The Different Types of Roof Rack Accessories
When your car is fully loaded with a roof rack, the extra weight and air resistance it creates can negatively impact fuel economy. In addition, the added burden on your car can also make it slower.
It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s important to know how roof racks affect your vehicle’s performance before you buy one. This will help you determine if you need a rack and what type of one is best for your needs.
Fixed point rails
Some vehicles come with fixed points on their roofs that are used to attach roof racks. These are often threaded anchor points that are located near the four corners of the vehicle, or sometimes on rails. These are typically covered by a small flap and will require removal of weather-strips or existing flush rails before they can be accessed.
There are many different types of fixed point systems and they all come with their own pros and cons. They typically feature high load ratings and are easy to install. They also tend to be quiet and very aerodynamic.
Depending on what you plan on hauling, you may need to use a different system than the one that is designed for your particular vehicle. Some of the most popular options are those that connect to pre-installed factory mounted points on your vehicle’s roof and allow you to bolt the rack system directly onto these fixed points.
Another option is a system that mounts to raised side rails, which are often installed on trucks and SUVs. These are a good choice for those looking to haul heavy equipment and accessories. These are easy to fit and offer a secure attachment to your vehicles’ raised side rails.
Prinsu Design Studios makes some of the best roof racks on the market. Their products are made in the United States and are of very high quality. They are quickly becoming one of the industry leaders in roof racks.
They have several different sizes of racks including a full-length rack, a 7/8-rack and a 3-quarter-rack. The full-length rack has the most crossbars and is ideal for carrying heavy items like rooftop tents, cargo boxes, recovery boards and more.
These racks also feature load panels that are a great way to customize the look of your rack and add extra mounting points for a variety of accessories. The load panels are CNC cut (powder-coated), feature multiple slots and different-sized holes to accommodate a wide variety of mounting bolts, brackets and mounts.
The Prinsu Racks are a great choice for anyone looking to carry heavy equipment and accessories. They are very strong and have a variety of accessories available to customize your rack and make it more functional.
Side rails
Side rails are a great way to add functionality to your roof rack system without having to make major modifications to the car. They also come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit most vehicles. In addition, they can be removed when not needed and stored away as needed.
There are two main types of side rails for roof racks: flush and raised. Flush side rails are installed vertically, flush with the vehicle’s roof, and provide attachment points for other systems.
These systems can be found in SUVs, minivans and crossovers. They are usually factory-installed and offer a high load capacity. However, they may not be suitable for all applications and should be checked before installation to ensure that your roof rack system can accommodate them.
Raised side rails are installed horizontally, typically near the vehicle’s rear, and are a great way to stow cargo while preventing items from sliding off. They are also less expensive than the flush versions and can help lower drag and improve fuel efficiency.
If you’re going to be doing a custom install, consider a fixed point mount or track system. These options are permanent and offer more flexibility in positioning your rack, but they are also more expensive than clip fit rack systems.
A clip-style roof rack uses clips to mount to the door jamb or directly onto the rubber rain roof rack gutters above your windows. These systems are a quick and easy way to get a bare roof installed, but you’ll have to be careful not to damage the car.
You can find these types of systems in a variety of brands and models, including Thule and Yakima. These companies are well known for their top-quality products, but there are many others out there that offer great solutions at a fraction of the price.
Another option is a system that has a swivel feature that allows you to stow the cross bars within the side rails. This helps reduce wind noise and improve fuel efficiency, especially for vehicles with large wheels.
Whether you’re a biker, skier or just a casual road warrior, a solid set of roof racks can help you haul everything you need on your next adventure. It’s important to choose a system that will work for your specific vehicle, as different makes and models have differing specifications. You’ll also want to check the weight limits and ensure that your accessories are compatible before purchase.
Crossbars
Crossbars are one of the most versatile parts of a roof rack system. They let you stow a range of accessories, including kayak carriers and bike racks. They also provide places for you to attach rope or cord so that your gear is secure.
These accessories also increase your load’s aerodynamics, which can save you fuel consumption and improve your vehicle’s handling. Moreover, these systems are durable and help protect your paintwork from scratching and damage.
The best part is that these systems come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different vehicles. For example, Thule has a full lineup of crossbars that can hold up to 75 kilograms or 165 pounds each.
Some of these bars are designed to be low-profile, while others have a more streamlined design. Many of these products also feature T-tracks to make it easier to attach and remove accessories.
While they may look like a simple thing, crossbars are roof rack actually a critical part of a roof rack system. You need to choose the right ones to match your car and accessories, and you will also need to get them connected to your vehicle’s roof rails.
There are several different types of crossbars to consider, including bolt-on bars and gutter-mounted cross bars. Bolt-on bars require a roof rail to mount them on, while gutter-mounted cross bars do not need the use of a roof rail to hold them in place.
A bolt-on bar is typically installed with a set of bolts that are screwed into your vehicle’s roof. This installation method is very easy to do and requires a minimal amount of tools.
Another type of roof rack system is a clamp-on bar. These are attached to the roof and clips around where the door closes. This type of rack is typically used to carry items such as bikes and luggage boxes on sealed roads.
The clamp-on crossbar system is a popular choice among many drivers because it lets them easily transport their equipment without having to remove the car’s doors. Some of these systems even feature a locking ability to keep your gear safe.
Accessories
Roof rack accessories are hardware that is mounted to the top of your vehicle to make it easier to transport things like luggage and camping gear. These gizmos can also help you to cut down on wind noise and improve your driving experience, which is something we can all appreciate.
The best roof rack accessories will make the most of your cargo space and your vehicle’s capabilities, while letting you travel in style. Some of the more common accessories include a cargo box, roof-top tent and awning, load stop and tube tops.
A good way to choose the right roof rack accessory is to consider the type of activities you plan on doing while driving. A rack with removable boxes or a roof-top tent will be more suitable for those who are traveling short distances and want the simplest option available, while a fully stocked cargo carrier might be better suited to long haul road trips.
The best roof rack products come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the smallest cross bars to the most complex multi-segment systems. To help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of the top roof rack accessories for your next big adventure. There are the obvious contenders like a cargo box and roof top tent, but we’ve also included some more surprising choices such as a solar panel and noise reducing trim. Depending on your needs and budget, there is certainly an accessory for you. The key is knowing what you need and determining which one is the most apprehensive.
