How to pack a car top carrier

Most car top carriers are packed and used in similar manor.  However some close differently.  These directions describe the Classic car top carrier with fold and bend closure.  Other carriers you simply fill and zip shut.  IMPORTANT:  For any car top carrier bag, pack it full so the sides are taunt so it doesn't flap in the wind.  Also, straps work best with a full load so the gear doesn't shift.  Car top carrier bags are easy to use with practice and by following these simple guidelines.

Place car top carrier on the roof of your car. Make sure your rack/bar system is secure to the vehicle and don't load over your rack's weight limits.  Have a clean car top. (Shown above, optional bottom pad under the carrier). 

Picture above shows optional waterproof liner.  It fits inside the Classic like one paper grocery bag inside another.  LakelandGear carriers keep most water in most cases, however in big storms at highway speeds, the liner ensures your gear stays dry.  Our liner can be used in any car top carrier bag.

The top and bottom of the Classic are the same.  Fold back one edge to make loading easier (so the Velcro doesn't keep sticking together).

Put things with sharp edges (camp stoves, tent poles) in the center with soft stuff like sleeping bags on the outside.  Pack it full so the carrier material won't flap in the wind.  This is also important, because a full carrier prevents the load from shifting and your straps from coming loose.   Leave 12" of space at the opening to fold the closure shut.

Press all the Velcro together, the sides in, and top to bottom.  Roll the Velcro end tightly, toward your load, like rolling a big bag of potato chips closed. Make sure there are at least THREE folds around the 2" webbing.  If you have a smaller load fold it down until the contents are snug inside.

Bend the ends of the folds together (bend up or down, it doesn't matter) and connect the buckle. Tighten the buckle strap. If the closing process is too cumbersome, Classic is too full.  Closing  is easy to do if you leave 12" of space at the opening allowing for at least 3 folds.

The big loops by the buckles can be used with the car top carrier locking system.  Run the optional cable lock through the loops and around the luggage rack.

Attaching your car top carrier to the luggage rack.  Each LakelandGear car top carrier includes StrapRight (TM) which consists of 4 pairs of ultra strong, ultra tough nylon webbing straps, designed for easy use on just about any vehicle.

Each set consists of two pieces  with loops at the ends.  One has a ladder lock buckle the other is just straight.  You simply place the loop end behind your luggage rack bar and pull the other end through it's own loop.  See the picture above.

Attach each strap piece to the luggage rack on opposite sides and thread the straight end through the ladder lock buckle over top of the carrier.  You will use at least two sets of straps, side to side or front to back.  If you have a four bar rack use all four sets.  Use the strap adjustments to position the buckle where you need it. Run the straps through the "D" rings, handles, or strap guides that are on your CTC.  Make sure each set of straps are spaced at least 20" apart.

 Fasten the buckle, see the diagram below.

Here is what it should look like when you are finished.  You may only use two sets if you have a two bar luggage rack.   However use as many straps as you feel secure with.  More straps compresses the load and adds security.   With two bar luggage racks you can use the extra straps down the sides of the carrier, threading them through the handls.

Make sure the straps are snug.  Give them a good tug with your hand. If the straps are too tight however, they might rub holes. When the Classic is filled out snug, no flapping material, straps snug, and loose ends tied off, you're good to go.  Test drive your load around the neighborhood.  Always check your straps during your trip.

Properly loaded and strapped down, car top bags don't move around, whistle or make sounds while you drive.  Place on clean roof top.  Our carriers will not scratch your car (use a pad to protect your roof from what you pack inside the carrier i.e. suitcases with steel feet or wheels).

Your StrapRight system comes all set up ready to use.  You can adjust the buckle positions for length etc., but there is no need to take the buckles or adjustors off the straps.  Pay attention how the buckles work.  If you put them on incorrectly, they may slip off.  Make sure there is at least 3 inches of strap through the adjustors to hold it in place.

If you don't have a luggage rack, use the optional car clips with your hard top vehicle. Put the clips on the straps and put the clips under the roof frame inside the doors. 

Car top carriers do not hold firewood, kids, pets, glass objects, rare artwork etc.

RAIN: The Classic and all our carriers are very weather resistant. El Nino tested, no joke. The new closing system is the best on the market. They make white-water rafting bags this way. Our closing system is like a duck's butt in a pond. No water gets in. Stitched seams are another issue.  IF you anticipate a rain storm, and you're going to be on the highway, get our waterproof  liner.  It offers protection from any water that seeps thru the double stitched side seam.  LakelandGear Classic and liner offers the best car top waterproof protection on the market.

New Feature: If you pack Classic pretty full, you can nestle skis or other long objects on top. Put the strapping system over the skis and Classic then strap the entire bundle down secure. Make sure no sharp objects poke or rub the carrier the wrong way. Notice these skis are in a bag. You may want to put a pad between the carrier and the skis. Don't exceed your rack's weight limit.  Do a test drive in the neighborhood make sure the entire load is secure.

How to use car clips or gutter hooks if you vehicle doesn't have a luggage rack.

RZ100 Roof Top Cargo Carrier             Sport 1 car top carrier           Compare our car top carriers side by side!