Properly Securing Loads To Roof Rack

For a video and step by step instructions on how to tie down a kayak please see our article on how to tie down a kayak to a vehicle.

Properly securing loads to roof rack.

The second option is the side racks. The new rules are based on the north american cargo securement standard model regulations reflecting the results of a multi year research program to evaluate u s. Lighter goes lower place heavier items on top of lighter items. A roof rack acts as a support when securing your load.

On september 27 2002 the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa published new cargo securement rules. If you have a roof rack the straps ropes can be looped around the side and cross rails. On each side of the roof you ll see a rack that runs the length of the roof of the vehicle. With the third option crossbars with side rails you can secure an item to the side rails and run tie downs from front to back securing them to the crossbars.

But once you hit the road turn encounter bumps and dips or slow down inertia multiplies the weight of your load by four to five times. A roof rack s load rating is based on a static load the weight of the load when the vehicle isn t moving. The basic steps to properly and safely secure cargo to the roof of your vehicle are the same whether you re securing your cargo to roof cross bars side rails ladder racks or baskets. It 39 s the best way to carry oddly shaped unwieldy and extra items that might not fit in the.

When you own a car at some point or another you 39 re going to want to put things on your roof. Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the new requirements beginning january 1 2004. Before placing cargo on your car s roof make sure you have the proper materials to keep the items secure and safe. Use a tie down that wraps around the item and the rails.

First verify whether your vehicle has a roof rack. Stack items evenly across the roof and in the center of the doors. Cover the entire load with a tarp or netting to prevent things from falling out. Wood said most roof rack systems for cars have a dynamic roof load of about 165 pounds.

Consider a roof rack. Always pay attention to the load limits of your roof rack either printed in the manual or stamped on the rack itself.