How do you carry a mattress...

[AuntPeggy]

on the top of the car and prevent it from becoming airborne?

From Car Talk today.

What sort of airfoil would you devise?

 

[steingar]

BTDT. Tied it down securely.

 

[ScottM]

I would make sure it is tied down securely longitudinally and laterally.

 

[Tom-D]

Duct Tape.

 

[RJM62]

I'd fashion it into a Clark-Y airfoil, tie it down securely, and maintain a relative airspeed of at least 60 - 70 mph to lighten the vehicle's weight and increase fuel efficiency.

-Rich

 

[dmccormack]

Buy or borrow a Truck.

 

[RMCN172RG]

In the old days two ropes Right front to left rear bumper and left front to right rear bumper with a cloth tied where the rope rubs against the car.

With new cars I would borrow someones pickup or BIG SUV.

Don't
Run a single rope across the mattress.
Run ropes through the open car windows.

Don't ask how I know

 

[bigred177]

I'd fashion it into a Clark-Y airfoil, tie it down securely, and maintain a relative airspeed of at least 60 - 70 mph to lighten the vehicle's weight and increase fuel efficiency.

-Rich

But, do you save more than the induced drag created?

 

[Obi Heed Kenobi]

on the top of the car and prevent it from becoming airborne?

From Car Talk today.

What sort of airfoil would you devise?

Child sitting on top of it.

 

[fgcason]

Buy or borrow a Truck.

And put the front of the mattress angled up over top of the cab to maximize air flow to the bottom side of the thing. Only one rope tied across it at the rear wheel well area. Put about 50lbs of stuff on the back of the mattress that's against the tailgate. Drive 60mph or faster.

At least that's how the morons around here do it.


If you want to keep the mattress and not knock motorcycles off the road:
Just throw it flat on the roof. Make sure it doesn't obstruct the drivers view. Tie it off so it won't move forward/aft or side to side. Use real knots. Check regularly to insure the ropes stay tight.

 

[dmccormack]

And put the front of the mattress angled up over top of the cab to maximize air flow to the bottom side of the thing. Only one rope tied across it at the rear wheel well area. Put about 50lbs of stuff on the back of the mattress that's against the tailgate. Drive 60mph or faster.

At least that's how the morons around here do it.


If you want to keep the mattress and not knock motorcycles off the road:
Just throw it flat on the roof. Make sure it doesn't obstruct the drivers view. Tie it off so it won't move forward/aft or side to side. Use real knots. Check regularly to insure the ropes stay tight.

This non-moron has ratcheting tie downs and U-bolts for various loads -- from motorcycle to mattresses to lawn tractors to hay.

 

[Chip Sylverne]

Child sitting on top of it.

Really, you need at least two.

 

[ScottM]

 

[mantakos]

Really, you need at least two.

That used to be the answer, but children are fatter than they used to be, and one should do the trick these days.
-harry

 

[ScottM]

This non-mornon .

 

[dmccormack]

What?? That's how we spel it hear.

 

[ScottM]

What?? That's how we spel it hear.

I have no complaints with you spelling whatsoever!! Far be it for me to complane!

 

[dmccormack]

I have no complaints with you spelling whatsoever!! Far be it for me to complane!

Congradulations! We agrie.

 

[Richard]

Congradulations! We agrie.

ror..

 

[AuntPeggy]

Child sitting on top of it.

Really, you need at least two.

That used to be the answer, but children are fatter than they used to be, and one should do the trick these days.
-harry

That's just too dangerous. Children who are unattended, jump on mattresses. You'll get dents in the roof of the car.

 

[jesse]

The last time I hauled a mattress I just tossed it on top of my car, held onto it with my hand, and drove very very slowly.