A roof rack sits on top of the vehicle and is used for extra storage space to carry large items such as kayaks, canoes, luggage, or big containers. Roof racks do not come standard on all vehicles, so if you are looking to purchase a car, a roof rack may be something to consider if you need extra storage space. They are also the most stable method for transporting gear. Your vehicle may have one already and you have never used it. We can help give you ideas on how to use them and why!
How to Chose the Right Roof Rack
If you already have a vehicle, but it does not have a roof rack, there are roof racks available to purchase. An online fit guide will have you enter the make, model, and year of your vehicle to ensure the proper fit. The roof rack is the most versatile system and leaves extra room in the interior of the vehicle for passengers. There are many options for roof racks such as half rails, full rails, cargo bags, hard shell cargo carriers, even bike racks! So you will need to know what you think you will need and choose from there.
How to Decide and Why
Whether you are an outdoors person or just someone that loves to travel, the benefits of a roof rack include increasing the storage space of your vehicle, increasing legroom inside the vehicle, and providing a solid platform for transporting sporting equipment. The last of these is important because if you do not secure sporting equipment properly to your vehicle, it can become a safety hazard to you and those around you while you are driving. That equipment is usually pretty expensive so you wouldn’t want it spread out onto the highway behind you, or worse yet into the car behind you.
How to Use a Roof Rack
Most roof racks come with three components, side rails, towers, and mounts. The towers attach to the rails, while the mounts hold the system to the vehicle. To secure items to the roof rack, tie down the equipment with four points of contact. This will give you the most stability. While tying down the equipment, hold the straps tightly so you do not need to tie a bunch of knots. Wrap the straps around the equipment a few times, on all four areas, to ensure the equipment is properly secured to the roof rack.
Possible issues with Roof Racks
Some common issues with roof racks are wearing away at your cars clear coat, or straps slapping around and leaving scratches. Another possibility is the wind causing the load to shift. Check the roof rack regularly to ensure it is properly secured to the top of your vehicle. Make sure you are securing your load properly, and the straps used are in good working condition.