Whether you are packing for a cross-country trip or a weekend at grandma's, many times you may find yourself needing extra storage for another suitcase or duffel bag. This is where those often forgotten luggage racks can come in handy. Whether your vehicle has a cargo box or soft top, with minimal labor you can add up to 20 cubic feet of extra storage.
Apply several coats of car wax to the area that the carrier will be covering. If it's a soft top, the wax will help protect against the extra moisture that can accumulate underneath. If it's a hard shell carrier, the wax will protect against extreme temperatures or road debris that can collect or ricochet underneath the carrier.
Center the soft top on the auto roof; the extra long straps give you plenty of length to secure the carrier. If you have a luggage rack, you can simply use the bars to fasten or tie down the straps. If you are worried about the extra long straps, use scissors to cut off the excess length then tape down the remainder or just zip-tie the entire length to prevent flapping. Burn off any cut ends with a cigarette lighter to prevent unraveling. If your vehicle is not equipped with a luggage rack, open the doors of your vehicle and secure the straps underneath the roof in the cabin area.
Determine if a cargo box is suitable for your vehicle. Even if your auto is outfitted with a luggage rack, it may be necessary to attach aftermarket crossbars if the carrier is too narrow for side racks. Measure and drill holes on each side of the cargo box pan to accommodate the included U-bolts; this will secure the box to the crossbars. You can purchase a carrier with mounting locks that attach to the crossbars if they are the same dimensions.
