Roof bars provide a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding storage capacity and transporting items that cannot fit inside your vehicle. Whether you’re planning a camping trip in a national park, embarking on a long-distance journey with essential gear, or simply transporting your mountain bike to a nearby trail, the additional space and convenient storage offered by roof bars can be incredibly valuable. Discover the versatility and benefits of utilizing roof bars for your transportation needs.
When considering the purchase of a rooftop tent, gear box, cargo basket, or attachments for outdoor equipment like bikes and kayaks, it is crucial to have a reliable roof bar as the foundation for hauling items on the roof of your car or truck. Selecting the appropriate roof bar that suits both your vehicle and your specific requirements is essential. Here’s a guide to help you acquire the right roof bar that fulfills your needs and ensures a secure and efficient transportation solution for your gear.
Ask Yourself the Following Questions
The roof bar plays a crucial role in the overall load-carrying setup. Prior to purchasing a roof bar, it’s important to take into account factors such as your vehicle’s specifications and the specific items you intend to transport.
What’s the brand, model and year of my vehicle?
This information is crucial in determining the compatibility of a specific roof bar with your vehicle. Many roof bar manufacturers offer online platforms where you can input these details to generate a list of bars that are suitable for your vehicle’s specifications.
What are the dimensions of my vehicle’s roof and its load capacity rating?
These factors will determine the compatibility of roof bars and the maximum weight capacity for hauling your gear.
What’s my vehicle’s roof situation?
Certain cars and SUVs are equipped with pre-installed roof bars, roof rails, or fixed mounting points designed for attaching roof bars. In contrast, others may have rain gutters that can serve as a mounting location, while some vehicles have completely bare roofs. It is crucial to identify the configuration of your vehicle’s roof before purchasing a roof bar, as not all roof bars are compatible with every type of vehicle roof.
How about the weight capacity of the roof bar?
Take into account the items you intend to transport and ensure that the chosen bar has an appropriate weight capacity to accommodate your load. It is important to consider the weight limitations of the bar to ensure safe and secure transportation of your belongings.
What kind of attachments will I use?
Before making a purchase, ensure that your chosen roof bar is compatible with the specific attachments you plan to add, such as bike bars, luggage boxes, cargo baskets, or rooftop tents. This compatibility check will ensure that the roof bar can properly accommodate and secure these accessories, allowing for a seamless integration and safe transportation of your gear.
Will I drive off-road?
For off-road adventures, prioritize a durable all-aluminum roof bar over plastic options. It will withstand the bumps and jolts of dirt roads more effectively, ensuring reliable performance and secure cargo transportation.
What cost can I accept?
Consider your budget before deciding on a roof bar. All-metal bars are durable but more expensive, while simpler instant bar systems can save you money.
Roof Bar Types
Knowing your vehicle’s roof setup and cargo requirements will simplify the selection process for different types of roof bars.
Roof Bars
Roof bar crossbars attach to your vehicle’s roof and come in different sizes, materials, and shapes. They work with various accessories to accommodate different gear and cargo.
Rooftop Platforms
For off-road enthusiasts, additional cross-pieces and a platform provide a sturdy frame for carrying odd-shaped gear, fuel/water cans, spare tires, and integrating a rooftop tent.
Roof Bars for Trucks
Truck bed bar crossbars attach to the top railing, creating additional storage and carrying capacity above the bed. The height is adjustable for different loads and they are compatible with various truck bed sizes and accessories.
Instant Roof Bars
Instant roof bars provide a convenient and affordable option for vehicles without roof rails. They are ideal for carrying items like skis, snowboards, and surfboards. While they offer ease of use and affordability, they may not have the same stability and capacity as more durable bars.
Materials
The top bars excel in strength, lightweight design, and durability, with their performance greatly influenced by the choice of materials.
Plastic
While generally lightweight and budget-friendly, these bars compromise on strength and durability compared to all-metal options. Plastic components are prone to breakage, and the more plastic parts a bar system has, the higher the risk of failure.
Steel
These bars are known for their durability and strength. While they may not be as lightweight as aluminum bars, they offer a more affordable option without compromising on quality.
Aluminum
Aluminum bar systems are the top choice for roof bars. They are significantly lighter than steel and offer a higher load-carrying capacity. While they may be more expensive, they provide superior performance and durability.
Other Features
Apart from materials and design, there are several other key features to consider when shopping for roof bars:
Low-Profile Design
Installing a roof bar and attachments on your vehicle can increase wind resistance, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased road noise. To mitigate these effects, opt for aerodynamic and low-profile roof bar designs. Teardrop-shaped crossbars, for example, minimize wind resistance for a quieter and more fuel-efficient driving experience. Additionally, consider using fairings to further enhance wind resistance.
Lock System
To ensure the security of your roof bar and prevent theft, many bars can be locked in place using a key. This feature is particularly important if you intend to secure valuables to your bar or leave the bar on your vehicle. However, it is generally recommended to remove the bar when not in use to avoid the additional fuel consumption mentioned earlier.