Car roof racks installation
If you want to know something about roof racks, this is the place to be. This post will not only introduce you but also guide you into numerous options and choices available to you.Whether you are a pro at car roof installation and looking for better solutions, or you have never been racked before, this guide will help you find the right racks to get you on the road.
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Can you add a roof rack to a car?
Purpose of roof rack in a car
A car roof rack is basically the base of your vehicle.Fitting roof rack on a car can be very beneficial to a family especially one which like going for holidays, business owners, cyclists, and the list is not limited. This is because a rack will allow you to carry more stuff. Be it more luggage, bikes, business items, that mattress you have been eyeing for the next trip a roof rack can handle it all. The scenarios where a roof rack can come in handy are just countless.With a roof rack installed on your car, you do not need to hire a van or a pickup to transport your luggage.
Will any roof rack fit my car?
No. Roof racks come in different types for different cars. Thankfully you can use some modular components to get to know which roof rack will fit your car. Vehicle details such as the year and make should help you determine your specification option.So just do not buy any roof rack you see.
How do I know which type of roof rack I need?
Generally, there are four main types of car roof rack. The roof racks differ how they are attached to the car. Different cars use different methods of attachment as discussed below.
Roof bars for cars raised roof rails
These type of roof rack are mostly found on estate cars. The rails often supplied by the manufacturer come as an option or standard equipment on some car models. The rails are commonly known as ‘raised’ run from the front to the back of the roof are fitted by the car manufacturer. Unlike solid roof rails, raised car roof bars have a clear gap between the roof and rail.
Roof bars for cars with solid roof rails
Like the raised roof rails, solid rails are commonly found on estate cars. The rails are designed in a way there is no gap between the roof and the rail. Most of the models fitted with this rail tend to be roughly 2006 onwards.
Roof bars for cars with fixpoints
Fix points are usually four in number and are hidden away under plastic cover or cap on the car roof. The mounting point can sometimes be hard to find.They can be found on any car model, designated on a car roof or inside the door jamb.
Roof bars for cars without rails or fixpoints
If the car lacks the above features, then you need to buy a door jamb type of rock rack. The rail is clamped to the car door jambs- you can see the door jamb when you open the door.
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Can I fit the roof rack myself?
Roof racks are easy to fix and you do not necessarily need to hire a professional, to help you fix it. Just follow the following steps.
- Step 1: Read the instructions – All roof rack instructions contain essential information. Read the instructions carefully to get guidance in settings and fitting positions.
- Step 2: Keep the roof clean – Ensure the roof of your car is clean before fitting, as any dirt trapped could scratch your paintwork.Do not forget to clean the mounting points.
- Step 3: Lube up – Use some little copper grease on all of the bolts so that removing the roof rack in future is not difficult.
- Step 4: Torque settings – Remember to pay attention to torque settings in the instructions as over tightening your roof rack can cause damage.
- Step 5: Get a helping hand – It is better if you get someone to help you fit the roof bars. After all two heads are better than one. The risk of damage will be reduced during the installation process.
How much is it going to cost?
Price is one of the basic factors that customers consider when purchasing a product. Roof racks come in various brands like Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack, Whispbar, Inno, Rockymounts, Kuat, Sporttrack, Saris and Prorack. The price depends on if it is a new item or second hand, but they range from £50-70 and can go up to £200-300.
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What will a roof rack do to your car?
How a roof rack affects a car’s performance
A roof rack is usually installed on top of the vehicle for extra storage space to carry extra luggage.They are the ideal solution for many people as they allow you to carry stuff without, hiring a van or pickup.Below are some of the benefits as well as risks customers have experienced over the years as a result of installing roof racks, to help you avoid the pitfall.
The benefits of a roof rack
The roof rack provides a solid base for transportation of luggage.A roof rack also increases the storage space of your vehicle as well as the legroom inside your car.People have used car roof rack to store bulky items which cannot fit in the interior.Most of all a roof rack secures your luggage under transportation, so you do not have to worry about safety hazard while driving.
Potential problems with roof racks
The common problem which comes with the roof rack is dust collecting under the feet, rubbing away the clear coat. People have also found that the straps scratch the paint. When it is windy the rack may shift, it is, therefore, necessary to check the rack regularly to ensure it is properly fixed on the top of your vehicle.
How do I use a roof rack?
The roof rack is long-lasting and simple to use.It has three components namely, side rails, towers, and mounts.The towers are usually attached to the rails, while the mounts hold the system to the vehicle.To fix your luggage to the roof rack, tie down the equipment with four points of contact. By doing this you will secure stability.Hold the straps tightly while tying down the equipment to avoid tying several unnecessary knots.Then wrap the straps around the equipment several times, on all the four contact areas to ensure the luggage is properly secured to the roof rack.
Do you need crossbars on a roof rack?
Factory-Installed roof rack with crossbars
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If your car came installed with a roof rack that has crossbars, you do not need to equip it with another one.Most roof racks mounted carriers and accessories on the market will fit factory load bars.However, if the carrier of your choice cannot fit your factory bars, you do not have to worry as there are adapters.Always check your owner’s manual to get information about your factory roof-rack system.You can add crossbars to your car racks if you intend to secure heavy loads.To do this you will need a foot pack and crossbars, then follow the instructions below.
- Step 1: The foot pack for factory rails has four feet. Clamp them onto your vehicle side rails.They will provide mounting points for roof-rack crossbars.
- Step 2: The crossbars will be the last part of the factory system to be installed. The cross bars will provide a platform on a roof-rack system where any carriers will be mounted.
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Types of Roof Rack Crossbars
The hard part of installing crossbars to your car is choosing the right crossbar for your vehicle.Mostly the choice of the crossbar is determined by application and purpose of the rack.Mostly, roof rack mounted accessories and carriers that clamp onto the wrap around load bars will fit all types of bars. Below are types of roof racks and crossbars to help you determine compatibility with your vehicle, to make shopping easier for you.
Thule rapid aero bars
The Thule crossbars are aerodynamic in shape and are built in channels to let users use most slot-mounted accessories.They are compatible with most clamp-on wraparound accessories. Like Thule aero-blade bars they are durable and made of lightweight aluminum.
Rhino-Rack aero bars
They are designed in aerodynamic elliptical shape.The bars are built in channels to let users use most slots mounted accessories and are compatible with most clamp-on wraparound accessories.They are also durable, lightweight aluminum and have an integrated strip which offers exact measurements that correspond with instructions to ease installation.
Yakima round bars
Yakima bars are round in shape and more aerodynamic than square bars. They are fairly recommended by most customers and experts.The bars are compatible with most clamp-on and wraparound accessories.They have sturdy steel construction and have a vinyl coating which prevents bars from scratching cargo and offers protection from the elements.
Rhino-Rack heavy duty bars
They are large and square in shape to provide sturdy attachment points for accessories.Contractor-grade accessories are specifically made to fit these bars and can not work with other roof racks.They are compatible with many clamp-on and wraparound accessories.In addition, they are built in C-channels to let you use certain slot-mounted accessories, are durable and lightweight aluminum.
Thule square bars
The Thule square bars are compatible with most-on clamp and wraparound accessories.They are sturdy and have galvanized steel construction.The good thing about these bars is that they have a plastic coating to prevent the bars from scratching and also offer protection from the elements.They also have a fair recommendation from customers over years.
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What are flush mounted roof rails?
Best flush mount for car roof racks
A common question that off-loaders ask, is what are flush mounted roof rails. Most think that a flush is an accessory for a roof rack.Flush rail is the method of attachment of a roof rack to a car or SUV.While flush means not raised, that is there is no vertical space between the roof of the car and bottom of the rail.There are different clamping methods and specialized hardware for the many shapes of flush roof rails.Below are popular flush rail roof racks:
- Thule podium aero-blade-quiet, rugged, refined and some accessories may need adapters
- Yakima rail-grab- round bar, make noise, good vehicle protection and highly compatible with accessories
- Thule Podium-not so quiet, rugged and refined and compatible with nearly all accessories
- Inno TR Rack-rectangular bar, makes noise, great quality, great fit and looks, highly compatible with accessories
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Rooftop Cargo Carrier
What are the 5 best rooftop cargo carrier for my car?
If your trunk is not enough, a cargo carrier will be the best friend.Adventuring during holiday could require you to take a lot of luggage, sometimes more than your interior vehicle can handle. Luckily you do not need to hire a van as there are different rooftop carriers to lighten you.These are the five best ones out there.
Sportrack vista XL rear opening cargo box
The carrier cost about $ 300. It has enough room for a group trip lasting a week or more.The rear opening of the cargo box is designed to shield the owner and content from harsh weather conditions or traffic-propelled dust.It repels sunlight and seals out precipitation.
Rhino-Rack roof mount cargo basket
Rhino cargo carrier comes styled with a front wind deflector and a more curved 1-inch tubing profile to reduce crosswind interference.The carrier cost about $260 depending on brand and quality. It is commonly known for offering a fitting style for many SUVs and crossover vehicles.
Front-runner outfitters slimline 11 truck cab rack
Front runners racks come in different accessories to choose from. The carriers are tough and durable. The price range from $900 to $1000.
Rockymounts 14ER Cage basket
Unlike many cargo carriers, rocky mount handles up to 150 pounds across a basket. It cost about $ 250. It is also highly recommended by customers.
Yakima 15 showcase cargo box
Yakima cargo carrier is commonly known for offering big space for storage.You can match the carrier with an integral lid stiffener to add confidence when loading, latching and locking.The carrier has a fair price of about $700.