TheSamba.com :: View topic - Hard-sided Storage Containers for Roof Rack

Sat Oct 30, 2010 2:22 pm

I have a soft roof top bag that I've used for years and years on the roof of my cars, I'm going to try to make it smaller. They are GREAT. I'll put things up there that I don't need except for setting up a camp.

Fri Dec 17, 2010 9:43 pm

When I was last in La Paz (Baja), I watched some locals making a small fiberglass panga (fishing boat), using another hull as the mold. I'm going to find out if they can mold a top and botom, using my roof cargo as a mold . . . a business in the making! Maybe it can be designed to overcome the front end drag.

Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:52 am

Corwyn wrote: overcome the front end drag.

Would this work?

I just got a GW dry bag off of ebay and I'm not real concerned if it keeps things totally
dry as it's usually camp chairs that I put up top. But I do think the new bag is
pretty cool.

Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:35 am

Timwhy wrote: Corwyn wrote: overcome the front end drag.

Would this work?

I just got a GW dry bag off of ebay and I'm not real concerned if it keeps things totally
dry as it's usually camp chairs that I put up top. But I do think the new bag is
pretty cool.

Ive wondered if something would work to cut down on drag and this picture poped up. Do you have any info on the "what-ya-ma-call-it" living in the luggage carrier.

Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:59 am

RCB wrote: Ive wondered if something would work to cut down on drag and this picture poped up. Do you have any info on the "what-ya-ma-call-it" living in the luggage carrier.

Not alot of info on this thing, the couple that own the van are from Quebec and
the gentleman said that it was manufactured there? I have other pics that I'll post later
in the day, that show the back side of it. There is a locking door, they said that they
stored their propane tanks and such up there,

Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:41 pm

Isn't that a Bagawest fiberglass thing in the storage area?

Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:59 pm

syncrodoka wrote: Isn't that a Bagawest fiberglass thing in the storage area?

Yes. Quite clever, if not a bit funky looking. One of the WetWesties regulars (a PNW camping group) uses one. It looks fairly spacious and secure. I don't recall how it attaches, but it appeared very solid.

Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:22 pm

syncrodoka wrote: Isn't that a Bagawest fiberglass thing in the storage area?

Gogled that and came up with nada?
Anyway here are the pic from the other side, maybe they will help?

Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:41 pm

Quote: Gogled that and came up with nada?
I don't own a westy so that stuff is useless to me :roll:
I remember a different modular style made in south america that is smaller that I liked better but it isn't being made anymore.

Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:52 pm

I have a bagawest on my van currently, had it shipped to the yukon from Canada when I was in AK, they do look a bit funky, but a lot less when you have a roof rack/rocket box too (it all kind of evens out).

I really like it, I can put all of my camp sleeping gear in there and my insulation for the canvas, it helps to clean up the inside.

Fri Dec 24, 2010 3:55 pm

That Westy from Quebec, there is more info in one of the old threads, I think it had two doors on it tho. That would work on a Country Home or Riviera also.

I have a complete roof top bag (a very good one) but I just found another one at such a special price, well I had to buy it. Much smaller so more suitable.

Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:30 pm

DAIZEE wrote: That Westy from Quebec, there is more info in one of the old threads, I think it had two doors on it tho.

I walked all around that westy and that thing only had the one door to the outside that I saw.
In the middle of the door on the bottom is a lock, didn't see inside. There maybe different
compartments inside but I'm thinking there isn't though. Not sure how or why there
would be another door?

Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:41 pm

no I see that on this one , I'm saying I saw another picture posted and I thought I remembered 2 doors. None the less I like it but bag will have to do for me.

Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:21 pm

Here is a pic of my new storage box. It is an SKB and this model (I-series) came out a few years ago to compete with Pelican case in the 42" x 14" size. It is made from sturdy molded plastic with waterproof seals, wheels, nice hinges and handles. The outside dimensions are nearly perfect for the vanagon westy luggage area, 45" x 17 x 6". It isn't huge, but it holds all the extra parts, tools, jack, and stuff you should have but don't need to get at very often. Cost was only $139 on Amazon with free shipping (compared to 200+ for a Pelican). To secure it, I bent a metal bar and drilled a hole through it for the lock. The full model # is 3I-4214-5B-E but you can also google SKB 4214 and find it.

Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:39 pm

That's pretty slick!

Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:07 pm

Nice!

Bit cheaper than these and looks the same.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3984&category_id=325&category_parent_id=

Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:49 pm

Hey David, it looks like the tie down that you have your 'lock bar' secured to could easily be unscrewed......or have you taken precautions?
Miguel

Sat Mar 05, 2011 5:57 am

I like the three boxes idea.

We have a Westfalia awning with OE Westfalia bag and straps etc which sits up there and unfortnately takes up all the space available. There is enough room in the bag for an extra ground sheet etc though.

I've found that I have to strap it down very tightly despite it being very full, otherwise it creates a wind disturbance and the CB aerial does circles and clouts the roof :?

MG

Sat Mar 05, 2011 10:03 am

pachec wrote: Hey David, it looks like the tie down that you have your 'lock bar' secured to could easily be unscrewed......or have you taken precautions?
Miguel

The Westy strap attachement points are riveted on, not screwed in, so someone would have to drill them out to take the bar off. But bolt cutters would go right through the lock anyway. Just want to keep the drunks out and have something to keep the wind from blowing it off the roof. I am considering adding a prominent sticker that says "tools and recovery gear" or "NO GUNS"..

Truth be told, our Westies aren't that secure. I once had a grey stove knob stolen while the van was parked at a grocery store unlocked. All they took was just the knob. Funny. Was 3 years before I saw one on ebay.

Thu Sep 12, 2013 5:47 pm

Here is a new option I have not seen anyone do.

I was liking the Pelican Rifle Case option that GoWesty had. About the same size Plano makes a gun rack just like the Pelican that could work. Problem withe these though is they are only 5.5" tall. Therefore you are fairly limited on what you can stick in them.

Therefore comes what I decided to buy. A OEM Yamaha Cargo Box that they make for their ATVs. About 37" long, 16" deep and about 11" tall. So twice the height as the Pelican and Plano rifle cases and just a tad shorter at 37" instead of the 42". I will take the extra height.

I figure this style will hold charcoal, dutch oven, fishing gear, wet waders, etc....

Be creative with the cup holders. I was thinking I could make a cup attachment with an adjustable swing out arm for a lantern or spotlight. Options are endless.

Since this was made for an ATV the bottom is not level. Nothing a couple small stick on rubber feet could not level off.

TJ

Here is what it looks like in the cargo roof rack on my Syncro.

Here is what it looks like not on a vehicle.