Using roof rails to set up hammockMaking own HammockSleeping in twos in one hammockAdvantages to hammock camping on multi-night tripsWhat are the basic considerations for hammock camping?What is a hammock ridgeline and how do I use it?How to stow backpack and boots whilst in a hammock?Tent or hammock safer from lightning?How much colder is hammock vs. sleeping in a tent?
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Using roof rails to set up hammock
Making own HammockSleeping in twos in one hammockAdvantages to hammock camping on multi-night tripsWhat are the basic considerations for hammock camping?What is a hammock ridgeline and how do I use it?How to stow backpack and boots whilst in a hammock?Tent or hammock safer from lightning?How much colder is hammock vs. sleeping in a tent?
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Has anyone experience with attaching a hammock to roof rails of a regular car?
I just bought a hammock for my next camping trip. I will be traveling mostly by car and sleep in a tent but wanted something to relax in outside of the tent or car and also might try sleeping in the hammock.
My question is: Is it possible (i.e. safe for both, me and the car) to attach one side of the hammock to the roof rails of the car? This might make a lot of places hammock-feasible, as I‘d only need one additional tree.
I am pretty sure that I have already seen auch a set-up with a Jeep-like car somewhere. But the car in question is an Opel Astra with normal roof rails so I fear that the rails might not withstand the sideward pull a hammock would cause on them. Since it is a borrowed car from a family member, I really do not want to damage it.
Any advice?
camping hammock
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
add a comment
|
Has anyone experience with attaching a hammock to roof rails of a regular car?
I just bought a hammock for my next camping trip. I will be traveling mostly by car and sleep in a tent but wanted something to relax in outside of the tent or car and also might try sleeping in the hammock.
My question is: Is it possible (i.e. safe for both, me and the car) to attach one side of the hammock to the roof rails of the car? This might make a lot of places hammock-feasible, as I‘d only need one additional tree.
I am pretty sure that I have already seen auch a set-up with a Jeep-like car somewhere. But the car in question is an Opel Astra with normal roof rails so I fear that the rails might not withstand the sideward pull a hammock would cause on them. Since it is a borrowed car from a family member, I really do not want to damage it.
Any advice?
camping hammock
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
2
If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
1
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29
add a comment
|
Has anyone experience with attaching a hammock to roof rails of a regular car?
I just bought a hammock for my next camping trip. I will be traveling mostly by car and sleep in a tent but wanted something to relax in outside of the tent or car and also might try sleeping in the hammock.
My question is: Is it possible (i.e. safe for both, me and the car) to attach one side of the hammock to the roof rails of the car? This might make a lot of places hammock-feasible, as I‘d only need one additional tree.
I am pretty sure that I have already seen auch a set-up with a Jeep-like car somewhere. But the car in question is an Opel Astra with normal roof rails so I fear that the rails might not withstand the sideward pull a hammock would cause on them. Since it is a borrowed car from a family member, I really do not want to damage it.
Any advice?
camping hammock
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
Has anyone experience with attaching a hammock to roof rails of a regular car?
I just bought a hammock for my next camping trip. I will be traveling mostly by car and sleep in a tent but wanted something to relax in outside of the tent or car and also might try sleeping in the hammock.
My question is: Is it possible (i.e. safe for both, me and the car) to attach one side of the hammock to the roof rails of the car? This might make a lot of places hammock-feasible, as I‘d only need one additional tree.
I am pretty sure that I have already seen auch a set-up with a Jeep-like car somewhere. But the car in question is an Opel Astra with normal roof rails so I fear that the rails might not withstand the sideward pull a hammock would cause on them. Since it is a borrowed car from a family member, I really do not want to damage it.
Any advice?
camping hammock
camping hammock
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
edited Jun 13 at 16:02
Charlie Brumbaugh
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
56.8k21 gold badges166 silver badges335 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
asked Jun 13 at 10:22
Jon IsrJon Isr
785 bronze badges
785 bronze badges
2
If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
1
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29
add a comment
|
2
If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
1
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29
2
2
If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
1
1
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29
add a comment
|
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
The load limit for directly mounted roof bars is around 60kg - 70kg for ordinary (European) cars. Usually the load limit for rail mounted bars is lower, but that's for vertical and dynamic load. This is a static load so you're probably ok.
Basically if it was my own car and not in great condition I'd do it, attaching the hammock to the far rail and hanging over the near one. With a borrowed car I wouldn't.
On the other hand if you get a single support for your hammock such as crossed poles, and using a tree at the other end, you can certainly use the tow loop as an anchor as that's more than strong enough to take the load.
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
|
show 4 more comments
I would attach rope to both rails and perhaps even the door pillar on the opposite side. This would help spread the load if you’re worried about weakening the rail.
Update: In fact why not just tie across the roof to the opposite door pillar and simplify the task. One knot.
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
add a comment
|
I have done this on my 3 series wagon. I had the strap tied around the middle vertical support of one of the side rails. I also have cross bars installed, so I don't know if that helps in anyway to reenforce or distribute some of the load to the other rail, but I didn't have any issues. I just made sure that the strap was situated in a way where it came over the top of the bar so that it wouldn't rub on the paint of the roof.
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
add a comment
|
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The load limit for directly mounted roof bars is around 60kg - 70kg for ordinary (European) cars. Usually the load limit for rail mounted bars is lower, but that's for vertical and dynamic load. This is a static load so you're probably ok.
Basically if it was my own car and not in great condition I'd do it, attaching the hammock to the far rail and hanging over the near one. With a borrowed car I wouldn't.
On the other hand if you get a single support for your hammock such as crossed poles, and using a tree at the other end, you can certainly use the tow loop as an anchor as that's more than strong enough to take the load.
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
|
show 4 more comments
The load limit for directly mounted roof bars is around 60kg - 70kg for ordinary (European) cars. Usually the load limit for rail mounted bars is lower, but that's for vertical and dynamic load. This is a static load so you're probably ok.
Basically if it was my own car and not in great condition I'd do it, attaching the hammock to the far rail and hanging over the near one. With a borrowed car I wouldn't.
On the other hand if you get a single support for your hammock such as crossed poles, and using a tree at the other end, you can certainly use the tow loop as an anchor as that's more than strong enough to take the load.
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
|
show 4 more comments
The load limit for directly mounted roof bars is around 60kg - 70kg for ordinary (European) cars. Usually the load limit for rail mounted bars is lower, but that's for vertical and dynamic load. This is a static load so you're probably ok.
Basically if it was my own car and not in great condition I'd do it, attaching the hammock to the far rail and hanging over the near one. With a borrowed car I wouldn't.
On the other hand if you get a single support for your hammock such as crossed poles, and using a tree at the other end, you can certainly use the tow loop as an anchor as that's more than strong enough to take the load.
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
The load limit for directly mounted roof bars is around 60kg - 70kg for ordinary (European) cars. Usually the load limit for rail mounted bars is lower, but that's for vertical and dynamic load. This is a static load so you're probably ok.
Basically if it was my own car and not in great condition I'd do it, attaching the hammock to the far rail and hanging over the near one. With a borrowed car I wouldn't.
On the other hand if you get a single support for your hammock such as crossed poles, and using a tree at the other end, you can certainly use the tow loop as an anchor as that's more than strong enough to take the load.
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
edited Jun 13 at 12:56
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
answered Jun 13 at 10:39
SeparatrixSeparatrix
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
5,77811 silver badges33 bronze badges
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
|
show 4 more comments
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
2
2
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
Estate cars can have a higher limit - 100kg on my old Peugeot with permanent bars supported in 3 places. It's probably best to tie the hammock at the middle support for side loading. And they're quite overbuilt for supporting that sort of load statically.
– Chris H
Jun 13 at 11:48
5
5
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
+1 "With a borrowed car I wouldn't."
– James Jenkins
Jun 13 at 12:43
5
5
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
Orientation matters - if you can arrange the direction of pull to be more in line with the car's axis, you're at much less risk than when loading at 90° (full abeam) to the vehicle. Check that you're not fouling the boot opening, though, or you'll curse yourself every time you need to get something out!
– Toby Speight
Jun 13 at 13:25
13
13
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
Also, check that you take the hammock down before trying to dive to the grocery store the next day, or else you'll hear a distinct eee...eeeeeee.... BOOOOM! as the line snaps. Ask me how I know.
– dwizum
Jun 13 at 20:14
2
2
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
@dwizum Obligatory question: Was the hammock occupied?
– gerrit
Jun 14 at 13:23
|
show 4 more comments
I would attach rope to both rails and perhaps even the door pillar on the opposite side. This would help spread the load if you’re worried about weakening the rail.
Update: In fact why not just tie across the roof to the opposite door pillar and simplify the task. One knot.
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
add a comment
|
I would attach rope to both rails and perhaps even the door pillar on the opposite side. This would help spread the load if you’re worried about weakening the rail.
Update: In fact why not just tie across the roof to the opposite door pillar and simplify the task. One knot.
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
add a comment
|
I would attach rope to both rails and perhaps even the door pillar on the opposite side. This would help spread the load if you’re worried about weakening the rail.
Update: In fact why not just tie across the roof to the opposite door pillar and simplify the task. One knot.
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
I would attach rope to both rails and perhaps even the door pillar on the opposite side. This would help spread the load if you’re worried about weakening the rail.
Update: In fact why not just tie across the roof to the opposite door pillar and simplify the task. One knot.
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
edited Jun 14 at 9:14
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
answered Jun 13 at 21:49
StefanStefan
2315 bronze badges
2315 bronze badges
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
add a comment
|
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
Automotive body tin is fairly thin. Excessive pressure at some points can cause dents. Ok if you own the car maybe, NOT ok if it is a borrowed car. As mentioned in the answer by @mikeB it can also rub of paint.
– James Jenkins
Jun 14 at 13:52
3
3
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
+1 and use flat webbing instead of rope to reduce the point pressure.
– Jammin4CO
Jun 14 at 18:06
3
3
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
+1 Or put a towel between the rope and the car body on the points of highest pressure.
– Underminer
Jun 14 at 20:50
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
Also a small piece of wood board (or even cartonage) can help distribute the load.
– cbeleites
Jun 15 at 20:19
add a comment
|
I have done this on my 3 series wagon. I had the strap tied around the middle vertical support of one of the side rails. I also have cross bars installed, so I don't know if that helps in anyway to reenforce or distribute some of the load to the other rail, but I didn't have any issues. I just made sure that the strap was situated in a way where it came over the top of the bar so that it wouldn't rub on the paint of the roof.
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
add a comment
|
I have done this on my 3 series wagon. I had the strap tied around the middle vertical support of one of the side rails. I also have cross bars installed, so I don't know if that helps in anyway to reenforce or distribute some of the load to the other rail, but I didn't have any issues. I just made sure that the strap was situated in a way where it came over the top of the bar so that it wouldn't rub on the paint of the roof.
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
add a comment
|
I have done this on my 3 series wagon. I had the strap tied around the middle vertical support of one of the side rails. I also have cross bars installed, so I don't know if that helps in anyway to reenforce or distribute some of the load to the other rail, but I didn't have any issues. I just made sure that the strap was situated in a way where it came over the top of the bar so that it wouldn't rub on the paint of the roof.
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
I have done this on my 3 series wagon. I had the strap tied around the middle vertical support of one of the side rails. I also have cross bars installed, so I don't know if that helps in anyway to reenforce or distribute some of the load to the other rail, but I didn't have any issues. I just made sure that the strap was situated in a way where it came over the top of the bar so that it wouldn't rub on the paint of the roof.
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
answered Jun 13 at 22:30
Mike BMike B
711 bronze badge
711 bronze badge
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
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If you do it: ideally you want the hammock to be "behind" the car, parallel to the usual driving direction, and not - as would be intuitive - to the side of the car. This is because that's the load the roof rails are more designed to do
– Hobbamok
Jun 14 at 10:24
Funny how no one mentions that the weight of the occupant might factor into the equation.
– Ron Day
Jun 14 at 10:50
@Hobbamok Thank you! That’s a good point.
– Jon Isr
Jun 14 at 11:56
It might help if you could qualify this somehow. How much weight can the hammock take given the weight and design of the car? What other factors play a role? The type of ground the car is situated on? Assuming the hammock and other side are sufficiently strong, obviously.
– JJJ
Jun 14 at 12:52
1
@Hobbamok you could even tie off to both rails that way
– Chris H
Jun 14 at 14:29