A roof rack is the most convenient and versatile solution for transporting large cargo in a passenger car. However, not every design is legal and safe. The car experts from the Indy Auto Man pre-owned car dealership prepared an overview of the racks for those planning a trip around Indiana.

Types of roof racks

Things transported on the roof have different sizes, weights, and shapes. Hence, there are several rack types for specific purposes and luggage formats.

Universal roof rack

A universal rack consists of longitudinal and transverse or only transverse parts. It can be mounted on either the rails or directly on top of the car. Most vehicles, even small city cars, have places for fastening a rack – they are closed with plastic plugs. The advantage of this model is the ease of installation.

Special fasteners

Such elements are needed if you plan to transport non-standard loads. For example, racks for several bicycles on the roof or special clamps for skis or snowboards mounted on the crossbars. Thanks to them, you can easily, quickly, and securely fasten sports equipment. And in many models — protect it from theft: the clamps are equipped with locks.

If the rack is intended for a specific load, primarily sports equipment, then it is best to choose it by trying it on. Find out whether the bike mounts are suitable for its size, whether the mount will be secure, and how easy and quick it is to put on the roof and remove it.

Structures made of tubes and planks are both universal and inconvenient. You can probably load almost anything you want on them. However, it’s important to make some modifications to the mount to ensure that neither the cargo nor the car roof gets scratched. In addition, the load on such a rack is open to dust and rain — complex packaging will be required to deliver something to its destination clean. And the air will mercilessly tear the film or fabric cover on the move.

Boxes

Therefore, closed boxes are becoming more widespread. They protect cargo from wind, precipitation, and even dishonest people. But when buying a box, you need to consider several crucial factors.

How to choose a roof rack

The first thing in choosing a roof rack is to decide what exactly you want to transport and how often. Then, it will be easier to determine the set of equipment and select the appropriate components. There are no universal solutions – different equipment will require special kits, for example, arcs (crossbars).

• Figure out how the luggage system will be mounted on the car. Choose the mount strictly for your model, taking into account the presence or absence of rails and their design. On a roof without them, look for regular places for crossbars.
• When choosing a roof box, consider its key parameters: overall dimensions and maximum permissible load. Do not focus only on the maximum parameters – the longest and widest points – the box is rarely strictly rectangular.
• Take a closer look at the lid shock absorbers: the heavier it is, the more serious the holders are needed. But whether they are needed on each side is a big question – this is the point of saving.
• The longer the box, the more latches and locks it should have. This is important not only to protect against theft. The more points of fixation of the lid to the base, the less likely the box will open while driving.
• If you plan to drive with a roof box regularly, at least once a week, check that the fastenings of the arcs to the roof and the box to the arcs have not become loose. Even a half-empty, poorly secured box can forever ruin the memories of the trip.

Keep in mind that driving with a roof rack requires a more careful style. Most racks are designed for a maximum of 80 mph. But this is, of course, an optimistic figure. With a box, especially a bicycle or kayak on the roof, it is comfortable to drive at a speed of no more than 55 mph. This will reduce the likelihood of tipping over and will not be as noisy.