Top 8 Best Roof Racks for Hauling Gear on Your Car
Every season is off-roading season. Yet no matter where you ride, gearing up smart is key to making the most of each excursion. That’s why off-roading enthusiasts pay attention to how they outfit their vehicles. Roof racks are often near the top of their lists for one key reason – the convenience of having extra cargo room at an affordable price. But which one should you buy for your vehicle? This brief guide can help you examine your options and select one that best meets your needs.
What Are the Top Roof Racks to Buy?
With so many roof racks on the market, the sheer number of choices can seem overwhelming. Here’s some good news – you can get solid performance with models from trusted brands like Smittybilt, Rugged Ridge and Rhino-Rack. Need some recommendations? You’ll want to check out some top-rated roof racks and rack systems:
- Smittybilt SRC
- Warrior Renegade
- Warrior Platform
- Rugged Ridge EXO-Top
- Rhino-Rack Aero
- TeraFlex Nebo
- ARB JL4D
- Front Runner Slimline II
Are Roof Racks Worth it?
Roof racks work on a basic principle – creating more cargo space on top of your vehicle. Truck bed racks that install over tonneau covers perform a similar function. But with a roof rack, no open cargo space in the rear is required. This accessory consists of side rails and crossbars, which serve as attachment points to tie down items such as bikes, canoes, skies, cargo baskets and even rooftop tents. If you off-road regularly and need more room to haul gear, a roof rack is a worthwhile investment.
Do Roof Racks Damage Cars?
It’s natural to be concerned about a roof rack’s effect on your vehicle. But you can rest easy. Knowing a few important specs can help you choose a rack that’s safe and dependable to use. You ultimately want a model that’s both strong and lightweight. With this in mind, you’ll need to find your roof’s weight capacity. Choose a rack that falls under this limit, but don’t forget to factor in the weight of your cargo. Also, pay attention to the rack’s construction. Steel roof racks can weigh more than aluminum models.
You may see two different load figures – static and dynamic. Static load refers to how much your roof can bear while the vehicle is stationary. Dynamic load measures how much weight it can handle when your car’s in motion. Static load capacity is typically the greater of the two. Driving your vehicle involves lateral forces that can reduce its stability, which in turn limits how much weight the roof can carry.
How To Install Roof Racks
Once you get your roof rack home, you’ll need to install it. Fortunately, you can handle this job with plenty of time and the right tools. Read through any instructions carefully. You should also pay attention to how your rack is designed, particularly its crossbars and side rails. Make sure to space the crossbars out properly so your cargo’s weight is evenly distributed. And if you have questions or need advice, count on the experts at Morris 4x4 Center.
