Your objective has already been mostly completed if your car has roof rails and crossbars. You merely need gear adapters, that’s all. For example, customized adapters clamp to your current crossbars to transport a bike or a kayak.
Installation takes only a few minutes and only a few simple tools, if any at all, are needed. To make moving your equipment even simpler, several automakers, like Subaru, sell individual parts. After installation, load your equipment in accordance with the manual that came with the adapters.
In This Article...
Are crossbars on a roof rack necessary?
We strongly advise owning a roof rack. They let you transport practically anything that your automobile can’t or won’t fit. Large items like bikes or boats may be involved, as well as filthy items like hockey or camping gear.
Some automobiles have rack systems fitted from the outset; others do not. If your crossbars are factory-installed, you might not require an aftermarket rack system and instead can purchase attachments (like kayak carriers) with universal attachment mechanisms that will snap right onto your factory-installed bars.
You’ll need to purchase a rack system if your bike doesn’t come with factory crossbars. Your roof’s appearance and the items you intend to carry will determine the type of rack you purchase.
What is a rack system?
Crossbars and supports make up the foundation of a rack system. To span your car, you’ll need two crossbars and a means of fastening those bars to it. The elements you’ll hear us discuss are:
What distinguishes roof rails from roof racks?
You’ve probably thought about acquiring roof rails or roof racks if you want to expand your car’s cargo space. The best, safest method to transport luggage, bicycles, kayaks, and a variety of other items that simply won’t fit inside your car is using roof rails and roof racks. To support a roof basket, baggage box, ski rack, bike carrier, or kayak carrier, even a basic roof rail rack foundation may accommodate a wide variety of attachments and accessories.
Roof rails are another easy method to give your car a distinctive appearance and flair while also allowing you to secure cargo to the roof. The information provided here should assist you in choosing between roof rails and roof racks if you want to improve the load carrying capacity of your automobile but aren’t sure which option will work best.
Both roof rails and roof racks let you carry things safely on top of your automobile. This makes them extremely comparable. The direction in which these are positioned on top of your vehicles’ roofs is the key distinction between the two. For instance, roof racks are fitted across the roof and roof rails run the length of the car’s roof attached by feet or other installations.
Roof rails offer points of attachment for crossbars or other add-ons like a cargo box, a ski rack, or a cargo carrier. When necessary, it is simple to add and remove these baggage attachments. Vehicle roofs with flush-mounted roof rails lie flat with no gap between the rail and the roof.
Another distinction between the two is that roof racks are more durable and made to support heavier loads. It is crucial to have roof racks properly fitted since they can select the appropriate kind of roof rack for your requirements. They will also discuss the risks associated with loading the roof rack beyond its capacity.
Surprisingly, most people are unaware of the risks posed by a vehicle top that is overloaded. In addition to endangering the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, an overloaded roof rack can invalidate auto insurance claims in the event that the automobile is involved in an accident and its overloaded roof is found to be the cause.
How much time does installing cross bars take?
Depending on the form of the roof rack and the kind of automobile you have, installing roof racks takes a certain amount of time. Naturally, installing a rack system that clamps to pre-fitted roof rails will take longer than installation that involves some measuring and drilling. How well you are able to complete the work will also have a significant impact on how long it takes you to install the rack. We’d estimate that a straightforward installation might take just 30 minutes to complete. A more complicated connection technique can take up to four hours.
Even though installing roof racks could appear difficult at first, you’ll soon realize how straightforward it can be. The installation will go more smoothly if you make sure you have the appropriate roof rack for your vehicle, follow the directions, and have assistance. Now that you are aware of how straightforward the installation of a roof rack is, look through the selection of Overlanding roof racks we provide, choose the one that best suits your vehicle, and then complete the installation with ease.
How much space between crossbars is ideal?
The bars should be spaced between 24 and 36 inches apart, measured from the same position on each crossbar, unless otherwise specified in the construction instructions.
What distinguishes crossbars from a roof rack?
Roof rails are frequently included in the design of your car. They communicate in a variety of ways. Some have a raised design that results in a space between the rail and the car’s roof. Others are seated right up to the car’s roof. These rails’ main use is to give roof racks mounting points. They do not act as carriers in and of themselves.
In contrast, roof racks serve as a transporter for your cargo. They often have a platform or rack of some kind in addition to a set of crossbars or roof bars. This platform could be a modular rack system, a kayak rack, or a cargo box. The vehicle’s current roof rails are where the roof bars are mounted.
We notice the distinction in the names of roof bars and roof racks when we examine them more closely. Roof bars, also known as crossbars, are a group of typically two bars that span the top of the vehicle. In contrast, a roof rack has multiple crossbars and frequently has a modular design. The racks occasionally observe a fixed layout with a predetermined number of crossbars.
In some cases, the roof rack system can be mounted at the same locations as the existing rails. In order to install the roof racks, you must here remove the rails. Typically, flush roof rails are installed in this manner in automobiles. The method for installing the roof racks depends on the type of rails your vehicle has. Your choice of roof racks will also affect how they are installed.
Do I need to keep my crossbars on?
Actually, there isn’t much of a reason to remove your roof racks unless you need to do some repair or cleaning. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your roof racks robust and able to hold your equipment in place if you want to make sure they continue to function properly.
Your roof racks must first be removed from the vehicle in order to give them the greatest cleaning possible. Give them a thorough visual inspection first to look for corrosion. Before attaching the roof rack to the car again, any worn-out components must be changed to avoid the possibility of them coming off and causing serious harm. On our blog, you can find further details on how to clean your roof racks.
Before mounting the roof rack back onto the car, make sure you grease all the nuts and bolts. While leaving the roof rack on the car while it’s not in use is acceptable, keeping the fittings greased will assist prevent loosening due to vibrations.
Bringing your roof racks gives you the opportunity to clean your car’s roof as well! Take the chance to wash away any collected dirt and grime because dirt can quickly lurk in the regions ordinarily protected by the roof racks.
What are crossbars that are factory installed?
What are Raised Side Rails Installed at the Factory? The most popular vehicles with higher side rails are minivans and SUVs. They can serve as attachment points for an aftermarket roof rack system and run front to back on the roof of your car. Crossbars and a leg kit are needed for this design.
Do roof bars harm your vehicle?
Can roof bars harm my vehicle? The incorrect installation of your roof bars may cause harm to your vehicle. For instance, the tracks in your roof or connecting points may get distorted or lose their shape if screws or clips are over-tightened.
Why are there cross bars on roof racks?
- Rubber bases known as “bottom pads” are placed between your roof and the tower. provides stability and guards against roof damage.
Thule 400 fit kit, Prorack fit kit, Yakima RidgeClips, and Base Pads are the fit components, from left to right.
Crossbars
There are often two bars that span the width of the car’s roof, to which you may attach racks for different activities, such as ski racks, bike racks, baggage boxes, kayak racks, etc. Crossbars help to distribute the weight of all the equipment you are adding to the roof to the towers and feet. Round (Yakima), square (Thule, Inno), aerodynamic (Thule, Yakima, Whispbar, others), and factory crossbars are the four main crossbar types.
Examples of crossbars, from left to right: Whispbar Through bars, Thule Aerobars, and Yakima Roundbars
Does my car need roof rails?
Today’s cars frequently have roof rails, however more often on SUVs and minivans. They provide a variety of functions and raise the exterior of the car’s appeal overall. We have the solutions to all your questions concerning automobile roof rails and how they work.
Car roof rails are frequently added for aesthetic reasons so that automobiles look more contemporary and aerodynamic. Apart from that, a roof rail is primarily used to hold luggage, sporting equipment, or any other large storage that you need to bring on a trip but can’t seem to fit inside the vehicle.
Roof rails assure ease in addition to improving the appearance of a vehicle, particularly if the car’s trunk is at capacity for loading large items. You can continue reading to learn more about roof rails and to get a more in-depth overview of them.
We hope the links provided are helpful to you before you continue reading. We may receive a commission if you buy something after clicking on one of the links on this page, so thank you!
Do roof racks merit the cost?
As I’ve already indicated, roof racks can be utilized to transport a variety of tools and enjoyable items. Roof racks are the greatest way to transport everything you need if you like activities like biking, skiing, surfing, and many more.
Roof racks are also helpful for keeping your car cleaner and roomier. You have lots of room on your car’s roof, so you don’t have to jam everything inside.
Roof racks, in my opinion, are valuable for those two factors alone! You can always resale it online if you discover a few years down the road that you didn’t utilize it all that much.
How can I tell if a roof rack will work with my vehicle?
Particularly if your car or truck also has a moon roof, your roof can only carry a certain amount of weight, and frequently, side rails and cross bars will have their own weight ratings. If you don’t have access to your vehicle’s owner manual, you can find the roof rack and load carrier capacity online.
What do you want to transport?
Although moving your bikes could be your main objective, do you regularly indulge in any other activities or have any plans to start any time soon? If so, consider the accessory mounts that are compatible with each rack and pick the one that offers the most flexibility.
Ignoring the ability to transport multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously is one of the most common mistakes people make. At your destination, do you intend to mountain bike and kayak? Both should fit on your roof, right? What about your skis and baggage box?
Consider getting crossbars that are a little bit broader to store additional gear if you and your family participate in a variety of outdoor sports. Here, the essential phrase is a little bit broader. Only as wide as the widest portion of your car, including mirrors, should your crossbars be.
Consider a rack rated for greater weights with solid anchor points for connecting ratcheting-strap hooks if you intend to use the roof rack for DIY home remodeling reasons, such as hauling lumber or other supplies.
How easy is it to load and unload?
Even if you find a rack and mount for a great price, you won’t like using it if it is difficult to use. Will I be able to unload and mount my stuff with ease once I reach my destination?
How do you want to mount your bike?
Do you prefer a rack that easily attaches onto the frame or one that requires you to remove your front wheel for transport? Additionally, not all contemporary bicycles have quick-release front wheels, so you must confirm that your rack is appropriate for the bike you now possess or want to purchase.
A roof rack isn’t a fantastic alternative for you if you have a hefty e-bike and aren’t an Olympic power lifter.