What No-one Tells You About ROOF BOXES (Why Roof Baskets are Better)

Which is better, a roof box or a roof basket? Roof baskets offer a whole bunch of advantages over roof boxes. I have thought this for a while and finally got around to doing a comparison video. We use roof baskets for our family camping trips and I think there are some important reasons to look at for dry bags and a basket.
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[@dna9838]

Here's a list of things that owners of roof boxes get to avoid: 1. Everything getting soaking wet. 2. Bird mess and bug splats. 3. Worrying whether everything's secured well enough... Individually... And that no movement between items could cause dislodge. . 4. Everyone being able to see that you're carrying stuff and a having a good idea of what it is and if it's worth something. 5. Wind resistance and needless extra fuel consumption. 6. Weird flapping and farting noises from the roof, at speed. 7. Straps and things dangling down and scratching the paintwork. 8. Stone damage to items. 9. Thieves effectively having unrestricted access. Might be an option for some though.

[@OnceIcaughtafiash]

I like the idea. My main concerns would be the security of my stuff while I'm away from the car getting fuel or food etc or if over night at a hotel on the way to camping

[@jovanies9751]

Yupp ive thought about this as well

[@trugmolly]

Same. A stanley knife and a couple of cuts and your bags are gone.. At least a box takes a bit of work. Even sleeping in the vehicle you can wake up with your bags gone.. but for transporting from A to B then its fine imo

[@dont3222]

I saw someone break the roof top box. Nothing is safe.

[@floppinfish]

Put it in the car. Problem solved.

[@MoustacheTex]

I've been thinking maybe cable bike locks? But then I'd need to carry 3-4 keys and I'd have a lot of locking and unlocking to do at each end of a trip.

[@fckgwrhqq2]

Worth to note, that strapping things down takes time - much more, than just closing the box.

[@BenVallack]

Three straps didn’t take long, you should really have your load secured inside a box anyway though, they have no ability to hold a load in a crash by themselves. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJXMfKWPatFnsNk

[@njoy51]

You're not attending a board meeting of the WEF. Surely sparing 10mins wouldn't hurt. Besides the top cover is flimsy plastic that anyone could break it open even with triple locks 🙄I think it's just not practical other than the looks 😕

[@headsofhiphop]

​@@yann664he talked about aerodynamic sound. For #4, tell the kids to wait until they get to destination. For #3 there are Waterproof bags and you're typically not going camping if it's raining.

[@amirola2]

Also wet bags into the house, just great. Dont want yo carry skis on a basket or long objects in general.

[@jotinajero97]

​@yann664 also why put convenience items up top when you still have a trunk?

[@reefgratos2035]

For overlanding and non stop destinations, a basket is ok.. but for longer roadtrips with multiple stops where you have to leave your car behind in large parking lots.. i would still prefer a roofbox. Roofbox will also protect your gears from the element, rain and UV... If for some reason you didn't tie down correctly and some object fly straight into somebody's windshield behind you will be 100% at fault. Lastly, if you need something inside the roofbox, you can just open it quickly and grab it…while with a basket you have to remove the straps, move your gears around which mess up the placement and geometry and then restrap ..that can be time consuming. So for overlanding yes definitely a basket is better because wild animals are not interested in your expensive tent and camping gears,. A roof basket is also cheaper than a box, so it is great for someone on budget., not to mention that it is very practicle to move larger objects that would not fit in any roofbox.. i think it is good to have both

[@ReclaimerTyphoon]

My first thought is the fact that just anybody over the age of 3 has access to knives, and all it takes is 4 seconds with a small, not-even-that-sharp knife to gut a bag. Not even talking about stealing anything from it - just some high schoolers walking by, like, "LOL, watch this, bro", slice a bag open without even stopping. There's a lot of defense in the comments about how hard shells aren't theft-proof, but that's not the requirement - it just has to be harder to steal from than the next guy/not visually appealing as an "easy target". Open-air will always be easier than a hard shell. And if a thief has the tools and knowledge to break into your hard shell, then they can also break into your car itself, probably hold you up at gun point, etc. The point isn't to keep them out. The point is to keep everyone *else* out. If "Bro, I can just walk over there and grab that real quick" is something someone can say, then you're done. Increasing your chances from 95% of people being able to take your stuff, to 8% of people being able to take your stuff. I'd pay the extra amount/clean a corner of my garage for that boost in my chances.

[@smithleon]

For something like camping we generally find we're taking the same stuff whether its for a weekend or a week so you end up with a system of packing anyway, so once you've packed the roof box once, its easy to repeat (which fits into your whole workflow ethic), so the whole difficult to shut thing isn't really a thing at all. Small awkward shapes get easily used up with shoes, towels and coats etc. The roofbox is more secure and it keeps everything completely dry even in the heaviest of rain (tested!). The huge benefit of a roofbox for us is that after camp is setup the roofbox becomes an ideal dumping ground for all the tent bags, spare shoes and gear that you don't want in the tent and an ideal place to throw sandy wetsuits or muddy boots after a day on the beach etc. In my case, roof box storage is no big deal, its pulled up into the rafters of a garage using a strap system which is a doddle to use and in my case came free with the Thule box. Once in the garage it becomes storage for a bunch of that camping stuff like sleeping bags, that are potentially at risk from rodents etc otherwise. I can see a few benefits from the basket for random unexpected loads, but not for planned trips.

[@purestilton]

Interesting points. For me though, I think a box is still better. I like to pack the night before and leave the car out on the road. Also, in the summer months, we sometimes camp pretty much every weekend, so I like to just keep the box fully loaded and ready to go. Packing for family camping takes AGES otherwise

[@BenVallack]

Definitely legitimate reasons in favour of the box!

[@PQV-8898]

I use both types and also have the same Model Y as you. Some good points of the carbo basket however there's pros and cons to using both like anything else in life. Nothing is perfect. Depending on the application/occasion I will use either one. Anything that can ALL fit inside my roof box I will use it. For larger/longer items that do not fit inside the box I will use the basket and tie things up.

[@thomaswright8584]

Baskets are great. But boxes have a lot of benefits over baskets aswell… Boxes are better for: - throwing in loose things, boots, harnesses, wetsuits etc - boxes are more secure - boxes quicker to pack if using pack bags as roof shuts easier than straps - way more air dynamic - quieter on road

[@njoy51]

*Expensive

[@arcrides6841]

​@@njoy51*big expensive piece of plastic that doesn't last long and is hard to store

[@dna9838]

​@@arcrides6841doesn't last long?

[@arcrides6841]

@@dna9838 I've heard countless reports of them not closing properly after just a few years. The main issue is that they're mostly made of plastic which will eventually warp due to sun exposure. And to make things much worse they're mostly black which heats up much more in the sun. If they were painted white they would probably last twice as long.

[@DougieL]

Use a basket here in Oz and also a box - depends what the occasion is. Both can be restrictive if packing surfboards. A solution for that is a bigger and all flat platform, which is probably too big for a saloon car - more appropriate for a large SUV / 4x4. When strapping luggage, I wouldn't use those straps shown and would go ratchet tie downs. Would also ensure 2 are under the harness points on the car to be ultra safe and keep the cage on, just in case.

[@MinnesotaMuggs]

What No-one Tells You About ROOF BOXES: If you try to put stuff in the box that doesn't fit, it won't close. ...very insightful!

[@BenVallack]

lol funny when you put it like that - the problem I'm trying to articulate is you have to *shape* the load before you can close the lid. Makes it almost impossible to actually use all its capacity.

[@altaron]

I'd love to switch to a basket and get rid of my roofbox, but I somehow don't really see myself - or my s.o. - throwing the pram or stroller into the basket and driving off with emergency diapers etc. flying out. Especially mid-winter or in otherwise bad weather. The basket only works well for stuff you can pack watertight beforehand (or stuff that can get wet).

[@Traumatree]

The top reason why roof box are superior is that you can lock it, got the a mall, and not have to worry your stuff will be gone when you come back. As for your other reasons, if you pack you stuff properly, you have no issue in an a much more aerodynamic roof box than even an empty roof basket. And you don't have to worry about losing gears on the highway or because of a gust of wind when you cross an 18-wheeler either when you use a roof box, a thing that will always be on your mind when you use a roof basket.

[@B.D.TRX4]

I prefer the weather resistance of a roof box , as well as the somewhat better security , but more importantly keeping eyes off of what you might have up there to begin with .. but also if I have a sunroof which I do . I doNot want to leave anything on top when not in use ..

[@engineeredlifeform]

We have a back box as we have a van, and it's a monster to store. So I got a roof bag for my car, and it folds away nice and small, can accomodate awkward shapes etc. I vacuum seal my clothes, then put them in a holdall, so they are smaller, and kept dry. At motorway speeds you can get hum from the straps, so I made some dampeners from pipe insulation and ripstop nylon (wrapped the insulation and glued it in place) and just slip the dampeners over the straps, and bingo, no more hum.

[@windsweptwhimsy]

I have both a Thule roof box and basket. I like the weather protection & security that the roof box provides, especially on long multi-State trips. It is also more aerodynamic, and much less noisy.. I have the basket mounted on my lil Honda Civic, and like that when empty, it still allows light through my sunroof. When I had the roof box on the Civic, it blocked the light. The roof box is now on my minivan, which having a larger roof area, is mounted far enough back that it has no interaction with the sunroof at all. The best of both worlds.

[@faridelfadani6748]

Its all fun and game until i need to go to toilet and left the car alone, someone going to steal my shit, u can use this roof rack in japan and Singapore, but not anywhere with some serious crime

[@TheOREGON1859]

I would rather them cut some straps to steal my stuff then break the windows to get the same stuff out of the back.

[@dahboup]

I’m downsizing from a large v8 3row seating SUV to a compact hybrid SUV and roof storage is a huge concern of mine. I can see the befit to both the basket and the box. The basket for larger items in a straight shot, the box for more weather resistance and security. Both baskets and boxes have gotten so inexpensive on Amazon I see myself buying one of each for different reasons, but probably the box first. I also plan to get a hitch mounted cargo rack so I think with that, a box might suite my needs better than a basket. One open for larger items and one closed for security of smaller things.

[@xxCross2]

1 minute into the video and I'm already convinced. THANKS!

[@40173k]

Combined with cargo netting - great ! It works a lot better for me.

[@ryanthompson992]

IDK man, I love my cargo box, you can install a skinny rack and a box, a bigger box, or fly like you - it's not really one or the other, the security advantage in the roof box makes it the better choice for me as I live int he city and keep all my gear in there - super easy.

[@maxuuell]

Thank you so much for surfacing this. I've never seen this, and was about to buy the roof rack and a box. But now!!! I won't. Definitely going to get the basket instead.

[@1hjehje]

It seems like a roof basket would be a good option for me. I feel pretty confident that the security related to a roof box wouldn't be that much better than a roof basket. What I will be carrying overhead isn't of high value, so hopefully no one will bother it. If I do run into problems, I can always sell it to someone and upgrade to a roof box. Thank you for telling us about the lack of wind noise, it is good to know.

[@hanzo52]

My main concern would be the salt asfalt dirty slurry everything would be covered with when driving in the winter

[@Surge1045]

I have both a 22 CFT roof box and a basket for my GX460 and use each of them for different reasons.

[@aidenroberts9234]

Amazing that you're able to find optimisations in all these different parts of life!

[@bubbalo3388]

Only reasons for a cage is yes if you have something you cannot fit in a box or have issues with weight, bulk or storage or clearance issues. But at the same time you can only put so much or size of objects up there. You can't pile a ton of stuff up there like in a cartoon. And then you have to spend a lot of time to make everything is secure and strapped down. Not an easy task when everything is not uniform and solid as things can shift. Then there is the issue of straps shifting. Then there is the issue of everything exposed to the elements amd getting wet and dirty. Not something you want to bring into the house aftern a trip. Also if you stop somewhere or spend the night in hotel, have fun unloading and reloading everything unless you feel lucky. With a box, you solve most of those issues. You have better odds keeping you items safe also. With a box depending on what you put in there you may not necessarily have to strap everything down and just lock it up and be on your way. Aerodynamics may not necessarily be better with a cage. A cage is just an alternative. But as with a lot of things. It's what works for each individual.

[@uziz8353]

I like boxes for cross country trips, baskets for short. I also have a hitch basket for pretty much all the othe me stuff

[@kyfisher3662]

i choose drybags over a roof box because i can fit more but the argument that it takes up space when emptys not fare as everyone takes them off when there not using them, also it is nice that roof boxes can lock.

[@Vorporal]

Great video. Though my own thoughts have moved more towards a trailer than rack/box. The cost is nearly the same it seems.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah trailers are good, I had a Ansems one for filmmaking kit once. Trouble is after having one of those you don’t want anything else and they are not cheap!

[@phxrsx]

Thanks for helping me make up my mind. Going with the rack.

[@loghomemaintenance]

I have landcruiser with basket and love it. Can put my snowboard rack on top of the basket also. Basket is for adventure, box is just a box.

[@kinamod2k]

I'm convinced almost immediately! Didn't even need to watch the video, just saw the title lol!

[@madelinehoyle1059]

Roof baskets also look cool. I've got a tiny hatchback they call a crossover and my basket makes it look more sporty, in addition to giving me the cargo space I'd have with an actual SUV.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah they do look great!

[@jameslawton4534]

I saw VW up the other day with this same roof basket on and it looked the business

[@laura-ann.0726]

I am having to consider a basket because I just upgraded from a Prius to a Rav4. The first time I tried to use my Thule cargo pod, which had worked quite well with the Prius for several years,, I discovered that it would not pass under the upper frame of my garage door when mounted on the Rav4. The only problem I see with the basket, is that most of what I was carrying in the cargo pod was items that would be damaged if they get wet. I've been through some real gully-washer rainstorms with that Thule cargo pod, and no rain water has ever gotten inside, so I am loathe to switch to a basket, but looks like I have no choice; there's no way to raise the garage door, or make the cargo pod less tall on the car.

[@Daniel-tl2ln]

I don't know. I figured if you know how to use and utilize dishwasher I am sure you can use and utilize roof cargo box. It's just game of tetris. In my case, I would just place sleeping bags, tents, pillows, blankets and all the soft things in roof box so I can utilize the space pretty well and free quite a bit of my trunk space

[@ItsDavidMorris]

Great video buddy, really appreciate that and I'm now sold on the cage option over the traditional roof box. Quick question, what size dry bags are you using? I could do with one for my 6 man tent. Thanks.

[@1dowsey]

Very helpful mate thank you

[@EfficientRVer]

I've made it to age 66 using neither. I have occasionally used a hitch cargo carrier, or a trailer. On the other hand, I just took a 19-day trip sleeping in the car 13 nights, and ended up not having enough room to get into the bed, due to carrying too much stuff for the eclipse-expedition part of the trip. I should have brought a very large roof bag or modest roof or hitch cargo box to put bulky unimportant stuff in while sleeping. So I'm considering getting a roof box, but hoping to develop a better option. Screwing up the aerodynamics of my Prius Prime isn't an idea I like. Having cargo on a hitch carrier makes only a tiny difference in fuel economy.

[@DHaslop]

Thanks for the video. Put in our order today for the Model Y and have been greatly concerned about fitting in the bell tent + rugs + fridge + tables + chairs + camp beds + cooking equipment + duvets + suitcases. We have the tow hitch Thule from a prior car that adds 300L's - good to see the basket option for the roof as I hadn't considered that before. Would be interested in a follow up video with your camping equipment setup incl. Car storage. Haven't found any videos on YT with "Model Y + bell tent". -> i think this could be a great series

[@thebigmann81]

Main reason people get the boxes is because they actually lock 🔐. They both have its pros and cons

[@BenVallack]

Yeah but those locks are pure tokenism - they would't stop anyone half serious.

[@knolez1546]

Get both. Get a basket and a box half it's width and keep the box on the driver's side of the basket. That way you can lock more expensive items away

[@B00merBob]

I've used strap on waterproof cargo carriers and roof boxes and the roof boxes are much nicer and make way less noise while on the highway. I like the look of cargo baskets, but strapping things down and unstrapping just to get things out of it just seems tedious. And if you go on long road trips with multiple stops it would even be worse. As far as cost goes, you can pick up a great deal on used boxes in great shape for half price or less than a new one. Oh, one other concern with the basket is everything will get wet if it's raining and splattered with bug guts too! Sure you have a nice fancy expensive wet bag, but it'll still be dripping with water or snow and bug guts! :(

[@simplespeed84]

They have large rooftop drybags that sit directly of the roof. That might work well with this basket. Im considering this.

[@donaldpyper4627]

Of course the best solution for carrying occasional extra gear is a trailer but it is such a PITA to add a hitch to modern cars!

[@BenVallack]

I actually had a hitch on my Model 3 and they do one for the Y too. Would be an interesting test to see the impact of a trailer vs aerodynamics of a roof load.

[@rockhouse99]

Dirty road spray when the roads are wet could suck big time. Gets dirt in crevasse of everything :(

[@Seffywuff]

I have also noticed that nobody is really considering how much of a pain it will be to have your roof box broken into. The box will probably be useless afterwards (there goes 700-2,000 dollars), and they'll probably scratch your paint, bend your bars, or dent your roof in the process. And if your box happened to be empty overnight at the hotel, and it will no longer close, what are you going to do with your stuff? Packing a basket can't take more than 10 minutes the morning you head out. Of course the box still has some serious advantages over the basket, for certain scenarios, but the basket is absolutely worth considering!

[@pjaxy]

Thought about that a lot. In the end, I decided to go with box. I don't want the hassle of putting my stuff in a waterproof bag. I want easy access to my stuff. I can put dirty shoes, soiled clothes, dirty backpacks etc. Storage isn't too bad. The box turns actually turns into a storage box when not in use. Keeps all my camping equipment dust free. Moreover, I think that that crash video is overrated. If you are not loading heavy, pointy items, you should be fine.

[@kjw1603]

I'd just like to add some of the disadvantages of a basket, that ultimately made me purchase a cargo bin (in order of importance): 1. Security: You essentially are displaying to thieves what they can steal, good luck having a stress free trip knowing anyone with a simple knife can steal all your possessions in about 30 seconds. 2. Open to the environment: You can imagine how horrible it would be to load, strap down, unload in wet/cold weather. Not to mention you risk scratching your car if the buckles on the straps fall over and hit your window or roof. Everything you put up there must be waterproof, and a waterproof bag is much harder to pack and move then a regular bag (stiff /heavy/not flexible). Your stuff would also be covered in dirt from the road, and worse, salt in the winter! Those two alone were such big disadvantages, I could not justify any of the pros of the basket to out weigh it. I live in an area that sees 6-7 months of rain however. Opinion would change if I lived in California or something 😅

[@rickbrown3504]

Totally disagree. Cargo needs to be locked up not open to thieves or weather.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Find roof accessories cheap, really cheap, and have options for every situation!

[@fartman10284]

My box can haul my camping gear in the summer, as well as my snowboard gear in the winter. How's the roof basket going to carry some snowboards and skis?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Never seen one of these before- look so much more practical than a roof box. Curious to know whether you tend to keep the Tesla roof bars on all year round or do you put them on/off as you need to?

[@BenVallack]

In the summer I am tending to leave them on now as it tends to be biking or camping most weekends - but the bars are pretty easy to get on and off it you wanted to keep things tidy over the week. I’ve done another vid on the bars (Model 3 but basically the same) if you haven’t seen it.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@BenVallack [goes to check that out]

[@fckgwrhqq2]

Tesla's roof bars doesn't affect efficiency much. Model 3 needs 23 kWh/100 km while travelling 150 km/h (93 mph). With roof bars on it needs 24 kWh/100 km (104%). With empty basket on it needs 31 kWh/100 km (135%). The ease with which you can take off and store the basket is a huge advantage.

[@MyIronman8]

Know how easy would be just throw your bags on top of the roof rack put the top on it throw the cables over and then since the cable's tight that holds the cover on

[@Medsas]

1:10 this argument doesn't make much sense, theres nothing preventing you from prepacking a waterproof bag and putting that inside the rooftop box 😅

[@darrensmac]

all good points but I think I have a better option with a half size, my Kiteboarding equipment/twin tip and kites harness, bar thrown in a half size Roof Box. The other side can take a surfboard and dry bags .. so the best of both worlds works for me :)

[@BenVallack]

Sounds good! Kiteboard kit sounds a good use for a box.

[@jamiebb3807]

It’s been so hard finding a British person with this. Do this go on roof rails (front to back). Or ( roof bars). Left to right. Plus we’ll has it been on using electric Much more or just a little bit Cheers JAY

[@BenVallack]

This goes on roof bars (left to right). See here for details on electric range impact: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpe4h554nMqNbKs

[@Alex_Shi824]

I installed a flexible solar penal on the ROOF BOX, now I'm thinking how can I install solar panel on a roof basket with all these water proof bags

[@WhiteWolfos]

If you travel light, roof box. If you travel with more camping gear/utility/multiple people, roof basket.

[@P--O]

Truly an inspirational video!

[@alexSpunkt.]

Finally something useful! Thanks 🙏

[@jasons3879]

have you noticed any significant range losses with all the cargo?

[@BenVallack]

Stay tuned for next video - or certainly in next few videos

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I went with trailer hitch mount cargo. Actually improving my ride and economy. Going to save money too because I plan to get boat fuel cans and I can double my range and take the back road.

[@BenVallack]

Check that tow ball weight limit. There are limitations on the center of gravity distance from the tow ball and weight. It doesn't take much to exceed it.

[@BenVallack]

Sorry assumed you were talking about a tesla but just saw the bit about fuel cans!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

@@BenVallack Ty 35 years trucking and rigger , great advice folks tend to carry too much weight especially if they live out their car . I did something to the car, removed all rear seating, that shed enough weight to allow me to carry the fuel. 6 lbs a gallon for fuel and 8 lbs for water. I keep the Thule on the car and just keep it for the time I'll sleep in the car traveling. See I want a separate space for things that should be segregated like dirty laundry, spare fuel, dumpster dives. Right now it's full of Doritos. Hit a skip with around 10 cases of the snack. What you don't eat use as firestarter.

[@BenVallack]

@@GEAUXFRUGALawesome!

[@UKMike2009]

Interesting opinion - although I totally disagree with you regarding the roof basket. The disadvantages re lack of security etc condemn it for me. Good that it works for you but I wouldn't go down this route - ever.

[@BenVallack]

Remember that security is just an illusion though. The only stuff I keep in my dry bags is duvets and camp chairs and our camping kitchen unit.

[@nickinportland]

Mmm I think it would depend on what you’re doing. I like the box cause the luggage I already own, snowboard bag etc aren’t waterproof. And I’m not trying to buy waterproof bags for every conceivable thing I want to chuck up there. Also what are you supposed to tell your friends like hey you’re going to have to repack when you get into town in my dry bags 😂

[@Yurkevich22]

exactly. with a box you can put any item inside regardless if it's waterproof because the whole system is waterproof. with a basket, you need to worry about waterproofing each particular thing you out up there. Also you can use bags and luggage you already own vs having to buy MORE bags. and then store those bags somewhere when not in use.

[@navitas1]

Great video. Many thanks.

[@mtadams2009]

I can see the upside but I don’t see that working for my skis. I also don’t like the idea of all my gear being exposed to not only the elements but people. I know the boxes are not Fort Knox but I definitely feel safer.

[@geesh8709]

I found the video helpful but I don't get how people outfit Teslas as campers. Perhaps a diesel generator can fit in that basket? Ok I will stop hating. I did find the video helpful and I like the fasty straps as well.

[@karmicdarlo]

Thanks for the video! What roof bags did you use?

[@BenVallack]

LOMO - links in the description I think

[@focused1music]

What size Lomo bags are utilized in this video?

[@BenVallack]

The biggest one is the 150L. Cheers.

[@KB-kc7ou]

Tip: you can load your stuff much faster if you don’t do it in slow motion

[@BenVallack]

lol

[@scottwilsn]

I've seen someone steal a garage that contained a car with a roof box on top. Nothing is safe.

[@alexwade9921]

The aerodynamic drag will be much worse for the basket with all those flappy bags on. Who leaves a roof box on when it’s empty?

[@GothicKittyMadness]

ok but what protects you're stuff from the rain and weather?

[@BenVallack]

The drybags!

[@syntom1]

Wind noise, discretion, security, privacy, safety could be an issue.

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

It really depends on the personal use and types of trips you are taking. Roof box is a lot safer from weather and robbers, especially on long trips when ur roof is always going to be full, and once you get used to it u know automatically how to place your bags so everything fits in nicely. It really depends. It is necessary to use own brain rather than just believing what the other claims

[@flibbertigibbet6324]

Ben, the UK Amazon link for the straps defaults to a 1m long strap. I am guessing that a 1.04m wide roof basket needs either 1.8m or 2.5m long straps. Could you clarify what length straps suited your loaded up roof basket? I appreciate you used a different brand of strap and the link is just a convenience for your viewers.

[@BenVallack]

The straps I use are by Fasty - highly recommend them. I think they are 2.5 - but with the bags fully loaded they are borderline too short. I’d go for some 4 meters if your expecting big bags.

[@moovintruespace994]

If you make a pit stop for food or whatever, someone can just help themselves to whatever they want. There is zero security. I'll stick with a top box, open close and lock, thank you very much!

[@LukaszSkital]

The only reason I'd prefer a roof box is when I want to stop on the way and leave the car unattended for longer.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I get people think that, in reality though I don’t think a box offers anything over bags in terms of actual security. It’s all about the privacy element to reduce the likelihood of a theft with the box, which is a factor but not one I’d use in risk assessment. Bottom line is I wouldn’t leave anything other than bedding and low value stuff in a box or bags.

[@BenVallack]

@@MPD90 My point there was if you have the empty box and compare it to an empty basket, it's the box that would be broken into because it's clear the basket is empty. I would never trust a box to protect anything valuable, any more than I would a dry bag held down by a strap. I'm not leaving anything of value on the roof whatever happens, but if I want to drive around with the basket on while it's empty then I'm not worried about opportunists breaking in to see if it's empty or not.

[@BenVallack]

@@MPD90 Yeah I hear you there for sure - but I wouldn't want to suggest the box offers anything meaningful in terms of security at all really, I just consider them both in the same risk factor there. i.e they would both never be left unattended with anything more valuable than some duvets in. But it's true some people would at least feel more comfortable knowing their stuff is out of sight.

[@BenVallack]

@@MPD90 Absolutely - appreciate the conversation!

[@qwertylife]

Cool

[@i-social]

some people might find it helpful while others won't, especially in the US. The world we live in has changed and some people steal…

[@SloppySalad]

Your first downside to a roof box is: “Not only are you having to pack your load in the rain” So what about if you’re loading your roof basket in the rain, and then driving around… in the rain… with everything in your open roof basket… getting wet 🤦‍♂️ I think I’ll stick to a practical roof box thanks

[@BenVallack]

The idea with the basket is you're only using dry bags. So you can load them in the dry and the contents stays dry because they're dry bags.

[@Alfahippie]

Can you take it to a car wash (the automatic kind with big spinny brushes) without any problems?

[@BenVallack]

I wouldn’t take anything to one of those!!

[@BenVallack]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYLKdaKrqtJ-r9U

[@edwinlaing9834]

Yeah but then you need to buy dry bags and strap.. time strapping it. If you park somewhere they can get to your stuff and take it easy and really both have pros and cons. Best is to own both 😅

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

The limit on most roof loads is weight. Most vehicles can’t hold more than 165# the universal roof limit if the manufacturer doesn't engineer it for more.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah that's plenty for this use case. Leaves a good 50kg for cargo, which is just things like camp chairs and bedding here.

[@BenVallack]

Your new reply disappeared for some reason. Here's my comment: ​​⁠yeah agree looks like similar limits in each. The Model 3 used to have a centre of gravity limit as shown at the start of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmfIgaGIja6pd9ksi=nFN_zT76cvm6ZfX2 which I think would make a hitch basket problematic. Looks like in the Y they're happy to just quote the 160lbs number which is pretty cool. Definitely a good option but a bit more hassle - especially when reversing into charger bays!

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

@@BenVallack The original comment wasn’t supposed to be specific to Tesla. Most vehicles with a higher tow rating will also support considerably more weight on a hitch rack. Some racks designed for vehicles with class 3 or 4 hitches can carry up to and even over 500#. I agree there are some down sides to a hitch basket compared to the roof. But if you have considerable weight or need to access the load frequently or easily you might want to consider a hitch rack. One thing I have seen is people overloading roof racks. This can significantly alter the center of gravity of a lighter vehicle and could result in unexpected handling issues. The worst are Jeeps with roof racks. They are already prone to rollover, putting a load on the roof just increases the risk. For BEV I would think the reduction in aerodynamics would be worth considering a hitch rack over a roof rack and if you still decide to use roof storage the improved aerodynamics of a clam shell would also be more beneficial in a BEV. I have used many types of roof boxes and racks and hitch boxes and racks. Personally, I have seen less of a gas mileage hit on the hitch-mounted ones. For some vehicles like pickups there isn't a huge difference roof racks drop gas mileage a bit by 1 or 2 mpg I haven’t noticed any drop on hitch-mounted loads either box or rack compared to in the bed. For automobiles with their improved aerodynamics, I have noticed more significant drops. Just my two cents after using many of the options over the last 45 years.

[@LomoWatersport]

Nice bags :) Great video :)

[@BenVallack]

Thanks for stopping by!! Love your bags.

[@milel0]

Thanks, great video. Still waiting for your take on model Y bike racks 😀

[@BenVallack]

As far as I can tell they don’t have the centre of gravity restriction that the Model 3 has, so a hitch rack on the model Y makes more sense, especially given how hard it is to reach the centre of the roof of the Y!

[@philriley1002]

@@BenVallack great videos, would you still recommend the Model Y?

[@BenVallack]

@@philriley1002 absolutely!

[@glennjacoves3924]

Roof basket for summer yes, winter no. I like being able to keep my families skis in the roof box, all the time. With it closed, no one knows what is in there so I don't need to take the skis out when I get back home.

[@erbartlett]

Love this perspective, wish I had seen it when I was buying my roofbox. I ended up getting the Force XT XL, and its 82 inches x 29 x 15, while the basket is 41 x 39 x 5. I think your suggestion would definitely be better than getting a shorter box, but I dont think I could ever fit my stuff in something 41 inches shorter? Do you hang things over the front or back of the basket? Does someone make a bigger basket?

[@BenVallack]

You can actually get an extention for it which makes it longer. Sounds like that would be ideal!

[@erbartlett]

@@BenVallack oh, very cool, will look for that. i love my roof box because its so big and it fits all my kitesurfing gear, but my wife cant take it off easily, and the big issue is that in NYC you cant go into most underground parking garages with the full roof box on, the basket will probably fit in more places or be easier to take off

[@didierpuzenat7280]

It is not so difficult to install or remove a modern roof top, and it does not take long. I think nobody will keep one on the roof without cargo.

[@cindynichols27]

Nice video. Do wish you had addressed safety from theft.

[@BenVallack]

Neither offer any protection from theft - simple as that. 😊

[@cindynichols27]

@@BenVallack Sure. Maybe at least some deterrence, though, from thieves who grab on impulse and run?

[@rs5570]

I don’t understang? Where do you get this basket?

[@sugiartoudah8385]

I used rack before combined with roofbag. now go to roofbox. I don't want my bag get wet under big rain.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah smaller dry bags are the way there rather than a big awkward bag.

[@fullframebible]

Great video, I have just bought the same roof basket for Vauxhall Astra, just one question, what length straps did you purchase, was it 1mtr? Just thinking they maybe too short as width of the basket is just over 1mtr. Thanks Kev

[@BenVallack]

Yeah get long straps, 3 or 4m more useful than the shorter ones

[@mikep8182]

Problem I see because I’ve already purchased one and returned it is there’s three components to it there is 1 Wind noise 2 keeping your gear dry from the elements 3 Security keeping your stuff locked when you’re away from your vehicle And you’re talking about keyboards??? This is supposed to be about roof baskets

[@floppinfish]

So when you step away from the car. Why not put the stuff in your car. Locked and secure. Anything can get broken into. A crowbar will open a roof box in less than 5 minutes.

[@virgilalfred3981]

what length of strap do you use for this specific setup?

[@robertman369]

Why not just use ratchet straps instead of the fasteners? Seems more of a tried and true solution

[@JimmyDevere]

Solution: dry lockable box attached (bolted) to roof rack?!

[@Aiafati]

Nah fam. The OCD is gonna kill me with this.

[@BradenKowitz]

Thanks!

[@BenVallack]

Thanks so much!

[@brisbaneengineer7650]

Real world crims are every where and love roof top racks instead of lockable boxes get a SUV big enough and keep it inside

[@g0fvt]

I have no proof either way but the unladen basket may be aerodynamically inferior to the roof box.... nevertheless food for thought.

[@BenVallack]

Agree that's probably true