Installing a soft roof rack involves placing the pads on your vehicle's roof and securing them by running straps through the car's interior.
Soft roof racks provide a flexible way to transport items like surfboards, kayaks, or lumber without a permanent roof rack system. The installation process is generally straightforward and can be done in minutes.
Step-by-Step Soft Rack Installation
Follow these steps to properly install a soft roof rack on your vehicle:
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Begin by ensuring your vehicle's roof is clean and free of debris where the soft racks will sit.
- Open All Doors: Open the doors on both the driver's and passenger's sides, including the front and back doors. This is crucial for running the securing straps through the car's interior.
- Position the Soft Racks: Lay the soft-racks flat on the car roof. Position them centered and at least 2 feet apart to provide stable support for your cargo.
- Run Straps Through the Interior: With the doors still open, run the longer straps through the inside of the car. Ensure the straps are not twisted and lay flat across the roof's interior surface.
- Secure and Tighten Straps: Guide the straps through the corresponding buckle on the other side of the rack. Secure the straps through the buckle and pull tight to firmly compress the soft rack pads against the roof and hold them in place. Close all doors, being careful not to pinch the straps excessively.
Reference Steps Included:
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- Open doors: front, back, driver's and passenger's side.
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- Lay soft-racks flat on car roof, centered and at least 2ft. ...
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- With doors still open, run the longer straps through the inside of the car.
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- Secure the straps through the buckle and pull tight.
Tips for a Secure Fit
- Check Strap Tension: After installation and before loading cargo, double-check that the straps are sufficiently tight by trying to wiggle the racks.
- Mind the Straps Inside: Ensure the interior straps do not interfere with airbags or other essential vehicle functions.
- Test Fit: If using the racks for the first time, consider doing a short test drive without cargo to ensure they remain secure.
- Padding Placement: Align the soft racks with the intended support points of the item you plan to carry (e.g., the widest points of a surfboard).
Understanding Soft Racks
Soft roof racks are temporary, portable rack systems typically made from foam padding and durable straps. They are an excellent option for vehicles without existing roof bars or rails, offering a quick and easy way to add carrying capacity.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Foam | Conforms to roof shape | Protects vehicle and cargo |
| Strong Straps | Run through the car's interior | Provides secure attachment point |
| Portable | Easy to install, remove, and store | Ideal for occasional use or travel |
| No Tools Needed | Simple buckle system | Quick and hassle-free setup |
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively install a soft roof rack and safely transport your gear.
