| Author | Message | ||
     Jamie (Rover_puppy) Senior Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 1032 Registered: 05-2003 |
We're experimenting with different rack set ups to see what works best in different situations. Yesterday we strapped down a 1650 across the rear of the rack and another one across the front of the rack. The one on the rear is strapped down facing rear-ward so that we can climb the ladder and get to contents easily. The main handle rests perfectly on the upper rail so this made tying it down securely easy. Here are pics that show rear case facing rear-ward for easy access when climbing ladder. The pink arrows show the handle that rests on the upper rail making it easier to strap case down. Did I do this ok?   Not quite sure how to best position the case across the front. Right now, it to is facing rear-ward. This is preferable for access because we can scooch along the roof to access contents. However, it appears that if we face it forward, we'd have the advantage of lashing the handle to the front upper rail as we did for the rear case. Does anyone have any experience with this? Have any input or suggestions? It seems like the case would be more secure facing forward with handle strapped to the rail - but, I don't know how we would be able to get into the case easily. Here are pics of the case across the front of the rack. The yellow arrows show the handle that I could use to tie case down if I face it the opposite direction. The green arrows show where I could rest the case handle to tie it down if I face it in the opposite direction. Is it ok to leave it as shown in the pics or would it be safer to turn it in the opposite direction?   As far as I can tell, we will be able to strap down each case by using the 3 handles on each case. I'm thinking this will give us immediate access to the contents without having to remove the straps. Would this be a mistake or is this ok? On the highway, we will put one additional rachet strap over each case to further secure them from one side of the roof rack to the other side of the roof rack. Finally, I'm wondering what to expect with regard to changes I will experience on handling my truck while driving with the 1650's in these locations. I've never carried anything "bulky" on the front of my rack before. Until now, I've had 2 1610's strapped side by side on the rear and have been accustomed to driving both on and off road with them up there. Although I don't carry alot of heavy weight in the cases, I'm looking forward to having some of the weight distributed further forward. Do you have any input or advice about this on highway driving at high speeds or off road driving when we are NOT straight and level? It would be nice if the changes won't even be noticable - but, I'm most concerned about getting through unpleasant off road areas. What adjustments will I need to make in my driving technique when going through the trickest terrain areas? (like when I drive sideways, up and down places?) I'm already scared when I have to do that anyway, so I'd appreciate any cautionary foresight you can provide on possible hazards. Thanks in advance, Jamie |
