Can you put lumber on roof rack?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can put lumber on a roof rack as long as you take the proper precautions. The key things to consider are:

• Weight capacity – Make sure the lumber does not exceed the weight limit of your roof rack.
• Securing the load – Use strong rope or ratchet straps to securely tie down the lumber so it does not shift during transport.
• Padding – Place padding like blankets or foam between the lumber and roof rack to prevent scratches.
• Overhanging – Position the lumber so it does not overhang too much over the edges of the roof rack.
• Driving care – Drive slowly and take corners with care when transporting lumber on the roof.

With proper preparation and precautions, transporting lumber on a roof rack is certainly possible for many DIYers and contractors. Just be sure to put safety first.

Is it Safe to Put Lumber on a Roof Rack?

Putting lumber on a roof rack is generally safe if done properly. Here are some key tips for safe transportation:

• Weight – Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity specified by the vehicle or roof rack manufacturer. Overloading can damage the roof or cause driving hazards.
• Tie-Downs – Securely tie down the lumber in at least two places with strong rope or ratchet straps. This prevents shifting during transport.
• Padding – Use foam blocks, pool noodles, or blankets to cushion contact points between the lumber and roof rack. This prevents scratches or damage.
• Overhang – Position lumber so it does not overhang more than about 4-5 inches over the edges. Excess overhang can make the load unstable.
• Driving – Drive slowly and avoid sudden braking or swerving. Take corners gently. Sudden maneuvers can shift the load.
• Inspection – Inspect the load and tie-downs regularly during longer trips to ensure nothing has shifted or come loose.

Following these basic roof rack safety guidelines will help ensure transporting lumber is secure and incident-free. Take your time to properly load and secure the lumber before heading out.

How Much Weight Can a Roof Rack Hold?

How much weight a roof rack can hold depends on several factors:

• Roof rack type – Roof rack weight limits can range from about 75-165 lbs for basic systems up to 300+ lbs for heavy duty racks.
• Vehicle roof – The vehicle manufacturer sets a roof weight limit, often 100-165 lbs. Do not exceed this even if the rack has a higher capacity.
• Rack position – Racks over the rear have higher limits than those positioned over the cab or front seats.
• Rack design – More crossbars and attachment points increase weight capacity over single-bar systems.
• Loading – Weight should be evenly distributed with heavier items centered over crossbars.

To determine your specific roof rack weight limit:

• Check the vehicle owner’s manual for the roof weight limit.
• Check the roof rack manufacturer’s specs for the rated capacity.
• Take the lower of the two ratings as your maximum capacity.

Always stay well below the roof and rack weight limits. Evenly distributed loads within capacity are safest.

How to Load Lumber onto a Roof Rack

Here are some step-by-step tips for properly loading lumber onto a roof rack:

1. Measure and mark lumber – Mark center points so you can balance weight on rack.
2. Position roof rack – Ensure rack is centered and secured tightly to the roof.
3. Prep padding – Use foam, pool noodles, rags, or blankets to protect the roof and lumber.
4. Lift lumber onto roof – Have a helper lift and position pieces while you guide and align on the rack.
5. Anchor load – Tie lumber down securely in at least two spots per piece using strong rope or ratchet straps.
6. Check overhang – Make sure lumber does not overhang the rack edges by more than 4-5 inches.
7. Inspect and adjust – Give the load a shake test and re-tighten straps as needed before driving.
8. Drive cautiously – Accelerate, turn, and brake slowly and gently to prevent shifting.

Having two people makes positioning and tying down lumber much easier and safer. Always take care when working on the roof. Follow these tips for secure roof rack loading.

How to Tie Down Lumber on a Roof Rack

Properly tying down lumber on a roof rack is critical for safety. Follow these guidelines:

• Tie-down types – Use rope, ratchet straps, cam buckle straps, or tensioning straps strong enough to secure the load.
• Tie-down points – Anchor tie-downs to strongest points on the rack, like built-in eyelets or crossbars.
• Knots – Use secure knots like figure eight or trucker’s hitch. No basic granny knots.
• Tension – Cinch tie-downs very tight, so lumber cannot shift or slide.
• Direction – Tie lengthwise and also across width to prevent slipping.
• Redundancy – Use at least two tie-downs per piece of lumber as a redundancy.
• Check often – Re-check tension and knots after 10-20 miles to ensure nothing loosened up.
• Padding – Protect lumber and rack contact points with rags or foam.

Properly tying lumber down takes time and effort but is worth it for security. Inspect frequently on longer trips for any shifting. Keeping lumber tightly secured can prevent major accidents.

What Kind of Rope or Straps to Use for Lumber

For tying lumber securely to a roof rack, use:

• Ratchet straps – Offer easy tightening and are available in high weight capacity. Ideal for roof rack use.
• Cam buckle straps – Also cinch tightly and have hook ends to easily attach to the rack.
• Tension straps – Like bungee cords but heavier duty to really tighten down without stretching.
• Ropes – Use 1/4″ or 5/16″ braided or twisted polypropylene or nylon rope. Avoid stretchy rope.
• Car tie-downs – Wide rubber-coated cargo straps can work well for lumber bundles.

Key features to look for include:

• Heavy duty rating for at least 500-1000 lbs.
• Minimum 1/4″ thickness to avoid cutting into lumber.
• Coated or covered hooks and buckles to prevent scratches.
• Weather resistance.
• Abrasion resistance.

Investing in high quality heavy duty tie-downs will provide peace of mind for securely fastening lumber during transport. Always double-check knots and tension before driving.

Is it Better to Use Rope or Ratchet Straps for Lumber?

Both rope and ratchet straps can work well for tying lumber to roof racks, but ratchet straps tend to be the better choice:

Benefits of Ratchet Straps

• Easily adjustable tightening with the ratchet mechanism.
• Available in higher weight capacities up to 5,000 lbs.
• Unique tightening allows even novice users to cinch straps tightly.
• Stay tight and under tension despite bumps or shifting.

Downsides of Rope

• Can loosen over time and requires frequent re-tightening.
• Susceptible to slipping and knots coming untied.
• Often lower working load limit around 500-700 lbs.
• Requires knowledge of strong knots like trucker’s hitch.

For most DIYers transporting lumber, the ease and security of ratchet straps makes them the best tie-down choice in most cases. They are also reusable for future roof rack jobs.

Should You Place Padding Under Lumber on Roof Rack?

Yes, it is highly recommended to place some sort of padding between lumber and the roof rack. This serves several purposes:

• Protects vehicle roof from scratches, gouges and dents from the lumber.
• Cushions lumber from damage by direct contact with the hard roof rack.
• Provides some grip to keep lumber from sliding around on smooth bar surfaces.
• Lessens noise from lumber rattling or vibrating against bare rack bars.
• Allows lumber to sit more securely by conforming to shape variations.

Good padding material options include:

• Moving blankets
• Foam mats or blocks
• Pool noodles cut lengthwise
• Bath towels or rags
• Sections of old carpeting
• Foam pipe insulation tubing

Take the time to properly install padding before loading up lumber. This simple step helps prevent damage and adds stability. Don’t rely on padding alone though – always securely tie down the load as well.

Should You Cover Lumber After Loading on Roof Rack?

Covering lumber loaded on a roof rack is recommended for a few reasons:

• A cover or tarp helps prevent wind damage during transport at highway speeds.
• Covering protects lumber from road debris that could kick up onto the roof.
• A cover reduces drying out of lumber during a long drive.
• Covering lumber makes it less visible to other drivers who may not expect it.
• A cover wrapped over tiedowns helps keep them in place.

Use a heavy canvas or vinyl cover designed for automotive use, not a lightweight plastic sheeting which can tear. Secure it tightly with rope or straps so it does not blow off.

Leave enough opening at the front for airflow and prevent flapping. Ensure loose edges do not blow back onto the windshield.

For short around-town trips a cover is less important. But for highway driving or long trips, covering lumber is recommended to protect the load. Just be sure tying down lumber tightly is still the priority.

How Far Can Lumber Overhang a Roof Rack?

As a general rule, lumber should not overhang the sides of a roof rack by more than 4-5 inches on each side.

Here are the key risks of excessive overhang:

• Can make the lumber unstable and more likely to shift during transport.
• Excess overhanging weight can add leverage and stress to the roof and rack.
• Oversize loads are illegal in many areas and can obstruct drivers’ views.
• Greatly increases risk of damage to lumber or vehicle if it strikes objects by the road.
• Too much overhang places force on tiedown points potentially causing failure.

The overhang rule applies to both the sides and front/rear of the vehicle. Strapping down the ends of long lumber helps minimize front overhang.

Ideally overhang should be minimized whenever possible for safety. But leaving a couple inches can allow securing straps to anchor properly. Just take precautions with wide or long loads.

How to Transport Long Lumber with Roof Rack

Carrying long lumber that overhangs a roof rack presents some challenges. Here are some tips:

• Use front and rear tie-downs to prevent sagging and flopping.
• Place red flags or reflectors on any lumber overhanging the rear.
• Consider using a small trailer or roof rack extender for loads over 12 feet long.
• Drive slowly and avoid major roads. Long overhangs are not suited for highway speeds.
• Bring a helper to hold lumber when turning to prevent striking objects.
• Look into renting a pick-up truck which can accommodate longer loads.
• Only carry as much overhang as allowed by local regulations.

The longer the lumber, the greater the risks associated with roof rack transport. Take every precaution to ensure stability and safety. Opt for delivery or choosing shorter lumber stock when possible.

Is it Safer to Transport Lumber in Truck Bed or on Roof Rack?

For most situations, carrying lumber in a pick-up truck bed is safer than using a roof rack:

Truck Bed Advantages

• Lower center of gravity lessens risk of instability and tipping.
• Ability to tightly pack lumber minimizes load shift.
• Full lumber length can be supported rather than overhanging.
• Greater weight capacities, often 1,000+ lbs.
• Easier loading without working at raised heights.
• Tie-downs can secure through truck bed for greater stability.

Roof Rack Considerations

• Raises center of gravity which can affect handling.
• Weight limits typically max out around 165 lbs or less.
• Overhang can add instability.
• Damage to vehicle roof or rack if load shifts.
• Loading lumber at roof level poses hazards.

In general, the stability and security of carrying lumber in a truck bed makes it a safer choice. Roof racks work as a backup option but require meticulous tie-down rigging.

Conclusion

Transporting lumber on a roof rack can be done safely if following careful loading and tie-down procedures. Ensure weight limits are not exceeded, overhang is minimized, and sturdy straps or rope tightly secure the load. Drive slowly and take extra precautions with longer lumber. For the most stability and security, using a pick-up truck bed is generally the best option when possible. With the right precautions and techniques, lumber can be successfully carried short distances on roof racks as needed by DIYers and contractors.