How do I Safely Carry Light Cargo in My Cargo Bag on My Volvo XC60 with a Sunroof/Moonroof?

Question:

Hello, I got some good cross rails on Ebay 2 PCS Black Cross Bar For Volvo XC60 2009-2017 Roof Rack Rail Lockable Baggage and used them for my trip to Cabo San Lucas with a thule type carrier. The carrier broke after arrival so for my trip back Im using a Rightline Gear vinyl carrier. the carrier will be holding clothes and linens in vacuum bags. I need to clarify the distance between rails and how to center on the roof. I have a sun and moon roof so Ill most likely have to get a piece of plywood or something to place in the bag before packing so there is no weight on the roof. Advice?

asked by: Paddy M

Helpful Expert Reply:

From the sound of your question, it sounds like you are using a cargo bag like the Rightline Range 2 Rooftop Cargo Bag - Water Resistant - 15 cu ft # RL100R20 to your crossbars of your Volvo XC60. As far as guidance about the crossbar spread, the best route is to use the overall length of the bag as a reference. For example, if the bag is 40 inches long, I recommend 41 inches of crossbar spread.

From the looks of your photo, it is possible that you have fixed mounting points on your rails. Since we do not carry the specific crossbars you have on your vehicle, I am limited as to what information I have available for those crossbars. If you are using these mounting points for your crossbars, you will be limited in what crossbar spread you have available.

As far as installing the bag on your sun/moon roof, you will be able to safely store your clothes/linens in the cargo bag directly on the sun/moon roof since that is a very light load (as long as those are the only things you wish to transport in your bag). I recommend confirming with your owner's manual for more guidance about weight limits on your sun/moon roof. It is important to keep the roof closed during transport with the bag mounted. I do not recommend using plywood as a intermediary between the bag and the roof because the wood can shift during transport and cause much more damage than the bag itself.

expert reply by: Bob C