The roof rack is very much an unsung hero in the world of off-roading. The added capacity provided by a premium quality, rugged and well installed roof rack kit can be a real space saver when travelling far from home, but that isn’t the only perk.
A roof rack supplies the perfect base to secure and transport a wide range of items, including large, bulky and unusually shaped cargo. Roof racks mean better organisation, with gear easier to access while on the go. The versatility of these top roof storage options should also be applauded. With the right products and accessories, roof racks can be adapted for various uses, including the installation of rooftop tents and awnings, cargo boxes, and additional fuel and water tanks.
Roof racks are awesome for so many reasons, yet it’s only through correct loading that you can enjoy every inch of space on offer. Read on to discover how to load your roof rack with ease, efficiency, safety and security in mind…
Is how you load really that important?
In short, yes. An incorrectly loaded or poorly secured roof rack isn’t just inconvenient to access, it’s dangerous.
Roof rack cargo can easily become unbalanced or overloaded without the right precautions, which can put you, your passengers and other road users at significant risk. You could also be subject to financial repercussions as The Car Expert details:
“The police take a dim view of any badly-secured cargo whether it’s on a truck, van or car, and overloaded roof racks, or those with unsecured items, will attract their attention. Breaking the rules carries a maximum penalty of £5000 and up to nine points on your licence, so it’s worth making a few checks on your load before you set off.”
What are the signs of a poorly loaded rack?
A badly loaded roof rack can have a negative impact on performance when travelling off-road, diminishing the very essence of your overlanding experience. Exceeding the weight limit of your roof rack or vehicle’s roof can compromise stability, handling and safety. Beware of overloading, and always be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for details of your maximum load capacity.
Another sign of an incorrectly loaded roof rack is poor balance. Placing too much weight on one side of the rack can lead to poor handling and increase your risk of rolling over, especially when navigating rough terrain. The cargo on a poorly loaded rack is also likely to become loose, with items shifting during transit and causing damage to the vehicle, loss of gear or accidents.
Your vehicle may have an increased centre of gravity if items are stacked too high, making it more prone to tipping over during sharp turns or on uneven surfaces. Roof racks that have been continuously overladen or incorrectly loaded will be vulnerable to wear and damage too.
Where do I start when loading my roof rack correctly?
Knowing your weight limits and adhering to them is the best place to begin. You’ll need to be aware of the weight limits that apply to both the roof rack and your vehicle. Your choice of accessories also matters. High-quality straps, ropes and tie-downs should be utilised to secure your load.
Now comes the business of loading, which is an art in itself. Focus on distributing the weight of the load as evenly as you can. Heavier items should be placed across the middle and lower part of the rack to maintain a low centre of gravity and keep your vehicle stable.
For minimal wind resistance and noise, items should be mounted in a way that lowers their profile. With a more aerodynamic configuration, you can effectively streamline your load to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce drag.
Think carefully about how you’ll need to access your cargo throughout your journey too. Place frequently used items within reach to avoid unloading the entire rack to access them. If possible, keep lighter, bulkier items on the roof rack, and store heavier items inside the vehicle to keep things as balanced as possible.
The security and stability of your load should be checked regularly during your trip, especially after driving across rougher terrain or at high speeds.
