The Classic is the ONLY car top cargo bag that can change dimension to perfectly fit the size of your load (US Patent 6,257,470). Packing your carrier on the roof of your vehicle is usually the easiest method. The Classic Carrier should be placed with its closed end facing the front of the vehicle. Make sure the roof rack is secure to your vehicle and don't load over your rack's weight limits. Remember to clean the roof of your vehicle first. You may want to use the PackRight Non-Skid Roof Protection Pad under the carrier.

Fold back one edge of the Classic Carrier to keep the Velcro around the opening from closing during loading. Place any items with sharp or pointed edges in the middle and pack softer items around them. Pack the carrier full so that the sides are pulled tight to prevent excess material from flapping in the wind. This step keeps the load from shifting which may cause the straps to loosen. Leave at least 12" of unpacked space at the opening of the carrier so that there is room to close it.

Connect the Velcro tabs on both sides of the opening and then secure the top and bottom Velcro pieces together. Roll the opening toward the gear tightly with at least two to three folds - just like rolling up a bag of potato chips. If the carrier is not at maximum capacity, keep rolling until the bag is tight around the gear.

Bend the two ends of the opening together and clip the buckle. Tighten the buckle strap to make sure it is secure. If the Velcro sections do not easily press together or you can't get at least two to three folds, it probably means the Classic Carrier is over packed.

The big fabric loops by the buckles can be used with the PackRight Security Cable Lock. Run the cable through the loops and around the luggage rack, adjusting the cable for a tight fit so that the lock doesn't bounce around. You can usually tuck the lock into the end fold of the bag.

Using a Roof Rack
Using two straps front to back or two straps side to side will function properly; however, using all four straps is the most secure method of attachment. Each carrier comes with a Strapright Strap Set (4 straps).

Each StrapRight strap consists of two pieces connected through a center buckle. Unthread the short piece from the buckle and secure it to your rack by threading the end through the loop and pulling tight. Go to the opposite side of the vehicle’s roof rack and secure the other piece to the rack by the same method. Run both straps through the carrier's handles on each side and bring them together (should be on the top corner of the carrier-short strap side). Thread the short strap back through the center buckle.

The strap’s long piece has a plastic tri-glide to secure the extra length of the strap so that it doesn’t flap in the wind. When adjusting the straps through the center buckle, make sure to thread enough length through each side so that they will not pull out under tension. Always check straps before driving and tie off any excess length. If the straps are too long, cut off the extra material and melt the ends to prevent fraying.

Do not attach the straps to the handles as they will cause them damage. The strap tension from one roof rail to the other over the top of the carrier secures the load. Position the straps at least 20” apart. This diagram shows what a properly packed carrier should look like when you are finished.

StrapRight straps must be snug but not "piano wire" tight. When the carrier is fully loaded, the straps are snug, and the loose ends are tied off, you are ready to go. We recommend a test drive around the neighborhood before you leave on your trip. Remember to check the straps regularly on your way.

No Roof Rack
If your vehicle does not have a roof rack, you may secure the carrier to the roof by following one of two options. First, you may run the StrapRight Straps (provided with the carrier) through the vehicle and around the carrier to secure the load. Secondly, you may use the Car Clip Strap Set (purchased separately) to attach to the vehicle's door frame and around the carrier to secure the load. Read more about this second option in our accessories section.

Storage
The Classic Car Top Carrier comes with a stuff sack for convenient storage when not in use. The stuff sack has a draw string closure.