When it comes to rooftop cargo bags, there are a lot of questions that come up: Are they safe? Are they durable? Will they keep my things safe and sound while I'm on the road?
In this article, I'll answer all of those questions and more. I'll talk about the construction of rooftop cargo bags and why they are such a safe option for travelers.
Rooftop cargo bags are perfectly safe to use. This is because they are designed with security in mind as well as usefulness. External factors and human mistakes are the most common causes of cargo bags and baskets becoming hazardous. As a result, these storage bags alone do not put your vehicle or goods at risk.
Factors That Make Rooftop Cargo Bags Unsafe
Cargo bags and carriers can be extremely useful in the event of an accident, but they might also cause harm if used incorrectly. Some events may result in displacement, which could send your stuff off the road and create a traffic hazard for other drivers.
So, examine the following things to determine whether your cargo bags are dangerous:
1. Low Tire Pressure
If your tire has a low air pressure, putting any more weight on the vehicle is probably not a good idea. As a result, you should verify your tire pressure before loading your cargo bag. If it's too low, have it addressed and then put it in the luggage compartment once again.
2. Untightened Straps
If your rooftop cargo bag isn't secured, it's likely to become a danger. The instability in your load will make it wobbly, even if you are at fault. What's worse is that the goods might easily fall off the roof, causing an issue on the road.
3. Loosened Clamps
If you're putting your carrier on crossbars or roof racks, make sure the clamps and towers are locked. Even if the bag's straps are tautened, if the crossbar fit kit is not properly installed, it may displace the goods.
4. Extreme Weather Conditions
If you don't have access to a vehicle, or if the road conditions are unfavorable, consider using special cargo bags. If it's snowing or raining, your roof bag or carrier may be damaged.
However, if you’re looking for a waterproof and durable like the RoofPax 15 cft. Waterproof Car Roof Bag, with an anti-slip mat is a way to go, it comes at around $159.00 on amazon.
Related: The 6 Best Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Bags Money Can Buy
5. Uneven Weight Distribution
It's not enough to simply place a roof basket, carrier, or bag on top of something. The weight of the stuff must be dispersed or stacked based on its size.
For one, you can't have too much of the weight concentrated on one side. Rather than disturbing your car's traction, it should be placed in the center to ensure that.
6. Poor Cargo Bag Quality
Roof bags aren't all made equal. Some are less expensive than others, but they use low-quality webbing and vinyl coverings.
If you want to ensure that your belongings are secure in the bag or carrier, the most important factor to consider is quality.
Fortunately, reputable businesses may be found on the internet.
For example, the Amazon Basics rooftop cargo carrier bag has proven to be a crowd pleasure due to its waterproof and fade-resistant properties. It also has solid seams and compact storage that back up its premium quality that tops its affordable price of $46.11 on amazon.
Related: Cargo Boxes vs Cargo Bags: Which is Better? and Why
Other Safety Tips To Consider
Rooftop car transportation becomes a problem only if it isn't handled with care and forethought.
Aside from using the aforementioned factors as a reference for assuring the security and safety of your rooftop cargo bags, keep these additional suggestions in mind:
1. Make Sure Your Rooftop Cargo Bag Has No Damage
Before using your cargo bag and basket, ensure that there are no dents, cuts, or other damage.
If you believe the roof bag won't survive the journey, regardless of the weather, don't hesitate to skip using it. You may wind up with stuff falling out of the bag or basket if you don't. It could even come off your windshield, resulting in an accident or vehicle damage.
2. Wrap Your Items With Plastic or Padding
When transporting delicate, spillable, or sharp objects, wrap them in foam padding or plastic to secure them. The extra layer gives a cushion that absorbs shocks and protects your goods while they're stored within the rooftop cargo bags.
Wrapped items are also more durable, so they protect the top of your vehicle's roof from further damage.
Some may assert that the cushions are too thick, but if you're traveling over an undulating road, it's critical to the safety of your goods and car at all costs.
3. Be Selective With Your Cargo Items
Many storage bags and cargo carriers are adaptable, which means you can store all sorts of stuff in them. If you're transporting hazardous chemicals that may be corrosive, you might end up damaging not just the bag itself, but also your vehicle's roof.
As a result, it is critical to be more selective about what you carry in your roof bag or vehicle, since it may save you time and money from having repairs.
4. Take Note of the Additional Height
It's understood that most vehicles can't accommodate additional items placed on the rooftop. This might have an impact on the aerodynamics of your vehicle, putting more strain on the tires and necessitating more gasoline usage. It's just not doable.
So, as a solution, some drivers put more products on top of the rooftop cargo bags. While it's fine if the weight does not exceed the dynamic and static limits, the additional height might detract from your safety.
If you pass through a tunnel or an entrance with vertical clearance, for example, it will be more difficult to judge height. You may even need to pull over and re-position your goods to go through.
How Do You Secure Rooftop Cargo Bags?
Roof bags, freight carriers, and basket security might be simple to protect. The actions aren't difficult if you have the mounting materials. Follow these instructions to avoid trouble:
- Check to see whether any additional items are required for installation. Check that none of the essential accessories are damaged.
- The cargo bag should be placed on the roof at the center or top of the crossbars. Place it as far away from the front edge of your car as possible.
- Attach the other end of the strap to the receiving buckle on the other side. Repeat steps 5-8 with any additional straps you wish.
- Check the cargo's stability by tightening the buckle and testing it.
- Check for any objects that have fallen out of the bag or basket since it was moved.
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
Final Thoughts
Many purchasers are unaware that adding a cargo bag to their automobile immediately increases storage space, minimizes material transport time, and makes it easier to keep track of your stuff. While it's natural to consider its safety, given that it puts pressure on the vehicle, which in turn affects its performance.
However, you'll be relieved to learn that if you install and secure a cargo bag properly, it is typically considered safe. In the end, your attention as the driver will determine how well it functions and whether it causes any damage.