When planning a camping trip or moving to a new home, it’s not uncommon to strap a mattress to the roof of your car. However, if this is the first time you strapped a bed to a roof rack, it can be challenging.
In this blog post, we’ll review the materials you’ll need, how to prepare your mattress correctly, and how to secure it to your roof rack.
How to Tie a Mattress to Roof Rack (Step-by-Step Guide)
Materials Required
- You’ll need a few basic materials to strap a mattress to your roof rack. These include:
- Use straps or bungee cords to secure the bed to the roof rack.
- Rope or twine to tie the mattress’s corners
- A ladder or step stool to reach your car’s roof
- A clean, dry bed (of course!)
Important Note: Avoid using frayed or worn rope or twine, which can reduce the tie-down strength.
Preparing the Mattress
It is best to fold or roll the mattress as tightly as possible before transporting it. This will not only make strapping it to the roof rack easier, but it will also help prevent it from becoming damaged during transit.
Securing the Mattress to the Roof Rack
Once the mattress is adequately folded or rolled, it’s time to secure it to the roof rack. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Place the mattress on your car’s roof, ensuring it’s centred and level.
- Shield the mattress to the roof rack with straps or bungee cords, passing the straps through the bed and around the roof rack.
- Tie down the mattress’s corners with rope or twine, ensuring the ties are tight and safe.
- Before you hit the road, double-check that all straps, bungee cords, and ties are tight and stable.
Ensuring it is appropriately balanced and does not overhang the car’s edges is critical. This will lessen the chance of it shifting or flying off while being transported.
Conclusion
Strapping a mattress to a roof rack may appear complicated, but it’s pretty simple with suitable materials and preparation. You can successfully transport your bed to your destination by following the steps outlined in this blog post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bungee cords instead of straps?
No, you can’t use bungee cords instead of straps. Remember that bungee cords are stretchable and may not provide as much pressure as straps, so they should be combined with straps.
How do I properly tie down the corners of the mattress?
To properly secure the mattress’s corners, make a loop with rope or twine around each corner. Then, tie the string or yarn to your car’s roof rack or tie-down points.
How can I ensure that the mattress on the roof is balanced correctly?
Ensure the mattress is centred and levelled at the roof rack for proper balance.
What is the maximum speed and distance I can travel with a mattress on my roof rack?
The maximum speed recommended for travelling with a mattress on the roof rack is 55-60 mph.