Attach the roof basket first, then you can load your luggage into it. Use tie-down straps or ratchet straps to secure your luggage to the basket or tray. For basekt-style carriers, wrap the strap beneath the carrier bar and ratchet down until it’s snug.

How do you put luggage on top of your car?

When carrying luggage on top of your car, it’s best to secure your load widthwise and lengthwise with tie-down straps. Using carriers like roof boxes, bags and baskets are also safe options.

How do you strap a roof bag on a car?

Click on a title to go to the relevant section below: Car with rack: 2 Long Straps Car without rack and with ridge in door frame: Straps with Door Hooks Car without rack: 2 Long Straps Van without rack and with sliding door: 2 Long Straps Installing RoofBag on a car with rack using 2 LONG STRAPS General The RoofBag car roof top carrier attaches easily by two adjustable heavy-duty straps to the front and rear crossbars or to the sidebars of your car’s roof rack. If you’re using the front and rear cross bars for attachment, the two long straps will run from front to back on the right and left sides of the RoofBag. If you’re using the side rails for attachment, the two straps will run from left to right, one near the front and the other near the rear of the RoofBag. Each strap loops continuously from the buckle at the top of the RoofBag, down and around the bar of the roof rack, up again along the RoofBag going through two metal rings at the top, then down and around the opposite bar, and ending in the opposite buckle at the top. Open the zipper along the left, right and rear, and open the RoofBag like a clam shell. Fill the RoofBag, trying to distribute the weight and the volume evenly. Try to place more items toward the rear to preserve the wedge shape of the RoofBag for a quieter ride. Close the zipper. The two zipper sliders should meet at the back. Thread one end of the strap upward, away from the RoofBag, through the wider slot of the ladderlock buckle (this is the black buckle attached to the black metal ring at the top of the RoofBag). Thread the same end of the strap back toward the RoofBag through the narrower opening of the ladderlock buckle.

• Leave free 10 -12 inches at the short end of the strap.
• By pulling on this short end, you will later adjust the tension of the strap.
• If the strap was threaded correctly through the buckle, the strap should slide relatively easily when you pull on the short end.
• However, if you pull from the long side of the strap, the strap shouldn’t slide at all.

If the strap slides when you pull from the long part of the strap, the strap is not threaded correctly in the buckle and you need to review this paragraph. Loop the long end of the strap once (and only once) under a crossbar or a sidebar of the roof rack in the direction shown in the picture (toward the RoofBag). Continue upward and thread the strap through the metal ring at the top of the RoofBag, and then continuing in a straight line, through the next metal ring. The correct direction is upward through the first metal ring, downward through the second. Loop the strap under the bar outwardly, (away from the RoofBag). Thread the free end of the strap through the ladderlock buckle, first through the wider slot pointing the tip of the straps toward the sky, in or away from the bag, and then through the narrower slot downward, or toward the bag. Adjust the length of the strap by pulling on the free end of the strap.

Repeat the process using the other long strap on the opposite side. After installing the straps, adjust their tension by pulling on the free ends of each strap until the straps feel equally taut. Avoid over-tightening. The straps should feel firm but not over-tight. Secure the free ends of the straps with the black plastic end keepers, which are attached to the straps, to avoid flapping of the free ends during travel.

Complete instructions are included with each set of straps. Precautions Check the firmness of the attachment after you have driven for a few minutes, and then again after you have driven for about an hour, and re-tighten the straps if necessary. The shifting of the contents during travel may cause slackening of the straps. For cars without a roof rack, the RoofBag car roof top carrier comes with special door hooks made of vinyl-coated steel that attach securely to the seam ridge inside the door jambs of your car. The hooks come in sets of four, with heavy-duty straps included. An optional Protective Mat under the carrier helps protect the car’s roof finish. Detail Start with a clean roof. Place the Protective Mat on the roof for a layer of non-slip cushioning between the RoofBag and the roof’s painted surface. Place the RoofBag on the Protective Mat, and attach the straps to the car once the RoofBag is loaded and the zipper isclosed. To attach the straps to the car, attach the short end of the strap to the ladderlock buckle, which is the metal buckle attached to the metal ring at the top of the carrier. Loop the strap upward through the slot in the ladderlock buckle closest to the ring, then return the strap downward through the slot farthest from the ring. Attach the door hooks at the other end of the straps, to the door jamb of the car. With the car doors open, attach the door hook to the seam ridge, which is a hard ridge just inside the door jamb. Choose a place along the ridge that makes the strap meet the door jamb at right angles. Pull the free end of the strap until it is tight and the door hook stays in place. Attach all four straps and adjust their tension until they all feel equally taut and the RoofBag is centered on the car roof. You should be able to close the doors without interference by the straps or the hooks and the hooks should be totally enclosed inside the door jamb, between the door and the door frame. When the doors are closed, the door hooks should not be visible outside the door, and only the straps should go through the gap between the door and the door frame.

Secure the free ends of the straps with the strap retainers to avoid flapping during travel. Complete instructions are included with each set of straps. Precautions and Limitations Check the firmness of the attachment after you have driven for a few minutes, and then again after you have driven for about an hour, and re-tighten the straps if necessary.

The shifting of the contents during travel may cause slackening of the straps. Re-check the attachment frequently during travel. Avoid overloading the carrier or over-tightening of the straps. Do not attach door hooks to the car’s rain gutters. Use Long Straps instead of Straps with Door Hooks for: cars with no hard ridge on the door frame, cars with no frame above the window, or vans with sliding side doors.

• Use good judgment when using the RoofBag and watch for signs of failure or deterioration.
• Back to Top Installing RoofBag on a car without rack using LONG STRAPS Place the RoofBag on the roof of the car with the smooth section without zipper facing forward.
• Open the zipper and load the RoofBag.
• To minimize wind noise, place more items toward the rear, to preserve the wedge shape of the RoofBag, and locate the RoofBg as far back on the roof as possible, keeping in mind that the buckles on top of the RoofBag have to align with the door frames.

Close the zipper making the sliders meet at the back of the RoofBag. Attach one end of the long strap to one of the front metal buckles at the top of the RoofBag. To do this, run the free end of the strap upward through the wider slot of the buckle and then downward through the narrow slot, pull until tight. If installed correctly, the strap should not slide in the buckle if pulled from the long side, but should slide easily for adjustment if pulled from the short end while lifting the end of the buckle. Open the front doors of the car, run the long strap across the interior of the car, close to the ceiling, and out the other door. Attach the free end of the strap to the corresponding metal buckle at the top of the RoofBag. Pull the free ends of the strap to adjust the tension of the strap. After installing the straps, adjust their tension by pulling on the free ends of each strap until the straps feel equally taut. Avoid over-tightening. The straps should feel firm but not over-taut. Secure the free ends of the straps with the black plastic end keepers, which are attached to the straps, to avoid flapping of the free ends during travel.

Precautions Check the firmness of the attachment and adjust the straps if necessary after you have driven for a few minutes, and then again after you have driven for about an hour. The shifting of the contents during travel may slacken the straps. Re-check the attachment frequently during travel. Back to Top Installing RoofBag on a van without rack and with sliding door using LONG STRAPS On vans without roof rack and with sliding door/s, the 2 Long Straps pass through the interior of the van via the rear side windows and the front door frames, leaving the sliding door or doors unobstructed.

Start with a clean roof. Place the Protective Mat on the van’s roof and the RoofBag on the mat with the smooth side without zipper facing forward. Open the zipper along all three sides and load the RoofBag. To minimize wind noise, place more items toward the rear, to preserve the wedge shape of the RoofBag. Attach one end of the long strap to one of the front metal buckles at the top of the RoofBag. To do this, run the free end of the strap upward through the wider slot of the buckle and then downward through the narrow slot. If installed correctly, the strap should not slide if pulled from the long end, but should slide for adjustment if pulled from the short end while lifting the end of the buckle. Open the front doors of the van. Run the strap through the interior of the van from one door frame to the opposite door frame. Attach the other end of the strap to the corresponding buckle at the top of the RoofBag. Adjust the length of the strap without overtightening. Repeat the process for the rear strap, using the rear side windows. In most vans the rear side windows open enough to pass the strap through the opening into the interior of the van and then out the opposite window. Attach the ends of the rear strap to the rear buckles at the top of the RoofBag.

Pull the ends of the straps until the straps are reasonably taut, but not overtightened. It should be possible to close the front doors, the sliding door/s and the rear side windows without any interference from the straps. Precautions Check the firmness of the attachment and adjust the straps if necessary after you have driven for a few minutes, and then again after you have driven for about an hour.

The shifting of the contents during travel may slacken the straps. Re-check the attachment frequently during travel. Back to Top

How can I put luggage on top of my car without a roof rack?

Download Article Download Article It can be a little frustrating when you don’t have the space in your vehicle for all of your bags. Luckily, you can haul your luggage with the extra space you have on your roof. As long as you secure your things properly, you can take them on any long drive! We’ll walk you through all the different options you can use on your roof and how to make sure you and your things stay safe while you’re on the road.

1. 1 Loop straps through your vehicle doors for a cheap but less secure alternative. Tying your things directly to your vehicle can help you save money if you’re in a hurry. You can use ratchet straps for the most security or rope with a trucker’s hitch knot,
   • Ratchet straps usually cost around $20 USD and you can buy them from most hardware stores.
   • Putting your luggage directly on your vehicle could scratch or dent it, so place a towel or blanket down first. Your luggage will also be exposed to the elements and potential thieves.
   • Avoid using bungee cords to hold your luggage in place since it’s the least secure.
2. 2 Raise your luggage off the roof with a rack or basket. Roof racks and baskets prevent you from scratching or denting your vehicle if your luggage moves around. The most secure racks and baskets install directly on roof rails or cross bars, but you may be able to find some that attach or clip into your door jamb.
   • Roof racks tend to cost around $50–75 USD, but higher-end models can be pricier. Ratchet straps are available at most hardware stores and only cost $20 USD.
   • Roof racks and baskets still leave your luggage exposed to weather. They could also attract potential thieves since your items will be out in the open.
   • You can also cover your roof rack with a cargo net to keep your things in place so they’re less likely to move around or fall off.

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3. 3 Choose a cargo bag to keep your luggage dry. Cargo bags have a soft outer shell that zips over your cargo so it doesn’t get damaged with the weather. You can clip cargo bags directly to your vehicle in the door jambs or you can tie them onto rails or rack on your roof.
   • Cargo bags typically cost around $50–100 USD.
   • Most cargo bags also come with a lock so you can protect your belongings.
   • Items may shift around in a cargo bag, but it may contain straps inside to help you secure your items down.
4. 4 Pick a hard-shell cargo box for the most secure protection. Cargo boxes have a sturdier plastic design that you can lock closed so your items stay dry and safe even if they’re unattended. Since your luggage isn’t visible, you’re less likely to deal with any thieves.
   • Cargo boxes are the most expensive and usually cost anywhere from $300–500 USD, but they may get pricier for larger models.
   • Cargo boxes are also the heaviest, so you may not be able to carry as much on your roof.

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1. 1 Check your vehicle’s load weight limit so you don’t exceed it. You can find the load limit for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or by searching your make and model online. The load limit determines how much weight you can safely carry without it affecting your driving. If you go over the load limit, it could affect the balance of your vehicle and make it unsafe to travel.
   • Many vehicles have a load limit around 100 pounds (45 kg) but it varies.
2. 2 Layer heavier luggage on top of lighter items to keep them in place. Lighter items are more likely to fly off of your vehicle when you’re driving at top speed. Distribute the lightest items evenly across your roof and then set your heavier bags on top to weigh them down.
   • Even if you have lighter soft duffel bags and heavier suitcases, always start with your lighter luggage so you don’t risk losing anything.
3. 3 Distribute the weight evenly across your roof. If you put all your heavier items on one side, it will affect how well your vehicle controls. Spread the weight out across the roof of your vehicle so it stays balanced. If you only have one large bag, then put it in the center of your roof for the best performance.
4. 4 Lie your luggage on its side for better aerodynamics. When you put things on your roof, the wind resistance impacts your vehicle’s efficiency. Rather than standing your luggage up, lay it down as flat as you can against the roof. If you need to stack your items, store the bulkier items near the back of your vehicle instead of near the front.
   • Avoid letting anything hang over the sides of your vehicle since it’s illegal in most areas. It’s okay if things extend off the front or back as long as it doesn’t affect your visibility.
5. 5 Give the load a strong shake before you leave to check that it’s secure. Grab the side of your items and give them a good shake or push. If you see anything moving around, tie it down or reposition it so you don’t risk losing it while you drive. Make sure that every strap feels secure and taut when you’re about to head out.
   • Remember that you’ll probably be driving at highway speeds so if shaking your things makes them move around, then it will easily bounce around during the trip.

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1. 1 Drive slower so you don’t risk losing your items. Since you have some added weight on your vehicle, it can be a little harder to turn and stay in control. Try to stay at or slightly under the speed limit wherever you’re driving. If you come to a rough road, slow down even more to ensure your luggage doesn’t bounce around or fall off.
   • Take turns cautiously since taking a sharp turn with heavy items on your roof could put your vehicle off-balance.
   • It’s illegal in most areas to have something fall off your car while you’re driving. You could end up with a fine or even jail time.
2. 2 Give yourself more stopping time if you have a full load. The extra weight of your items makes it take longer for you to stop. Plus, coming to sudden stops could make items fall off the front or back of your vehicle if they come loose. Leave an additional car length between you and other vehicles and watch out for any hazards coming up on the road so you can stay safe.
3. 3 Stop and check if your luggage is secure every 15–30 minutes. After you go at your top travel speed for a little while, pull off of the road and check your straps and ties. Make sure everything still feels tight and that nothing shifted around during the trip. If everything looks okay, you’re fine to keep going. However, if something did move or feels loose, secure it again tightly.
   • Account for the extra travel time so you can check on your luggage frequently.

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• Remove any aftermarket racks or bags when you aren’t using them since they can affect your car’s aerodynamics.
• Use a step ladder when you load your roof rack so you’re less likely to scratch or damage your vehicle as you lift your luggage up.

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It’s illegal in most areas for items to fall off your vehicle while you’re driving. Always check the road debris laws for the areas you’re driving through so you know the risk.

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Can we carry luggage on roof of my car?

Is Car Luggage Carrier Installation Varies For Different Types of Cars? – Although the RTO India does not prohibit carriers, some states might want to create a fuzz. Hence, it is advised that the owners should double-check and seek permission to install carriers for any specific reason.

Is it illegal to tie something to the roof of your car UK?

In the UK, there are a few key points that you need to be aware of: The item must be securely fastened to the roof of the car, either by straps or a fixed rigid metal frame. The item must not obstruct the driver’s vision in any way. This includes things like cargo boxes or large luggage racks.

Will a roof bag damage my car?

They’re safe if they’re not overloaded, if they’re packed with soft-side luggage and snuggly strapped to the car. A loosely secured cargo bag may slide or let the wind get under the bag. Check the owner’s manual or online for the maximum dynamic (when moving) maximum roof load (the static weight may be higher).

Are rooftop cargo carriers worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it to use a rooftop cargo box. They cost more that rooftop cargo bags, but hard rooftop cargo boxes are easier to install and secure. Plus, they are weather resistant and simple to use. They are a convenient way to transport extra gear when traveling.

How much weight can I carry on top of my car?

Weight – Instagram would have you believe you should rush out and put a rooftop tent on your Subaru Crosstrek ( please don’t ), but cars aren’t actually designed to carry heavy stuff on their roofs. Most passenger vehicles have a 150-pound weight limit up top, regardless of which rack system you use.

Can suitcases go on roof racks?

4. Put your suitcases up top – While you might assume that suitcases belong in the boot and items that aren’t so neatly packed belong in the roof box, the truth is that many roof boxes are actually designed in a way that makes them ideal for storing suitcases.

In fact, you could almost see your roof box as a much larger suitcase that just happens to be attached to the roof of your car! If you have a couple of smaller suitcases, they’ll probably be able to fit neatly side-by-side in a roof box, leaving room for other items while helping to stop everything from sliding around.

A larger suitcase could play the same role, fitting comfortable while helping to anchor other items in place. It’s all about maximising your packing space and leaving no space unfilled!

Where do you put your luggage in the car?

All luggage must go in the boot – Backpacks, suitcases, bags and any other object must be placed in the vehicle’s boot, It’s important to evenly distribute the weight and place the vehicle’s centre of gravity as low as possible. First place the heaviest pieces, with the larger, rigid suitcases at the bottom and lightest ones on top.

1. It’s also important to secure or attach the luggage to the anchors in the boot using fasteners or nets.
2. This way, even if you make a sharp turn, the weight of the luggage won’t move around and won’t destabilise the vehicle.
3. If you have any fragile or sharp object, such as glass, you should protect it with a towel or blanket to avoid cutting yourself if there is an accident.

In addition, you shouldn’t carry loose objects or place anything on the rear tray, as this will reduce your field of vision and, in the event of collision or sudden braking, it may cause damage.