Roof Racks

Enjoy extra storage space during your outings with roof rack systems for your car, SUV, or truck. Finding a suitable roof rack system not only frees up space for passengers within the vehicle but also ensures you always have room for accessories such as kayaks, skis, bikes, and more for your short weekend trips or longer getaways.

Are roof racks and roof rack systems universal for all vehicles?

The short answer is no. While some car roof racks have universal components, such as crossbars and racks, other parts, such as mounts which are used to fasten the rack to the vehicle, differ between car make and models. Therefore, if you plan on installing a new roof rack, research your vehicle's roof design and what kind of roof rack system it can sustain. In addition, you must also factor in how much weight your vehicle's roof can comfortably support, along with laws in your state or province.

Which roof rack system is suitable for my vehicle and load?

Before you invest in a quality roof rack, you must research your car's roof design to check if it supports that model and weight. Typically, there are four roof systems: bare roof, raised rails, fixed point, and rain gutter systems.

A bare roof system, as the name suggests, does not have any provisions for fastening a roof rack to the vehicle. In such cases, you must use clamp-on crossbars or even drill the rack into your car's roof. A raised rail system comes factory installed with raised rails, which allows you to clamp crossbars onto them. Similarly, fixed-point systems feature four fixed points on the roof, enabling you to mount the roof rack's crossbars. And finally, the rain gutter system typically runs the length of your roof. The gutters allow the rack to slide into place while securely fastening onto them.

What accessories can I use with my roof rack system?

The style and design of the roof rack you buy will vary based on the accessories you plan to carry, such as a kayak, skis, surfboards, or even a tent. Therefore, decide on the accessories first and then buy a system that supports them.

For more information on roof racks, carriers, and cargo management, such as ski and snowboard racks or cargo management accessories, browse our collection. To find out How to choose a roof-rack carrier or How to choose a bike rack or How to choose a rooftop cargo carrier, read our guides for more information.