Roofboxes

[RS4ge]

Having never used a roofbox and having searched the net can anyone
(a) recommend one - seems Kamei and Thule are the main ones?
(b) give advice/experience on speeds
I'm off to France with RS4, the 3 kids + wife and wondering if I will have to keep the speed down if I take a roofbox. I know the Gendarmes are one aspect but the strength/aerodynamics of the box must be limited.
Cheers

[MartynC]

Hi Steve, trust you are well.
I've only used one on our Espace (you'd think there was enough room in such a bus for 3 of us, but no not with my wife and daughter!!).

Mine needs cross bars and is substantial enough for light loads, say clothes rolled and bagged to keep out the water as they are not completly water tight.

Don't forget to let the ferry or tunnel know you have extra height, though it won't be a problem they may try and charge you extra.

Enjoy your holls, Cheers, MartynC

[RS4ge]

Hi Martyn, sounds like you need to chop the Espace for a Sprinter so you can literally fit their whole wardrobes in
I reckon if I get a low box I can still go in the standard section on Eurotunnel (1.85m).
Didn't realise they're not water tight thanks for that.

[kcsun]

I have had the Thule option on my RS4 for a number of Le Mans visits - no problems up to 150 mph with tent and stuff in the box - kept looking in my rear view mirror though - don't know why!

Gendarmes are going to be out in force this summer so keep your eyes peeled

kc

[simple1]

Gendarmes are going to be out in force this summer so keep your eyes peeled

kc

For the first time in many years, they wont be tappig me this year, am off somewhere different this year Last year the nice french plod were dressed in green and stood infront of a green box, keep your speed at or below 147 kph, and they wont stop you..........

[RS4ge]

Cheers Chaps
Picked up my Thule box yesterday. I was hoping 100mph would be OK for the box and 120mph at a push but don't think 150 will wash with the passengers anyway! Nice to know it can do it.
147kph that's fairly specific - just enough below 150 I guess - do you have contacts???

[Dippy]

Agreed - the Thule boxes are great - you don't really notice its's there.

[kcsun]

147kph that's fairly specific - just enough below 150 I guess - do you have contacts???

12% above the speed limit of 130.

Just the collection of tickets - 90 euros a go. It is easier if you carry some cash with you as finding a cashpoint on the peage is a real pain. (and NO they don.t take cards or cheques)

kc

[johneroberts]

just back from Provance and Cote Azur and i can vouch for the amount of Gendarmes equiped with lazer guns and also Number reconisation devices, got flashed in Reims with camera and warned twice , and i was in a 320 ML
Good luck
jr

[rs4-sson]

kcsun - which model Thule box do you have? I am looking at getting one as they seem stylish enough to be put on top of the'4.

Also, what roof bars do you need for the '4? I have the original Audi ski rack but not the bars.

Cheers

[RS4ge]

Not a good photo (and filthy car) but its the only one I've got. I think the Thule spirit 780 looks the biz for a roofbox, even the missus said it was the least brick-like that she'd seen - trust me, that's a compliment!
Not the biggest box but still holds 380 litres and it looks even smaller.
Only got up to 120mph (allegedly) but no problems and as sad as it sounds - I think it looks bob on (sorry, really stylish)!
Thule have a smart bit of software on their site that simulates a view of your car with any of their boxes on, including colours.
I borrowed my father-in-laws Audi roofbars from his B6 which Audi parts dept said would not fit. They do but not ideal as it seems that the rails on the B6 must be closer together than the B5 and the rails are a slightly different shape. I think they are similar to the Thule aero bars but with better fittings to fix them to the rails.