We round up six of the best ways to put your load-carrying troubles behind you
PRODUCT GROUP TEST 19 | 6 | 2024
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Tom Barnard
MOST drivers who want to increase the storage capacity of their car will look up to a roof box. But SUVs are rising in popularity, and a rack or box on top of a tall car will be tough to reach and might make it impossible to drive into height-restricted car parks or ferries. Trailers are an alternative, but they’re tricky to manoeuvre and restrict your speed.
A lesser-known option is a tow bar carrier, which mounts on a standard trailer hitch. On the one hand, these can be simple platforms which allow you to carry a bale of hay or bag of garden waste to the tip. But on the other, there are lockable boxes which can become a weatherproof extension of your boot on a vacation trip.
We tested six, covering a huge range of price points, to see which offered the best combination of flexible load lugging and value.
How we tested them
WITH such a wide spread of prices, we ranked the carriers on value, taking into account their features, and noting how easy they are to store, fit and use. Versatility was also key, so those which could convert to bike carriers or open platforms would gain extra points.
We also expected the makers to allow some way of easily opening the boot with the carrier fitted. Finally we scored the boxes on carrying capacity by volume and weight.
Verdict
IF you have the space to store it, then the CRUZ Apex System can be used as a bike rack, a load platform, or to offer a huge amount of well protected space inside the box. At half the price of most of its rivals, it’s our best buy.
If the price or box are still too hefty and you don’t need an enclosed cabinet, then the BUZZ RACK Buzzpro P10 is simple to use and easy to store.
The final podium place goes to the Westfalia BC60. It’s not cheap, but it is versatile, easy to handle and much simpler to store when not being used. 1. CRUZ Apex System 2. BUZZ RACK Buzzpro P10 3. Westfalia BC60 + Transport Box
CRUZ Apex System
2024
Capacity: 50kg/400 litres Price: £280 + £194.95
Rating:
Contact:roofbox.co.uk
BEST BUY THERE are two parts to the CRUZ Apex System: a base frame and then a 400-litre box. The Tailo platform is a tubular metal frame incorpora
