How do I choose the right roof rack?

Aug 28, 2023

Whether it’s for day-to-day storage or getting ready for a big adventure, often the packing becomes an adventure itself. By the time you’ve wrestled all your gear, food and essentials to the garage – not to mention clothes and the obligatory teddy bear – there’s the challenge of where to fit it.

This is where aftermarket accessories can offer a simple and secure option for transporting gear.

Having roof racks installed is always handy. Whether this is a pair of cross bars, a platform or basket, or even a roof box or pod, the ability to get sporting equipment or camping gear out of your car’s cabin can make your trip so much more comfortable – and safer.

So, where do you start when it comes to buying the perfect roof rack for you?

We’ve got stacks of info right here so for a thorough run-down on everything you need to consider before buying a roof rack system, read on. And if you would like to find a suitable fitment for your vehicle, visit the website of one of the leading roof rack manufacturers, Thule. There you’ll find a vehicle selector that runs you through all the company’s roof rack and luggage options.

Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of safely expanding your vehicle’s carrying capacity with a variety of roof rack systems…

All vehicles have a load limit for how much can go on the roof of the car. Often it’s around 75kg, although it can sometimes be double that or more.

Many vehicles stipulate the roof load limit in the brochure or in the owner’s manual; if you’re stuck, refer to your dealer.

Remember, that weight limit includes the mass of the roof-carrying system itself. Lightweight aluminium is a popular choice for roof racks for that reason and if you buy a quality brand such as Thule, you’ll know it’s constructed to the highest standards.

Keep in mind, too, that in many instances there are two load limits: static and dynamic.

Static is for when the vehicle is stationary and is a higher limit which, for example, allows for people to sleep in a roof-top tent.

It’s the dynamic limit you can’t breach once the car is in motion. That’s important not only to maintain the structure and integrity of the roof but also to ensure electronic safety systems such as stability control are within their operating tolerances.

Deep roof gutters are mostly gone from modern cars. Instead, many cars have integrated roof rails or mounting points specifically designed for roof racks.

Thule is one brand that knows these systems intimately and the company often works with car-makers during the vehicle’s design phase to ensure it has various roof rack options when the car hits the market.

Once you have determined the suitable roof racks for your vehicle, you will need to determine what gear you would like to carry and what system will be best for your needs, your vehicle and your weight limits.

Whether it’s a sleek roof box to haul your skis and gear up to the alps, cross bars with bike or watersport carriers, or a stylish roof basket for bulky luggage, Thule has a solution for everyone.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred system the fitment is easy, with detailed instructions and easy mounts that are tailor-made for your car.

Roof racks range from simple cross bars to low-profile aerodynamic bars to large platforms. Which one will suit you depends on what you want to carry and the vehicle you’re fitting it to.

For surfboards and bikes, for example, any of the cross bars are suitable, especially if you pair them with accessories tailored to the load you’re planning to carry.

If you want to carry luggage or sports bags, then a lockable, water-resistant roof box can be handy. These are perfect for offering additional space and secure, out-of-sight storage.

Crucially, these are also aerodynamically designed to reduce drag, or wind resistance. That means lower fuel consumption or, in the case of an electric car, potentially more kilometres between charges.

The final option is a roof platform, which can offer a larger footprint to mount gear and spread the load out across the roof.

Beware, though, that a roof platform has more metal, so it weighs more – and that weight must be taken into account for the overall load.

The design of a roof rack is crucial not only for safety and practicality but also for how it performs. Sure, you may be able to save a few bucks on a cheap rack, but it will likely come with compromises, one of which can be how slippery it is through the air.

At 110km/h that aerodynamic efficiency counts, reducing how much additional energy is required to keep the car travelling at speed.

At Thule, aerodynamics is a key design consideration. This aspect is clearly evident in Thule’s sleek Wingbar Evo and across its sophisticated roof-box range.

Aerodynamically engineered roof racks also create less wind noise, which is a major consideration on long trips.

If your roof load is blustering about like it’s in a cyclone then you’ve just created a new problem. Similarly, the straps you’re using to secure the load can make a big difference.

Think about where you’re placing things and how they’re attached to the roof system.

In many instances it pays to invest in dedicated straps designed for the task at hand, rather than generic tie-downs that can flap or vibrate.

There are myriad accessories designed to make loading items onto your new racks easier. Whether it’s a kayak, mountain bike or snowboard, there’s no shortage of options for not only superior securing of the load but also making it easier to attach.

Size isn’t everything, but it certainly counts for plenty when attaching a roof rack.

Before you go selecting that enormous roof rack, consider where you’ll be taking the car. If your home garage or even the local shopping centre has a low roof height, then you need to take that into account when you fit the racks. Many multi-story car parks have a 2.0-metre height limit; some are even lower.

And don’t forget about whatever you’re planning to pop on top of them!

To learn more about finding the perfect roof rack for your car visit the Thule website.

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