Introduction
Storage racks or cargo carriers are a great way to provide additional storage options when you are traveling or just need extra room to haul things in. Over car storage is a great way to travel with your luggage without taking up valuable passenger room on those long trips. It is important that the cargo device is installed correctly or you could be flying down the highway and suddenly see your belongings being tossed like garbage along the road. Installing over car storage is not difficult if you follow some simple steps that we will provide below.
Step 1
If your vehicle does not have an over car rack, you will definitely need one! If you don't want the expense of having one installed, you can easily do it yourself! Most racks now come with clamps that clamp directly to your vehicles rain gutters. This provides a quick and easy way to get your vehicle's rack installed without too much hassle. You will need to carefully follow the manufacturer's directions in installing your rack. It is not a difficult process, but it is essential that it is done correctly.
Step 2
These types of over car storage boxes and racks always come with cross bars that can spread apart in different widths to fit your luggage rack. These are then clamped on to the rack and secured with screws. It is important to make sure that you get these screws tightly fitted and that your cargo box or rack does not move very much from side-to-side. It is also important to recheck the screw tightness regularly. It is especially important to check it before you go on a long trip so that you do not loose your luggage and valuables. These is a quick install that will have you loading your vehicle in no time.
Step 3
There are several types of over car storage. There is the hard shell box that seems to stand up the best to most road conditions and weather. There is also a rack system that is more suitable to bikes and kayaks. This is also easy to install and basically goes on just like the box cargo holder. There are holders such as luggage baskets, and steel type boxes that hold items but do not protect from the elements. The choice you make in over car storage will depend on what you plan to store and how long your trip will be. Making the best choice should be determined before you make any installations.
Step 4
To care for your over car storage, you will need to perform routine maintenance. As stated above, you will need to check the security of your cargo holder or rack to be sure that it is still stationed properly and holding well onto your vehicle. You will need to check for tightness regularly to be sure that the holder is not becoming loose. You can also take care of your over car storage by keeping it clean. Wash it just as you wash your vehicle and you will prolong its life. There are easy steps to take care of your over car holder and make the most of your investment.
Step 5
If you do not feel confident in installing your over car storage, you can seek the assistance of a professional. A professional can walk you through the different choices of cargo storage that you have. They will ask you questions about your needs and make suggestions based on your answers. They will then list the prices your will incur and will get you installed rather quickly. Don't be afraid to seek help if you truly don't feel that you are capable of taking on this task. It is better to be safe than sorry as they say.
Tips
Make sure that you have a rack installed
Choose your over car storage based on your needs
Check with a professional if you need help
Perform maintenance regularly to avoid problems
Sources and Citations
www.yakima.com
