How to pack a rooftop carrier, also called car top carrier:

Think about the gear you want to pack.  It's going on the top of your car, so there's going to be some lifting.  Generally, lighter bulky items are best in your car top carrier.  Sleeping bags, duffel bags of cloths, soccer balls, tents, sports gear like masks, fins, snorkels, stuff like that.  Heavy objects like filled coolers, horse shoes, pointy things like tent poles should probably go inside the car.  Stuff you'll use along the way, like cameras, maps, munchies should go in the car too.

If you have a luggage rack, know its weight limitation.  If you're loading a car top carrier right on the roof of a sedan without a luggage rack, be aware of the strength of the roof, press it with your hands, don't cave it in, limit your load.  You have to use your best judgment.

Most people pack the car top carrier on the roof of the vehicle.  Position the opening of the bag so you can easily reach it by standing in the door, on the tailgate of the SUV, on the tire, or use a 'tire step' and new product that fits on your tire to help you reach the roof..  Watch your back & balance, take it easy loading one item at a time.

Some people load their car top bag, on the ground or in the garage.  This is fine, however consider the loaded car top carrier can be heavy and it will most likely take two or more people to lift it on to the roof top.  Don't throw it on the roof and if the bag has handles, make sure they hold the weight you have loaded.

IMPORTANT:  Pack the bag filling out all the space. You want the sides of car top carrier bags taunt so they don't flap in the wind.  Sometimes you can wedge a coat or jacket into a small pocket of space.  You can unroll a sleeping and fold it long and flat.  This can go on the bottom inside the car top carrier to help protect your roof. If you do have small or hard items, put them in the middle with softer items on the out side to keep them from shifting or rubbing a hole in the car top carrier.  Car top carrier bags that are packed full, so the material doesn't flap in the wind, will last a very long time.  Flapping material, especially if it rubs something hard or sharp will eventually break down and a hole will develop.  Also straps hold the load more secure, if the bag is packed full.

After your car top carrier is closed properly, strap it to the car.  Make sure the straps are securely fastened to the luggage rack and or to each other.  Some carriers have straps sewn onto the bag, make sure that car top carrier fits your luggage rack properly.  Other straps like the StrapRight system puts all the stress on the straps and the luggage rack itself since they are NOT sewn onto the car top carrier.  This is a very secure method.  In any event make sure the straps are snug.  Push hard on the car top carrier and make sure it doesn't move.  Tie off or tuck away any strap ends so they don't flap in the wind.

Finally, test your load the first couple of times you use a car top carrier.  Test it at highway speeds.  While on your trip, test the straps when ever you stop for gas or to rest.  Sometimes, the load will shift and you may have to tighten or adjust the straps.

Loading and using a car top carrier is a lot like setting up a tent.  After you've done it a couple of times, it gets easier and easier.

Important Information below:

How to pack the Classic Carrier.  Directions here.

How to pack the Sport 1 & 3 and carrier comparison chart.

RZ100 specifications page and carrier comparison chart.

Using our special StrapRight strapping system to tie down cargo and carriers.