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How do I tie a mattress to a car roof rack?
I’m taking a mattress to my storage unit, but would rather not rent a truck. How do I tie a mattress to my car roof rack?
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s definitely smart to make use of the vehicle you already have! To tie a mattress to your car roof rack, you only need a few basic moving supplies and an extra set of hands.
Ratchet straps can be found at hardware and moving stores and are necessary for securing your mattress to your roof racks. Normal rope or twine won’t be strong enough to hold the mattress to your racks. Ratchet straps fasten with a buckle and tend to have high weight limits.
Once you have ratchet straps:
- Check your car’s weight limit: Check your owner’s manual or driver door sill for a sticker noting the maximum carrying capacity of your car and ensure your mattress doesn’t exceed it.
- Seal your mattress using a mattress bag: Home improvement and moving stores will often have them for under $10. Then, load the mattress onto the roof, which may require help from someone else.
- Stretch the ratchet straps: Put the straps across your mattress in an ‘X’ shape to secure it to the roof racks from all corners. Make sure the straps are tightened and weave through the roof racks. Two straps should suffice here, but use more if you feel like the mattress isn’t secure enough.
Just like that, your mattress is secure and ready for transport! Make sure you take extra precautions when driving to account for the extra weight on top of your vehicle.
If you want to protect your car (and yourself), ensure your insurance coverage is adequate. If you’re in the market for a cheaper policy, the
Jerry
app can get you free personalized quotes from over 50 of the nation’s leading providers in minutes. Good luck!
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- Gregory R.
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