With a roof rack, your car becomes an all-purpose, trip-taking machine for your active family. Even while basic roof racks are a common feature on many vehicles and SUVs, if your vehicle doesn’t already have one, you can install one yourself.
Whatever your car’s starting configurationbare roof (no rack at all), roof rails (no crossbars), or complete rackwith these suggestions, you’ll quickly have your gear loaded and prepared for your next family vacation.
In This Article...
Full Roof Rack
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.
RoofRailsOnly
Your car’s roof rails are really just a smaller version of a full roof rack. A set of crossbars is the ingredient that is lacking. Although your car’s manufacturer presumably makes crossbars specifically for your particular make and model, you can also likely find aftermarket crossbars that connect to your existing roof rails. Use the provided tool or a set of simple hand tools to attach them. Once the crossbars are in place, you must locate the proper adapters to mount the particular equipment you are towing.
Bare Roof
Factory and aftermarket alternatives can get you and your gear on the road with minimum hassle even if all you have to work with is a plain roof. Your service center can typically provide the templates and drilling needed for factory roof racks. On the other hand, you can install a set of factory roof racks in about an hour with the right equipment, factory instructions, and persistence.
There are alternatives to factory roof racks. Bolt-on roof racks will demand careful consideration while designing and building, especially with regard to waterproofing. When not in use, clamp-on roof racks are simple to mount and demount without the need for drilling.
Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Roof Racks
Depending on your car, aftermarket roof racks could not come as a kit but rather as individual pieces. Similar to this, gear adapters are specialized, e.g., for a cargo basket or snowboard, so you just need to acquire what you require. Look for security elements that can help prevent theft of your roof rack, adapters, and most crucially, your equipment, such as a keyed clamp, special installation tools, or a security cable pass-through.
Any non-factory racks, or at the very least the crossbars, should be taken off while not in use. Even empty roof racks can significantly harm your car’s aerodynamics, reducing its fuel efficiency. Of course, you won’t have to worry about this if you’re actually carrying stuff.
Be careful when loading and unloading your gear because roof racks are high, possibly even above your head. You might damage yourself, break a window, or scratch the paint. However, if you put in a little extra work, you’ll soon be cruising to the beach or the slopes without any mess!
Consider shopping for all the cargo accessory products on NAPA Online or having your regular maintenance and repairs handled at one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities instead. Consult a qualified specialist at your nearby NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for more details on roof racks.
Can a Camry be equipped with racks?
Select one of the following options to locate the rack that fits your Toyota Camry 4dr the best: Start with the Rack Attack combined fit instructions for a base roof rack (two bars that span your roof from door to door). For the most recent fittings from Thule, consult the Thule Fit Guide. For the most recent fits from Yakima, consult the Yakima Fit Guide.
Is it simple to install roof racks?
Although raised rails are the simplest to use, they are not always present in automobiles, SUVs, and vans. You may quickly and easily install a roof rack without drilling using already-installed tracks.
Here’s how to use an existing track to install a roof rack system. Remember that every model is unique. Throughout the process, refer to your owner’s manual and the detailed installation instructions:
- Step 1: Select a roof rack system made for mounting on a car track. The majority of types that are compatible with vehicle track systems have a particular mount or attachment designed to fit them.
- Install the mount or landing pad made to fit inside the current track system in step two. This is usually the first thing you do before installing any other hardware in your car. Depending on the system, this might change.
- 3. Assemble the hardware that attaches to the mount or landing pad that fits into the current track system on your vehicle. Before fastening the assembled item to the mounting or landing pad hardware, do this. For the final rack installation, this will probably result in a crossbar configuration.
- Step 4: Mount the rack system and additional components to complete the work. Follow the manufacturer’s directions while placing them.
- Step 5: Use equipment or luggage to test your mount. Make sure it is installed safely.
Tip: Installing a track system is typically the same process for vehicles with concealed mounting clips. The goods are made to be used in both directions. Always make sure the mount hardware you choose is compatible with the car you have in mind.
Direction
The way they lie is the main distinction between roof rails and roof racks. From the hood to the trunk, roof rails extend the length of your car. From the driver’s side to the front passenger’s side of your automobile, roof racks and roof bars are installed crosswise.
Functionality
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.
Elevated Roof Rails
These enable the clamping or connection of crossbars. They have a gap between the rail and the roof of the car that is about two inches wide. Although less aerodynamic than flat rails, they nonetheless provide a surface to which rope can be attached.
Flush Rails
These are attached flush to the roof of the car. They have a much more fashionable appearance and outstanding aerodynamic qualities. Perfect for anyone who values fuel economy. The drawback of these rails is that installing roof rack systems requires removing them. Additionally, attaching ropes to these rails is not a possibility.
Roof racks must be installed. These systems are purchased separately from the vehicle. Your choice of roof racks will depend on the type of vehicle you drive and their intended use. Depending on your car’s roof, these systems will need to be installed differently.
Bare Roof Vehicles
These vehicles frequently use universal roof racks for vehicles with no roof. Typically, the set will clamp to the car’s doorjamb, fastening the crossbars. Crossbars themselves are available everywhere. However, the clamps that attach the bars to the car are made to work with a particular type of car. The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 Silver 2 Bar Roof Racks is one such instance of a roof racks system.
Cars with bare roofs can also have roof racks installed by drilling into the body of the automobile. This installation procedure is difficult and long-lasting. Using this method, you may securely fasten your roof racks to the car’s roof. And while it is robust, if done incorrectly, it could result in problems like water damage.
Rain Gutter Roof Systems
A clamp-style mounting technique is frequently used to attach roof racks to roofs that have rain gutters. The set will secure the racks in place by clamping to the door jamb and rain gutter of the car. Rain gutters can be found on some vehicles, such as vintage Jeeps, but not on contemporary automobiles.
Factory Mounted or Flush Rail Systems
Some roof rack systems attach to factory-installed mounting points that are already present on the vehicle. These points can be found on the roof underneath approved coverings, flush rails, or weatherstripping. You may reach the mounting points by removing weatherstripping and the pre-existing flush rails. The rack system would then be bolted to these positions. Toyota Tacomas and 4Runners are two vehicles that use this system as an illustration.
Raised Rails
Roof rack installation is a breeze with these rails. This only takes a few minutes as the roof bars clip onto the already-existing rails. The ease with which the roof rack system can be removed is a benefit of this arrangement. a professional who makes cleaning and storing simple and hassle-free.
Carrying Luggage
You cannot solely rely on roof rails to transport items like kayaks and surfboards. They don’t provide stability or durability for carrying objects. For instance, your suitcases would rest flat on your car’s roof. Your paintwork would get dented and scratched as a result. Not to mention that the weight will cause the roof to sag.
Kayaks and fishing rods would need to be tethered across your truck. This is risky for a variety of reasons. The merchandise’ overhang would be much larger than what is permitted by law and might snag on trees and lampposts. Additionally, this inclination increases drag. Drag impacts how well your automobile handles and how much gasoline it uses.
Another minor concern is that flush rails cannot be used to attach ropes or bungee cords. How would you secure your bag? In addition to being against the law, leaving stuff lying about on your car’s roof is dangerous. Additionally, it is doubtful that you will carry your items with you when you reach your location.
Carriers are roof racks. They fasten to your car’s roof or rails. These systems function by evenly distributing the weight of the load applied to them. This keeps the roof of your car from buckling.
Your luggage is elevated off the roof using roof racks. They guard against paintwork scratches and damage. The system improves the aerodynamics of your load by suspending your things. Your fuel consumption and vehicle handling stay at their highest levels thanks to improved aerodynamics.
These rack systems also provide many of locations for you to rope or cable your merchandise. You and other travelers will remain safe if your luggage is properly secured.
Does It Fit My Car?
Although most roof rack systems contain some modular parts, your specific options will depend on the year, make, and model of your car. For the majority of vehicles, brands like Yakima and Thule currently provide one or more solutions, but at ReRack, we are able to offer a wide range of options, from now-discontinued designs to the most cutting-edge racks. Contact us if you’re unsure about the parts your car needs! We are glad to assist. See this section of our guide for a description of the common roof rack types.
How Much Is It Going To Cost?
For our clients, price is typically the most crucial consideration. We attempt to stock as many return and used things as we can because you’ll save money and it’s better for the environment (the majority of a rack’s carbon lifecycle occurs during original construction). We also provide a wide selection of brand-new roof racks, of course!
At ReRack, we only offer racks and accessories made by reputable companies like Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack. These roof racks often have greater weight and gear capacities than stock manufacturing racks. The cost of a base roof rack will vary depending on if you want new components, an aerodynamic profile, and the year, make, and model of your car. Complete roof rack systems range in price from about $150 for a secondhand rack on older vehicles to more than $500 for a brand-new, top-of-the-line arrangement that is aerodynamic.
What Do I Want To Carry?
The majority of the time, people purchase a roof rack so they may attach specialized mounts (such as bike racks, kayak carriers, cargo boxes, etc.) to them or because they already have roof mounts. Purchasing a roof rack and roof rack mounts from the same brand is the easiest and least expensive option.
While some goods can be used with several crossbar types, others need additional adapters that must be bought separately or simply won’t function with particular crossbars.
Consider your needs and whether a certain brand is best suited for the equipment you plan to place on your roof rack.
What’s Going To Look Good?
Everyone has own tastes, right? You might choose square or round crossbars; you might need more height; you might prefer silver or black; you might prefer round crossbars or square ones. Before making a choice, compare a few different rack manufacturers because they all have slightly distinct designs.
How much weight can the roof of a Toyota Camry support?
- It fits your 2012 Toyota Camry perfectly, the SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack for Naked Roofs # SR1002. The square bar rack on your Camry’s naked roof can support 90 lbs when placed properly. The weight limit for the roof is this. You’ll be alright as long as the combined weight of your two paddle boards does not surpass this limit.
I’ve provided a link to our main page for paddle board carriers that fit the square bars on this rack for your convenience. Thule’s SUP Taxi is one of them. read the whole answer