It is possible to bring polycarbonate in a passenger car without a specialized roof trunk, but this requires strict adherence to packing and fixing rules to avoid breaking the sheets or damaging the body. The main technical difficulty is that the sheets polycarbonate have a large sailing capacity and can shift when side wind load if they are not properly fixed on the roof or inside the cabin. Unlike glass, this material is flexible but fragile on fracture, so any twisting of the car body during movement can lead to cracks or crevices on the ends.
The first thing you need to assess the dimensions of the cargo and the capabilities of your car. The standard sheet is 6 or 12 meters long, making transportation within the cabin impossible, so the main method is roof mounting. However, if you have purchased cut pieces up to 2.5-3 meters long, they can be placed inside, but only if the protective film is completely removed or fixed, since in the sun it can stick to the surface.
⚠️ Never leave polycarbonate in a closed car in direct sunlight, even for a short time. The effect of the greenhouse will lead to overheating, deformation of the sheets and the possible release of harmful substances from the plastic.
Preparation of polycarbonate for transportation
Before you load the material, you need to properly prepare its surface. Factory protective film perfectly protects sheets during storage, but when transported on the roof, it may not withstand friction on fasteners or wind load. For additional protection, it is recommended to wrap the ends and side faces with a dense cardboard or soft fabric to prevent dust from entering the cells and mechanical chips of the edges.
If you're lucky. polycarbonateMake sure that the ends are closed with a special sealing tape and end profile. The ingestion of moisture or dirt inside the cells during a trip along the highway is almost guaranteed, if you do not take measures, and it will be impossible to clean them later. For a monolithic analog, it is critical to avoid contact with abrasive surfaces, so a pad of soft material between the sheets is mandatory.
How to pack ends
Use wide tape over paper tape, but don't glue it directly to the plastic cut so the glue doesn't clog the cells. It is better to wear a plastic P-shaped profile, which is sold separately.
Rooftop without trunk
Transportation on a bare roof is the most risky option, requiring maximum concentration. If you do not have railings or crossbars, you can only use soft but durable belts with a ratchet mechanism that will not damage the paint coating. Sheets must be laid on a pre-prepared substrate of thick blanket or foam, spreading the load evenly over the entire roof area, so as not to bend the metal.
Fixation should be made through the car: belts are passed through open doors or windows from opposite sides, tightly pressing the load against the body. It is important not to override the mounts, because polycarbonate It can deform under pressure, but also a weakness is unacceptable - the load should not have the possibility of displacement by a millimeter. Be sure to check that the belts do not touch the sharp edges of the doors, otherwise they will rub the seals or break when vibrating.
☑️ Checking roof mountings
Use of luggage and rails
The presence of standard or universal crosses greatly simplifies the task and increases the safety of transportation. In this case, the sheets are laid directly on the crossbars, between which the plastic also needs to lay a damping material. Fixing is carried out by screed belts that cover the load and pass under the crossbars or are fixed on them, creating a rigid structure resistant to lateral wind.
In the case of roof-top It is important to take into account the maximum permissible load specified in the instructions of the manufacturer of the car. Usually, the dynamic load is 50-75 kg, which is enough for a pack of polycarbonate, but the center of gravity of the car will shift upwards, which will affect handling. It should move smoothly, avoiding sharp changes and speed modes above 60-70 km / h, since the aerodynamic resistance of the flat sheet is huge.
⚠️ Note: When fastening with belts on rails, make sure that the forklift lock does not touch the surface of polycarbonate. When vibrating, a metal mechanism can wipe the plastic or protective film to the hole.
Transportation inside the car cabin
Transportation inside the cabin is permissible only for sheets up to 2.5-3 meters long and only in extreme cases when external fastening is impossible. Before loading, you must completely remove the front seats or push them as far as possible, as well as remove all foreign objects that may damage the material. The floor of the car should be covered with clean rags or cardboard, as even small grains of sand under the weight of the sheet can leave scratches on the underside.
The main problem of internal placement is the temperature regime and condensation. In a confined space with the working air conditioner or, conversely, when heated in the sun, moisture can form, which, when hitting the end of the sheet, will spoil its content. In addition, the sharp corners of the plastic panels of the cabin can damage the edges when braking, so the load must be additionally fixed with soft stops.
Comparison of transport methods
The choice of delivery method depends on the length of the sheets, the availability of equipment and distance. Each method has its own advantages and risks that must be weighed before starting work. Below is a table that helps you determine the best option for your situation.
| Parameter | On the roof without a trunk. | On the trunk/railings | Inside the salon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. length | Up to 6 meters. | Up to 6 meters. | Up to 2.5 meters. |
| Risk of LCP damage | High-pitched | Low. | Medium (salon) |
| Impact on expenditure | Strong (+30-40%) | Average (+15-20%) | Minimum |
| Safety of the cargo | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
The safest and most reliable method is the use of specialized crosses on the roof. This minimizes the risk of body damage and provides better aerodynamics.
Traffic rules and safety measures
Driving a car with a large load on the roof requires a change in driving style. Due to the shifting center of gravity and high sailing, the car becomes less stable on the road, especially when side winds or overtaking large trucks. The braking distance increases, and the reaction to steering becomes more sluggish, so the distance to the vehicle in front must be increased by one and a half to two times.
Before starting the movement, be sure to make a control circle around the car, checking the tension of all belts and the reliability of the mounting units. On the way, every 20-30 kilometers, it is recommended to make stops for re-lifting the fastener, as vibration and shrinkage of the material can weaken the fixation. If you notice that the sheet has started to vibrate or shift, stop immediately and fix the problem.
Tip: Tie a bright red ribbon or flag to the hanging tail of the cargo (if the length is more than 4 meters). This will make the dimensions more noticeable to other participants in the movement, especially at dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can polycarbonate be transported vertically?
It's not recommended. In the vertical position, the sheets do not have support over the entire plane and under the influence of vibration and its own weight can break or get cracks. In addition, it is almost impossible to fix the vertical load on a securely passenger car.
Do I need to remove the protective film before installation?
The film is not required to be removed during transportation, it protects the surface. However, if you plan to store the material outside or under the sun after purchase, it is better to remove or shade the sheets, as ultraviolet light can lead to the clinging of the film to the surface of the plastic, and it will be very difficult to peel it off later.
How fast can you travel with a load on the roof?
The recommended speed with overall load on the roof should not exceed 60-70 km / h. Exceeding this limit dramatically increases the wind load, which can lead to the failure of fasteners or the destruction of the polycarbonate sheet itself.
What to do if it rains during transportation?
If the ends of the sheets are securely closed with sealing tape and profiles, short-term rain is not terrible. However, if you carry sheets without packaging ends, you need to cover them with polyethylene so that water does not get inside the cells, otherwise mold and condensate will enter inside.
⚠️ Note: Remember that protruding more than 1 meter per vehicle dimensions, the cargo should be marked with the sign "Big cargo" or red ribbon / flag in accordance with traffic rules.