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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: newbiemustache on March 23, 2016, 08:47:29 PM

Title: moving table on car roof rack
Post by: newbiemustache on March 23, 2016, 08:47:29 PM

Does anyone have tips on how to move a dining table on the roof of a car?

I have a Subaru Impreza. Has rack rails, but I've never used them before. The table I'd like to move is 5'x3.5'. Legs do not come off. How would I tie it safely and what's the maximum weight I should be able to haul on the roof?

Thanks!

Title: Re: moving table on car roof rack
Post by: Primm on March 24, 2016, 12:24:59 AM

Your owner's manual should tell you, but some Googling informs me that the SWL for an Outback roof (can't find an Impreza one) is 100lb (45kg). That includes the weight of all the racks, tie-downs etc. So I'd say a decent-sized table would be close to that.

Do you know anyone with a bigger car (pickup, SUV) that would appreciate a carton of beer?

Title: Re: moving table on car roof rack
Post by: gooki on March 24, 2016, 12:31:11 AM

Weight won't be an issue. most roof bars are rated for 40-75kg each, so multiply by 2 and your looking at 80 to 150kg, and even then you can safely go higher..

Pad the roof racks (old towels, sheets etc).
Make sure the padding is secure.
Flip the table upside down, and lift onto the racks.
Use tie downs to secure the table to the rack, ensuring it won't move left/right,  up/down or forwards/backwards.
Start driving, hang you hand out the window to feel the table, confirm there is no movement.
Keep driving.

Title: Re: moving table on car roof rack
Post by: newbiemustache on March 24, 2016, 05:58:56 PM

Thanks for the tips. The table I'm interested in is 36" in width. It might not be wide enough to fit on the roof rack bars, but rather on the roof of the car (which would scratch both the table and the roof). Any way to go around this?

Title: Re: moving table on car roof rack
Post by: kpd905 on March 24, 2016, 08:34:58 PM

Quote from: newbiemustache on March 24, 2016, 05:58:56 PM

Thanks for the tips. The table I'm interested in is 36" in width. It might not be wide enough to fit on the roof rack bars, but rather on the roof of the car (which would scratch both the table and the roof). Any way to go around this?

Put down towels or sheets as padding.  Use ratchet straps to secure table.  Drive.