Are tie downs on top of a car safe?

Question

We are traveling back from Florida to Virginia, and we ended up with a lot more things to bring back home. Instead of getting a cargo carrier on top of our SUV, my husband suggested we just tie down the suit cases with tie downs and with those bungee cords. I am reluctant to do it, but I've seen it done before....my point is, I just don't want to lose anything down the road, and I don't REALLY want to get a cargo carrier, because we wouldn't use it THAT much.

Answer 1

you can buy one of those strap nets that will cover everything safely.

Answer 2

use rope to tie them down because the bunjees stretch.just make sure to secure everything down well,your speeds will be up around 65-70 so the air going over the top of the vehicle is going to  be very strong,also anything that comes off your vehicle while traveling down the interstate you are responsible for if it comes off,like thru someones windsheild causing an accident?people swerving to miss said item,use rope not bunjees please.

Answer 3

I would get some kind of rack. http://uhaul.com has various rentals for your needs.

Answer 4

Why not box it up and UPS it to home?  Nothing is failsafe on top of a car, likely you will loose something-probably not, but if it is of value, use UPS or the post office.

Have a safe drive home!

Answer 5

Buy you a set of motorcycle tie downs for the job, they will be more secure on the trip and they wont come undone.

Answer 6

well if you have a small car no if you have like a SUV or Truck those are great.

Answer 7

dont use bungee cords the have a nasty tendiance to come loose and the you will have your tings streched from florida to virginia, if you do tie'em down us racheting or cam style tie downs the provide a better hold

Answer 8

get one of those "spider web" bungee.. ive used them with no prob... but i tie a rope to front and back bumper so it doesnt slide

Answer 9

Ive seen it done before, and ive also seen alot of luggage along the freeway before. You know where that comes from dont you?

Its really a 50/50 shot. You might make it and then again you might not make it. And if you DONT make it you could end up in a world of trouble. Imagine something flying off the roof of your car and slamming into a car in back of you, causing a wreck.

Myself, i wouldnt do it. Tell your husband to quit being a cheapo. Trying to save a few bucks isnt worth a lawsuit.

Answer 10

If you have a roof rack on the top, it should be ok. Otherwise, you will scratch the roof of your car, plus there isn't really anywhere to hook the tiedowns.

Check out U-Haul, I think they rent cargo carriers. They also have a small sport trailer you can tow behind anything.