If you're looking for extra storage capacity on your next road trip, roof bags might be the perfect solution.
But before you purchase one, it's important to know that these bags can often produce a good amount of noise when the car is in motion. This is due to the vibrations that occur when the vehicle moves.
In this article, we'll provide 5 tips to help reduce the noise made by your roof bag and ensure a more peaceful road trip for all!
4 Ways To Reduce Roof Bag Noise
You won't have to put up with the nerve-racking ear-splitting noise of an unstable roof bag. Here are some ways to protect your vehicle and cargo:
1. Use a Protective Pad
An anti-slip protective mat is an excellent method to absorb vibrations from the roof bag contact on the roof. Not only does it cut down on noise, but it also keeps your roof safe from sliding or shifting, especially when driving on an uneven road.
If you're still thinking about purchasing a roof bag, consider one that comes with an anti-slip surface like MIDABAO's roof bag (on amazon). You'll avoid having to make another purchase this way.
However, If you already own a roof bag, consider investing in a protective mat for an inexpensive price, like the Mockins Roof Mat for any car roof storage luggage.
2. Fill the Bag According to Capacity
Make sure your roof bag is large enough to hold everything you want to bring. Putting too little weight in the bag may allow the things you're putting inside to shift or move throughout the journey.
If this isn't an option, don't just fill the bag with whatever comes to mind. You may add as many straps as you like as long as the contents remain upright.
You may also choose from roof bags that are already built for complete or partial capacity, such as the Amazon Basics rooftop cargo carrier bag. This storage bag has integrated straps to keep the items secure from top to bottom.
3. Arrange the Bag Within the Recommended Distance
When installed on a vehicle, the center top is generally the go-to position for roof bags. Otherwise, it may have an impact on the vehicle's aerodynamics, resulting in extra noise and potentially lowering your fuel efficiency.
However, Some drivers push the roof bag forward to the front edge or on the sides to make room for additional goods, which might seem like a good idea for a larger roof capacity but is the contrary.
Also, Even if you don't have a car with curved roofs, there are still ways to keep them looking sharp. For example, some vehicles have curves on their roof that should be maintained for better aerodynamics and streamlined motion. If you cover this curvature, you may be sacrificing more than a quieter ride. You should make sure the entire base roof rack
The ideal option is to keep the bag in its designated location and fill additional gaps with other objects. If there's no more room for more luggage or equipment on top, don't push it; otherwise, you risk endangering your safety.
4. Mount the Roof Bag Tightly
You might already be aware that keeping your roof bag secure and tight while traveling is essential to reducing vibration noise.
With this, you should make sure that your straps and hook attachments are the best quality feasible. If not, your mounting support might just break in the middle of the journey, especially if the weather is bad.
Check out roof bags that include premium tie-down straps and other installation items like the RoofBag rooftop cargo carrier.
Related: The 6 Best Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bags Money Can Buy
Steps To Secure a Roof Bag
It's a straightforward job to tie down a roof bag, especially if you have all of the supplies on hand.
Here are the easy techniques for keeping your roof bag from making any noise during transit.
- Place the goods on the roof and set them on the surface.
- Place the safety strap over the breadth of the roof bag.
- Run the strap parallel to the roof rack and one end beneath the bars until it reaches the top of the goods.
- Secure the fastening buckle firmly, keeping the goods steady.
- If you have a bare roof, be sure the hooks on the ends of your straps are attached to the vehicle's inside.
To develop a more significant understanding of how to attach a car-top carrier without a roof rack successfully, I suggest you read this article
How Noisy Are Roof Bags When Traveling?
Roof bags are not meant to be so loud that they disrupt your journey. However, because of their light noises, especially if you're driving on difficult terrain, they may create a lot of noise. These sounds are only vibrations produced by little potholes on the bumpy road. In most situations, they are barely perceptible.
Roof bags, on the other hand, can make a lot of noise if they aren't securely fastened, even though this is quite rare.
If the straps are undone, the roof bag has a good chance of sliding or shifting, resulting in loud noises. If this is the case, pulling off the road to see what's generating the racket is recommended. Otherwise, you might end up losing your goods during your trip.
Furthermore, if the capacity is not filled, roof bag noises may be noisy.
Consider a softshell roof bag with an internal capacity of 11 cubic feet and a user volume of 0.5 percent. This might offer extra space for your possessions, causing them to jiggle and flip about during the trip.
Why Should You Reduce Roof Bags Noise?
A noisy roof bag is disruptive in the first place. But it can also jeopardize the security and safety of your goods and your automobile.
When your roof bag makes noise, it generally indicates that the cargo isn't secure. As a result, it's very likely to fall off the rooftop or get thrown out of the truck. The continuous shaking may also harm your car's roof, especially if it is visibly loud and robust.
When your roof bag succumbs to these vibrations, the most practical thing to do is inspect the foundation. It's preferable to test the stability of the base roof bag before you begin traveling. If you're using a crossbar for support, make it a point of habit to tighten the tie-down ropes and towers.
Final Thoughts
It's tough to overlook a noisy roof bag. It's not only annoying, but it also screams danger in every aspect. As a result, once you notice loud vibrations on your rooftop, look into it right away.
But as they say, it's preferable to avoid it than to deal with it halfway down the street. So, before you depart for your destination, make sure your roof bags are solid and properly installed.