Packing The Cargo Saddlebag

It is important to clean the back of your vehicle first. If you are planning to use the Cargo Saddlebag’s license plate sleeve (Fig 1), please unscrew your license plate before getting started. Make sure the roof rack is securely fastened to your vehicle and don't load over its weight limit.

You may load the Cargo Saddlebag on the ground or while suspended from the back of your vehicle. The Cargo Saddlebag is designed for duffel bags, suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, coats, and other relatively soft and lightweight items. Please avoid coolers or other heavy items. Place items with sharp or pointed edges in the middle, packing softer items around them. The maximum load capacity of the Cargo Saddlebag is ~100lbs.

Pack the cargo bag full so that the sides are pulled tight. A properly packed Cargo Saddlebag should look like the one in the picture below (Fig 2) when you are finished.

Closing The Car Back Carrier

Close the zipper system and fold the protective flap down (Fig 3). The PackRight Security Cable Lock (Fig 4) can be used to secure the cargo bag closed. Run the lock’s cable through the two zipper pulls and adjust it for a tight fit.

Attaching The Cargo Saddlebag To The Vehicle

Loop the two primary side straps around the vehicle’s luggage rack (Fig 5), either the rear cross bar or the 2 side rails. Make sure the roof protection pads (Fig 6) are face down on the top rear corner of the vehicle. Bring the two ends of each strap together and engage the buckle (Fig 7), testing that it is fully locked together. Adjust the straps so that the bottom of the bag is level with the top of the bumper. Adjust each strap’s plastic tri-glide so that no excess strap material will flap in the wind.

Run the smaller straps provided (Fig 8) through the guides on the bottom of the bag and attach to the tow hitch, bumper, or to something underneath the bumper. Adjust each strap’s plastic tri-glide (Fig 9) so that no excess strap material will flap in the wind.

If you are unable to attach the smaller straps to the lower part of the vehicle, use the large strap like a belt. Run it around the girth of the cargo bag and then around the vehicle’s rear door, shutting the door over the strap (Fig 10). From the inside of the vehicle, bring the two ends of the strap together and engage the buckle. Then, pull the two ends tight. The extra strap length can be secured using the plastic tri-glides or just kept loose in the rear of the vehicle. Excess strap material can be cut off and the strap’s edge burned to prevent fraying.

Final Notes

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 get underway. Remember to check the straps regularly throughout your trip.

Keep the Cargo Saddlebag and straps away from the hot exhaust system. Accessories such as the door, window, wiper, etc. may not be operable while the Saddlebag is attached.

Emergency access to the rear door and/or window of your vehicle will be extremely limited when using this product. No occupants in the vehicle should require access through the rear door while this product is in use. Make sure that you have a clear view through the rear window before driving.

Storage

The Cargo Saddlebag comes with a stuff sack (Fig 11) for convenient storage (25" L x 10 " W x 9" D) when not in use.  The stuff sack has a draw string closure.