Frequently Asked Questions
About Car Top Carriers

HARD vs. SOFT - How do soft and hard car top carriers
    compare?

QUALITIES - What qualities are important in a soft car top
    carrier?

ROOFBAG vs. HARD CARRIERS - How does the RoofBag
    compare to a hard-cased car top carrier?

DURABILITY - Will the RoofBag last as long as a hard car
    top cargo carrier?

ROOFBAG vs. OTHER SOFT - How does RoofBag compare to
    other soft car top carriers?

CONSTRUCTION - How is the RoofBag car top carrier
    constructed?

SEAM WELDING - What does "Radio Frequency welded" mean?

ACCESS - Can I easily access my gear?

WATERPROOFNESS - Is the RoofBag really waterproof?

SAFETY - Is the RoofBag car top carrier safe?

ROOF PROTECTION - Will the RoofBag scratch my car's roof?

LOOKS - Does the RoofBag carrier look good?

FIT AND SIZE - Will RoofBag fit my car? Which model and
    size are right for my car?

PRICE - How come RoofBag is priced lower than other car
    top carriers?

HARD vs. SOFT - How do soft and hard car top carriers compare?
Car top carriers can make traveling more enjoyable by uncluttering the interior of the car and by allowing you to take items that otherwise would not fit in the car. Hard and soft car top carriers are two alternatives for expanding a car's cargo space. Each type of carrier is suitable for specific situations, and it is important to understand their differences in order to buy the car top carrier that is right for you.

HARD CAR TOP CARRIERS
Hard car top carriers are rigid structures made of thermoplastic material. The two halves are hinged on one side and they open from the opposite side like a clam shell. They require a roof rack, often a special one, and usually require metal hardware and special risers to attach to the rack of the car. Good-quality hard car top carriers can be very durable and waterproof. They also keep their aerodynamic shape even when empty, and can be locked.

The main disadvantage of hard car top carriers is that they are heavy and bulky, and thus difficult for a single person to install or remove from the car. They require special tools and skill for correct installation. Many people keep the hard car top carriers on their car roofs even when not needed, to avoid the inconvenience of taking the carriers down for storage. Those who take their hard carrier down to avoid the wind noise and the extra fuel usage, end up using a large portion of the garage to store it. Another disadvantage of hard car top carriers is their high price: depending on quality, prices can range between $200 and $1,000 dollars, making a hard car top carrier a significant investment. As far as security goes, hard carriers may be locked, but they are not be as secure as they appear: some users have reported that hard carriers can be easily opened with a screwdriver.

SOFT CAR TOP CARRIERS
Soft car top carriers are made of fabric, which makes them inherently light-weight and easy to handle. They attach to the car via straps and buckles. Most attach to a roof rack, while others can be attached to a car without rack. Some models feature an aerodynamic shape, which provides advantages previously unique to hard carriers: reduced noise and reduced fuel consumption. The greatest advantage of soft car top carriers is the ease of installation, de-installation and storage. They usually fold into a small package that can be stored easily, at home or even in the trunk of the car. Soft car top carriers can be made fully waterproof and as durable as their hard-shell counterparts. The price range of soft car top carriers is also attractive, ranging from $40 for simple models made of light-weight, non-waterproof fabric, to up to $200 for sturdy, UV-protected, waterproof and durable models.

In spite of the advantages of soft car top carriers, they can have some disadvantages. Although a lock can secure the zipper sliders, soft carriers can be less secure than hard car top carriers, since the straps or the fabric could potentially be cut. In unsafe areas, many travelers find it practical to take down the soft car top carrier and store it overnight in the hotel room. Also, although the best-made soft carriers are fully waterproof and as durable as their hard counterparts, lower quality models are likely to leak in the rain, and are less durable.

In summary, a hard carrier is preferred when its high cost is not an object, when you have ample space to store it, or when you don't mind leaving it on the car for extended periods to avoid the trouble of taking it down and storing it.

Soft car top carriers are preferred for their considerably lower price and the ease of installation and storage.

Choose carefully, however: if you want the soft carrier to last and keep your belongings dry, choose a carrier that is fully waterproof and solidly constructed, and made with heavy-duty, durable materials. Look for UV-protected fabric and straps to avoid the damaging effect of the sun's rays. Not only should the fabric be totally waterproof, but the seams should also be waterproof. The best soft car top carriers are made of 18-oz double vinyl-coated polyester material. This fabric, besides being totally waterproof and very durable, is also weldable. Welded seams are very strong and fully waterproof. Finally, look at the high-stress areas where the straps attach to the body of the carrier. This area should be reinforced for strength, and have no needle holes connecting the outside with the interior of the carrier, for waterproofness.

Understanding the differences between soft and hard car top carriers will help choose the right carrier for your specific requirements. A well-chosen car top carrier becomes a very useful travel companion, and can provide many years of safe and enjoyable use.

Happy traveling!

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QUALITIES - What qualities are important in a soft-sided car roof top cargo carrier?
Three qualities are important to enjoy your soft-sided car roof top cargo carrier safely and trouble-free for many years:

Toughness. The fabric in a soft car roof top cargo carrier is subject to a great amount of stress stemming from objects pressing against the fabric plus constant vibration. Car top carriers made with low-quality fabrics disintegrate during a long trip. Look for a car top carrier made with heavy-duty fabric (at least 18 oz per square yard), highly resistant to punctures and abrasion.
Waterproofness. Fabrics labeled "water-repellent" or "water resistant" leak when traveling in heavy rain because of the high water pressure developed by the speed of the car. Sewn joints are vulnerable to water penetration, particularly at the front and the top of the carrier. Look for a soft car top carrier made of truly waterproof fabric, with completely waterproof joints. If the soft car roof top carrier has stitched joints, look for a stitching method that deters water penetration, such as the double-fold, double-stitched style.
Heavy-duty straps and hardware.Heavy loads and high speeds create high tension on the straps and hardware of a car top cargo carrier. Look for straps and buckles tested to at least 300 pounds.

ROOFBAG vs. HARD CARRIERS - How does the RoofBag compare to a hard car top carrier?
For a fraction of the price, RoofBag gives you the protection, storage capacity and aerodynamic efficiency of a hard-cased roof top carrier, plus greater convenience and flexibility. Hard-cased roof carriers only work with roof racks (and often need additional lifters). Hard-cased carriers are also very heavy, can be awkward to attach and remove, and steal your valuable storage space at home when not in use.

The RoofBag carrier can be used on any car, with or without rack, and its aerodynamic wedge shape gives you high fuel efficiency and a quiet ride. In addition, RoofBag is light-weight (8 pounds) and stores as a small roll (7" diameter x 9" long). You'll use your RoofBag more often than a hard-cased carrier because it can be easily folded and stored neatly in its optional 0.25-cubic ft. storage pouch. Keep it in your trunk and double the cargo capacity of your car whenever you need it. Or hang it neatly in your garage, taking almost no space at all!

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DURABILITY - Will the RoofBag last as long as a hard car top cargo carrier?
The RoofBag rooftop carrier is built to stand up to years of tough use:

• It is made in the USA with the highest manufacturing standards, by a company with a long manufacturing experience (manufactured over 100,000 soft car top carriers over the last 10 years.
  
• It is made with heavy-duty, tight-knit, double vinyl-coated polyester fabric, which will not rip or tear. This super-tough material, besides being totally waterproof, is highly resistant to punctures and abrasion.
  
• This very strong material is welded with radio-frequency electrical welding, producing extremely durable and fully waterproof joints. The fabric is also UV resistant, which allows the RoofBag carrier to endure years of constant exposure to the sun without damage.
  
• The zipper in the RoofBag carrier is heavy-duty, self-healing, self-lubricating genuine YKK brand, the most durable and reliable zipper in the market.
  
• The buckles are rated for high load carrying capacity.
  
• The straps are heavy-duty for strength and safety, and UV resistant for durability.
  

ROOFBAG vs. OTHER SOFT - How does RoofBag compare to other soft car top carriers?
RoofBag is the only soft roof top carrier to offer the highest quality at the lowest price:

• The RoofBag is made of high-quality double vinyl coated polyester material that is totally waterproof, UV resistant and won't rip or tear. Most other soft roof top carriers use cheaper, thinner and non-waterproof fabrics, that disintegrate in a short time because of UV damage and abrasion, or because of sharp objects piercing through the fabric.

• The RoofBag carrier is made of a single piece of material, which minimizes the number of seams and reduces the possibility of water penetration. This construction method is more costly, but means no seams at the top or the front of the carrier, where water pressure is the highest.

• RoofBag uses electrical welding throughout to create fully waterproof joints. Other soft car roof top carriers use stitching at the joints, which is less costly to make, but which allows water penetration and tends to tear at the seams.
  
  
• The RoofBag is shaped like a wedge: its height is lower in the front and larger in the back. This aerodynamic design reduces air resistance during travel, saving fuel and minimizing flapping, noise and vibration. The tall, rectangular shape of other soft rooftop carriers increases drag, which reduces your fuel efficiency and creates noise, vibration, and a less secure transportation of your belongings.
  
• Unlike lower-quality fabrics, the material used in the RoofBag will not stain or attract dirt or dust and will maintain its lustrous appearance.
  
• We use only high-quality straps and super-strong buckles.
• Special zippers and cord locks keep the RoofBag securely fastened, while two-inch double-folded fabric flaps help keep zippers dry.
• Because we are the manufacturers, we can offer you significantly lower factory-direct pricing.

CONSTRUCTION - How is the RoofBag car top carrier constructed?
The material used in the RoofBag is 18-oz tight-knit polyester fabric, which has been double-coated with vinyl. Besides being totally waterproof, this material is very tough and durable. It is treated to resist the damaging effect of UV rays. It won't fade or deteriorate, even with constant exposure to the sun. Here's more:

• Every RoofBag carrier is made of a single piece of material, which minimizes the number of seams and reduces the possibility of water penetration. This means no seams at the top or the front of the carrier, where water pressure is the greatest while driving in the rain.

• All exposed seams are not sewn, but sealed with radio-frequency electrical welding. Therefore all exposed seams are fully waterproof, including the stress-relief joint at the top, the corners, and the zipper flap.

• The zipper has double pullers, which means you can open the RoofBag from the left, the right or the rear. The zipper is also slip-resistant, so it will never open by itself. In addition, the zipper is covered with a 2" flap to further deter water penetration.

• The RoofBag car roof top carrier is designed to withstand and be fully functional at very cold temperatures: down to -40 degrees (below zero) Farenheit, as well as very hot temperatures: up to 250 degrees.

SEAM WELDING - What does "radio-frequency welded" mean?
The double-vinyl coated polyester fabric used to manufacture the RoofBag carrier is heat-welded at the joints, using an advanced process called radio-frequency electrical welding. This process joins layers of fabric without stitching.

Radio-frequency welding is the most advanced technique for welding vinyl-coated polyester fabric, and it consistently produces joints that are fully waterproof and stronger than the fabric itself.

Radio-frequency welding uses sophisticated equipment that first holds the pieces to be joined with a pre-determined amount of pressure, then applies a precisely measured electrical current to the area being welded. The electrical current applied is of very high frequency, similar the frequencies used for radio communications.

This type of electrical current selectively softens the vinyl coating of the fabric to cause permanent adhesion of adjoining layers of fabric.

In contrast with other heat-welding methods, such as hot-air welding, the radio-frequency welding technique avoids excessive heat that could weaken the inner polyester fabric or separate it from its vinyl coating.

Radio-frequency welded joints are consistently strong and fully waterproof. The technique is more costly than other welding techinques, but it is the only technique that produces a high quality, long-lasting car top carrier.

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ACCESS - Can I easily access my gear?
You bet. Loading, unloading or accessing the contents of your RoofBag car top carrier is easy thanks to the easy-to-unlock buckles, and the continuous double-slider zipper that goes around the back and the sides of the carrier. When closing the zipper, the sliders meet at the back of the RoofBag, and when opening, each slider opens one side, for easy access to the contents. The zipper sliders have an extender cord and a cordlock to quickly find and pull the sliders. And when you're back from your trip, it's easy to remove the lightweight RoofBag carrier from the vehicle. Simply unlock the buckles and take the bag down. Then fold and store it neatly in the optional 0.25-cubic foot storage pouch.

WATERPROOFNESS - Is the RoofBag really waterproof?
RoofBag car top carriers are made with a strong and fully waterproof polyester fabric coated with vinyl on both sides.

Every RoofBag carrier is made of a single piece of material. This means no seams at the top or the front of the carrier, where water penetration is more likely while driving in the rain.


RoofBag's fully waterproof carriers feature all radio-frequency welded seams, including the stress-relief patch at the top, the corners and the zipper flap, making it totally waterproof.



The four stress-relief patches at the top of the RoofBag are also radio-frequency electrically welded, and therefore are completely waterproof.



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SAFETY - Is the RoofBag car top carrier safe?
Yes. We use the highest quality straps and hardware, tested to 400 pounds, to ensure safe and trouble-free operation for many years. In addition, the stress areas where the straps attach to the body of the RoofBag are reinforced and electrically welded, producing joints stronger than the fabric itself. We have perfected and tested our RoofBag design, materials and manufacturing technology for over a decade and have learned to make the safest and most durable soft roof top carrier in the market.

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ROOF PROTECTION - Will the RoofBag scratch my car's roof?
If the car is equipped with a roof rack, the roof probably has protective ribs running front to back. These ribs help avoid scratching of the painted surface. However, we recommend using our optional Protective Mat, a soft, non-slip mesh to protect the sections of the roof not covered by the ribs.


If the car is not equipped with a roof rack, we strongly recommend using our optional Protective Mat, a soft, non-slip mesh that will protect the painted surface against potential abrasion caused by vibration and dust during travel.

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LOOKS - Does the RoofBag carrier look good?
Yes! The aerodynamic design of the RoofBag car top carrier is streamlined and looks attractive while being very functional. The fabric is double vinyl-coated, with a smooth finish inside and outside that stays clean and looks new for many years. Unlike lower-quality fabrics, the material used in the RoofBag will not stain or attract dirt or dust, and will maintain its lustrous appearance. If needed, the high-quality material used in the RoofBag can be easily cleaned by washing with water or wiping with a damp cloth. The RoofBag carrier is currently available in two attractive, neutral colors (light gray and flat black), which match any car color.

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FIT AND SIZE - Will RoofBag fit my car? Which model and size are right for my car?
Roofbag comes in two sizes with the following dimensions:

   Size 11 cu. ft. dimensions:
     40" Long (front to back)
     36.5" Wide (left-to-right)
     9"-17.5" High (higher in the back).

   Size 15 cu. ft. dimensions:
     48.25" Long (front to back)
     38.25" Wide (left-to-right)
     10.75"-17.75" High (higher in the back).

RoofBag carriers fit almost any car, except for the very few cars with a roof length less than 40 inches (measured between the top of the windshield and the top of the rear window).

If the roof length is between 40 inches and 48 inches, you can use the RoofBag size 11 cu ft.

If the roof length is greater than 48 inches, you can use either RoofBag size: 11 or 15 cu ft.

If your car has a roof rack, a RoofBag carrier can sit either:

between the cross bars and side rails of the roof rack if these are spaced widely enough, or

on top of the cross bars and side rails of the roof rack, if these are too close together.

PRICE - How come RoofBag is priced so much lower than other car top cargo carriers?
We are manufacturers and have over 10 years experience making soft roof top carriers. When you buy our RoofBag products, we ship straight to you from our factory in California's San Diego County. Because we've perfected the materials, the design, and the manufacturing process, we can make the best car top carriers and sell them at the best prices.

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