
Using a Car Top Carrier Without a Roof Rack: General Tips and Advice
- Don’t over-tighten straps, or you could tear the carrier
- Install the carrier following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Install the carrier with the opening away from the wind to the rear of the vehicle
- Always follow the roof capacity guidelines from your vehicle’s manufacturer
- Use a step stool to make it easier to reach the top of your vehicle
- Load the carrier after it’s on the roof
How many cubic feet is a roof bag?
Why are roof bags not waterproof?

How do you put a car RoofBag without a roof rack?
0:022:28Rightline Gear Attach a Car Top Carrier WITHOUT a Roof RackYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take the loop end of the attachment strap and run it through the backside of the clip. ThenMoreFirst take the loop end of the attachment strap and run it through the backside of the clip. Then take the other end of the strap. And run it through the loop.
Can you attach a cargo carrier without roof rack?
No, RoofBag car top carriers can be fastened securely to a roof rack (if the car has one), or to the roof and door frame of the car (if the car has no roof rack).
How do you install a keeper cargo bag without a roof rack?
0:303:41How To Install Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier If You Don't Have ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside of your door. And you just hook it up on that side the side frame of your car and that shouldMoreInside of your door. And you just hook it up on that side the side frame of your car and that should be it.
Can you use a cargo bag without crossbars?
Cargo bags can be beneficial for carrying large items, but they are not very safe to use on car roofs without crossbars. However, if you only carry thin, lightweight items, you will not need to use crossbars with your cargo bag.
How fast can you drive with a RoofBag?
You need to keep a speed limit of about 85mph or 130km/h. This is very important so that when you are driving, you don't over speed and cause the cargo carrier to fall off the rooftop. When you keep the speed limit to this range, it helps you to prevent an accident from happening.
How do you put a bag on a car roof?
2:044:55How to: Roof Bags - Installation and Use - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the bag directly behind the front bar and let the excess overlap on the back bar not on theMorePlace the bag directly behind the front bar and let the excess overlap on the back bar not on the front. When loading your items into the roof bag.
How do you attach a cargo bag?
0:502:05Rightline Gear Attach a Car Top Carrier WITH a Roof Rack - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that you line up the buckles to be even with an open spot on the roof rack. Itself runMoreMake sure that you line up the buckles to be even with an open spot on the roof rack. Itself run each attachment strap under the roof rack from the outside. In pull its end through its loop.
Can you install roof rack without rails?
If your car doesn't have any factory rails, don't worry; there are still options for you to put some bars on your roof. Some vehicles (BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda especially) come from the factory with fixed mounting points.
How do you attach a cargo carrier to a car?
1:369:07How To Install a Cargo Carrier on Your Vehicle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to make sure you have a bolt hole on either side you need to move it around to try toMoreAnd you want to make sure you have a bolt hole on either side you need to move it around to try to get it in position and you need to do that in the front and the back I'm lined up in the rear.
How safe are car roof bags?
Hardy: Roof bags are made from heavy-duty waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics. Those designed and produced by reputable manufacturers are able to cope with both sunny and wintery conditions for a long time.
Why do you need roof rack cross bars?
Crossbars. Usually two bars that run across the width of the vehicle roof, which you then mount your activity-specific racks to; whether it's ski racks, bike racks, cargo boxes, kayak racks, etc. Crossbars support the weight of all the gear you're adding to the roof and transfer the weight to the towers/feet.
How do you strap down a cargo carrier?
With the cargo on your roof, lay the safety strap across the width of your cargo. Take an end of the safety strap and loop it down, under a roof bar that runs perpendicular to your vehicle, and then back up to the top of the cargo. Bring that strap end around to the other side of the cargo.
Do you need a roof rack for roof bag?
It's tough too, with a heavy-duty, UV-resistant fabric and you can use it with or without roof racks.
Do I have to use a roof rack?
We highly recommend having a roof rack. They allow you to carry almost anything you don't want or can't fit inside your vehicle. It could be big things like boats or bikes or nasty things like wet camping gear or hockey equipment. Some vehicles come with factory installed rack systems, some don't.
Can you put a roof rack on a car without rails?
If your car doesn't have any factory rails, don't worry; there are still options for you to put some bars on your roof. Some vehicles (BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda especially) come from the factory with fixed mounting points.
How do you attach a cargo carrier to a car?
1:369:07How To Install a Cargo Carrier on Your Vehicle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to make sure you have a bolt hole on either side you need to move it around to try toMoreAnd you want to make sure you have a bolt hole on either side you need to move it around to try to get it in position and you need to do that in the front and the back I'm lined up in the rear.
How many cubic feet is a roof bag?
The rooftop cargo bag made by Tool Guards is similar in size to the Roofbag with 15 cubic feet of space but it has some different features that make it a very attractive option!
Why are roof bags not waterproof?
The reason being is that a poor quality bag that sits in the sun will begin to fray and crack, in effect making it not waterproof. Low-quality materials may also scratch the roof of your vehicle.
Confirm that weight of luggage does not exceed allowable weight
The general instruction and applications for putting luggage on top of your car when you don’t have a roof rack are to follow your owner’s manual and all manufacturer instructions for the proper use and maximum allowable weights.
Create balance by allowing lighter loads go first
There is no way we can talk about packing luggage and loads on our car without talking about roof rack, even if the subject requires that absence of roof rack.
Ensure that all luggage is at the center of the roof of the vehicle
I hope you get the message here. I’m sure you must have seen some little cars with overwhelming cargo on the top to the extent that it even hangs over the windshield. So must it all be at the top?
Ensure tie-downs are tied properly
It is your responsibility as a driver to make sure that your tie-down is attached and secured properly such that they do not become loose, unfastened, opened, or released when you are driving.
How to install a roof bag?
GENERAL INSTALLATION. 1. Clean Car's Rooftop. Place the carrier on a clean roof and (preferably) on a Protective Mat. 2. Insert the Top Strap On RoofBag Car Top Carrier. Find the bag with the label Top Strap and open it. Slide the top strap left-to-right under the 2 front strap guides located at the top of the carrier. 3.
How to place roof bag on car?
Place RoofBag Carrier on the Car with the Logo Facing the Back. The side of the carrier without zipper should be facing the front of the car and RoofBag logo should be facing the back of the car to keep the aerodynamic shape. 4. Place Carrier On Car's Rooftop - Leave 8 Inches in Front. Front of carrier should be at least 8 inches ...
How to make a car carrier fuller?
Open zipper and fill carrier while it 's on top of the car since the carrier may get too heavy to lift once it's full. 6. Load the carrier as full as possible. A fuller bag provides a smoother ride. Place more items toward the rear to preserve the bag's wedge shape. Cushion hard or sharp objects to avoid fabric damage .
How far should a car carrier be behind the roof?
Place Carrier On Car's Rooftop - Leave 8 Inches in Front. Front of carrier should be at least 8 inches behind front edge of roof, to minimize wind noise and improve gas mileage. 5. Open Zipper and Fill the Carrier While Sitting on the Car.
How to adjust a strap?
Fasten the straps as described on the links below and then adjust the length by pulling the free ends of the straps. Straps should be snug but not over-tight. Tuck the free ends under the straps, to avoid strap flapping.
Where are roof bags made?
Made in San Diego, California, USA , using only top quality, military-grade materials. Save Fuel with RoofBag's original aerodynamic design. Save Cost when you buy factory-direct from RoofBag.com. Enjoy large capacity storage without the bulk and high cost of hard carriers. Simple to install, remove and store.
What is the warranty on a top carrier?
A 30-day returns policy applies to unused car top carriers. A 2-year repair/replacement warranty covers: fabric puncture or tear, fabric and seam waterproofness, failure of straps, buckles and other hardware, seam separation, zipper operation and integrity, and separation of welded components. Not covered: damage caused by falls, accidents, improper installation, natural wear and tear, or failure of the car's components used to attach the carrier to the car. More details in Warranty and Returns page.
How to tie down luggage on roof rack?
How to Tie Down Luggage on a Roof Rack. By the time you pack yourself, the kids, and the dog in the car, there probably isn't much room left over for your luggage. Fortunately, roof luggage racks save space inside your car by allowing you to utilize your roof space for your gear. Just load up the roof, strap down your cargo, and hit the road!
How to secure luggage in a roof box?
Just mount the roof box to your crossbars via the included attachment system. Open the cargo box lid, place your luggage inside, and close the lid. Many boxes include locks to secure your belongings.
What is the WLL of a cargo?
The WLL is always one-third (1/3) of the maximum load. It is recommended that you always use straps in pairs . Strap connects to two anchor points on roof cargo tray Tie-down straps secure luggage in roof basket Ratchet straps secure luggage in roof basket Buckles are tightened and secured around cargo.
How to determine maximum load of straps?
For example, if you are using straps with a WLL of 500 lbs each to tie down a 1,000-lb load, you need at least 2 straps to safely secure that load. To determine the maximum load, or break strength, of the strap, multiply the WLL by 3. The WLL is always one-third (1/3) of the maximum load. It is recommended that you always use straps in pairs.
What is a roof rack net?
A roof luggage rack net can also be used to help secure your belongings. However, note that it's often difficult to find a net suited to the exact size of your particular load, so a net alone won't likely hold your luggage snugly in place. For this reason, you'll likely want to secure your luggage with straps first.
What is a roof bag?
Roof Bags. Roof bags are available in multiple capacities. Some roof bags mount to roof racks or raised side rails, some mount to roof baskets, and others mount to naked roofs. Most include tie-down straps for attachment.
Can you use a roof basket alone?
However, when used alone, baskets and trays are not weatherproof.
How many cubic feet is a roof bag?
The rooftop cargo bag made by Tool Guards is similar in size to the Roofbag with 15 cubic feet of space but it has some different features that make it a very attractive option!
Why are roof bags not waterproof?
The reason being is that a poor quality bag that sits in the sun will begin to fray and crack, in effect making it not waterproof. Low-quality materials may also scratch the roof of your vehicle.
