Putting Lumber On A Subary Roof Rack

Last resort if needing lots of whole sheets would be the roof rack.

Putting lumber on a subary roof rack.

It s better to use racks. Wood says side rails and crossbars are ideal but you can move whatever you you need to without them. Wrap lumber in a tarp to secure it and place a blanket down on the roof under the load to avoid scratching your vehicle s paint. If i were to need to carry that much regularly i would build a simple rack to make life easier.

When i say loop around i mean one full turn around the lumber. That way the tension on the strap will not only hold the lumber down but hold it all together as well. A pair of 20 web ratchets used as a fail safe in case the board slides to the rear of the vehicle. A couple boards width ways with a notched end to prevent them from sliding left.

They re also adjustable very user friendly and best of all stand. Tie down the boards lengthwise and widthwise similar to how you d secure a mattress. In the case of a naked roof you should be looping the rope through the car through the doors not the windows and around the object on the roof and a towel or blanket should be used to protect the roof of your car from the object. My car with 4 x8 mdf board on the roof rack.

One of the things that make the outback so versatile are its retractable roof cross bars. I d use some ratchet straps and loop them around your lumber and tie it down to the rack. My car with roof rack with cross bars installed. Sans roof racks use a blanket.

Just keep in mind that blankets can mar your vehicle s paint and putting objects directly on the roof can dent it. A couple 2x4 boards longways with a notched end to prevent sliding in an emergency stop.