Introduction: Tie Loads to Car Roofs by Making Temporary Anchors

By
About: Hobby interests include BSA, and trying minimalist solutions. Studied hypnotism. Married, 2 kids. Wish I had learned to sing.

This is for cars with no racks on the car roof and with at least 4 doors
When  there are places to tie the ropes to,  or to hook the bungee cords to , then  it is easy to tie loads to car roofs with ropes or bungee cords
The places to tie the ropes, or hook the bungee cords , are w called anchor points.
Here is how to make these temporary anchor points

The use of a ratchet strap is also most highly recommended. 

The use of a rubbery roof pad is also highly  recomended

Step 1: Materials

There are several materials that can be used for anchors.
The materials have to be strong and thin.
For my vehicle, I would consider strong as having a working load of 75 pounds or more
I would consider thin to be less than 3/8 inches thick.

Although I will illustrate the procedure with nylon military belts ( straps)
Other materials could have been used.
For instance:
Cable Ties ( Zip Ties)
550 paracord
Electrical cord
Other thin wirres or cables
Luggage straps
Leather belts


Step 2: Tie Straps Around Center Posts of Cars

Tie the straps loosely  around the centerposts.
Turn the knots inside the car and close the doors
The knot used to tie the ends of the strap together is called a "water knot"
Many sites on the web show how to tie a water knot.

If tying this knot is a problem, then consider using cable ties or  paracord or a wire or cable.
Small clamps will bind cables and can be obtained at the Ace Hardware store.


Step 3: Turn Strap to Inside of Car and Close Door

Inside View of Knot

Step 4: Outside View

View From Outside

Step 5: Anchor Points on Both Sides

This is how the car looks with anchor points on both sides

Step 6: Loaded Car

Here is a picture of a car loaded using the anchors

Step 7: Option: Instead of Straps, Use Long Cable Ties

One easy way tpo majke anchors is to use a long ( 18-36" cable strap
These are also known as Zip ties
They are thin and strong.
They can cost  from 0.30 - 1.00 each and are not re-useable
But they are easy.


Step 8: Details of Cord Tied to Anchors

The cord is ttied to anchor using a knot called
"Round Turn and Two Half Hitches"

Step 9: Two Ropes and Bungee Attached to Anchor

Here the anchor is used to secure two ropes and a bungee
One rope is going toward the front of the load
The other rope is going to the back
The bungee cord us going ovetr the load.

Step 10: About Ratchet Straps

Note that the strap over the load  ( step 6 ) is not a bungee cord, it is a ratchet strap.
Here are photos of the ratchet strap and how  the strap appears in the car.
Various places on the web show how to use a ratchet strap.
The ratchet strap is good fior applying downward pressure on the load

Step 11: About the Roof Pad

A rubbery roof pad, ( see step 6)  tucked under at tghe front and back
 does all these things:
Protects the roof
Adds friction so the items don't  slide
Improves air flow around the load
Keeps the load from shifting front and back