How To Tie Down Luggage To Roof Rack

After you ve selected the appropriate vehicle roof rack for your cargo it s time to learn how to safely tie down your rooftop cargo.

How to tie down luggage to roof rack.

It s important to use the right tie downs and place the item correctly on the roof rack if you want to avoid damaging your cargo or causing an accident. The basic steps to properly and safely secure cargo to the roof of your vehicle are the same whether you re securing your cargo to roof cross bars side rails ladder racks or baskets. Run 2 boat straps over the top of the kayak and them under the roof rack bars then bring the straps to the other side of the kayak and loop them under the roof rack bars on that side. By using proper methods you can haul your cargo safely to your destination.

Roof racks have been known to fail at high speeds with lots of updraft so take the extra precaution of tying the roof rack down to the roof of the vehicle as well. Improper tie down practices are all too common and many accidents and injuries happen because someone didn t take their time loading cargo on the roof of the car. Use ratchet or cam straps to tie the roof rack through the doors not the windows. Tie the straps down with cam buckles to secure the kayak.

For a video and step by step instructions on how to tie down a kayak please see our article on how to tie down a kayak to a vehicle. Of course properly strapping down your load is crucial in making sure all your gear reaches its destination. To tie down a kayak place it right side up on your roof rack and center it. Just load up the roof strap down your cargo and hit the road.

Fortunately roof luggage racks save space inside your car by allowing you to utilize your roof space for your gear. In the case of a naked roof you should be looping the rope through the car through the doors not the windows and around the object on the roof and a towel or blanket should be used to protect the roof of your car from the object. With anything you plan on tying down you ll need three preferably four solid points of contact stability. Remove your rack when not in use to avoid the added weight drag and noise.

Quickly and easily strap cargo to roof rack or trailer using ratchet straps.