How to Transport Cargo on an SUV Roof

The SUV is a great vehicle for transporting lots of people or lots of items from point A to point B; but when the occasion calls for moving both, you might be in a bit of a pickle. The fix is to store things on the roof using the factory roof rack, but to do that, you need to make sure that things are secured solidly on the roof; otherwise, items will just fly off.

Things You'll Need

• Step ladder
• 40 feet of 3/8-inch rope
• Scissors or utility knife

Instructions

1. Place the step ladder on the side of the vehicle so that you can reach the roof and easily see the roof rack. Lift up your first item and place it so that it straddles the sides of the rack, or sits securely on the cross rails of the roof rack.

2. Space your load out evenly over the roof, making sure that each piece is solidly on the rack by itself, and supported by the rack and not the sheet metal on the roof.

3. Slide the rope underneath the cross braces of the roof rack so that it runs the length of the vehicle but is more on the passenger side than the driver's side of the vehicle. Wrap it around the cargo and tie the rope in a knot, securing the cargo to the rails. Cut off any excess rope then repeat the process for the driver's side of the vehicle, giving you two ropes that are tied down to the rack on either side of the rack itself.

4. Slide another length of rope underneath the roof rack, going width-wise on the vehicle, towards the front of the rack. Wrap the rope around the cargo and tie it in a knot, securing the cargo to the rack and the roof. Repeat this process with the rear of the roof rack as well.