On the top of vehicles, roofs are different. There is no universal solution for the installation of roof racks. When selecting a roof rack, it is important to utilize the mounting points on a roof if they are there.
We provide you with roof racks for multiple car roof conditions, plus a product customization service. We aim to realize that all our customers can find a solution for their vehicle at Enowl. In this blog, we will take a look at several common roof rack types and how they are installed to vehicles.
1.Rail Bar (Solid or Open)
Installed onto the pre-installed rails by the factory, the installation goes well with vehicles with pre-installed roof rails. Rubber feet and stainless steel clamps are often used when they are installed on the rails. Moreover, some roof racks may use allen keys to hold the grips on the sides of the vehicle. To achieve an optimal strength, roof racks are suggested to be mounted above the front and rear door joints in this method.
2.Gutter Mount
Installing roof racks through the gutters was once very popular. But it is not used quite often today. Gutters are traditional designs to ensure that there will be no water flowing down when the door open on a rainy day. They can be quite stable mounting points for roof racks. Roof racks installed this way will be fitted into the gutter grooves on both sides of the vehicle and then be tightened. Rubber boots will also be used between the roof rack and the surface of the vehicle. The finish of the vehicle can be protected from the wearing from the mounting mechanism and end supports. This is an optimal solution for older vehicles as well as vehicles without any mounting points or roof rails pre-installed by the manufacturer.
3.Anchor Point
Roof racks installed in this way take advantage of the roof mounting points that come with the vehicle when leaving the factory. They are typically installed at a location on each side of the vehicle. This solves the installation difficulty of vehicles with no rails or gutters and realizes a stable mounting on the roof by using threaded anchors. Roof racks installed in this way achieve a better anti-theft function. There is also tuff anchor points, which are not pre-installed by the manufacturer. When it is used, the roof of a vehicle needs to be drilled.
4.Naked (Door Mount)
Naked here refers to a roof rack installation method for roofs without any anchor points, rails, gutters, or tracks. When installed, end supports will be clamped into the door jam and locked there. Roof racks installed in this way also have locks for an anti-theft purpose.
5.Track Mount
Here we come to the last one. Track mount installation means to bolt and rivet a metal plate onto a roof. To get a fixed mounting point, the roof needs to be drilled. This method makes it easy to install roof racks on vehicles that have no rails or factory fitted mounting holes. For carrying heavier loads, roof rack mounts can be securely installed onto the track and offer a heavy-duty metal bar style roof rack. Generally, it is suggested that this method be done by a pro.