One of the compromises in getting the Multi was losing boot space compared to the Picasso that we had before. On the specs, we've gone from 550l to about 440l of space, and in September we've got a new baby on the way so boot space becomes more of a premium.

So I reckon we need more luggage space, and I'm toying with the two ideas of a trailer vs roof boxes. Does anyone have any experience or advice of how to choose between the two?

Simply on price, I'd say the trailer / tow bar option is likely to be more expensive, but more flexible in terms of space and use. I'd have thought that roofbox (plus bikes) is likely to be significantly less fuel efficient though, but if anyone disagrees I'd be pleased to hear it.

Any tips gratefully received!

Thanks!

Matt

I too was going to get a roof box after having changed a Galaxy for my multipla.

However, having just completed our annual trip to the airport with six of us in the car, plus six suitcases a buggy and several items of hand luggage in the boot I can say i'm pleasantly suprised at how cavernous the boot space is.

With the outermost rear seats in the forward position, I can still sit in them quite comfortably (and im 6'6") the only drawback is the centre rear seat has virtually no legroom, still ok for our three year old, our front middle seat does slide forward though.

If SWMBO wasn't packing, I'd agree with you.....

But even in the picasso with its 20% larger boot we had to have things like the buggy across the floor of the rear seats as the boot was so full, so with 1 more passenger (and a baby's inherent excessive luggage requirement such as travel cot) I'm bound to need more than the multi can give me in terms of boot space.

I must admit I'm leaning towards the trailer on the basis that I can use it to take stuff to the tip that I might baulk at sticking in the boot of the multi. But everyone else seems to have a roofbox.....

We actually picked the multi over the 7 seater mpvs on the basis that it had more bootspace when 6 seats were occupied (and also taking into account the safety aspects of having one of the kids sat next to the luggage in the boot).

Matt

A roof box on the Multi isn't the easiest thing to access.....

Useful observation, thanks. Hadn't really thought of that!

Matt

Zundapp said:

A roof box on the Multi isn't the easiest thing to access.....

Click to expand...

But with a trailer you have lower speed limit restrictions, so depends if you like to put your foot down

Zundapp said:

A roof box on the Multi isn't the easiest thing to access.....

Click to expand...

hadnt thought of that!!

Most Easterly Panda's said:

But with a trailer you have lower speed limit restrictions, so depends if you like to put your foot down

Click to expand...

Legal restrictions? I wasn't aware of those. Having said that, I'm not one for blasting up the motorway - precious cargo of wife (plus foetus) and three boys on board makes risk taking less appealing (plus very embarrasing as 8 year old would not let me live down getting points!).

Matt

Car with trailer: single carriageway road = 50mph
dual carriageways and motorways = 60 mph
(unless speed limit otherwise marked)

It makes no difference whether the trailer is single or twin axle, braked or non-braked.

I should have added to the above that with a trailer you aren't allowed into the right hand lane of a three lane dual carriageway or motorway except in an emergency or when directed to do so by a police officer in uniform.

Zundapp said:

I should have added to the above that with a trailer you aren't allowed into the right hand lane of a three lane dual carriageway or motorway except in an emergency or when directed to do so by a police officer in uniform.

Click to expand...

And running late to watch big brother dosen't count

There are pro's and cons associated with both methods

as has been said its a bit of a pig to reach the box the roof rack will have a weight limit of around 50KG-100KG dependent on the handbook (that limit includes the weight of the roof bars and box!) Its greater drag however they are relatively secure (if its a PITA for you to reach its the same for a criminal) Also think about the dreaded hight bar at a Multistory car park


However a trailer your supposed to stick to the speed limits as the incredible hulk said above you would have to rope and sheet your load to protect it from the weather,

then again with car parking you'd need to find a car park which is trailer friendly (caravan parking area on a motorway service station)

However some trailers can be fitted with bike racks

you will need to pay the extra for trailer recovery on top of your current brake down cover incase the trailer sheds a wheel bearing for example

We've got a roof box on our Multipla at the moment and even at 6'2" I have to open the doors and climb up into the car to reach its contents. It also whistles.

:idea:

Got it

Have both, Don't then have to decided one over the other, and you have even more space:yum:

Another thought if you are taking the car abroad there may be additional costs associated with ferries/tunnel with a trailer, based on overall vehicle length and then there's the fun reversing. You may wish to consider the two roofbox option?

I did with our Multipla (and a small fold-away platform to stand on to gain access to them!) Huge volume capacity (920 litres) and no additional gear in the car when going on holiday - bliss! Normal car length and no general problems with parking (except perhaps multistories with height limits as mentioned earlier - although I haven't needed multistories thus far on holiday).

I guess if I were contemplating very heavy weights, I too would go for the trailer. With the roof box option the heaviest items go in the boot and everything else on the roof.

(I have the family bikes question next on the list, the ball-hitch contraptions look good, low loading of bikes - ideal!)

Hope this helps and good luck with the search for whatever you decide.

Rob