The ratchet has been overspooled. They recommend when threading the ratchet, pull through the extra slack of the webbing. When ratcheting, you should require only three or four ratchet handle motions to properly secure the load. Many ratchets have what looks like a “screw head divot” on the outside spool ends. In this case, you use a flat screwdriver in a sideways manner to assist with manually unspooling the webbing.
“Rainproof” means that the carrier is made to withstand light rain, complying with IPX3 standards. This does not mean waterproof. In addition, when in a humid climate driving to a dryer climate, water vapor may condense in the bag. To safeguard your cargo against heavy storms and condensation, they recommend placing your cargo in plastic bags prior to loading into to the carrier.
“Weather Resistant” does not mean waterproof. “Weather Resistant” means the bag's material will protect against dust, dirt, sun and wind. The material used in the construction of this bag is not rain or waterproof. Therefore, to prevent exposure to moisture, we recommend wrapping items in plastic prior to loading; i.e., sealable plastic bags.
No. Reese cartop bags are designed to be used on vehicles that have raised side rails and/or cross bars -- the bags are held to the vehicle by securing straps around the raised side rails and/or cross bars.
For REESE Brand lighting and electrical products, green is the right turn/stop wire, yellow is the left turn/stop wire, brown is the taillight wire, and white is the ground. If you have a REESE 5-flat connector, you will have a blue wire which is a brake controller power wire. These colors will not always match the color for other product or vehicle wires. Always test the wire functions or consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper color coding.
Test each wire with a circuit tester to make sure it is functioning properly. Also, make sure that you have a clean solid ground location/connection. Make sure any fuses needed to provide proper power are also good.
Many vehicles on the market work on what is referred to as a “3-wire system”. This means that the vehicle has separate wires for the turn signals, taillights, brake lights, and a ground. Most of the REESE electrical T-connectors work on a “2-wire system”; i.e., the Turn and Brake functions are tied into the same wires (yellow & green). Reese T-connectors are vehicle specific and come with converter boxes built into the units. Doublecheck to make sure you have the right T-connector for your vehicle.