What You Need To Know Before Getting A Roof Rack
A roof rack drastically improves the functionality of your vehicle. It makes your car's storage space bigger, makes everyone more comfortable, and keeps your belongings safe every time you drive.
A roof rack is a necessity if you like going on long drives and enjoying the outdoors. Going on Overlanding or off-road trips with friends or family will be immensely more rewarding when packing your gear is a non-issue.
While there is no doubt that roof racks are a worthwhile investment, it still pays to know more about them before getting one.
What Exactly Is A Roof Rack?
Many vehicles come standard with raised roof-side rails that can be customized to your needs. A roof rack is an installation you can add separately. It is made up of a base and a set of bars that allow you to safely store various sorts of equipment.
Roof racks come in different designs or models. There are roof racks that need to be drilled, while others feature a no-drill installation, such as the BajaRack Standard Basket Roof Rack.
There are roof racks that can work with several types of vehicles, while there are sets made for a specific car model.
There are basic roof racks with only their base and crossbars, and more comprehensive kits that come with a tray or a basket, like the Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack Kit.
Check the dimensions of a roof rack to make sure that it will fit your car.
Are Roof Racks And Roof Rails The Same?
Roof racks are different from roof rails.
While roof racks and roof rails share some functionalities, their distinct difference lies in the direction in which they are mounted on the car. Roof racks are mounted across the roof of the car, whereas rails run along the length of the car’s roof.
Are Roof Racks Necessary?
Roof racks expand the space of your car. Even vehicles with spacious cargo have limits when you are packing multiple pieces of luggage. Besides, it is never a good idea to fill your cargo space to the brim.
Your lifestyle also determines just how much of a necessity a roof rack is.
Are you an outdoors enthusiast who likes to go cycling, camping, fishing, or kayaking? You would need lots of space in your vehicle to transport your sports gear with you.
Do you like going on off-road trips with your family and friends? You need to pack different types of things to make long drives comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Does your work require you to travel and load several pieces of baggage into your car? Having a roof rack will make your drive more comfortable, safe, and economical.
Why Are Roof Racks Expensive?
Roof racks are not vanity items that you add to your car, but an investment that comes with a host of short-term and long-term benefits. Just like any investment, it’s important to consider its cost is different from its value. Cost is the price that you pay, while value is the benefit that you get.
Roof racks are made with high-quality materials and strong construction, so they can hold a lot of weight on top of a car and stand up to high speeds and wind resistance. Roof rack materials are made to withstand hundreds or even thousands of pounds of pressure from different directions without moving or coming apart.
While roof racks do not come at a cheap price point, they are reasonably priced considering their benefits and dependability.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Roof Rack?
When you’re shopping for a roof rack, consider the following features:
- Items to transport
- Roof rack material
- Accessory lineup
- Weight, strength, and durability
- Installation
Knowing these key characteristics will help you zero in on the roof rack that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Do Roof Racks Need Professional Installation?
There are several types of roof racks that can be installed without drilling. Most roof racks come with comprehensive installation guides. When you shop for roof racks online, you are bound to find tutorial videos, many of which feature installation in just a few minutes.
Roof racks come with immediate and long-term benefits. Remember these points to get the most suitable roof rack for your vehicle.
