Frequently-Asked Questions about
Frequently-Asked Questions about
Kanga & Sherpak Soft Roof Pouches / Bags
Why are Kanga
& Sherpak roof pouches better than other rooftop carriers?
Soft roof pouches in general are a great alternative to a hard-shell carrier. They're less expensive than hard-shell carriers, fold down and can be kept in a trunk or under a seat, and they're easy to install and use. There's a lot of junk out there; beware of coated nylon roof bags, as our experience has been they do not hold up and are not water resistant enough to satisfy most customers. Family on Board's bags have been tested for water resistance and durability (see our comparison chart), and are made out of impregnated nylon material or heavy vinyl.
We use the term "highly weather resistant." If water is allowed to pool up (when the pouch is not kept full, see below) on the vinyl material, or if they are installed incorrectly (zipper facing the front of the car) they will seep through. When they are kept full, the water rolls right off.
Absolutely, and for three reasons. We tell customers to make the pouch look "fat," which helps water to roll off. Second, it makes the pouch more aerodynamic, saving you fuel. Third, a pouch which is allowed to flap in the wind causes drag on the pouch and vibration on the straps, both of which can damage your pouch. If you don't have enough to fill it, we suggest adding blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, or even a sealed trash bag with packing peanuts.
Your limitation is size, and you're best bet is to check the comparison chart for the size that fits your vehicle. Soft luggage, duffel bags and bulky items work best, but with the Kanga Pouch optional floorboards, you can put in strollers, cribs, and other hard frame items. We are often asked whether golf clubs will fit; only with the 15 cubic foot pouches, and diagonally in the pouch. Large duffle bags work very well, since you can load them on the ground and hoist them easily into the pouch. MEASURE TWICE, PACK ONCE is our motto!
The floorboards are there to protect your roof and pouch from sharp, hard objects. If you're traveling with only soft goods, you won't need the floorboards.
The all-weather pads go beneath the pouch, and protects your car finish from road dirt that gets lodged underneath during travel. It is recommended for all non-roof rack applications using door hooks. When attaching to a roof rack, some vehicles have "cargo strips" made of plastic, rubber or chrome permanently mounted to the roof. If you have these strips, the pad would be at your option.
You can lock the double zippers with a small luggage lock. However, anyone with a razor knife can cut through the straps or the pouch itself. We recommend that when staying overnight in an insecure area that you consider stowing the pouch inside the car or hotel room.
Kanga Roof Pouches will fit most vehicles with or without a roof rack. Recently, Kanga Co. dropped its door hook attachment system which it used for many years. Many cars now have more aerodynamic door frames, which kept the door hook from staying in place. Effective June 2007, Kanga switched to a "thru-strap" system to attach the pouch. See details below.
How do the "Thru Straps" work?
 |
On a four-door vehicle without a roof rack, the Thru-Straps are put through the passenger compartment of the vehicle, then threaded through the "cam buckle" on each corner of the pouch. This is a very secure system that works regardless of the shape of the door frame. Drawbacks MAY include the "wicking" of moisture on the webbing strap, which might drip a small amount of rain water inside the car. A towel or washcloth will address this. Second, on some cars the strap MAY interfere with headroom in the rear passenger compartment.
This system does NOT work with sliding doors, such as many mini vans, as the straps interfere with the rolling mechanism.
We recommend that you place the pad and pouch on your vehicle, then load the pouch. On sedans, step on the door frame or use a stepstool to get access. On vans or SUVs, doorframes or step bumpers, or use the optional Wheel Step.
Face the pouch so that the side with no zipper is toward the front of the vehicle. Unzip the pouch and fold the top flap toward the hood of the car. With Kanga pouches, which are wedge-shaped, place taller luggage toward the back. Make sure to stuff it to make it look "fat."
Will a pouch work in hot/cold temperatures?
No problem; the material is flexible enough to work well in cold weather. UV rays can take its toll on the material, so after your trip is over, make sure to stow the pouch away.
Kanga Products: 1 year limited warranty; repaired or replaced at the discretion of the manufacturer. Detailed warranty information is included with each pouch.
I have an old Typhoon and need straps. Where can I get them?
Different models had different width & thickness of straps. We recommend contacting the manufacturer at 800-632-6163 for replacement parts.
With a roof rack, do the straps fit on the front/back bars, or the side bars?
Kanga Pouches have a "ring" attachment, which allows the straps to be swung to the front or the side. Sherpak products can only be attached on racks with a front and rear bar.
Some Dos & Don'ts
*NEVER overload your RoofPouch to the point where it is too difficult to close the
zipper.
*NEVER put your vehicle in motion without appropriately securing your RoofPouch.
*NEVER put sharp or pointed objects in your RoofPouch unless the edges or points
are well protected.
*NEVER exceed the vehicle manufacture's roof load specifications or weight limits
found in your vehicle's owner's manual.
We nor the Kanga Company are responsible for what you put on your roof.
*NEVER load the RoofPouch and then try to install it on your roof. Do not
lift the RoofPouch by the straps.
*NEVER try to remove your RoofPouch from your vehicle prior to unloading it.
*NEVER store while it is wet or dirty.
*ALWAYS make sure your RoofPouch is positioned on your vehicle with the shorter end
in front and the taller, zippered end toward the end of your vehicle.
*If the logo on your RoofPouch is upside down when the 'Pouch is positioned
on your vehicle, then the RoofPouch itself is
upside down. Make sure the straps are on top.
*ALWAYS be careful when entering your garage or low clearance area with the
RoofPouch loaded on your vehicle. The
Kanga RoofPouch, when fully loaded on your vehicle, will not clear a garage
overhang. To help you remember that your car
is loaded with a RoofPouch, a "CAUTION" sign is included in your package.
It can be hung on the dashboard whenever your Kanga RoofPouch is in use.
Where can I get an owner's manual? COMING SOON!
June 2007 and later Kanga Hurricane
Kanga Hurricane & Storm prior to May 2007
Sherpak Elite
Do you have other questions? Family on Board ~ Gear for Safe, Happy Travel is always glad to speak with you. Call us between 8 a.m. & 5 p.m. Eastern Time at 800-793-2075 or email us at sales@familyonboard.com.