The Camping Forum

[RoofBoxDesign]

Hi all,

I am a final year engineering student at the University of Bath currently undertaking a project to design the next generation of roof boxes and I would dearly like to hear from you on the topic. If you have a spare moment please could you complete the survey found @ http://tinyurl.com/roofboxsurvey and help me to make a product that really addresses the needs and requirements of the camping community. Any moans, criticisms, suggestions or ideas you have in the field please share.

Thanks for your help in advance

[Ding Dang Doo]

Done!

Please let us know how you get on!

Pete

[Wayne]

Done

I have always thought the following would be an added benefit to roof boxes, as stated in the survey.

I would love to see a roofbox that pulled out from the car on rails and then lowered by a couple of feet for ease of packing. Whilst that might seem a big ask then what about a fold up step that actually slides under the roof box when folded up and is quick release when clicked in place for quick access.
Also i would like to see a box with a stable door, so it would be possible to load one half really well to its roofline

[Admin]

Done good luck.. and please come back we always do these but never get to see the final design..

[RoofBoxDesign]

Thank you all so much for the responses guys- i will try to keep you posted as the project continues

Many thanks again

[RoofBoxDesign]

Quick project update folks- the project is moving along nicely and an entire design specification and prototype production plan has now been written. Based on your feedback along with other internet, industry and patent research the following design spec has been written up:

"It was envisaged that the new solution will consist of a mechanical method which moves the box into a more accessible position to improve attachment and loading/unloading. This concept should be made with a design specific roof box in mind. However the mechanism design should not exclude the addition of other roof boxes, either in the form of the development of a range of boxes utilising the technology, or by allowing pre-existing roof boxes to be used.
The product will be targeted at the regular users market as this market is:
• The highest potential market
• The majority of the survey responsees and so a large amount of data referring to this group of users is available
• Attached more importance to usability features than any other of the user groups
In addition the product will be targeted at the camping and caravanning market as this market:
• Was identified in mini study 2 as the most frequent use of roof boxes
• Represents the greatest potential market (1.2million people camp at least once a year in the UK(6), 62.5 million in the US(7)) the majority of whom own a roof box ( 95% of the campers surveyed owned a roof box).
• Design for this group would not exclude other user groups as a higher number of camping requirements are found in other areas e.g. family holidays, adventure sports etc.
• Vehicles used by this group provide difficulties in accessing roof boxes through either vehicle height ()in the case of MPVs and SUVs) or roof depth (Estate vehicles). The survey found that almost 74% of campers owned one of these vehicles and so could benefit from an access improving mechanism."

Design work will now take place over the next few weeks, unfortunately i have exams in the middle of all this , so stay tuned for CAD drawings early in the new year. It would be great to get some feedback on the proposed design project and also the proposed designs- when i get round to making them.

Thanks again for all your help up to this point- i couldn't have done it without you.

Many thanks and a happy christmas

[Ding Dang Doo]

Thanks for the update RBD... Loki forward to seeing the CAD drawings..

Happy Christmas to you too...

Pete

[frenchy]

I know this is a project, but you will need to keep in mind cost. Look at how many people buy cheap halfords type boxes, compared to how many pay extra for Thule types.

[Gav]

I know this is a project, but you will need to keep in mind cost. Look at how many people buy cheap halfords type boxes, compared to how many pay extra for Thule types.

Agree. We've got the largest+cheapest halfords box, and whilst the Thules looked great, I could spend that extra money on something different...like a tent.

So, having got a cheap halfords box, here are some design issues I would like to see solved (but for the same price point).

- I have to put it on and off the roof by myself. Whilst the attachments are simple, something easier would be nice - a locking quick release mechanism would be good. Sometimes I drive around with the box on for months as I just don't have the time to undo all the screws - not good considering the cost of fuel.
- The lid gets stuck. This is where the plastic is wearing away, plus there appears to be a bit of an air vacuum created in the box. Not only a problem for opening but also closing.
- The lock is rubbish and doesn't always lock. Being on the back of the box it is also hard to reach (I have an MPV so it is quite high).
- The tie-down straps are a pain. (Tiresome to keep going around the other side of the vehicle). Any other design alternative? I use a bungee cargo net on the trailer, but there's no fasten points in the roof box for that.
- Storage is also a problem. An additional product would be something to bolt onto the ceiling or walls of the garage and the box fastens (with those quick release mechanisms) and is hoisted into place.

We use our box for camping and days out. It tends to be used for things that are a bit wet or sandy:

- Wet suits & buoyancy aids
- Inflatable boat, plus oars/paddles
- Tarps & wind breaks
- Body boards
- Buckets and spades, fishing nets, etc.
- The odd camping chair

Hope that helps refine your ideas and good luck with the project.