Show Me Your Box - the Roof Mounted Cargo Box Thread

[Saracen]

Ok, so I no longer drive the Avant....but here's my Thule Atlantis 1800 on my Golf R I picked up a couple of weeks ago. Fits great, doesn't interfere with the hatch (maybe useful info for A3 guys..)

[evo_ski]

Not many Packasport on the 'box' thread. My girl just got a new car and the Packasport won't fit on hers so it's going on my Avant after I get it painted for ski season. here's one mans humble opinion...

-Packasports are not as light as other brands but are made of fiberglass, while others tend to be plastic. So there is a trade off for durability. They also tend to be a bit quieter.
-they are hinged in the front so you can load from either side or the rear. Others are hinged on the left or right only.
-can you say carpet interior?
- it really boils down to personal preference on this one. Shop around and find one that fits your need and most of all your car.

I personally think Packasport makes the best boxes. For skiing at least. Low profile, sleek, low noise, carpet, easy to load up, holds a ton of skis. That combined with the whispbars I think is the cleanest looking setup out there.

[ilko]

Thule Evolution 1600 with Whispbars on my B7 S4:

[trayson]

I personally think Packasport makes the best boxes. For skiing at least. Low profile, sleek, low noise, carpet, easy to load up, holds a ton of skis. That combined with the whispbars I think is the cleanest looking setup out there.

Saw your setup in person 2 weekends ago and it did look damn clean. Any pics from Stance Wars? Great to meet ya...

-Trayson

[evo_ski]

Nope, I haven't seen any shots from stancewars of my car. I think had I not gone for the whole ski theme I may have gotten some. I was trying to be creative since I saw some of last years stuff that was pretty crazy, but no one really did much with themes this year. I just knew my car wasn't as extreme as any of the others there so I tried to make it a little different and interesting. I knew going into it I wasn't going to get any awards or anything like that, I have just learned that you tend to meet some cool people at the meets so I figured, hell, why not enter and show up. It ended up being a super fun time I thought.

But yeah, thanks for the compliments, and it was nice talking to you for a couple minutes there. When I swung by to look at your m3 you must have been off wandering, but the car looked great!

[ratrod]

I know my A3 isn't really an Avant, but this thread was a great resource for my roof box research. There just isn't too much reference out there for A3's and roof boxes. I kept being led here through online searches, so I hope this will help other A3 owners!

2010 A3 S-line with sport package. INNO INSU base rack system, and INNO Shadow 18 cu. ft. box. It all fits great.

I was originally going to get the smaller 14 cu. ft. box, but I wanted the extra space as I carry BOB Strollers and other outdoor gear, and they suck up a LOT of room. No one in my area had the big Shadow box to look at, so I took my chances and ordered it. I thought for sure the hatch would hit it.

When all was mounted, I set up the box so it has about 1 mm of clearance with the hatch fully opened. I still have a few inches to move the box forward if I wished, but I wanted it pushed back as far as I could.

I couldn't be happier with this setup! The box will clear an A3 hatch no problem. There is no sound or shake at freeway speeds- on my commute to work this morning, I forgot it was up there. Very high quality and worth considering, and I will say that it matches the shape of my A3 quite well. The memory clamps are awesome, I installed the box myself and had it locked in within a few minutes. I can remove it in a matter of seconds and reinstall just as easily, in case I want to use it with our other cars.

Just wanted to share. Thanks!

[kneel]

thats a nice looking box. I thought the INNO boxes were those ultra slim ones. I might look into them, currently looking for a new Box since i sold mine last fall.
Yakima Skybox Pro is where i'm leaning as of now.

[ratrod]

thats a nice looking box. I thought the INNO boxes were those ultra slim ones. I might look into them, currently looking for a new Box since i sold mine last fall.
Yakima Skybox Pro is where i'm leaning as of now.

Correct, the INNO 14,15 and 16 Shadows are slim. The 18 is the same footprint as the 16, but almost 3" taller. I like the low profile of the other boxes, but the BOB stroller was a tight fit. I didn't want to have to push the top down to close it.

I too looked at the Skybox Pro, it's a nice box. I figured since I was getting the INNO base system, I'd just complete the setup. The INNO Shadow box is very nice, I suggest you get a close look at one if you can.

[rjpeaks]

i like the wide look of some of the shorter boxes. just has to fit a shortboard right?

;)

[kneel]

can you post a front to back view?

[ratrod]

can you post a front to back view?

sure.

[dhcivic27]

Finally got a box for my Avant. It's a Thule Atlantis 1600 with the Carbon Fiber look. Cant wait to actually clean, install it and use the damn thing.

[Axel-]

The whispbars sit pretty low, but I don't really know anything about them. I use OEM bars and don't have any issues. FYI, the OEM bars are made by Thule.

To answer questions about the Whispbars with the Yakima Lo Pro Skybox, here's some photos. Everything sits extremely low. I've since moved the front crossbar an inch further back so that I can tilt open the sunroof.

[BryanR]

Finally got around to doing this to the Atlas1600. Love it or hate it



I'm calling it v1.0. Need to redo, it kinda turned out crappy (I can't apply vinyl for poop!), and the shop cut it 12" too short/small. Definitely gets looks though!



Thanks to Patrick @ dipyourcarcanada for doing the flat camo plastidip on such short turn around.

[BMWBig6]

Finally got around to doing this to the Atlas1600. Love it or hate it



I'm calling it v1.0. Need to redo, it kinda turned out crappy (I can't apply vinyl for poop!), and the shop cut it 12" too short/small. Definitely gets looks though!



Thanks to Patrick @ dipyourcarcanada for doing the flat camo plastidip on such short turn around.

OMG that is so boss! I love the originality and imposing attitude it lends to your "wagon." All of your mods show restraint and tastefulness, and the roofbox graphics add just the right amount of edginess (and humor too). Superb!

The only thing I question is the family graphic on your rear glass. Do you have a close-up? They almost look like Counter-Strike figures LOL (which would probably be politically incorrect after the Aurora tragedy).

[paulorama]

I believe the family is a stig family

[Theflave]

I personally think Packasport makes the best boxes. For skiing at least. Low profile, sleek, low noise, carpet, easy to load up, holds a ton of skis. That combined with the whispbars I think is the cleanest looking setup out there.

Black Packasport on red Avant looks sick! Havent seen it in person, yet, been keeping my eye out for it!

Our Packasport is currently white with a shit ton 'o' stickers on it (girlfriend went kinda crazy with 'em when it was on her car). Sitting in garage until I can get it painted. It will be black box on black Avant. Definitely chomping at the bit for ski season since I got the Avant. Love the look of Packasports on just about any car. So sleek!

[Axel-]

I believe the family is a stig family

It is. Specifically, this:

[trayson]

^^^^ I have those on my camping trailer that I take with me to weekend motorcycle track days. :-)

[BryanR]

OMG that is so boss! I love the originality and imposing attitude it lends to your "wagon." All of your mods show restraint and tastefulness, and the roofbox graphics add just the right amount of edginess (and humor too). Superb!

Thanks for the kind words!

[lookaught]

lol I love the shark face on the box. My box is getting so scratched up I may have to do this too... They are vinyl? If you order another set can I send you money for one as well? Or maybe send me the contact info for the printer?

[BryanR]

lol I love the shark face on the box. My box is getting so scratched up I may have to do this too... They are vinyl? If you order another set can I send you money for one as well? Or maybe send me the contact info for the printer?

My box was starting to look like hell too. It came to me with huge cracks in the side do to the previous owner ramming it into an underground parking garage, add a couple of years of me swinging it around, on/off the car as well. I figured I'd take a chance with the plastidip, hell, if I don't like it it peels off! The 'shark face' is vinyl, yes. Hardest part was putting together everything (black, red, white layers) before applying it. It actually came together mint, I was so stoked, then messed up the application!

Need to figure out the appropriate vinyl type for next round, I don't feel it had the right stretch/shrinkage for such a complex shape. It's one thing to do a solid colour, its another to not warp the absolute crap out of the face!

I'll probably do a few up, as interest is building.

I think a hooker/crackhead gave me the thumbs up yesterday when she saw it, lol

[SJJ28]

Im glad I saw this Shark box, as I too prefer to mod my car with restraint, yet have been thinking about snow camo on the roof box... if you pull THIS off as well as you did, I think the Snow camo is a no-brainer!! BTW, my car is IBIS white B8 A4, Box is a Packasport 90 with the bottom in gloss black black gel coat, and the top half painted IBIS white...I think Im just going to snow camo the top half...

[Packasport]

Im glad I saw this Shark box, as I too prefer to mod my car with restraint, yet have been thinking about snow camo on the roof box... if you pull THIS off as well as you did, I think the Snow camo is a no-brainer!! BTW, my car is IBIS white B8 A4, Box is a Packasport 90 with the bottom in gloss black black gel coat, and the top half painted IBIS white...I think Im just going to snow camo the top half...

Snow camo would look great on a Packasport. We would love to see some photos if you do it.

[pdxa4]

Finally got around to doing this to the Atlas1600. Love it or hate it



I'm calling it v1.0. Need to redo, it kinda turned out crappy (I can't apply vinyl for poop!), and the shop cut it 12" too short/small. Definitely gets looks though!



Thanks to Patrick @ dipyourcarcanada for doing the flat camo plastidip on such short turn around.

Ha, that looks great...

Very fun...

Where did you get the vinyl design from ?

[BryanR]

Ha, that looks great...

Very fun...

Where did you get the vinyl design from ?

I made it...

The mock-up


The template


Then took it into Adobe Illustrator, retraced everything, cleaned it up, had the graphics guys cut it out next door, then assembled it - what a bitch that was...

Assembled ready for application

[DownhillA4]

My Gloss Red Vinyl Wrapped Thule Atlantis 1600 Roof Box. Done by Monster Coatings (also did my Ventureshield clear-bra) located in Saddle River, NJ.

[Axel-]

^^ Very nice! Love colour matched roof boxes. I guess I should add my own newly painted box.

[pdxa4]

Ok, so I no longer drive the Avant....but here's my Thule Atlantis 1800 on my Golf R I picked up a couple of weeks ago. Fits great, doesn't interfere with the hatch (maybe useful info for A3 guys..)

Thanks for posting this pic. I have the 1600 Atlantis which I used on my S8, also have the Thule mounts. But I may go for the Whispbars for a cleaner look...Nice to see that your larger Thuke box fits the car ok...

[kneel]

anyone running a 2100 box on a B6/B7?

too lazy to search this thread.

[Shanster]

Jon Olsson is selling his R8...roof box included.

http://unofficialnetworks.com/jon-ol...cluded-105489/

[SoCalS4Avant]

An updated picture. I'll be throwing my bike racks on Friday, as we leave for a trip. Bikes and Box? Good combo!

[Saracen]

Thanks for posting this pic. I have the 1600 Atlantis which I used on my S8, also have the Thule mounts. But I may go for the Whispbars for a cleaner look...Nice to see that your larger Thuke box fits the car ok...

No problem. Congrats on the RB Golf R! You'll love it.

Here are some more angles:

[dubbinchris]

My box.....

[boostedAvant]

I want an Atlas matched roof box :( After looking at this thread I think I'm going for the 1600. I don't need it to be huge. What're you guys finding them for used? I need to troll CL until I find one for cheap. Will help a lot when I move next year.

[tankdeer]

I think we got ours for $300 "used" (been a few years). But it's the black one which is hard to find, and by used I mean the guy used it once. It was practically new.

[BCsniper]

I want an Atlas matched roof box :( After looking at this thread I think I'm going for the 1600. I don't need it to be huge. What're you guys finding them for used? I need to troll CL until I find one for cheap. Will help a lot when I move next year.

The standard silver really looks good with Atlas. When I got my box I wanted to have it painted black as black looks good against Atlas. Well after putting the box on the car the silver actually went really well with Atlas. You might just see what you think before having it painted/wrapped.

I also got my Thule 1600 off craigslist. I'd been wanting one forever (actually before I got an Avant, and was a big reason in me wanting an Avant) and had been searching craigslist for quite some time. Everytime I found one and it was somewhat decently priced it was always in Florida. A few times I would talk to people and they'd be down to sell it, but not want to ship. Finally a couple in Tampa, Fl said they'd ship it since I told them they only had to drop it off at Greyhound not in a box or anything. Mine has some scuffs and scratches but I really don't care and the box will likely get painted eventually. I believe I got mine for like $150 or so, but after paying to ship it which was another $74-85+tax+a little extra for paypal fees and the trouble of shipping I think I ended up paying around $275. The average price I normally see them going for was $300, sometimes cheaper or more expensive depending on condition.

[trayson]

I want an Atlas matched roof box :( After looking at this thread I think I'm going for the 1600. I don't need it to be huge. What're you guys finding them for used? I need to troll CL until I find one for cheap. Will help a lot when I move next year.

How much would you give me for mine? It's a Yakima Platinum Pro 18s. It has an amazing amount of capacity. It has the same awesome clamping mechanism as the skybox's. I'm not that far away from you, as I'm at the WA/OR state line in Vancouver.

It's an awesome box, and I really don't have a "need" to sell it, but I'd just as soon have an all black one for contrast against my silver.

[boostedAvant]

I think we got ours for $300 "used" (been a few years). But it's the black one which is hard to find, and by used I mean the guy used it once. It was practically new.

That's not bad!

The standard silver really looks good with Atlas. When I got my box I wanted to have it painted black as black looks good against Atlas. Well after putting the box on the car the silver actually went really well with Atlas. You might just see what you think before having it painted/wrapped.

I also got my Thule 1600 off craigslist. I'd been wanting one forever (actually before I got an Avant, and was a big reason in me wanting an Avant) and had been searching craigslist for quite some time. Everytime I found one and it was somewhat decently priced it was always in Florida. A few times I would talk to people and they'd be down to sell it, but not want to ship. Finally a couple in Tampa, Fl said they'd ship it since I told them they only had to drop it off at Greyhound not in a box or anything. Mine has some scuffs and scratches but I really don't care and the box will likely get painted eventually. I believe I got mine for like $150 or so, but after paying to ship it which was another $74-85+tax+a little extra for paypal fees and the trouble of shipping I think I ended up paying around $275. The average price I normally see them going for was $300, sometimes cheaper or more expensive depending on condition.

Good to know. I'll keep trolling CL. I still have like 8 months before I move so I've got time.

How much would you give me for mine? It's a Yakima Platinum Pro 18s. It has an amazing amount of capacity. It has the same awesome clamping mechanism as the skybox's. I'm not that far away from you, as I'm at the WA/OR state line in Vancouver.

It's an awesome box, and I really don't have a "need" to sell it, but I'd just as soon have an all black one for contrast against my silver.

That thing would dominate my B6. It looks big on your C5 haha. Thanks for the offer but I think I'll hold out for a used 1600.

[tankdeer]

That's not bad!



Good to know. I'll keep trolling CL. I still have like 8 months before I move so I've got time.

We got a really good deal considering the condition & overall rarity of a black 1600. Keep searching and be ready to pounce - that's what we did. It's like buying an avant, you have to be on your toes.

So now the question, where are you moving? PDX? Back to Denver? What's up?