Top 5 Best Roof Racks For Cars, Trucks & SUV’s Reviews

Modern

This one can adapt to the kind of activity you want to be part of by using the accessories. They let the same rack to that performs in a number of ways. You need to make sure the chosen rack is performing according to what you prefer.

The difference between hard or soft

This depends on the kind of gear you are using, the amount you are willing to spend, and the size of the storage space you have in the house. You need to choose if you want to have a “bag” style that is soft sided or a roof box that is hard-sided.

Cargo bags certainly have their advantages because they are less expensive compared to a roof box, and they are collapsible for easy storage if they are not in use. The drawback is you basically have a soft-sided cooler installed on your roof. These cargo boxes do no offer the same level of durability and weather resistance compared to a cargo box. They also do not have the same aerodynamic shape, which can have an effect on the mileage of your gas.

How many are you planning to carry?

This is a factor that you need to think about. If your car’s roof is wider and flatter that is closer to the ground, this might be the right choice to put a roof rack. Although, if you do not have to take a lot of people with you all the time, you don’t need to consider this. The options for racks on pickup trucks have improved over the years. If you have a smaller pickup that is closer to the ground, then you are fine. It will be easy for you to put all of your gear at the back of the truck and on top of the kayak.

The weight of the roof rack

If you attach the roof rack to an existing one, you need to consider the most weight that you need to carry on the rack. Refer to the car’s manual or contact the manufacturer of the car and tell them what he car rack will be for. If you mount the car rack gutter-less, or along the car’s rain gutters, you need to make sure that it can carry the largest weight.

Choosing between factory fit or aftermarket

If your car comes from the factory with no roof rack attachment points or side rails that have been raised, then you are already advanced. You only have to choose from a wide list of cargo accessories that put adjustable horizontal bars so the rack you are looking for can be created. You will also have an easy time resting, with the knowledge that you will strap the equipment to the sturdiest mounting points that can be for the certain vehicle’s make and model.

If your roof is bare or naked, then you have to order an attachment kit that comes with your universal roof rack. The kit provided can fit on your roof and can clip down onto the rain rails or door jambs so there will become a secure connection with the car. In certain cases, your vehicle can have pre-drilled holes coming from the edge of its roof that can be revealed and used for mounting the system.

The straps and lines

The bow tie downs have to be used all the time when sea kayaks are being carried. You need to pay attention when it comes to caring for the foot straps and ensure to replace them when they are frayed so the kayak you have does not remove itself from the car when you are driving down the road. The hitch knot is the best friend of your car for attempting to tie a bow line to the car’s frame.

Good strap tension is essential. You need to make sure to guide the straps on the inside of your towers to have more security. You need to tie or fold out additional length in your straps to remove the extra wind noise.

Interchangeable locks

You need to make sure that mounting locks of the roof rack can be removed and used for another mounting system if you buy a new car. There is a possibility that the mount you bought for your car will not fit the new one. You only have to buy a new mounting case without the locks and the original ones is going to be good for saving you some money.

Ask if it comes with helpful instructions

There are retail stores that offer roof rack installation service, which you have to pay for. You can ask about its availability and is there is a possibility for you to check the entire installation. In case you want that kind of service and learn how at the same time, the additional cost might be worth it. You can ask them for helpful suggestions on what people are doing wrong when they install a roof rack for the first time. You should always balance it on the center when you need to install it on your car.

Choose the bars you will use

There is a possibility that you noticed several styles and shapes available roof racks. The designs have logic behind them. The roof racks that have a blade-like shape gives lower wind noise because of their aerodynamic feature. The round bars produce more noise, but you will find it easier to connect to a variety of equipment mounts. The square-shaped bars are not good when it comes to cutting through the wind, but among all of the designs, they are stronger. You would want to appraise the kind of gear you will be hauling to check the mounting options that have round square bars. You need to think about installing a wind deflector or rack that fairs up front so everything remains quiet.