How to Safely Carry Luggage on the Roof of Your Car

Taking a road trip with a car full of passengers and luggage crammed into the trunk can make for an uncomfortable ride. But many vehicles have factory installed or aftermarket roof racks that allow extra storage space by carrying suitcases and bags on the roof.

Strapping bulky luggage to the roof may seem tricky at first. Follow this guide to learn the right techniques for safely packing and securing your bags to avoid any issues on the road.

Why Carry Luggage on the Roof?

For road trips or vacations, you may need more cargo room than your backseat and trunk allow, especially with a car full of people. Here are the main advantages of using roof racks:

• Extra cargo space: Roof racks provide 50-150+ liters of additional storage capacity.
• Prevents clutter: Gets bags out of the cabin and gives passengers more leg room.
• Convenience: Easy to load and unload gear without removing other cargo.
• Fuel economy: Aerodynamic racks minimize MPG impact versus interior luggage.

Just keep in mind that roof racks do increase wind noise, affect handling, and reduce fuel efficiency slightly. But gains in usable space make it worthwhile for many travelers.

Safety Tips for Carrying Luggage on the Roof

While roof racks add lots of usefulness, you need to take safety seriously when using them to prevent accidents and damage:

• Only use crossbars designed for your specific car: Consult your owner's manual for capacity.
• Evenly distribute weight: Load evenly from side-to-side and front-to-back.
• Load the heaviest bags closest to the roof: Top-heavy loads can sway.
• Secure straps tightly: Check straps frequently since they can loosen over bumps.
• Avoid overloading: Don't exceed your roof rack's weight rating.
• Watch your speed: Drive slower than normal, especially with larger loads that affect handling.
• Mind low clearances: Pay attention to signs for bridges, garages, overpasses, etc.
• Remove racks when not in use: Minimize fuel economy impact.

Follow the instructions in this guide and exercise common sense to carry luggage safely. Let's go over the steps from start to finish.

What You'll Need to Carry Luggage on the Roof Rack

Before loading up bags, double check you have all the right gear:

• Roof rack or crossbars designed for your specific vehicle
• Luggage carriers or cargo baskets that attach to the bars
• Straps or netting to tie down and secure bags
• Padding like blankets to prevent scratches
• Measuring tape to position load evenly

You'll also want to have the manufacturer instructions for the roof racks and luggage carriers to ensure proper set up.

Steps for Loading Luggage onto a Car Roof Rack

Follow this 10 step process to safely and securely pack luggage on your car's roof:

1. Install roof rack system

If not already installed, attach the crossbars or roof rails according to the manufacturer directions. Position them evenly spaced and perpendicular to the direction of travel.

2. Add padding

Lay down a soft blanket or padding to prevent the luggage carriers from directly contacting and scratching the car's paint.

3. Attach luggage carriers

Luggage baskets or cargo pods typically clamp or strap onto the crossbars. Consult the instructions and securely fasten them in place centered between the bars.

4. Consider weight distribution

Try to distribute weight evenly from side-to-side. Also avoid placing all heavy bags in the rear, which can reduce stability.

5. Load larger and heavier items first

Start by lifting larger items like suitcases closest to the roof. Top-heavy loads can shift and sway dangerously.

6. Nestle items together snugly

Fit smaller bags between and around the bigger items. Nestling things together prevents load shifting.

7. Tie down all loose straps

Make sure no loose straps can flap around. Secure them or tuck them away to avoid damage.

8. Inspect the load stability

Before tying everything down, shake the racks gently and make sure nothing seems loose or able to slide around.

9. Secure cargo with straps or netting

Run straps or netting through and tightly around all items according to the carrier instructions. No bag should be able to move independently.

10. Recheck strap tightness

Give all straps a final tight pull to remove any slack before hitting the road. Retighten as needed during longer trips.

Properly loaded and secured luggage on car roof rack

Taking a few minutes to carefully load and tie down your bags is time well spent for safe travels. Now let's go over some key selection criteria for roof rack systems and luggage carriers.

Choosing Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers

The right components make loading luggage onto your roof smooth and secure:

Roof Racks

• Door or clamp style mounts for secure installation
• Locking posts to deter theft
• 50+ pound weight capacity
• Aerodynamic profile to reduce wind noise
• Bars that run the full length of roof for stability

Luggage Carriers

• Hard shells or durable fabric construction
• Zippered sides for easy access
• Padded bottom to protect cargo
• Expandable capacity
• Integrated strap anchors

Yakima, Thule, Rhino Rack and Malone are quality brands to consider. Use storage capacity charts to get the right size carriers for your needs.

Driving Safely with a Roof Load

Once you've double checked all the straps and tied everything down securely, hitting the road with a roof full of luggage requires extra care:

• Reduce your speed: The posted limits are for unloaded vehicles. Go 10-15mph below normal speeds.
• Allow more following distance: Increase stopping distance in case of sudden braking.
• Take corners slowly: Tight turns can shift the roof load.
• Watch for crosswinds: Luggage can sail in strong winds. Be prepared.
• Anticipate stops: Brake early and gradually.
• Check frequently: Re-tighten straps and inspect load security every couple hours.

Be especially cautious entering garages, drive-thrus and areas with low clearance. Don't just rely on your memory - if you aren't 100% certain your vehicle and cargo will clear, find another route or take the load off. Safety first!

Helpful Tips and Precautions

Here are some additional useful tips for smoothly packing your car's roof:

• Use bungee cords to secure oddly shaped items like surfboards or skis that straps don't grip well.
• Point luggage handles inwards so they don't catch the wind.
• Wrap straps once around each bag, not just the rack, for 360 degree security.
• Tuck in any loose fabric to openings to prevent ripping.
• Open one zipper at a time when accessing bags to maintain load stability.
• If your load exceeds your roof rack's limits, consider a cargo trailer instead.
• Always remove empty racks when not in use to maximize MPG.
• Periodically re-tighten straps throughout your trip as they can loosen over bumps.

With the right preparation and common sense, you can easily double your cargo capacity and free up vehicle space by carrying luggage on your roof rack. Just take it slow and be safe. Enjoy the drive!

FAQs

What is the weight limit for roof racks?

Most factory and aftermarket roof rack systems have weight capacities between 75-165 lbs. Always check your owner's manual or rack manufacturer specifications.

How can I reduce wind noise from a roof rack?

Use an enclosed, aerodynamic luggage carrier and drive slower. Some carriers include fairings to help divert airflow.

Is it safe to use ratchet straps to tie down cargo?

Yes, ratchet straps are very secure. Just make sure not to over-tighten them to the point of damaging your load.

Should I take my roof rack off when not using it?

It's recommended to remove empty racks to eliminate wind resistance and drag for better fuel economy when not needed.

Can I carry long items like surfboards directly on the crossbars?

You'll need special carriers with pads and tie downs designed for long loads like kayaks, boards, poles, etc. to safely transport them.

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