To pod, or not to pod...

[dnavid]

So we've had our first family holiday with the X5 40d (e70) and what a pleasure. Even though the boot is and luggage space feels a lot bigger than the e60 5 series it replaced, it isn't exactly orders of magnitude larger and I'm still short on space.

Couldn't help notice all the cars on the road with these roof pods. I'm completely new to pods (and trailers for that matter) and was hopping I could tap into fellow members wisdom and insights:

Any practical issues with roof pods?
Impact on fuel economy?
Road holding / cross winds?
Cost guide lines?
vs traditional trailer?
Recommended brands and or suppliers?

 

[Veedub]

I have a Thule one...height becomes a problem when trying to enter malls when on vacation, so I went for a smaller one that I can remove and keep in the hotel room, if need be. It's light so easy to carry by yourself.

Used mine through some rough roads as well...no dust or water entered it...

You get wind noise, but it's nothing major

Takes a lot of stuff, but make sure you stay within weight limits for the box and your vehicle

 

[dnavid]

I have a Thule one...height becomes a problem when trying to enter malls when on vacation, so I went for a smaller one that I can remove and keep in the hotel room, if need be. It's light so easy to carry by yourself.

Used mine through some rough roads as well...no dust or water entered it...

You get wind noise, but it's nothing major

Takes a lot of stuff, but make sure you stay within weight limits for the box and your vehicle

Impact on fuel economy?

Have you used a trailer? How does is compare?

 

[Veedub]

fuel economy hasn't changed much...guess it depends on the head wind...but then again I drive a 3.2l 6 cylinder petrol SUV...so fuel economy is not one of the cars strengths

Trailer can load more...and take more weight...is also easier to pack as it's ground level...but also requires maintenance and yearly licence

Roof box is easier to live with whilst on holiday...can be a bit tiresome to pack as you have to stand on the door sills...costs nothing to own

Trailer can offer other uses as well...taking stuff to the dump, moving bulky items, etc

They both cost about the same to buy, so the choice is based on what you wanna use it for.

We usually travel to places that requires off-roading, so the roof box made more sense

 

[dnavid]

fuel economy hasn't changed much...guess it depends on the head wind...but then again I drive a 3.2l 6 cylinder petrol SUV...so fuel economy is not one of the cars strengths

I've heard mixed opinions about the fuel economy impact.

Ironically I actual don't have space outside for a trailer but can get away with a pod.

Tx for the input.