emergency roof rack

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi all
has anyone had occasion to use or own one of these and are they any good.
the ones I am refering to are the inflatable bags type that are secured to the roof with straps and can be stored in the boot when not in use.

thanks colin

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

like these. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SELF-INFLATABLE-ROOF-RACK-CANOE-KAYAK-SURFBOARD-LADDER-/280584614686?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Canoeing_Kayaking_ET&hash=item415425731e

 

[Steve L]

Hi Colin.

I tried them once to carry a chest of draws. They're ok but there are a few issues that I found. First of all if your load is quite heavy (40Kgs) you can run the risk of causing a bowing of the roof. (fortunately it was not my car). The next issue is more concerning. Security of the load. You can run web ratchet straps via the door openings to strap the load down, but unless you run a strap to the back of the car there is little resistance to movement in an emergencey stop.

I would say, you can't beat the good old roof rack or better still a small trailer. After all you tow your caravan Colin.

I don't think you could call the AA out for a puncture either

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi steve
thanks for the input thats exactly the sort of info I was looking for I did last summer look into getting a set of bars and possibly a box for the top of the car but hell are they expensive cheapest set of bars and box big enough was well over £200 and that was from fleebay a small trailer I have allready but it isn't long enough for the rods or ladder.
I saw a set being used on a recent trip to B&Q where a bloke had one to transport some wood lengths too long for the car and thought ah what a good idea for the rod bag (it is 7ft long) and could be stored in the car when not in use.
never mind back to the drawing board "should have bought the 75" I think

colin

 

[MichaelE]

My brother saw some at a show and bought a set to transport his canoe as didnt want to pay for roof bars.
When he used the eyes on the inflatable bars to secure it moved all over the place and was very unstable so ended up passing big straps over it and through the car,still looked unstable so drove at low speed.
As they are inflatable the canoe bounced up and down.
Where the straps go through the car it was rubbing his head and didnt matter where is was positioned and as already said all the load is on the roof of the car not on the edges where it should be as no way would his roof take 80kgs.
Vey noisy whilst on and when removed then lots of rub marks where the move whilst travelling.
Never used again and went and purchased a set of Thule aero bars and a proper canoe clamp,has never looked back.