Carrying long cargoes such as boards, pipes, skis or metal rolling often becomes a real challenge for the car owner. A standard roof trunk may be too short, and the ends of the load begin to hang dangerously from the front and back, threatening the safety of other road users. It is in such situations that a special device comes to the rescue, which the people aptly dubbed the “boomer with long arms”.
This term describes the design of elongated brackets that are attached to standard trunk crossbars, greatly increasing the useful length of the support surface. The use of such devices allows you to reliably fix the cargo, eliminating its displacement and damage to the paint coating of the body. Competent organization of transportation This is not just a matter of convenience, but a strict requirement of traffic rules, the disregard of which can lead to serious fines and emergencies.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose, install and operate elongated brackets for the transportation of long gauges. You will learn about the intricacies of attaching different types of cargo, the legal nuances of the cargo protruding beyond the dimensions of the vehicle and ways to minimize aerodynamic drag. Road safety It starts with getting the car ready for the trip.
Design features of elongated brackets
The trunk extension, or so-called "boomer," is a metal structure, usually made of steel or aluminum, which is rigidly fixed on the regular arcs. The main difference between quality products is the presence slip-coating on the surface of contact with the cargo and reinforced fastening points. This prevents even slippery materials, such as polished pipes or icy skis, from slipping during sharp maneuvers.
The design can be stationary or telescopic. Stationary models are a single arc of a certain length, which provides maximum rigidity. Telescopic options allow you to adjust the departure, which is convenient for the transportation of goods of different lengths, but they require more frequent check of tightening of the fixing mechanisms. Metal profile Such products are often rounded in shape so as not to damage the load when vibrating.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the method of attaching to the crossbars. Most models use clamps with rubber pads that span the trunk arc. It is important that the contact area is sufficient to distribute the load. A weak clamp can lead to a “boomer” turning around the axis of the arc, which instantly disrupts the balancing of the entire load.
⚠️ Warning: Never rely on the friction of rubber pads alone. Even with perfectly tight clamps, vibration at high speeds can weaken the fastener. Use additional safety belts that pass through the interior of the car (if the design allows) or lock the upper part of the load to the arcs.
Weight characteristics also play a critical role. Steel structures are stronger but heavier, which increases the load on the roof and fuel consumption. Aluminum analogs are lighter and more resistant to corrosion, but may have a lower static load limit. When buying, you should definitely study passport Products that indicate the maximum load capacity.
Influence of profile shape on aerodynamics
A circular profile creates more noise and air resistance than an aerodynamic oval or winged one. If you plan frequent trips on the track with high speeds, it is preferable to choose models with a streamlined cross-sectional shape, even if they cost more.
Legal aspects and rules of traffic rules
Transportation of long cargo is strictly regulated by the rules of the road. According to the legislation, the cargo should not protrude beyond the dimensions of the vehicle in front and behind by more than 1 meter. If the protrusion exceeds this indicator, the marking of the cargo with special signs is required. Violation of these rules It is fraught not only with a fine, but also with the forced evacuation of the car to the parking lot.
Special red flags or retroreflective elements shall be used to indicate the protruding parts. At night or with insufficient visibility, white light should be lit in front and red in the rear. Many drivers ignore these requirements, considering them a formality, but in the case of an accident, the absence of markings will be regarded as a gross violation, aggravating the guilt.
Fines for improper transportation of goods can be issued under several articles of the Administrative Code. Most often, inspectors record a violation of the rules of attachment and the absence of designations. The amount of the fine varies, but repeated infringement or creating an emergency situation can lead to more serious consequences, including deprivation of rights.
- 🚗 The protrusion of the cargo more than 1 meter requires the installation of the sign "Bulky cargo" or a red flag.
- 🚦 In the dark, the lights are required to illuminate the protruding parts in front (white) and behind (red).
- ⚖️ The width of the cargo should not exceed 2.55 meters without special permission.
- 🛑 The consignment shall not restrict the driver's vision or close the lighting fixtures and license plates.
Particular attention should be paid to the fixation of cargo. If the long gauge shifts or falls on the carriageway, the driver is fully responsible for the consequences. Traffic rules require that the cargo be fixed so that the possibility of its falling, displacement, scattering and creating noise is excluded.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Car
The market of automotive accessories offers many options for “boomers” of different lengths and configurations. When choosing, you need to start from the geometry of the roof of your car and the type of regular trunk. Universal models are suitable for most round and rectangular arcs, but aerodynamic profiles may require special adapters.
The length of the flight is a key parameter. Too short a “boomer” will not solve the problem of hanging, and an excessively long one will create a huge sail and a lever of pressure on the mounting points, which is dangerous for the roof. The optimal departure is considered to be one that provides a load overhang of no more than 50-70 cm on each side, provided that reliable sling belts are used.
The material of execution also dictates the conditions of operation. Stainless steel is ideal for the transport of reactive cargo or in salty road conditions (road sprinkled with reagents). Painted steel requires careful treatment, since chipped paint quickly turn into foci of corrosion. Aluminum alloys - The golden mean in terms of weight and durability.
| Type of material | Strength | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel painted | Tall. | Heavy. | Low. | Low. |
| Stainless steel | Very high. | Heavy. | Very high. | Tall. |
| aluminum | Medium | Lightweight | Tall. | Medium |
| Plastic/Composite | Low. | Very light. | Tall. | Low. |
When buying, pay attention to the equipment. The presence of rubber seals, additional belts and instructions in the native language speaks of the responsibility of the manufacturer. Cheap analogues are often devoid of important body protection elements, which ultimately costs more than the restoration of scratches.
Technology of safe fastening of cargo
The process of loading long gauges requires a systematic approach. First, it is necessary to install and securely fix the elongated brackets themselves on the crossbars. The load is then stowed to the full length of the support, after which the primary fixation is made. Flying belts with a ratchet mechanism (rattle) are the only permissible means of attachment for heavy and long objects.
The use of elastic harnesses ("spiders") is allowed only for light loads such as skis or empty pipes, and only as an additional fixation. The main load shall be carried by non-stretchable belts. The belt must pass through the load and be attached to arcs or special eyelets, creating tension that presses the load to the support.
It is important to distribute the load evenly. If you are carrying a pack of boards, they should lie tight. Single objects, such as a staircase or log, require particularly careful dressing to prevent them from rotating around their axis. Rotating load It can untwist the belts or shift the center of gravity of the car in motion.
☑️ Pre-departure control
After fixing, be sure to check if the belts are twisted.