I looked at these and similar roof boxes. We already have the same "wing" load bars.

Decided instead to get this: https://www.roofbag.com/Car-Top-Carriers.asp (15 cubic feet model)
A couple reasons:
- Much cheaper
- Folds up very small when not in use (easy to store in garage, or even in the car itself - we took a long trip and only needed the roof bag on the car for the first leg - thus I was able to stow the bag for the rest of the trip including the Tail of the Dragon runs!)
- It's easier/lighter to put on and take off the car than any box
- Handles "bulky" cargo better than a box since it's a bag... it stretches/deforms to fit your cargo
- The 15CF version is the perfect size to fit between the load rails when the rails are mounted as far apart as possible (on an XC70)
- Even at 80-85MPH added wind noise is fairly minimal

Only downside might be a little worse MPG than an aerodynamic box, but I still got 20-21 MPG averaging 75-80 MPH.

 

Cow!!!

You again with great info... Thx again man.,, I will look into it...

Good news...

Great pics of your XC doing the tail..top 3 pics...art!

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

Sorry no experience with the boxes you mention.

We have almost exactly the same Thule bars, but you a big beefy Yakama box which we brought when doing a cross country move.

The only comments I have are

• I find no matter what box you get it's going to be noisy
• Even Aero-bars are noisy

They are great to chuck skis and boots (on the way home) in over winter so as not to muck up the back, but your MPG (at least with our big box) will plummet!

Let us know what you decide on getting!

 

Well the "quiet" option is to just get a hitch and trailer...

Aero bars will vary in noise a bit depending on where you mount then.

Also, and this should be obvious, but if the noise bothers you, keep the sunroof shade closed! you could maybe even stick some temporary extra insulation up in there for a while...

One thing to consider if noise is an issue is to use a fairing. On my XC60 I have the Volvo branded "square" rails with a fairing. I keep this on almost constantly because I never know if I might need to strap a 16' ladder to my roof and drive somewhere with it (Yes, this happens more often than not).

There's /some/ noise still but it's definitely not the angry wind that I heard when I got them originally. I could drive more than 35mph without some whistling and it got worse the higher speed it was. Now I can drive 100mph and hardly hear it. With the box on or off.

Worth every penny.

I have the Thule Sonix XXL box, btw.

(Something went wrong...double post? Anyway)

Made the decision, the most expensive one ofcourse...shoot!! Why does stuff that looks good always come so expensive?
Only thing now I have to find a good deal or even a used one... Looks like they don't ship from Norway? Help!!

This will be the one:

http://packline-roofbox.com/products/low-profile-roof-box/fx-offroad

Waaayyy to expensive but by far the nicest one!

I'm not gonna lie. This looks good. Mighty good.

 

I was afraid of that! The noise, hate it so so much. I have VOLVO OEM wing profile bars. They seem not noisy but maybe its because I never drove without them. They are on there for looks tbh. The cargo BOX however should be a huge amount of noise. Im thinking about renting one. VOLVO OEM is soooo expensive. Looking at around €600!! Man!

It would at least lóok good on it!

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

Well the "quiet" option is to just get a hitch and trailer...

Aero bars will vary in noise a bit depending on where you mount then.

Also, and this should be obvious, but if the noise bothers you, keep the sunroof shade closed! you could maybe even stick some temporary extra insulation up in there for a while...

 

Good advise...will consider...

[XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway]

 

I didn't consider the Volvo ones (made by Thule) because I (and my wife) felt weird about putting a Volvo branded box on her Lexus.

Thule was good, but 2 inches too long for her Lexus and the rear hatch to open fully.

Went to Yakima and got the Showcase 15 (15 cubic feet). It's great for what we need.

I had a Thule from an old truck (Frontier 20 I think) and now this Yakima.

No matter what anyone tells you, you can hear them! No matter if you keep the sunroof shade open or closed, you'll hear it to some degree. The Lexus by far has better insulation, so it's less notable in her car than mine. But at the same token, windows up, shade closed, you can still have a very normal level conversation throughout the cabin at highway speeds.

All of the Yakima, Thule and Volvo boxes attach very similarly and work with pretty much every single type of cross bar (any brand or any oem). They all attach like you would take one of your hands and grab your other wrist.

I personally like the boxes over the bags because you'll see the bags get indented on the roof as they cruise down the highway.

The boxes are awkward and a little heavy, so try and have someone help you lay it up there, it's just weird to balance above your head and make sure you don't crash it into your car.

If you DON'T have bars, I would get the Oval or Square ones from Volvo that are FLAT and sit on top of your roof rails. I have the wing ones like pictured above, and they are curved and bend into the bottom floor of the box (not terribly), but it's there.

If you're set on the two Volvo ones you originally posted above, I would get the larger one, always better to have more space! I would have gotten a larger one, but we were length constrained on my wife's car (which we'll have for the next 2.5 years).

Hope this helps.

 

I personally like the boxes over the bags because you'll see the bags get indented on the roof as they cruise down the highway.

If your bag does that, you're using it wrong.
You gotta pack the bag full or not use it at all. Really this shouldn't be an issue - if you're going to use the bag, use it as much as possible - more room inside the car is always nice right?
Pack the bag FIRST, not the car, starting with least dense cargo (less weight up high is a good thing, regardless of bag vs box, though of course the bag itself weighs less to begin with...)

 

@Toyslacker;

Thanks for taking time to reply so detailed. Very interesting info. What a great forum this is..bunch a nice folks tbh.

Rgds

Jasper

[XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway]

 

Ditto the comments on the flat bars...

Also look at what you want to carry, I ended up with a Thule box which is a little smaller overall, but it is taller, so I can throw duffle bags and the like up there.

(( https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/cargo-carrier/car-top-carrier/thule-sidekick-682-_-682000 ))

 

Negative, that looks like you are carrying a fat dead body to a funeral somewehere. Pardon my French, I appreciate your input but it looks terrible. But at the end of the day its all a personal opinion. Thanks MDsteve.

[ XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway ]

 

Talked to a lady driving a very fancy UK Mercedes in France and when I asked her how she liked the 420/520 she was very positive. No noise at all. She didnt notice the fuel burn increased but said she didnt realy care either. She was right, she never realy looked at it anyway. That 420/520 is the best looking box in town. Wtf, will buy one just for looks, I like looks. I like pretending in this XC70-game. Loving it. What an awesome car still. XXX
Havent seen a "manlier" car yet, true man drive XC70. Sorry sometimes I go a little overboard...

[ XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway ]

 

(Something went wrong...double post? Anyway)

Made the decision, the most expensive one ofcourse...shoot!! Why does stuff that looks good always come so expensive?
Only thing now I have to find a good deal or even a used one... Looks like they don't ship from Norway? Help!!

This will be the one:

http://packline-roofbox.com/products/low-profile-roof-box/fx-offroad

Waaayyy to expensive but by far the nicest one!

 

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

With roof box:

Without roof box:

This is a Thule branded version similar to this one... https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack/accessories/thule-airscreen-8700-_-1689690

 

Nice! Found a dealer in Holland for the PACKLINE! Expensive but looks awesome... Buying just for looks I guess. I skied once! Ok weekend trips also good right?

THE MOTHER OF ALL BOXES

This is the offroad FX OFFROAD version XC60/XC70.
Still debating if it will be the OFFROAD or the €300 less (!) FX SUV version. Only the look differs, its the same roofbox just not so pimped. Love the lower end...just like the car!! Damn!

(FX OFFROAD, €1349,-)

(FX SUV, €1059,-)

Little poll: OFFROAD or SUV? (Price sucks I know...but fc* it, looks good) Perhaps the OFFROAD too much chrome? Help!!

(XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway)

 

Thanks 4 your post but you said; "You must be careful with this"? Why[emoji16]

Edit: I wish I lived in new-England, home of the wagon! Lived in Western Maryland for 6-years. Love all about the States including the people, they are the best. I miss it often... Still, and I am talking 2005! You are all so nice imho and give opportunities to all. But we are going off-topic here.

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPDt

 

LOL.

Mainly because I would have agreed with your statement that all Norwegians might be more discerning than other countries. It's why I underlined part of the quote.

In retrospect, I should've underlined that entire paragraph.

I guess what I'm saying is that as an entire country you are likely right but we have so many people in the US that even in the small pockets of areas we have high densities of Scandinavian influences, we are unable to overcome the rest of our roof box ignorance as a country.

I mainly used that as a discussion point, nothing more.

 

Got ya buddy! Thanks for taking time to xplain...

OFFROAD

OFFROAD

SUV

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

Re: Box + Fairing

I have the Volvo Wing Bars that you showed above which have a curve. I have a Inno Universal Fairing to fit in between my bars (since I wanted it for looks mostly). It was very difficult to get the fairing with the Volvo Curved Wing Bars to sit FLUSH on the roof. I ended up having to buy longer screws from Inno. Once I did this, looked great until I got my Yakima box.

I was able to mount the box, but since the bars are curved, the push into the floor of the cargo box, and ultimately lift up the fairing from the roof surface due to the pressure the cargo box puts on the fairing attachment points to the load bars. So, yet another reason to get the square profile load bars....

I ultimately took the fairing off while the box was on, and have yet to spend the "tinkering-time" to put the fairing back on and get it sitting correct again. Here's the fairing

I don't have any photos of the fairing lift.
.

Anybody selling square profile bars for a P3 V/XC???

 

Toy, you have a very good point here! I will consider it..tbh I already did. In discussion with the guy who imports PACKLINE from Norway and he wants me to become the dealer of Spain!!! Imagine that! I am considering... Still no answer on the curved roofbars. Hope its not a problem with the PACKLINE, they seem to sink into it... Not confirmed, will get back asap. Square ones dont look as nice...

Those who wanna look cool and nice always suffer it seems! Waiting for an answer... Anybody wants to become a US dealer?? You will become rich!!!

Nice red V70 Toy... So thats the fairing ... I see... Looks cool...
Tony T5 has one too it seems? They realy help that much?

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

Anybody wants to become a US dealer?? You will become rich!!!

What's it take to be a US dealer? I think everyone wants to be rich.

 

Think €2000 entrance and you will get 3 boxes for free..

Will discuss with him asap and let u all know! I dont care about rich, gotta stay happy and healthy. Money helps. True, keep you all posted. Standby

This topic is getting a bit out of hand ... So SUV or OFFROAD type? Still gotta investigate my bloody curved roofbars... DamnSam

Trust me; we all want a PACKLINE... Like I said before... Its all about looks, not so much the practicality... but, PACKLINE it practical and has zero noise! THULE has just become a B-Brand.

(Disregard these horrible non-VOLVO other cars... The pics are because of the roofbox...am I slowly becoming a dealer... Am I using this forum as an advertisement tool? No, thats not me)

This would be too much: http://56nord.com/gallery/

XC70 D5 POLESTAR IPD

 

I've got the Packline NX215. (Do not take the 195, it is less wide and higher and therefore slightly out op proportion). A brand newbox from Packline, which is only a little more expensive than high end Thule boxes (I paid EUR 825).

Absolutely beautiful, low enough to drive into any garage, high enough to store large bags (450 liter). Silence is a relative measure. I closed the sunroof cover and only heard a distinct difference on the very first drive with the box, which is now 6 weeks ago. Never took it of this summer and never heard the box again, except when driving at 150kph and faster.

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPad met Tapatalk

 

Looks awesome indeed! The "offroad" is even flatter isnt it? €1359!!

Material: High-gloss , metal-reinforced fiberglass

Dimensions: Height: 210 cm, width : 90 cm, height : 27 cm

Load capacity: 400 liters

Ski length: 205 cm

Weight: 25 kg

Colors: Silver , white, black

Warranty: 10 years! Fulfils City Crash norm

Material: High glossy, ABS acryl.
Dimensions: LENGTH 215 cm WIDTH 88 cm HEIGHT 36 cm
Volume: 450 liters
Weight: 23 kg
Colours: Black piano finish
Warranty: 5 years! Fulfills City Crash norm

White also would have looked good on yours... But I guess this one only comes in black.
You think the wingprofile roofbars would create a problem like pushing into the floor of the box? Good to know about the windnoise

Thanks for your input.

P.s. This is also a good option for US customers: (SKIGUARD, well known I assume)

http://www.skiguard.com/gallery-vo/5z8z6r3h49eti72rbs7n4b4k5amt3a

WELCOME TO
SKIGUARD USA

WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE SKIGUARD ROOF BOXES TO THE NORTH-AMERICAN MARKET. SKIGUARD (NORWAY) HAS A LONG HISTORY OF PRODUCING ROOF BOXES THAT ARE REGARDED AMONG THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY. QUALITY, AESTHETICS, AND USABILITY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

FROM THE PRODUCTION FACILITY IN SIGDAL, NORWAY, THE ROOF BOXES HAVE EVOLVED FOR 35 YEARS. LOCATED IN ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE SKI COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD -
CUSTOMER AND USER FEEDBACK HAS RESULTED IN A FAULTLESS PRODUCT.

THE MARKET FOR ROOF BOXES IN NORTH-AMERICA LACKS A COMPETITOR THAT PROVIDES SUCH A TAILORED PRODUCT FOR PREMIUM CAR OWNERS. OUR BOXES ARE DESIGNED TO FOLLOW THE STREAMLINED DESIGNES OF MODERN CARS. ADD THE OPTION OF HAVING THE ROOF BOX PAINTED IN ANY COLOR YOU DESIRE, THE PACKAGE IS COMPLETE.

A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN; NO LONGER WILL ROOF BOXES BE A CLUMPY ACCESSORY, BUT RATHER AN ACCESSORY THAT IS A NATURAL EXTENSION OF YOUR VEHICLE.
SKIGUARD USA IS HEADQUARTERED IN BOULDER, COLORADO AND WE WILL SERVE CUSTOMERS ACROSS ALL OF NORTH-AMERICA
HAVE A TERRIFIC WINTER

WITH BEST REGARDS,
SKIGUARD USA
CONTACT US:
INFO@SKIGUARD.COM
FOLLOW US:
FACEBOOK: SKIGUARD USA
INSTAGRAM: SKIGUARDUSA



(XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway)

 

Those Packline boxes look very streamlined, although it seems they are mounted too far forward. I guess tailgate clearance is the issue. If you're going for looks, they do look great, but the pregnant ones definitely hold a lot more stuff... My needs would be more for a platform style rack like the stuff Rhino Racks sells.

 

It's only sofar forward because I cannot choose the position of my roofbars... Bummer! Wanted a stationwagon without roofrails for once.... Otherwise the box could be positioned as far bank as over the sharkfin antenna.

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPad met Tapatalk

 

I would carry air... Expensive air. But maybe u have a point, thule does as well? When you buy the "little bubble" it sits nicely in the middle but ruins the line of the car imo. Like two aliens just landed their ship on your roof. Not easy to pick a nice one huh?

(XC70 D5 2011 Polestar IPD Sway)

 

Those 56nord boxes are bonkers. Like 3k+ I believe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Those 56nord boxes are bonkers. Like 3k+ I believe

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No! You're kidding...damn Sam! Thats why I had to ask for the price via e-mail!! 3K+...[emoji51]
Lets just all go PACKLINE and forget THULE...

(XC70 D5 Polestar IPD Sway)