Car Top Carrier Packing And Strapping Instructions

The directions below are for the Classic Car Top Carrier with its fold and bend closure.  The Sport carriers zip shut around the top with the ZipRight closure. Car top carriers are easy to use with just a little practice.

It is usually the easiest to pack the carrier on the roof of your vehicle. All carriers should be placed with their closed end facing the front of the vehicle. Make sure the roof rack is secure to the your vehicle and don't load over your rack's weight limits.  Remember to clean the roof of your vehicle first. The optional Non-skid Roof Protection Pad is shown under the carrier in these photos. 

The PackRight waterproof liner is shown in the picture below.  It fits inside any car top carrier.  All PackRight carriers are made of waterproof Hydrotuff material, but it is possible for a small amount of water to seep in through the seams. The waterproof liner is available to keep your gear 100% dry, even at highway speeds.

Fold back one edge of the Classic Carrier to keep the Velcro from sticking together while loading.

Place any items with sharp or pointed edges in the middle and pack softer items around them. This packing approach will protect the carrier material and the roof of your vehicle. Pack the carrier full so that the sides are pulled tight. This step prevents the carrier material from flapping in the wind and keeps the load from shifting which may cause the straps to loosen. Leave at least 12" of  unpacked space at the opening of the carrier so that there is room to fold the closure shut.

Connect the Velcro tabs on both sides and then secure the top and bottom Velcro pieces together at the opening. Roll the opening toward the gear tightly with at least two to three folds - just like rolling up a potato chip bag. If the carrier is not at maximum capacity, keep rolling until the bag is tight around the gear.

Bend the two ends of the opening together and clip the buckle. Tighten the buckle strap to make sure it is secure. If the Velcro sections do not easily press together or you can't get at least two to three folds, it probably means the Classic Carrier is over packed. The big fabric loops by the buckles can be used with the PackRight Security Cable Lock.  Run the cable through the loops and around the roof rack, adjusting the cable for a tight fit so that the lock doesn't bounce around.

 

Using a Roof Rack

Using two straps front to back or two straps side to side will function properly; however, using all four straps is the most secure method of attachment. Each carrier comes with a Strapright Strap Set (4 straps).

Each StrapRight strap consists of two pieces connected through a center buckle. Unthread the free piece from the buckle and secure it to your rack by threading the end through the loop and pulling tight. Go to the opposite side of the vehicles roof rack and secure the other piece to the rack by the same method. Run both straps through the carriers plastic rings or handles on each side. Bring the straps together (should be on the top corner of the carrier) and thread the free strap back through the center buckle.

The straps opposite piece has a plastic tri-glide to secure the extra length of the strap so that it doesnt flap in the wind. When adjusting the straps through the center buckle, make sure to thread enough length through each side so that they will not pull out under tension.  Always check straps before driving and tie off any excess strapping. If the straps are too long, cut off the extra length and melt ends to prevent fraying.

 

Do not attach straps to the plastic rings or handles. They will cause them damage. The strap tension from one roof rail to the other over the top of the carrier secures the load. Position the straps at least 20 apart. This diagram shows what a properly packed carrier should look like when you are finished. 

StrapRight straps must be snug but not "piano wire" tight. When the carrier is fully loaded, the straps are snug, and the loose ends are tied off, you are ready to go. We recommend a test drive around the neighborhood before you leave on your trip. Remember to check the straps regularly throughout your trip.

No Roof Rack

If your vehicle does not have a roof rack, you may secure the carrier to the roof by following one of two options. First, you may run the StrapRight Straps (provided with the carrier) through the vehicle and around the carrier to secure the load. Second, you may use the Car Clip Strap Set (purchased separately) to attach to the vehicle's door frame and around the carrier to secure the load. Read more about this second option by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.

Packright Car Top Carrier Features

Car Clip Strap Set For Vehicles With NO LUGGAGE RACK

Car Top Carrier Photos

Car Top Carriers As Part of Your Emergency Evacuation Plan