Use the buttons above to learn about us and our products. To make a purchase online use the "Purchase Car Top Carrier" button.

Classic Rooftop Cargo Carrier: Loading Instructions & Specifications

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

Picture above shows optional waterproof liner.  It fits inside the Classic like one paper grocery bag inside another.  Velcro holds the top edges in place.

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 no material will flap in the wind.  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. 

Bend the ends of the folds together (bend up or down, it doesn't matter) and connect the buckle. Tighten the 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 for the folds.

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

Attaching to the luggage rack.  StrapRight (TM) consists of 4 pairs of ultra strong, ultra tough nylon webbing straps, designed for easy use on just about any vehicle.

Each pair consists of one long and one short strap.  One has a buckle at the end, the other does not.  Both straps have a loop at the end.  You simply place this loop behind your luggage rack bar and pull the long end through.  See the picture below.

Attach each strap to the luggage rack on opposite sides.  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.

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, Classic doesn't move around, whistle or make sounds while you drive.  Place on clean roof top.  Classic will not scratch your car (use a pad to protect your roof from what goes inside Classic).

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 through the adjustors to hold the strap 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. (More info on car clips here).    (Strap Right details here.)

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

RAIN: Classic is 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. Classic's closing system is like a duck's butt in a pond. No water gets in. Seams are another issue. Seam sealer helps a lot. IF you anticipate a rain storm, and you're going to be on the highway, get the Classic liner for only $39. The liner offers protection from any water that seeps thru the double stitched side seam.  Classic and liner offers the best car top waterproof protection on the market.

New Feature: If you pack the Classic pretty full, you can nestle skis or other long objects on top. Put the strapping system over the skis and car top carrier 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 Classic 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.

Direct to Classic CTC order page!

Specifications & Comparison:

Model:	Sport 1 & 3	Classic	RZ100
Capacity	12 & 18.3 cu ft	4-16 cu ft (variable)	15 cu ft
Size LxWxH	38"x34"x14-18" 48"x40"x15-18"	42"x37"x18"	43"x44-39"x16"
Closure	ZipRight (TM)	Roll & Fold	Urethane zipper
Opening	3/4 around top	Open end	3/4 around top
Shape	Aerodynamic	Rectangle	curved edges & corners
Folded size	14"x11"x5"	16"x13"x3"	16"x11"x4"
Dry weight	5 or 6  lbs	8 lbs	8 lbs
Color	Graphite	Black	Black&Graph. w/ Hot red piping
StraClassicing Sys.	StrapRight	StrapRight	StrapRight
Material	Hydrotuff/sewn seams	Hydrotuff/sewn seams	Hydrotuff/sewn seams
Use without luggage rack	Yes	Yes	Yes
Waterproof	Yes with liner	Yes with liner	Yes with liner
Urethane coated zipper (water stopper)	Yes	NO fold & bend closure	Yes
Options	Lock,  Car Clips, Bottom Pad, Waterproof liner	Lock,  Car Clips, Bottom Pad, Waterproof liner	Lock, Car Clips, Bottom Pad, Waterproof liner
Modular (use more than one per car)	No	Yes (2 max)	Yes
Style points	Aerodynamic	Pure Function	Two tone color best looking carrier on the road
Lakeland Info Page	Instructions	Instructions	Instructions
Order button	Order here	Order here	Order here

Copyright © 2008 Lakeland Enterprises LLC.  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Feedback