Roof Racks: What To Know Before You Buy

If you are a person with more interests than the space in your vehicle then you might need to purchase an roof rack.

Every weekender is faced with the same issue of finding space for everything inside a car that has limited storage. If you like to play outdoors and have a roof rack that is versatile, it is virtually essential.

Consider the roof rack of your car as a portable storage shed which can be used to carry everything that would otherwise not fit in your car. Roof racks are the most efficient way to carry outdoors gear as well as large DIY items especially in the absence of an trailer hitch. This article will help you be aware of.

What is what is a Roof Rack?

A roof rack is comprised of an upper and lower crossbars which allow you to securely store various kinds of equipment. A lot of vehicles are factory equipped with side rails that are raised on the roof, which can be modified to meet the requirements of your. However, you can also purchase foot packs that are attached onto the gutters of rain or fix connections to the roof. It’s crucial that the foot pack you buy match the vehicle and the crossbars you’ll use.

The crossbars are attached perpendicularly to the rails on the sides or feet and allow you to install accessory mounts to fit your equipment.

The most commonly used roof racks are:

Cargo box/bag/basket;
Bike rack
Kayak/surfboard/paddleboard rack;
Ski/snowboard rack;
Rooftop tent.

Thule as well as Yakima are two of the most well-known brands in the market for aftermarket roof racks However, you can also find cheaper alternatives too. Be aware that you’re buying into a manufacturer-specific system. For instance a Yakima bicycle mount will typically not work with Thule crossbars and vice reverse.

If your car is already equipped with crossbars you might be stuck with the manufacturer’s exclusive system, or be forced to purchase adapters that allow you to make use of different equipment.

Selecting the Best Roof Racks for your Task

Meet with people who own the same vehicle or roof rack system that you’re looking at. I’ve asked people at trailheads to load their vehicles about their racks. They usually talk about their whole setup and the benefits or issues I’ve never thought about.

Things to Consider when buying the Roof Rack

When it comes to buying a roof rack most people choose the most affordable model that is compatible with their car. Other factors to think about:

What are you looking to be able to transport?

The primary purpose of your trip could be to haul your bikes around but are there any other things you regularly participate in or may engage in later on? If yes, consider the accessories mounts that could be utilized with any compatible rack , and select the one that is the most flexible.

The most commonly neglected aspects is the ability to transport multiple equipment items at the same at the same time. Do you plan to paddle kayak and mountain bike to your location? Can you fit both atop your roof? What do you think of your cargo container and skiing equipment?

For families who participate in many outdoor activities, think about the possibility of having a slightly wider crossbar to carry more things. The key word here is slightly larger. Your crossbars shouldn’t be wider than the widest section of your car including the mirrors.

If you’re considering using the roof rack to carry out DIY home improvements for instance, moving lumber or other material look into a rack designed for larger weights and sturdy anchor points to attach ratcheting-strap hooks.

How simple do you load or unload?

It’s possible to get a good deal on a rack the mount but, if the setup is difficult or confusing, you’ll be afraid of the idea of using it. You should ask yourself “Will me be able easily to install my equipment and take it off at the time I arrive at where I am going?”

How do you plan to fix your bike?

Do you need racks that force you to unhook the front wheel in order to transport it or one that latches directly to the frame? Additionally there are a few modern bikes that come with quick-release front wheels therefore you must be sure that the rack you choose to use will work with your bike that you currently own or are planning to purchase in the near future.

If you have a large electric bike but aren’t an Olympic power lifter, then a roof rack isn’t an ideal alternative for you.

Do you have the option of locking the rack?

If a burglar is desperate enough, they’ll find a way get it. Don’t make it simple for them.

Roof Rack Safety and Maintenance

Roof racks may fail and throw your cargo across the road, if they’re not properly installed and maintained.

Be careful when installing

Even though it’s against the majority of DIYers who are a bit more traditional however, if you can get an opportunity to install it for free then take advantage of it. While working in an old-fashioned bike shop I set up various racks for customers, or guided them through the procedure. A lot of them admitted that they would have made a mistake had they attempted it themselves.

Who is the one who is the most knowledgeable about how to set up your rack? The manufacturer. If you’re looking to do it yourself by watching a five-minute installation video on the manufacturer’s website on the YouTube channel could help you avoid many hours trying and failing on your driveway.

Do routine checks

When loading bikes, or other gear make sure you give the various components a tug to ensure that everything is secure and tight.

Look out for obstacles with low-hanging heights

You can easily forget that that you are sporting expensive equipment on top of your car. Pay attention to windows in drive-throughs and bridges that are low-hanging, as well as covered parking areas. If parking in your own home garage, place the sign or any other reminder to unload your equipment prior to taking it into. This is a costly error that the majority of roof rack owners — including me – have made.