Roof racks are an invaluable storage accessory for most touring vehicles. These platforms provide extra room for carrying travel essentials that wouldn’t otherwise fit in a car’s cabin or trunk.
A roof rack also serves as a safe observatory point for adventure travelers. And if properly mounted, the rack can improve your vehicle’s stability significantly.
However, picking a roof rack that delivers on design and functionality is often a challenge for many road trippers. Some racks are remarkably sturdy yet too heavy. Others promise to enhance your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but are too fragile to bear simple loads like camping tents.
But with a little research, you can find the right roof rack for your vehicle, regardless of its model. Below are some tips to help expedite your search.
Understanding the Different Roof Rack Styles
The first step when looking for a roof rack for your car is to research the different types available. As you can see, there are multiple styles and designs to pick from.
The right roof rack should match your vehicle’s make and model. Thus, a tacoma bed rack would need to have been manufactured with wanderlusts in mind.
A vehicle’s roof size will also determine the best roof rack to install on it. Be sure to take your car’s roof measurements before shopping for a suitable rack.
Below are the most common car roof rack designs;
1. Roof Rail Design
The roof rail design involves installing a system of rails on your car’s roof, which provides a platform for attaching various travel accessories. Noteworthy items that can be attached to the rails include bike racks and kayak carriers.
Roof rail systems are common with crossovers and SUVs. They’re the most versatile roof rack designs and are ideal for various trips, such as camping, hunting, fishing, biking, etc.
However, roof rail systems are notorious for improving drag. Unless professionally mounted, the rack can significantly reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy.
2. Raised Rail Design
The raised rail design is similar to the roof rail system except for its higher profile.
Consider this roof rack design if you plan on transporting large items that must be kept upright, such as bicycles and skis.
On the flip side, the extra clearance can hamper your mobility through low-hanging twigs or garage doors. It also raises your vehicle’s center of gravity, reducing its stability.
3. Fixed-Point Design
Fixed-point roof racks, also known as flush roof racks, are custom-made to suit your car’s roof shape.
These racks sport a streamlined design, allowing them to enhance your vehicle’s aerodynamics.
Flush roof racks also have a low profile, improving your vehicle’s accessibility. However, due to their limited compatibility, they’re unreliable for transporting diverse travel items.
Other Considerations When Choosing Car Roof Racks
1. Construction Material
A roof rack’s construction material directly impacts its strength and durability. Most racks you’ll come across are made from steel or aluminum.
Steel is exceptionally strong and durable. It can handle heavier loads and brave adverse weather. However, steel roof racks can reduce your car’s load capacity and fuel economy due to their bulkiness.
Aluminum roof racks are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They’re effective for transporting lighter travel items, such as clothing.
Some racks are made from composite materials like carbon fiber, in addition to steel and aluminum. Your choice depends on your travel needs.
2. Weight
It’s understandable that you desire a roof rack that can accommodate a maximum number of essential travel items. But that shouldn’t mean picking a bulky rack.
A bulky roof rack can reduce your vehicle’s handling and stability, posing serious safety concerns. Heavy racks also minimize your car’s load capacity due to the extra weight.
So, while steel roof racks are remarkably strong and robust, choosing such racks could mean sacrificing your vehicle’s load capacity.
Instead, you might consider aluminum, which can be up to 30% lighter than steel.
3. Height
Height is another critical factor when shopping for roof racks. Some vehicles look stunning with lower-profile roof racks, while others can do with taller racks.
Besides impacting your car’s aesthetics, a roof rack’s height also affects the vehicle’s performance.
Higher-clearance racks can accommodate more travel essentials. Such racks also protect your vehicle’s roof from damage caused by low-hanging twigs.
Conversely, a higher rack can hamper your vehicle’s accessibility. You may have to dismount the platform when entering your garage, which can be annoyingly inconvenient.
4. Accessories
Each roof rack comes with a unique set of accessories. These add-ons fall into two categories.
There are accessories designed to make roof rack installation easier and those meant to enhance the rack’s functionality.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different roof rack accessories and have them on standby. Common options include mounting kits, cargo boxes, ski mounts, bike racks, and kayak carriers.
Secondly, note that your roof rack’s design affects the type of accessories it requires. So, consider the gear you need for the trip to pick a suitable roof rack style and, by extension, its accessories.
Summary
Embarking on a road trip without a roof rack often means giving up some of your travel essentials. However, mounting the wrong roof rack atop your car is worse than having no rack at all.
Hopefully, you can rely on the tips mentioned above the next time you go searching for a roof rack for your touring van or SUV.
