Roof racks are a car accessory used to supplement car trunk storage. While roof racks are not a standard factory-built structure on cars, most vehicles feature raised side rails as standard features to accommodate side rails should you need them.
So, the question is, are car roof racks necessary for everyone, and if not, who needs them? Second, are roof racks a worthwhile investment for your car, and how do you choose the right one?
If you have questions about roof racks, this comprehensive has you covered. So, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about a roof rack.
- Roof Racks Create Additional Storage Space
The cargo room in a vehicle’s trunk or hunchback is a significant yet often overlooked factor when purchasing a vehicle. According to one consumer report on cargo room for various vehicle styles, standard personal vehicles typically have 39-56 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk or hatchback.
The report further elaborates that the estimated car cargo space translates to approximately three standard suitcases to four suitcases and three duffel bags, depending on the car model. Therefore, you may have to compromise on space in the car’s seating area to accommodate more luggage than the estimates for your vehicle’s model.
Limited seating makes for uncomfortable travel, especially during long-distance travel. However, a roof rack install is a useful feature that securely holds additional cargo, helping passengers avoid compromising legroom and other areas of the car’s seating cavity to hold additional luggage. Therefore, roof racks are essential for comfortable travel.
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- Roof Racks Are Essential For Carrying Long and Wide Loads
Besides regular luggage types like suitcases, duffel bags, and groceries, you may need to transport wide loads or elongated cargo that will not fit inside your truck. The case is particularly true for outdoor enthusiasts who often transport gear like bicycles, camping equipment, paddle boards, and surfboards on their adventures.
Carrying such cargo in your trunk means you must drive with your trunk or hatchback open to accommodate the protruding part of the cargo (overhang). Besides making driving more tedious, the US Department of Transportation sets the vehicle overhang limit at 4ft. Therefore, you likely risk paying a fine or worse if the overhand from your trunk exceeds 4ft or not manage to transport the load altogether.
A roof rack is your saving grace for transporting long or wide cargo with no hiccups. Roof racks allow drivers to safely secure such cargo and drive without encountering issues with highway patrol officers.
- Roof Rack Vary In Design
Besides allowing you to carry wide loads without hiccups, the roor rack industry features diverse roof rack designs, including specialized carriers to meet diverse consumer needs. Below is an overview of the most popular roof rack types available on the market.
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- Naked/Bare Roof Racks
Naked roof racks refer to car models with no side rails or bars to hold a roof rack. Therefore, installing a naked roof rack entails attacking specialized clips to the car door frames to facilitate safe mounting.
- Canopy Roof Rack Systems
Canopy roof racks are carriers designed to create additional storage for vehicles with camper tops. Camper tops are elevated bars or rails running horizontally across a vehicle’s roof and are popular on SUVs and other open-road design vehicles. Installing the canopy rack system entails drilling holes into the camper tops; such installations are mostly permanent.
- Side Rails
Side rails are somewhat similar to camper tops but are the most popular railing system in most vehicles. The primary difference between side rails and camper tops is that the former ran parallel to the vehicle and feature less elevation. Installing a side rail roof rack entails attaching the roof rack to integrated attachment points; the installation is mostly reversible without damage to the rails.
- Flush Bar/ Rails
Flush bar roof racks/ rails feature plastic feet integrated on their ends for a more polished look. They are popular among car owners who want to integrate function with aesthetics while installing a rooftop rack. However, their aesthetic appeal translates to a slightly lower roof capacity.
- Fixed Point Roof Racks
Fixed point roof racks are primarily for vehicles featuring integrated fixed points in their design. Most fixed-point rook racks are customized for specific vehicle models.
- Roof Racks Have Varying carrying Capacities
Different vehicle models have manufacturer-specified load ratings or limits on the maximum load a vehicle can carry before shifting to the overloaded side of the cargo spectrum. Besides this, roof racks have different carrying capabilities.
For example, lightweight roof racks made of materials like aluminum are ideal for lighter cargo. On the other hand, heavy-duty racks feature stronger material. Even so, aluminum’s lightweight nature and high load-bearing capacity allow you to maximize the load limit.
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- Considerations When Purchasing A Roof Rack
As stated earlier, roof racks have varying specifications, meaning all roof racks are not made equal. Therefore, consider the tips below when buying a roof rack.
First, consider the type of cargo you intend to carry on the rack. Some cargo, like surfboards and bicycles, have specialized racks.
Second, ensure that the roof rack is easy to load and offload. An easy-use roof rack takes the hassle out of using it and ensures your safety with each use.
Third, consider the rack’s security system. It should have integrated locks or provisions for padlocks to keep your cargo safe.
Conclusion
Roof racks have numerous aesthetical and functional benefits for a car owner. They provide extra storage space and allow transporting of bulky items that don’t fit in the car. However, you need to remember that they come in various designs when buying one.
Get a robust and reliable roof rack from a reputable seller that fits your intended use to get value for your money. These crucial tips should help you decide whether you need a car roof rack and the ideal rack to purchase.
