FAQ

Roof rails come with a vehicle themselves make it possible for carrying large items. But if what you are looking for is to maximize the cargo weight, stability and safety, then roof racks are definitely what you should choose.

There’s nothing wrong with leaving the roof rack on the roof if it is in good condition and doesn’t need to be cleaned. Choosing sturdy roof racks with streamlined properties will not cause any effect on your fuel consumption, wind noise, or drag. However, if you’re planning a long road trip without any luggage, you can take them off so as to make the most of your drive.

In the design and manufacture of roof racks, adopting a sleek design and the use of lightweight materials is a popular trend. When not in use, a roof rack with no aerodynamic characteristics can increase the weight and aerodynamic resistance of the car and affect fuel economy. So, if you are using this kind of roof racks, it is recommended that you remove them when not in use. A good way to avoid frequent disassembly is to purchase roof racks with a light weight, high durability and better aerodynamic characteristics. That’s what we offer you.

What you want to put on the roof of your vehicle determines which roof rack is best for your purpose. A cargo basket can be used for containing luggage and small items. Recreational items such as bikes, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards can be handled by special racks. There are two main aspects you should consider: size and weight. Size: It is fine as long as the roof rack you choose does not exceed the widest part of the vehicle. The use of roof racks that exceed the specified width can be illegal in some countries and regions. This should be considered when make the purchase. Estimate the total weight: If you need to carry a large amount of items such as multiple bicycles or several months ‘worth of necessities, then make sure the total weight is less than the maximum bearing capacity of the vehicle. If it is overweight, then some luggage will have to be put in the trunk. Find out weight capacity of the roof: The roof of a vehicle can hold a limited amount of weight, especially when it is a sunroof. Side rails and cross bars also have their own weight ratings. The information can usually be found in the product catalog or on the website.

The noise produced by roof racks is determined by the way air flows around the vehicle and the racks. To reduce the noise, you should change the way air moves. Experience indicates that square and round cross bars produce more noise. Bars with aerodynamic characteristics have sections similar to aircraft wings, allowing air to flow more smoothly. Some roof racks come with wind diffuser strips, which can further deflect the air flow and avoid annoying hum.

All cargo boxes require a roof rack with cross bars already installed on the vehicle. Cargo boxes come with universal mounting hardware. They can attach to any type of cross bars, e.g. circular, square, or factory. What you have to do is to make sure your rear hatch can open up without hitting the cargo box.

A roof basket is the most common rooftop cargo-carrying contraption. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations, and can be easily attached to roof racks. They’re typically composed of steel or aluminum bars forged and welded together, with raised sides to keep cargo in a confined area. This structure is ideal to use with ratchet straps, bungee cords, cargo net or a combination of the three. They are natural tiedown points. A roof basket can be used to transport everything from wet driving gear, extra luggage to auxiliary fuel. But they need to be strapped down so that it doesn’t fall apart.

A basic roof rack system consists of cross bars and supports. You need 2 cross bars to go across the vehicle and a method to connect those cross bars to the vehicle. A typical and complete set of the components includes: 2 cross bars, several foot packs (or towers) to support the cross bar and fit kits (or clips) to help attach the foot packs onto the vehicle. Depending on the size of the vehicle and what you want to carry, cross bars come in different lengths. They are mostly square or circular, with some of them has aerodynamic airplane-wing-shaped profile which are quieter.

If there is no specific fitting position given in the assembly instructions, then cross bars should be placed between 24-36 inches apart. This distance facilitates the installation of most roof-mounted products.

A short answer is no. A roof rack will not cause any damage to the vehicle. But problems may be caused by improper use, incorrect installation and carelessness. Choosing quality products and knowing how to use and care for your roof racks can keep them and your vehicle in good condition.