7 Things Not to Do When Traveling with a Roof Rack

Traveling is an excellent way to relax after a long week or month, and it helps you learn about new cultures and visit recent locations. You should go for a road excursion once or twice, if not frequently. 

It would be best if you strived to make your traveling experience comfortable. A great way to do that is by fixing that extra luggage onto your roof rack. Roof racks are a convenient part of most vehicles. 

You can buy one for your car if it doesn’t have it. Most car owners take roof rack structures for granted. Others don’t know how to use a roof rack superstore properly. Perhaps you’re one of them. You’re reading the right article. 

Pointers on Using a Roof Rack Appropriately

 

Here are some ways to assist you in maximizing your roof frame: 

Don’t Cover Your Roof Rack with Too Much Cargo

Having a roof rack is very convenient for you and your family if you plan on taking on lengthy road trips frequently. But it may be cumbersome and frustrating if you decide to fill the space on top of your car with bulky items like cardboard boxes or rack cabinets. 

So how much load should you allow on your car’s roof? An excellent rule of thumb is to restrict the weight on your roof rack to roughly one-seventh of the total vehicle weight. 

Don’t Carry too Many Bags and Boxes

Remember that you only need to place up to one-seventh of your vehicle’s weight on top. If you plan on going for a long road trip, it’s best not to overpack heavy cargo like bags or boxes because it can put tremendous strain on your car roof. 

Ensure Your Load is Securely Fastened 

You should always ensure that everything you put on top of your car is securely fastened to your roof rack. If it isn’t, there’s a chance that it can fall off while you’re traveling or even get stolen. 

Don’t Use Bungee Cords to Secure Your Cargo 

With the boxes you’ve got sitting on top of your roof rack, some may be bound to get loose. If you use traditional bungee cords or other flexible items to fasten your cargo, there’s a chance it will fall off your car. 

Don’t Place Heavy Cargo at the Front of your Roof Rack 

Do not put heavy things front and center on your roof rack system because it can severely damage your vehicle’s suspension, especially if you’re planning on traveling through hilly landscapes. 

How to Secure Cargo on Your Car’s Roof Safely 

The following are steps you should use to ensure that your precious luggage won’t fall off your vehicle’s roof mid-travel: 

Get Straps and Ropes 

Start by purchasing window locks. Then, get either nylon window nets or nylon ropes, depending on your preference. Window nets are more durable but also bulkier than ropes. 

Attach the Straps to Your Roof Rack’s Tensioner Bar 

Tie a loop at one corner of your straps using an overhand knot so it won’t slip off. Then, please attach it to the tensioner bar on your roof rack, which you can find on most cars nowadays. 

Tie Down Your Cargo with a Shoelace Knot 

Once your luggage is securely locked onto the tensioner bar, secure it even further by tying down its loose ends using a shoelace knot. 

Attach Your Cargo to the Car’s Doors and Bumper

If you’re planning on having heavy cargo transformers, attach them securely to your car’s doors and bumpers. 

Ensure that You Won’t Transport Long Cargo with a Trailer Hitch Adapter

Long items such as kayaks may get in the way of the back of your car. Be sure to use a regular trailer hitch or a kayak roof frame if you plan on transporting long cargo items like these. 

Things You Shouldn’t Do as You Travel With a Roof Frame

These are some of the things that you should avoid when traveling with a roof rack: 

Don’t Travel at High Speeds 

It’s not a good idea to travel on highways at high speeds with a roof rack because it can create drag and affect how your vehicle performs. 

Don’t Go for a Frame That You Can’t Unload or Load Fast 

Don’t get a roof rack that’s so heavy and difficult to unload or load cargo. A rack of this fashion can take up too much of your precious time and energy when you’re already tired from the road ahead. 

Don’t Travel Around Sharp Curves Too Quickly 

Be sure that you won’t go around sharp curves quickly with a roof rack. If you do, your roof rack can easily hit the road and damage it, which will leave a wrong impression of your vehicle to other motorists and put you at significant risk for an accident. 

Don’t Leave a Roof Rack in Your Driveway 

Don’t leave your roof rack in the driveway because it can make it more difficult for other motorists to come and go out of their garages. If you must, ensure that you position it perpendicularly to the road to be easier for cars to pass through. 

Don’t Travel With Your Ladder Stored on the Roof Rack 

Don’t have your ladder stored on top of your roof rack because it can decrease the overall stability of your vehicle. It’s also dangerous to drive around with a long object sticking out, potentially infringing space where other motorists will be going through. 

Don’t Forget the Extra Height You’re Carrying 

The extra height added to your car by the roof rack will make you less visible to other motorists. Be sure to be extra cautious when driving around with a roof rack on top of your car. Check that extra height as you enter your garage, multi-story parks, or drive-thrus. 

Don’t Forget What You’re Carrying When it’s Time to Unload or Load Cargo 

Don’t forget what you have carried with your roof rack because the wind may blow them away. Also, be mindful of other motorists who might not expect extra items to get in their way when driving around corners or intersections. 

Conclusion

When traveling with a roof rack, you must take the proper safety precautions to avoid placing yourself and other motorists in danger. Ensure to read your owner’s manual for particular instructions on how best to attach your roof rack securely before going out on a trip. Safety must always be your number one priority.