box? _________________ '77 Bay Window / '89 Caratsburg (aka. the Stormtrooper) |
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kurt vonnagon Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2011 Posts: 195 Location: mechanicsburg pa.
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:54 pm Post subject: |
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THAT'S JUST WRONG The patten is in the mail LOL |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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Here is what I use.
_________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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jrobewesty wrote: |
Here is what I use.
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great
two questions, where did you get it? what springs do you have in the back? _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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chojinchef Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2011 Posts: 1539 Location: Central Massachusetts
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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madspaniard wrote: |
jrobewesty wrote: |
Here is what I use.
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great
two questions, where did you get it? what springs do you have in the back? |
http://www.amazon.com/Rola-59110-Adventure-System-...amp;sr=8-4
Reviews online are not good. In theory, it seems like a great idea (with integrated lighting), maybe samba poster / owner can chime in on opinion? _________________ Its a mistress; an expensive, whiney, needy bitch of a mistress. She is a chunky, dirty girl with bad skin, little motivation and yet she always makes me smile. She sure has been around before shacking up with me. She has a direct line to my wallet, plays with my emotions, is consistantly jovial yet with a sarcastic and sardonic side, is consistant in her inconsistancy, and every once in a while gives me a great ride and a fantastic memory. |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:31 pm Post subject: |
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Rola swing away box, Clist for $300, new $800
The box is removable to just use it as a "cargo carrier" It is crooked in the one pic because the anti rattle pin is not installed
I sit at 19.5" in the rear, using Monroe coil overs for an Astro Van, more travel than 2wd shocks.
_________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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Just read the reviews and agree, mine leaked also.
Easy fix, take the piano hinge off and put a bead of caulk on it.
They have a swing away model($$$) or a tilt down model(cheaper).
Very heavy but very handy.
Jeff _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10234 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 8:55 pm Post subject: |
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Heh - funny I do and also thought of it. But I also use it on the roof of the Cruisers where it might look a bit goofy. _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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copescobra Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2011 Posts: 66 Location: Washington State
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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maybe I missed it but...
does one need to make any modifications to the suspension or shocks when putting a box like that on the rear of an 87 Westy. I have one from my old Eurovan and would love to use it but was afraid of the extra weight when full of stuff.
My Westy is all stock and I am not too knowledgeable so any info I can pass onto my mechanic as to what I need to order by way or parts to feel safe driving around with this in the rear would be great.
thanks in advance.
copes _________________ 1987 Westy Camper
1970 Boss 302
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
2000 Type R Integra
1967 Alfa Duetto
1972 BMW Tii |
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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10234 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:37 am Post subject: |
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Empty it weighs about 30 lbs. so no issues. But full is up to you whether you go over the Van's recommended wieght. We put bulky light stuff up there underway.
Doug? _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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Wellington Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004 Posts: 1880 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:49 am Post subject: |
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/370740.jpg
Simply because I like to show it off, I got the idea after seeing a Rolla unit, made this in my spare time at work a few years ago. All aluminum construction, mounts with 2X2 receivers. Could't imagine doing without it now. |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16450 Location: Brookeville, MD
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Wellington Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004 Posts: 1880 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:42 am Post subject: |
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Just search the gallery with my user name |
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