Difference between Roof Racks, Roof Bars and Roof Rails
People can be easily confused with roof racks, roof bars and roof rails. They both allow you to transport goods on the roof of your car. Knowing the differences between them will help you to identify and choose them.
1.Directions
The difference between roof racks and roof rails is their location. A set of roof rails go along the length of the vehicle. A roof rack and roof bar sits cross-way on the car from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side.
2.Functionality
Roof rails is usually installed when the car has finished its production. The purpose of these rails is to provide mounting points for the installation of roof racks. Roof rails provide convenience for installation of roof racks but they do not serve as carriers.
Roof racks are specifically used for carrying of goods. They usually come in a group of roof bars, crossbars or platforms. A platform here has a broader meaning, which can be a cargo box, a kayak rack or a modular rack system.
Roof bars and roof racks differ in more than just their names. A roof bar or crossbars is usually a group of two bars that run across the roof of a car. A roof rack usually contains more than two crossbars and is usually in a modular design. The installation position of a roof rack system can often be taken over by the existed rails. The rails needs to be removed before installing a roof rack. This kind of installation is typically found in vehicles with flush roof rails. The installation of roof racks is determined by the style of the rails that have already been installed on the vehicle.
3.Installation
Roof rails on many vehicles are often pre-installed. They often come in two forms:
Elevated Roof Rails
A set of elevated roof rails allows clamping or connecting crossbar to them. When the installation is completed, there will be about 2 inches of space between the rails and the roof. Even though they are not as aerodynamic as flush rails, it offers enough surface for tethering ropes.
Flush Rails
Flush rails are the rails that are mounted flush against the roof of the vehicle. They often have a look and a better aerodynamics. They are the ones favored by those who care about fuel efficiency. You can tether ropes to flush rails, too. But one drawback in flush rails is that they need to be removed if you want to install a roof rack system.
The purchase of roof racks is separated from the purchase of the vehicle. The selection of a roof rack should be guided by vehicle model and the intended use. Their installation process also vary from one roof to another.
4.Bare Roof Vehicles
Universal roof racks are commonly used by owners of bare roof vehicles. When installed, they usually clamp to the doorjamb and secure the crossbar in place. Crossbars tend to be generic, but the clamps used can vary depending on different vehicle types.
Except for clamping to the doorjamb, roof racks can also be installed by drilling into the rooftop of the vehicle. This is a tricky and permanent method. In this way, a roof rack can be firmly installed on the roof of the car. However, it should be noted that if improperly installed, a poor anti-leakage measure are likely to lead a water damage in the following days.
5.Rain Gutter Roof System
For a car roof with rain gutters, a clamp style system can be used to install roof racks. When this method is adopted, a roof rack will be clamped to the car’s rain gutter and door jamb and lock the racks in place. Rain gutters can usually be found in old school jeeps. But in many modern cars, rain gutters are rare.
6.Factory Mounted or Flush Rail Systems
Pre-installed factory mounted points can be found in some vehicles for the later installation of roof racks. Some of them are usually installed below the weather strips or flush rails. And others are hidden under the designated covers. It is convenient to bolt the racks to these points.
7.Raised Rails
Choosing raised rails can make the installation of roof racks much easier. It often takes only a few minutes to install roof bars onto the existed rails. Another advantage for raised rails is that they can ease the uninstallation of a roof rack system.
8.For Carrying Luggage
Only roof rails cannot undertake the transportation of a kayak or a surfboard for their poor stability and sturdiness. Putting luggage directly on a car roof may damage the paintworks, causing dents and scuffs. The roof may even bend under a heavy load.
When carrying fish rods and kayaks, they need to be tethered to the vehicle. Otherwise, they may snag onto trees or lamp posts and even be in violation of legal regulations. Not only that, the increased wind resistance can also increase the fuel consumption and the difficulty in handling the vehicle. But it is difficult to attach ropes or bungee cords to flush rails. In some countries, there are laws against placing cargo loosely on a car roof. Of course, this is also dangerous.
To use a roof rack can evenly disperse the weight of the load onto the top of a vehicle. For one thing, it will prevent the roof top from being bent. For another, it will raise the luggage off the roof and prevent the scratching and damage to the paintworks. After the luggage has been suspended, the aerodynamic of the load can be increased. This will keep the fuel consumption and vehicle handling at the best possible level.
Conclusion
Using roof racks can make the packing of luggage more convenient, so as to avoid posing danger or breaking laws. Roof racks with aerodynamics can control wind resistance and keep fuel consumption and the handling of vehicle at a good level. They can also prevent the luggage from scratching the roof and disperse the weight of the load to avoid any potential deformation of the roof.
Now you have known the difference between roof racks, roof bars, and roof rails. This allows you to transport items more safely and prevent damage to your vehicle, it will also make it easier to choose the roof racks that best suit your needs.