{"id":850,"date":"2017-10-12T10:00:44","date_gmt":"2017-10-12T10:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dealerfireblog.com\/buyherepayhereusa\/?p=850"},"modified":"2023-10-14T04:42:34","modified_gmt":"2023-10-14T04:42:34","slug":"how-to-tie-things-to-a-car-roof-tips-for-securing-cargo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autosimple.com\/blog\/how-to-tie-things-to-a-car-roof-tips-for-securing-cargo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tie Things to a Car Roof | Tips for Securing Cargo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you think about renting a U-Haul truck (which by the way is going to cost you a lot more than $19.99), figure out if you can secure the load to the roof of your car. Whether you\u2019re taking a trip to the country or dropping your kid off at college, that extra cargo needs to go somewhere.<\/p>\n

As a driver, you have the responsibility to properly secure your cargo to prevent injuries on the road.<\/p>\n

In fact, according to a AAA study<\/a>, more than 200,000 crashes happened between 2011 and 2014 as a result of debris on U.S. roadways. These crashes led to over 500 deaths and 39,000 injuries. Around two-thirds of these accidents were the result of improper maintenance and unsecured loads. You can help decrease road-debris crashes by learning how to properly secure cargo on your cars and truck beds<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And whatever you do, don\u2019t strap your dog or any other pet to the roof of your vehicle, especially if you\u2019re thinking about running for public office.<\/p>\n

Whatever you need to tie to the top of your car roof, follow these steps so everything stays firmly in place without flying off and causing an accident.<\/p>\n

Materials:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ratchet Straps or Cam Straps<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can use rope, but it\u2019s too hard to explain how to tie knots for people who aren\u2019t familiar with basic knotting techniques. Plus, good ratchet or cam straps are rock solid, with no risk of slipping or loosening with vibrations. You can buy multiple ratchet or cam straps for around $10. Make sure the straps are rated with a holding strength at least twice the weight of the load.<\/p>\n

Warning:<\/strong> Don\u2019t crank the straps so much that they end up damaging your cargo (or your roof)! Consider cam straps instead, which are much less likely to damage anything from overtightening.<\/p>\n

Rope<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We recommend ratchet straps, but rope can add some nice versatility to the mix. If you\u2019ve been tying knots since childhood, this will be instinctual. If not, you\u2019ll want to learn some trucker\u2019s knots; or instead, use ratchet straps, cam straps, and maybe some bungee cords.<\/p>\n

Bungee Cords<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Speaking of bungee cords, they should not be relied on as primary tie-downs. They tend to be unsafe and hard to maneuver. They can be useful, however, when preventing bicycle wheels from spinning, strapping down a tarp, or securing items together. But never solely rely on them to hold down a load!<\/p>\n

Cargo (Spider) Netting and\/or Tarp<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When you are finished strapping your load down, we recommend covering everything with a sturdy net or water-proof tarp to prevent airborne debris.<\/p>\n

Roof Rack<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you are constantly hauling things like bikes or kayaks on top of your vehicle, consider purchasing a specific rack for these items (for example, Thule or Yakima) to save a lot of time and add some additional safety to the mix.<\/p>\n

Helper(s)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Large items are heavy and awkward to move on your own. If you are dealing with cumbersome cargo, ask a friend or family member for help. Don\u2019t let your pride cause expensive damage or unsafe road conditions. Remember, pride comes before a fall\u2014in this case, literally.<\/p>\n

Step-By-Step Instructions for Tying Items to a Car Roof<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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    Follow the directions that come with your products<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When you are tying things down to the roof of your vehicle, each product (ratchet straps, cam straps, rope, netting, etc.) will have different instructions for use. Make sure you read all instructions before use. As a general rule, buy straps that have a holding strength twice that of your cargo weight.<\/p>\n

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      Consider a roof rack<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If you have a roof rack, the straps\/ropes can be looped around the side and cross rails.<\/p>\n