Rooftop cargo bags are becoming increasingly popular since they are a cheaper and more convenient alternative to cargo boxes. They are easier to store, lighter, and can be removed easier than a traditional cargo box.
Even with all of these perks, it is fair to wonder if they are safe and what are the possible dangers of having a rooftop cargo bag.
Rooftop cargo bags are completely safe as long as you follow best practices and only use them for their intended use.
In other words, some rooftop cargo bags are designed only for vehicles with a roof rack, without a roof rack, and some can fit on any vehicle! First, it is important to get the correct model depending on which set up you have on your car.
Best cargo bags for all vehicle types (with or without a roof rack):
While researching cargo bags furiously, I came across one major safety concern. Many cheaper options use a strap that needs to run through your vehicle and between each door.
It is hardly noticeable when you’re inside your car, but it is actually a hazard in the event your airbags need to deploy. I had no idea this was a problem but it makes total sense.
So these rooftop cargo bags utilize door clips and implement other safety features that I think are a must!
Roofpax
This rooftop cargo bag comes with a set of straps that can work for vehicles with and without a roof rack system! While that is convenient it’s not the best part of the Roofpax cargo bag.
It comes in two sizes, a 15 and 19 cubic foot option depending on how much room you need. Roofpax also offers a lifetime warranty on all zippers and buckles. This is a big selling point for me because zippers can easily break after you put them through the wringer!
Included with the military-grade cargo bag comes a TSA approved lock to secure your belongings and a heavy-duty storage bag. If you look at other storage bags they are super cheap and thin with a drawstring to close them. However, the Roofpax has a really nice storage bag that has handles and made from a durable material.
On the topic of safety, the logo on the bag is reflective so you can see it at night which is a really nice touch. For vehicles without a roof rack, most models run the straps through the vehicle and between the doors. But this roof bag doesn’t do that with it’s included door hooks.
Just like it’s competitors, it is fully water and dustproof ensuring all of your items don’t get damaged.
This bag costs a bit more than some others on the market but you get an awesome warranty, unmatched quality, and multiple safety features you can’t find elsewhere. To see the current price of the Roofpax cargo bag and pictures for a reference to what I am referring to, click here!
Roofmaster
The rooftop cargo bag made by Roofmaster would be my second choice behind Roofpax.
It still fits many vehicle setups like this without a rack, ones with side rails, and crossbars too! The straps also feature door clips so you don’t have to run the straps through your vehicle.
It comes with the much needed anti-slip roof mat and is fully waterproof. The Roofmaster has a great waterproof zipper which is also used in extreme sports and military applications. It also uses velcro to secure the extra fabric covering the zipper.
Touching a bit on the quality, the straps are not stitched on so they won’t rip and the seals are bonded by heat for a more durable hold. It implements a Kevlar thread and Duraflex buckles which gives it a super-strong grip on the bag.
If you want a cheaper option to the Roofpax this a great pick since you still get the safety feature of the door hooks. I would still recommend buying a lock to secure your items as well. To see Roofmaster’s current price and more details, click here!
Best practices for using rooftop cargo bags
- Check the weight limit of your vehicle’s roof. While the frame of a vehicle’s roof can support its own weight in the event of flipping over, the thin metal between the frame is very weak. Roof damage can be extremely expensive costing thousands of dollars to repair. Skip this major headache by reading your owners manual beforehand so you don’t exceed any weight limits.
- Use an anti-slip mat under the rooftop cargo bag. This will ensure your luggage stays secure throughout your entire drive. It also prevents scratches from happening on the roof of your car!
- Properly secure the bag. Follow the instructions to a tee and do NOT overload the rooftop cargo bag. The weight limits are set in place due to rigorous testing. You put those straps and buckles under a lot of pressure when making sharp turns or abrupt stops.
- Don’t leave it on your roof when not in use. You won’t be able to secure it properly but also exposing it to the elements for longer than it needs to be will lead to quicker wear and tear.
- Don’t buy a model that has a strap going inside of your vehicle. As mentioned before, this can be a hazard in the event of your airbag deploying. There are plenty of options out there that use door clips which are preferred.
Wrapping up
For the most part, rooftop cargo bags are completely safe. The most important thing is to read both the owner’s manual of your vehicle and cargo bag to make sure you’re not exceeding any weight limits.
Other than that, the installation process is quite simple! Until I research cargo bags further, I had no idea running a strap through your car, and between the doors could be a safety hazard with the airbags deploying.
Luckily, there are some models that eliminate this problem altogether. In all, rooftop cargo bags are a safe, affordable, and convenient way to haul extra luggage on your next road trip without having to cram everything in the trunk of your vehicle.