Roof box. On the roof or behind the car

[benyl]

I debated putting this in the Tesla thread or out in the open. haha

We got passes to Nakiska this year and will take advantage as there is fuck all else to do. I can fit my skis in the trunk, but it requires gymnastics and to get them in. You fold down the back seat, put the skis in and align it with the a slot and then put the seat back upright again. With sharp edges and the like, it's just a pain.

So I figure getting a roof box will solve my problems. Here is the dilemma:

Some people are aware that range on electric cars is affected by many things.
1. temp
2. wind
3. speed of travel
4. big fucking box that causes drag.

I have two choices.
1. put the box on the roof like a sane person (albeit I will mount it backward (more on that later)). $600 roof rack required.

Roof box can reduce range up to 15% based on internet research. Probably more for me as I like to set the pace.
more expensive option


2. put the box on a hitch mount behind the car. $200 cargo carrier required (already have a hidden hitch).

Range is unaffected and may even increase range.
Looks stupid
Have to remove to get in the garage.


Here are pic (not my car) of the two choices.

roof:
https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/frama%CC%8Atva%CC%88nd-takbox-300x133.jpg
On roof but backward (rumour is that this is the most efficient way to mount it).
https://i1.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/baka%CC%8Atva%CC%88nd-takbox-300x133.jpg

Behind car:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bb6e5f3W12A/maxresdefault.jpg
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/attachments/model3_skipodmount-jpg.384904/

So why is this a dilemma?

Based on my calcs, if I put the box on the roof, there is a good chance that I will just make it there and back (90% down to 10%). 226km of range and 212kms to travel. Now, I can always slow down to 100 and make it no problem, but I don't want to be that "Tesla" owner in the right lane holding up traffic. I have probably answered my own question, but I will put it out to Beyond.

I will buy a Trackhawk when my kid is old enough to learn to drive.

[ExtraSlow]

I hate nearly everything in this post. I will not provide any helpful input. I just refuse.

[88CRX]

If this thread was posted 5-10 years ago you'd get just destroyed and roasted! haha

My opinion, that bumper box is a fucking disaster + buy a Honda Fit.

[bjstare]

Seems like an E63 wagon would be a great fit for what you want to do.

Wait...

[speedog]

On the hitch, active connected solar panel on the roof racks. Win, win. Maybe even profit?

[4WARNED]

I vote #2 - just to see this bouncing off the back. From a distance. At least put stops on the end of the square tubing so the box can't work its way loose from vibrating and slip off the back.
Can't imagine what the RCMP would say about blocking the tail lights and license plate either.

A true Beyond baller would just buy a new set of skis each time and not be bothered with the pleb issue of transporting them.

[CRXguy]

You can drive yours with the ski equipment and the wife can take her car with the kids.

[ExtraSlow]

95521

[benyl]

I hate nearly everything in this post. I will not provide any helpful input. I just refuse.

haha, In 10 years when you can't buy a new gasser F150 (cause you know Trudeau is going to mandate it nationwide) you will be asking how to tow your trailer to through the mountains.

It's a stupid thread I know, but I thought I would provide some fodder for people.

[mr2mike]

95522
Off the rear wing is what the HP freaks use.

- - - Updated - - -


You can drive yours with your ski equipment and the wife can take her car with the kids, her equipment and the kids equipment.
Fixed for Beyonders.

[ExtraSlow]

haha, In 10 years when you can't buy a new gasser F150 (cause you know Trudeau is going to mandate it nationwide) you will be asking how to tow your trailer to through the mountains.

It's a stupid thread I know, but I thought I would provide some fodder for people.

I appreciate your willingness to throw yourself under the bus like this. It's for the greater good. Props.

[LLLimit]

A quick 6kW zap at Stoney Nakoda Casino's Peaks to Prairies should help with the cold soaked battery at the end of the day.
50kW CHAdeMO & $602 adapter does not scream value.

Also: https://mr-box.com/ca/car/tesla/model_3

[SJW]

95521

Guilty. Have one of these. Handy and ugly as shit.

[ExtraSlow]

what about one of these?
95523

[D'z Nutz]

This sounds like a poor peasant problem.

The obvious benyl solution would be to buy property near Nakiska.

Joking aside, does have to be a roof box? Why not get those scissor style ski racks?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jnZ3DYZ3L._AC_SY355_.jpg


Yakima also makes one of these ski racks that attaches to their hitch mounted bike racks.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Bm7%2BV3uEL._AC_SX569_.jpg

I've got this if you want to borrow it for the winter.

[SJW]

what about one of these?
95523

I do not have one of those. I'm poor.

[Darell_n]

On the hitch, active connected solar panel on the roof racks. Win, win. Maybe even profit?

No. Cover the roof racks with wind turbines, drive forever.

[Rocket1k78]

Mounting on the back looks like shit lol Im almost positive i saw chargers at nakiska though

[ExtraSlow]

Have supper at the Pomeroy on the way home.

[Rocket1k78]

This sounds like a poor peasant problem.

The obvious benyl solution would be to buy property near Nakiska.

Joking aside, does have to be a roof box? Why not get those scissor style ski racks?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jnZ3DYZ3L._AC_SY355_.jpg


Yakima also makes one of these ski racks that attaches to their hitch mounted bike racks.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Bm7%2BV3uEL._AC_SX569_.jpg

I've got this if you want to borrow it for the winter.

I had the scissor style before and if its wet on the roads your board/skis/bindings gets covered in shit. Ive also never used the trailer hitch style but my tailgate is always nasty so i would assume that would be the same issue

[benyl]

Appreciate the offer Demz Ballz, but as per below:


I had the scissor style before and if its wet on the roads your board/skis/bindings gets covered in shit. Ive also never used the trailer hitch style but my tailgate is always nasty so i would assume that would be the same issue

[revelations]

I dont recall the equation, but the rear mount is essentially lengthening the shape of the car which could theoretically improve the range from stock (maybe 1-2%) - as its reducing the lower pressure/ turbulence area behind the bumber.

[D'z Nutz]

I had the scissor style before and if its wet on the roads your board/skis/bindings gets covered in shit. Ive also never used the trailer hitch style but my tailgate is always nasty so i would assume that would be the same issue


Appreciate the offer Demz Ballz, but as per below:

Ah right, I hadn't considered that.

Because I have a roof box that keeps everything clean :rofl:

[killramos]

I don’t think I could hate those stupid cantilever off the rear bumper storage things more. What a garbage idea.

Buy a model x

[benyl]

I don’t think I could hate those stupid cantilever off the rear bumper storage things more. What a garbage idea.

Buy a model x

Message heard... haha

95528

[killramos]

I hate that far far less

[never]

Why didn't you just order a Tesla truck? That's the simplest solution.

[ercchry]

“Hey dad! Look at that car! Their roof box is backwards!” ...son, not everyone that owns a Tesla earned it by being smart, some just got lucky with tsla weeklies :rofl:

[SR54RNR]

This sounds like a poor peasant problem.

The obvious benyl solution would be to buy property near Nakiska.

Joking aside, does have to be a roof box? Why not get those scissor style ski racks?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jnZ3DYZ3L._AC_SY355_.jpg


Yakima also makes one of these ski racks that attaches to their hitch mounted bike racks.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Bm7%2BV3uEL._AC_SX569_.jpg

I've got this if you want to borrow it for the winter.


I have the Yakima hitchski pictured here. I got it for my Tesla model Y for the reasons stated in the OP plus the roof on the Y is one massive piece of glass.. wouldn’t want to drop a snowboard on it while loading and then have to roll home without a roof

[cam_wmh]

My former boss, had similar problem with his Tesla and a roof box. I offered him an old fairing, from when I used the clamp style. He didn't take me up on it, and simply stuffed his crap in the car, and dealt with his shitty kids being extra shitty. :facepalm:
I've used the clamp style well over 100+ trips to the hills (500+?), and have never been concerned with shit on my board. Just leave them on the rack when you wash the car at the end of the day, and when you get to the hill it's rubbing off anyway. There's many more aesthetic considerations to be worried about, before your board being dirty :rofl::rofl:

[ThePenIsMightier]

Aren't we supposed to say "if you were actually concerned about 'looks stupid' you wouldn't be driving a Tesla in the first place!" ?
Isn't that Beyonding correctly?

Let me try:
"Looking stupid left the room a long time ago. Put that shit on the back, backwards and upside-down for all we care. I'd rather be seen in a teal Del Soul. Your car is cum in a beard."

LoL!!

I'll go +Rep the OP because I really don't know much about Tesla or have anything against them.

[finboy]

Buy a fast wagon again as a winter beater

[npham]

benyl Is Jordan's allocation still available?

[ExtraSlow]

benyl Is Jordan's allocation still available?

This is the way.

[Tik-Tok]

Extended range battery trailer. Throw your box on top of that, and fear no miles.

95535

[ExtraSlow]

Plus room for the Genny and Jerry cans, for mobile charging.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Why isn't in front of the car an option?

[shakalaka]

Just place it across the windshield. We all know that Tesla drivers use auto pilot to drive around anyway.

[SKR]

Just Fedex your skis to the ski hill. Don't carry your own shit around like a poor person.

[killramos]

Just Fedex your skis to the ski hill. Don't carry your own shit around like a poor person.

They sell skis at the hill

[SKR]

They sell skis at the hill

I'm from Saskatchewan so I'm not up on what goes on at ski hills. But that's an even better idea.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Just place it across the windshield. We all know that Tesla drivers use auto pilot to drive around anyway.

Mine was good.
This is better.
+Rep

[cam_wmh]

Just Fedex your skis to the ski hill. Don't carry your own shit around like a poor person.

He's going to Nakiska. Does not compute.

[benyl]

He's going to Nakiska. Does not compute.

I don’t live in Aspen anymore. Can’t afford a sunshine or Louise pass.

[g-m]

as has been said, do NOT go with a scissor/tail solution. so much crap on the skis, rocks embedded in your bases, etc. Just terrible. Completely wrecks your wax, it does not come off and leave your skis in pre-drive condition

[Tik-Tok]

Not as air resistant as a full on Thule

95590

[cam_wmh]

I don’t live in Aspen anymore. Can’t afford a sunshine or Louise pass.

Irrelevant. You couldn't make it there and back anyway.

[benyl]

Irrelevant. You couldn't make it there and back anyway.

Both Louise and Sunshine have chargers. There is also a Supercharger on the way there and back in Canmore.

For my use case, the worst case scenario is that I go off track and hit Canmore on the way home.

[ercchry]

Both Louise and Sunshine have chargers. There is also a Supercharger on the way there and back in Canmore.

For my use case, the worst case scenario is that I go off track and hit Canmore on the way home.

I think the logical solution is to just buy a Canmore condo :dunno:

:rofl:

[killramos]

I think the logical solution is to just buy a Canmore condo :dunno:

:rofl:

Then spend $$$ and fight with the condo board to retrofit 240v charging into the parkade if it’s anything like my parent’s.

[JRSC00LUDE]

I'm not reading this to find out but I assume I am not the first person to say the only viable solution is to buy a practical vehicle.

[ercchry]

I'm not reading this to find out but I assume I am not the first person to say the only viable solution is to buy a practical vehicle.

I wouldn’t say only... could always try to bring back snow blades :rofl:

[The_Rural_Juror]

There's a supercharger at the back of a motel in Canmore near McD's. 3 birds 1 cup.

[brucebanner]

I'm not reading this to find out but I assume I am not the first person to say the only viable solution is to buy a practical vehicle.

Like a trackhawk?

[cam_wmh]

Both Louise and Sunshine have chargers. There is also a Supercharger on the way there and back in Canmore.

For my use case, the worst case scenario is that I go off track and hit Canmore on the way home.

Oh I’m familiar at Louise. Two right? Surely, those well available on weekends.

Sounds like an hour sit, kids meals and 1/4lb’r are on the docket.

- - - Updated - - -


Then spend $$$ and fight with the condo board to retrofit 240v charging into the parkade if it’s anything like my parent’s.

Done. :)

But an EV? I’ll let the struggling early adopters, do the work in advance of my future plans.

[90_Shelby]

Like a trackhawk?

This is the obvious solution although the range of the Jeep would be even less while maintaining the appropriate 3/4 to full throttle position throughout the trip. Fortunately, refueling 2-3 times during a trip to and from Nakiska is still faster then recharging.

[benyl]

But an EV? I’ll let the struggling early adopters, do the work in advance of my future plans.

I am far from an Early Adopter. I've never really had range anxiety or run out of charge. I've run out of gas though (20+ years ago). haha.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I define early adopters as pre-2017. Charging networks are pretty good now and getting better.

[Rocket1k78]

But an EV? I’ll let the struggling early adopters, do the work in advance of my future plans.

Im smelling notes of jealousy, butthurtness with some underlying hints of envy:rofl:

[cam_wmh]

Im smelling notes of jealousy, butthurtness with some underlying hints of envy:rofl:

lol nailed it.

[ricardos]

Did I miss the part where the topic tells me how to choose a solar panel? I recommend this review https://websolarguide.com/solar-panel-installation/

[mo_money2supe]

Kinda late to the party... Are there 120V block heater outlets at the Nakiska parking lot? Can't you just plug in your mobile connector into it to gain a few kms, if not to at least maintain charge, throughout the day? Also, just use your heated seats to stay warm instead of the HVAC to preserve some juice.

[rage2]

I’m just going to lend him my car.

Just heated seats. You guys are animals.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Don't mind the pre-Octovalve crowd. Embarassing.

[mo_money2supe]

Don't mind the pre-Octovalve crowd. Embarassing.

You young lads with your new 2021 cars don't know what it was like for us "early adopters" having to walk uphill in 2' of snow (aka. travelling before the Supercharging network was installed coast to coast) BOTH WAYS!

[rage2]

I drove 400km round trip to go skating with the family the other day in the middle of nowhere. With the new bigger roof box on the car. Roofbox was empty, was just too lazy to take it off. The kids were bitching at how hot it was so they took their jackets off. Came home and still had 500km of range. I'm so not ready to move to an EV yet, or at least for both cars anyways.

Feels like I'm doing a lot of these every weekend now that ice time is non existent.

[benyl]

I think you have me confused with a Tesla apologist.

My HVAC stays at 21 and I lock on to 130km/h headwind or not. I'd rather not go than be uncomfortable.

Fed Ex seems to have lost my roof rack. It left Tracy, California on the 26th of Nov and the tracking number has been updated since...

Made a claim. I think I will be lucky to get it this year.

[rage2]

Fed Ex seems to have lost my roof rack. It left Tracy, California on the 26th of Nov and the tracking number has been updated since...

Made a claim. I think I will be lucky to get it this year.
Does that mean I have to keep this big roof box on my car till next year? I'm going to have to start charging you for storage to make up for the extra gas I gotta use. :rofl:

[mo_money2supe]

I think you have me confused with a Tesla apologist.

My HVAC stays at 21 and I lock on to 130km/h headwind or not. I'd rather not go than be uncomfortable.

Fed Ex seems to have lost my roof rack. It left Tracy, California on the 26th of Nov and the tracking number has been updated since...

Made a claim. I think I will be lucky to get it this year.

Eco tree hugger or not, at least look into using your mobile charger to plug into any block heater plugs. Get as many freebies from the ICE-age societal folks as you can!

I bought a used roof rack (was only used once apparently) that I have not yet mounted onto my car and probably won't be anytime soon. I only bought it because it was a rare find on Kijiji. If you need the roof rack right away, you can have mine and I can just await for yours when it arrives.

[benyl]

So after a shit show with fedex, we have a result.

Before: I had to drop the back seat and pinch my skis in this position for it to work. The tips are actually in the gap of the seat and the side of the car.

96612
96614

After: So much easier.

96613

[dirtsniffer]

Did you mount it backwards?

[D'z Nutz]

Did you mount it backwards?


I have two choices.
1. put the box on the roof like a sane person (albeit I will mount it backward (more on that later)).

First post.

[Rocket1k78]

So after a shit show with fedex, we have a result.

Before: I had to drop the back seat and pinch my skis in this position for it to work. The tips are actually in the gap of the seat and the side of the car.

96612
96614

After: So much easier.

96613

The OCD is driving me crazy with the backwards box but those wheels are doing a good job with distracting me. Nice winter beater

[The_Rural_Juror]

The OCD is driving me crazy with the backwards box but those wheels are doing a good job with distracting me. Nice winter beater

The benz logo doesn't bother you?

[Rocket1k78]

The benz logo doesn't bother you?

It does now:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[rage2]

Tesla is buying Mercedes anyways, 4D chess for benyl.

[ExtraSlow]

Nice winter beater +1

[benyl]

The OCD is driving me crazy with the backwards box but those wheels are doing a good job with distracting me. Nice winter beater

Well, it is precisely centered on both rails (left to right). The fact that it is a little tail down (nose down) bugs me, so I might shim it and see what that does to consumption.

[SJW]

Has anyone mentioned that the box is backwards yet?

[The_Rural_Juror]

No. The car is backwards.

[SJW]

No. The car is backwards.

Ahh makes total sense now.

[Rocket1k78]

This might take the cake as the best First World Problem lol
Have you tried both ways to see how big of a difference you get with the box direction? Im very surprised that mounting the big end forward would be better


No. The car is backwards.

:rofl:

[ercchry]

This might take the cake as the best First World Problem lol
Have you tried both ways to see how big of a difference you get with the box direction? Im very surprised that mounting the big end forward would be better



:rofl:

Perhaps it’s to create enough lift to take a Tesla to the moon for real, not just on a chart :rofl:

Even if it’s not, I would suspect the drive to wear a helmet either way

[benyl]

I'm very surprised that mounting the big end forward would be better



Lookup time trial helmets for bikes, speed skier suits, those old solar powered "race" cars. All come to a point at the rear.

Displacing the air is not expensive, its the turbulence. If you can smooth out the air, you get less drag.

[Ca_Silvia13]

Lookup time trial helmets for bikes, speed skier suits, those old solar powered "race" cars. All come to a point at the rear.

Displacing the air is not expensive, its the turbulence. If you can smooth out the air, you get less drag.

Mclaren Speedtail

96646

"Used to be a car forum"

[The_Rural_Juror]

96655

[Rocket1k78]

Lookup time trial helmets for bikes, speed skier suits, those old solar powered "race" cars. All come to a point at the rear.

Displacing the air is not expensive, its the turbulence. If you can smooth out the air, you get less drag.
Good point. I remember seeing vids of the guys breaking the speed records on a bike and ski and they had these fin things secured on the ankle and it was the pointy part in the back


Mclaren Speedtail

96646

"Used to be a car forum"
I dont know if thats a good example because it looks sharper upfront, if that were a ski box it would be facing forward lol The sonic guy is bang on though