I have an extra thick and extra heavy double mattress (194x140x30cm) that I need to transport 100km from Sydney to Wollongong.
Rather than pay for a courier or hire a large vehicle, I am thinking of buying a roof rack for my small hatchback (Kia Rio 2004 ) . It may cost more upfront but then I am investing in a roof rack for future transportation needs.
Given I strap it in securely, is this recommended? I will be having to drive on freeways but do not have to drive at the 110km/h speed limit.
I'm actually interested in hearing what everyone's comments might be. Personally, I'd be afraid it might catch the wind while driving, but I am in no way an expert. Precisely why I'd like input from the more learned around here.
I've seen a mattress come off a commodore wagon doing ~80 on a country road. Personally I'd suggest you put it in a van.
Maybe if u put it crossways, youll be able to fly to your destination?
Seriously , probably bad idea - accident risk and if cops see you theyll probably fine you
Get 3 mates in the car, roll down the windows, tell them to grab a corner each.
The wind forces at 80km/hr are already significant, with such a large area, top heavy, I expect you would roll the car at the first breeze above 50km/hr. Actually, I expect it would damage the roof and destroy the roof racks first, but bottom line is …
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rp8hvyjZWHs
Hire a truck or large van
Hire trailer or ute from bunnings. Costs like $50.
Roof racks cost a lot more in fuel efficiency. Not really recommended if you use them once in a blue moon or at least remove them.
The best way is to roll the mat into coil. Then use ratchet straps to keep it in shape.
Edit
Or you could buy a new mat.
Strap that shit and go…however bunnings utes are cheap ;)
not recommended, quite a lot of dips and hills to gong, u definitely will go airbourne!
try goget, ikea members are free to join, rent a van, and maybe return it in the gong, have a friend follow u
I have a business that sells camper trailers, often people buy replacement mattresses for these campers (equivalent to double or lager), they often strap them to the roof (no racks) of the car or the racks. Looks pretty odd, but I think if they are braced accordingly there isn't an issue, just be mindful of the air pressure coming up off the front of the windscreen under the mattress, if you can keep the "nose down" and stop air coming between the mattress and the roof of the car you should be good to go.
Having said that - I wouldn't do it myself…..
When are we going to see a deal on campers for Ozbargain? I will be looking next year.
Bad idea.
You can put it on the roof racks no problem. Roof racks can carry 50kg. The mattress is 140 wide, so less than the car and will not overhang on the sides. Just make sure you fit the roof racks properly to the car (grab them hard and try to move them once fixed to check they are solid) and strap the mattress properly to the racks with at least 3 ropes. One on top of each rack bar and one in length the other way. And keep the speed under 90.
Lots of fail examples if you google image search terms describing cars carrying/transporting mattresses. lol just for the lols.
Mattresses lifting like that is not good news on a highway.
Aerodynamics. A mattress pancaked on your roof for 100km at speed is not efficient. But others have given you much much better explanations and reasons above :)
I think the cops may not be too pleased to see it.
Do not do it. 5km ok, but you are talking about 100Km and on high speed freeways.
Why not look at airtasker, you might get someone with a ute for $20-30 who commutes to and from Sydney who will pick it up for the cash.
If it blows off you risk a hefty fine (unsecured load etc) plus I'd hate to see your costs if it causes an accident. or worse still hate to think of the remorse you will go thru if it injures someone, apart from the costs.
One or two timber beams or steel rods secured firmly on top or underneath will solve any problems, Do you also need to transport a wardrobe?
OP, re your transportation goals - where there is a will, there is a way (and very possibly a fine), but I'm not sure that you're being ambitious enough…
However, even if you hire a truck, there really does seem to be a limit…
I have put a Queen mattress (even bigger than yours!!) on top of a hatchback Mazda Astina driving 1 hour from the city and that caught a bit of wind, made some noise and we drove cautiously. That was highway driving 100km/hour too. But we made it :) Don't know if it's legal to just tie it to the roof, but we did it on the weekend when it was a little quieter and when there was good weather!
Edit: Used tie down straps usually used for surfboards but definitely do not use Occy straps!
A friend of mine hired a flat bed trailer and duct-taped his mattress down.
Yes, driving out of Sydney is a good idea.