Installation & operational Instructions
Step 1 Unfold bag and unzip zipper
Place roof bag on flat surface and unzip primary zipper.
Make sure the surface of the bag is free from debris.
Step 2 Expandable zipper
Discretion should be used to calculate the required spaced needed. The expandable zipper can be opened if more space is required. If space is ample and adequate the expandable zipper should be left closed.
If more storage space is required the expandable zipper can be unzipped to provide additional storage space. Note should be taken that the wind résistance and fuel consumption will increase when expandable zipper is opened and being utilized.
While the cargo is being loaded and it is evident that there is not enough space available; the expandable zipper can be unzipped to increase space
Step 3 Aluminium beams
The aluminium beams are located in the base of the bag. The beams should remain inside the bag to create a sturdy and rigid surface area unless the user specifically requires a flexible and soft surface. One of the main reasons for removing the beams are to compensate for the round contour of the vehicle when placed directly onto the roof surface. If the beams have been removed it can be reinserted by folding the bag inside out and insert from the back side of the bag and pushed thought the sleeves unit it is securely fixed.
No part of the beam should be exposed on either side of the of the front or the back of the bag and should be tucked away inside the sleeve.
When the roof bag is used in conjunction with a conventional roof rack to allow bag to be suspended, beams should be inserted for more stability. When it is placed directly onto the car's roof the beams can be removed if the contour of the specific vehicle's roof is curved or beveled to allow for even weight displacement and distribution and prevent sections of the roof from denting.
Step 3B PU Board Interior Panels (Only applicable with Forris Blue Series)
Each Forris Blue Series bag includes 4 PU Board panels. These panels can be inserted into the side PU Board sleeves and connected to each other by connecting Velcro strips that’s located on the opposite sided of the PU board panels. By installing the PU Board panels the bag will maintain the structure and shape better. If a more flexible bag is however required these panels can easily be removed.
Step 4 Spacing of bag
If only one person is available during loading stage it is recommended that the roof bag be placed on the roof prior to loading the bag.
It is important that the bag be placed in the centre on the roof surface.
When bag is used without the roof rack and placed directly onto the car's roof, special attention should be paid to align the bag in the centre and between crossbars. When used on a conventional roof rack the roof bag should be evenly spaced in such a way that the front and back side that overlap on the roof rack is equal to each other.
When used in conjunction with the inflatable roof rack, space the bag in such a way to enable it to distribute the weight evenly over all two or three inflated sections.
If more that one person is available during loading the bag can be pre-packed on ground level before placing it on the roof.
The roof bag has a special fleece membrane surface on the bottom of the bag to decrease and prevent scratching or damaging the car's roof surface paint. It is strongly advised that the car's roof surface be clean and free from any dirt or debris before placing the bag on the roof.
Step 5 Packing and Loading
The cargo should be packed in such a way to evenly spread the weight over the bottom surface of the bag. The sides of the bag must be filled in such a way to maintain its aerodynamic shape. The expandable zipper can be unzipped if additional storage is required.
The bag should never be over loaded and the zipper should be able to close at all times without to much force applied to it.
Even though the bag is weather resistant it is advised to pack the cargo into plastic bags when rainy conditions are expected for increased peace of mind
Since the roof bag is soft and flexible - the contours of the bag can be manipulated and molded. It’s advised that the roof bag be filled in such a manner to minimize wind résistance and maintain aerodynamic shape. The ideal shape to obtain is similar to a 30 to 45 degree angle with a rounded edge. As indicated in the following sketch
Step 6 Closing the zipper
The bag should be closed with both zippers next to each other with a resting position at the back of the bag. The zippers can however be moved to any side of the bag to enable user to open the desired section of bag. The velcro zippers secure must be used to avoid bag from opening when it is unlocked.
The zipper can be locked to prevent muggers to open it when the car is left unattended.
The zipper used in conjunction with the D-rings and vibration alarm will maximize its protection
Please also refer to the other lockable options discussed in guidelines and pointers for more info
The weather flap should be placed over the zipper to ensure that no unnecessary moisture or water enters through it.
Step 7 Tightening the straps of the bag
After the bag has been fully loaded - the 3 tightening straps found on either side of the bag must be tightened to decrease any excess movement and wind résistance.
The straps can be tightened by pulling down on then.
Step 8 Securing Roof Bag to car
In the instance where the vehicle roof is sturdy and rigid enough and the particular vehicles has roof bars or cross bars the Roof Bag can either be attached to the crossbars or roof rails has the
In the instance were the roof bag is placed on top of the roof rack it can be fasted and secured at the closed and most convenient harnessing points.
When used in conjunction with the inflatable roof rack - the roof bag can be attached on any of the harnessing points found on the inflatable roof rack.
When used without roof rack, roof rails, cross bars or inflatable roof rack but placed directly on the roof surface, the roof bag can be strapped and secured to the roof surface using ratchets. The ratchets can be attached on both sides of the bag with the straps running between the door and inside of the roof surface. Please note that the ratchets for securing bag using this method are not included with the bag and should be obtained personally prior securing bag directly to car's roof surface.
The Bag can be secured using any and combination of the 10 harnessing points.
The abovementioned harnessing points are located as follows:
2 Strapping points on either front and back of bag.
3 Strapping points on either side of bag.
The user should refer to the particular car’s owner manual to ensure that the car's safety features will not be compromised when used in conjunction with the inflatable roof rack or used directly on the car’s roof surface when securing the bag through the interior and roofline. Special attention should be paid to curtain airbags of vehicle.
The method of securing the roof bag directly onto the car's roof without utilization of a roof rack is not recommended since damaging of the roof surface is more likely. Special care and discretion must be applied.
Step 9 Straps
The straps should not be fully tightened until the bag have been aligned in the correct position. After the straps have been aligned it can be tighten appropriately and straps can be double backed thought buckle. (The strap should run through the buckle and then dubbeld back when tightly strapped.)
The excess strap can be wrapped or strapped around the roof rack or other available harnessing point to prevent strap from flapping in wind.
It is recommended that 4 harnessing straps be used at 4 different harnessing points on the bag when securing the roof bag.
Step 10 Unpacked
After completion of the journey or arriving at the given destination the roof bag can be removed from the roof and unpacked on ground level when there is more than one person available or when the bag is not that heavily loaded. In the instance where the roof bag is heavily loaded and only one person is available it is recommended that the roof bag be unloaded while still on the roof.
Unloading should not be attempted by one person in the instance where the bag is heavily loaded since this can cause damage to the car, bag and to the person doing the unloading. The user is urged to use his or hers discretion
Step 11 Storage
After the roof bag has been used, the bag should be neatly folded or rolled up and placed inside the carry bag. Never store the roof bag in the carry bag while it is still wet.
The bag should not be kept in places where it is likely to be damaged or eaten by moths, worms etc. Regularity cleaning and maintenance will increase the longevity and lifespan of the product.