Roof Rack Disasters

This week I have witnessed the results of an improperly installed roof rack too many times.  An improperly attached roof rack can damage your car, the cargo, the rack itself and anyone caught up in the flying debris.  It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing a roof rack no matter which vendor you choose.

It is also important to secure the cargo properly to ensure that the least amount of drag is placed on the roof rack. Kayaks seem to be the most common culprit in the unexpected flight of a roof rack. Most people seem to just toss the kayak’s on their roof rack and tie a rope around it. Before I talk about how to secure your cargo let’s talk about the rack itself.

There are several things you need to consider before packing up your gear. First what is the maximum load of a roof rack; second how well the roof rack is attached and if it’s been up there for a while have you check to make sure it’s still tightly secured.

You can find out the maximum load for your car and roof rack from the manufacturer. I drive a VW GTI with a Thule roof rack and it has a maximum load of 130lbs. This means I can carry at a max two Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayaks (45lbs each) and 1 Iron Horse Maverick Mtn Bike (29lbs), which I do often.

I always install the roof rack per the manufacturer’s instructions utilizing my car’s built in roof rack mount’s. Once installed I make sure the rack is tightly attached to my car by pulling on the roof rack and making sure I rock the car not the rack. It shouldn’t budge. Check this before putting any cargo on the roof each time. If it has loosened tighten it first.

Once you are comfortable with the installation of the roof rack you must load your cargo securely and safely. I recommend using the manufacturer’s accessories. Thule offers great products for all types of cargo. I use the Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port for the kayaks and the Thule 599XTR Big Mouth for the bike. This way you can be sure that they are properly attached to the rack.  Each comes with all the things needed to secure your cargo.

I want to talk a little bit more about Kayak’s and how to properly attach them. Make sure they are centered on the roof, you do not want them to far back or two far forward. Next using 2 Thule 521 Load Straps (Comes with the Hull-a-Port) tighten the kayak to the rack around both bars. Each kayak should have two straps. Make sure they are tight you do not want the kayak to move during transport.  The next step is very important and usually forgotten to skipped. You should secure the kayaks bow and stern (front & back) to the car and not the rack. I use the Thule 855XT Quick Draw (Comes with the Hull-a-Port) This will help keep the front of the kayak tight and prevent any sudden updraft of air from lifting the kayak and the roof rack off the car.

Below are two pictures of what happens when you improperly secure your roof rack and cargo.