How to Attach Cargo Carrier to Roof Rack Right Way?
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Going on long trips often means carrying a lot of stuff along with you. And if you are someone who needs your car for the next road trip plan, then definitely a cargo carrier will get included. This way you expand the space that can hold all your belongings safe while you’re focusing on driving.
However, just getting a cargo carrier is not enough. You need to properly attach it either on your car’s roof or the backside. Roof mounting is the most common choice, since it doesn’t need a hitch. And so, today let me tell you how to attach cargo carrier to roof rack in a way that safeguards all your stuff from falling during the whole journey.
Here’s How to Attach Cargo Carrier to Roof Rack Safely.
Knowing the proper way of fitting your cargo carrier on your car’s roof is way more important than you’ll ever imagine. And that involves considering what type of cargo carrier you have too. I’ll keep everything included, so keep on reading…
Before Installing
There are a few things that you need to think about prior to installing the cargo carrier. The first is weight. Three limits apply: your vehicle’s roof load limit (in the owner’s manual), the roof rack’s capacity, and the carrier’s own maximum.
Thule advises using the lower dynamic (driving) roof load limit and subtracting the weight of the rack and the empty carrier from it. Also, remember that with a cargo carrier you will increase the drag on your vehicle.
Not to mention the vehicle will also burn more fuel. A large, blunt roof-top box can cut fuel economy by about 2% to 8% in city driving, with bigger losses at highway speeds. On the highway, you are more likely to hear noises coming from roof where cargo carrier is fixed. It will also increase the overall height of your car. So, driving through a tunnel or narrow areas will need your complete considerations. In case you are going with a hitch mount carrier, then you’ll need a hitch receiver for it to work.
Positioning the Carrier
Start by placing the carrier in a position that you can attach it properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Center it side to side on the vehicle, facing forward and parallel to the road, and make sure it won’t block the rear hatch from opening.
Pay attention to this place selection since this will greatly affect your later attaching steps. Also, make sure its less likely to move towards the edge becoming more prone to a fall down. Since there will be a lot of movements when you drive the car.
Pack Up the Carrier Fully
Now that the carrier is right where you’ll attach it, time to pack up fully. This means you need to put on it everything that you’ll carry for the journey. A soft carrier holds its shape and flaps less when it’s filled, but don’t overstuff it. Put the heaviest items in the middle, between the crossbars; Thule suggests about half the weight in the center and a quarter each at the front and back.
This will also help to prevent any sort of fabric delamination problem that takes space often due to wind flapping.
If there’s an empty spot after packing all your belongings, fill it with soft items like pillows or sleeping bags. The extra cushioning will also help to better protect your carried stuff inside carrier.
If the cargo carrier comes with a lock then make sure to secure it well to keep your belongings free from any theft worries. Or else you may need to invest in a lock system that is installable for a cargo carrier. Once everything is locked properly, move onto the next step.
Work on The Straps Next
In the roof rack of your vehicle, bring carrier between crossbars. Now across the carrier length, attach straps and pull them tight to secure. Depending on roof bar configurations, you can make adjustments here. There should be installation instructions from the manufacturer too. You should also pay attention to any important guideline that is mentioned.
There might be 4 strap guides on the carrier top area meant for guiding. You should not confuse them by tying together. While strapping the carrier make sure there’s no loose fabric crease taking place. Or else this can result in a bunch of problems such as noise, wind flapping, low gas mileage, and so on. You can always use a few extra straps whenever there’s a need to hold down any loose crease.
Before you start driving, make sure the straps are firm enough. Never try to attach those straps to areas of your car that are not capable of supporting heavy loads. Don’t set a soft carrier directly on a glass or panoramic roof, and check the straps again after the first few miles and at each stop.
When you reach your destination and no longer need the carrier, take it off. Removing an empty carrier saves fuel.
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Wrap Up
And now you know how to attach cargo carrier to roof rack of your car. No matter if you are deciding for a bike trail journey or simply a fun ski slope adventure, the proper carrying of your belongings matter a lot. Especially when you are traveling to long-distance and holding a lot of loads on top of your vehicle. Also, if you are carrying your bike for the journey, then don’t forget to learn about how to install a bike rack on a hatchback car.
Utilizing the empty space on your vehicle’s roof is surely a smart thing to do. But not if you don’t worry much about a secure and reliable strapping session. So, do pay enough attention to this matter and your loads and gears will reach its destination safely.
Sources
- How to pack safely with a roof box, Thule
- Driving More Efficiently, FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA)
