Technical Roof box on 3 door problem

[StiloBoy]

As some of you might know I've got a 3-Door, and I also have genuine Fiat aero roof bars. I've used them before with my Thule bike carriers.

Well today a spanky new Thule Ranger 90, folding roof box arrived, and it doesn't fit. There isn't enough holes underneath to line up.

Anyone else had problems with roofbox size and fit for the 3-door?

Not really sure what to do now. Try to send the box back to the ebay shop I bought from, not expecting it to go too smoothly as its a Ford garage ebay shop (Thule box is generic, but the price was right).

Or are their cheap smaller square roof bars that will fit?

 

[StiloBoy]

No one?

I did some digging, and the roof box claims it will fit on roof bars up to 900mm apart, 80mm aero bars is the limit. From what I can see the roof bars mount 860mm in the stilo, and the aero bars are 60mm.

I just can't work out why the damn thing won't fit lol

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Can't you just drill more holes in the base

Thats what we've done with out roof box in the past

 

[StiloBoy]

Its a soft case, the Thule Ranger 90, its got hard panels in it, but ultimately all covered in soft plastic.

Not sure drilling would be do able, plus the quick release handles inside the case are quite big, not sure there is room to lock them if I drill extra holes.

Kinda scunnered, I really wanted this box, basically because its easily removable when I get to destination, so the weeks holiday won't be with a box on the roof.

Fortunately the seller is accepting returns, so only cost is postage and some pride lol.

Guess I'll be getting a narrow hard case now.

 

[Luckymentrix]

Buy a caravan?

 

[StiloBoy]

Buy a caravan?

Wow! That was helpful! Here is hoping your next 6 posts are of more value huh!

 

[StiloBoy]

For what its worth here is what I've found, the Factory Stilo 3-door roof bars are mounted pretty far apart. Front face to rear face is 930mm, and mid point from each aero bar is 870mm, the bars themselves are 60mm along their top face.

Finding a sensible sized box to fit these bars isn't impossible though.

Karrite make the odyssey 360 which fits perfectly but does require 2 extra holes drilling, but there are marked dimples where to drill, 10mm sized.

The Karrite Odyssey 360 is a half width box but long length one. Ideal for skis, or luggage if you also want to fit 2 bike racks to your roof. Karrite is a UK company which is owned by Thule Sweden, so the cases are pretty good, and great value. I picked mine up from www.carracks.co.uk who currently sell this box for £121.79.

Pretty easy to fit, but I recommend you buy a small stepladder to fit as its a long stretch over car to fit furthest bolts as this box is a side hinged model.