How to: load a roof rack
Cars have limited room inside to carry passengers and all their gear, so a roof rack can be an ideal storage solution for a road trip. Before you start loading up, there are several regulations and safety considerations to take into account.
1. Load and the law
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) refers to a car’s maximum legal weight. This is the weight of the vehicle, plus everything onboard, including passengers, fuel, luggage, accessories, and if you’re towing, the weight of the caravan, trailer or boat pushing down on the vehicle’s tow ball (ball mass). Remember, the rack and everything on it must be included when calculating the vehicle’s total weight. For this reason, some people prefer a high-quality aluminium rack rather than one made from heavy steel.
2. Tie it down
Attaching a tonne of surf gear to the roof with well-worn octopus straps has gone the way of velour-lined Sandman panel vans. A rooftop load should be secured to suitable attachment points using rated equipment that displays the load weight it can handle. There are several types of restraints, including ratchet straps and synthetic ropes.
3. Watch your weight
Overloading a roof rack can break it and even structurally damage the car’s roof pillars. Roof rack manufacturers apply weight limits to their products and carmakers have roof load limits for their vehicles. If the roof has a load limit less than the rack, it’s important to follow the lower limit. Discuss load limits with the roof-rack retailer before you buy. If your car owner’s manual doesn’t show the roof load limit, contact the carmaker.
4. Overloading can be costly
Be careful not to overload your vehicle. Most car insurance policies have a clause stating that cover doesn’t apply if the vehicle is transporting a load heavier than it was built to carry.
5. Spread the load
The most important part of any trip is the safety of vehicle occupants. Keeping weight low down on the car reduces the risk of a potentially catastrophic rollover caused by a top-heavy load.
It’s best to store lighter, bulky items on the roof rack instead of heavy objects like spare wheels and toolboxes. Some weighty items can be stored securely inside the vehicle, while spare wheels can be carried on properly constructed and fitted holders lower down on the car.
Spreading the weight evenly over the entire area of the roof rack can also help with vehicle control, and prevent uneven stress across the rack and roof.
IMAGES: Getty.
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