TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:40 pm

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

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:01 pm

i've been needing one of these too, got any pix of it mouted?

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:15 pm

Thanks, Doug ... have you a link for this sale?

Cheers,

John
1982 1.9TD Westy w Peloquin
1987 Syncro Westy

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:23 pm

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.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:27 pm

:bay_blue: 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. :D

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:31 pm

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.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 1:40 pm

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.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:14 pm

Doug- Got any leftover yellow paint for that box?

Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:54 pm

THAT'S JUST WRONG The patten is in the mail LOL

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:07 pm

Here is what I use.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:17 pm

jrobewesty wrote: Here is what I use.

great

two questions, where did you get it? what springs do you have in the back?

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:25 pm

madspaniard wrote: jrobewesty wrote: Here is what I use.

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?

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:31 pm

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.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:38 pm

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

Thu Feb 09, 2012 8:55 pm

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.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:31 pm

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

Fri Feb 10, 2012 1:37 am

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?

Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:49 am

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.

Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:24 am

Wellington wrote: 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.

How about a side view? :D

Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:42 am

Just search the gallery with my user name