Have you observed the metal rails affixed to the top of your car and wondered about their purpose? These rails could be a mere aesthetic addition to your vehicle, or they could assist in transporting large or cumbersome cargo. Educate yourself on roof rails, roof bars, and roof racks – their functions, proper usage, and how you can personalize them to suit your lifestyle.
What are they?
Curious about the rails on your car’s roof? It’s likely that they are either roof rails, roof bars, or a roof rack. To identify the specific type of rails, take note of their orientation and placement on the roof of your vehicle.
Roof Rails
- The roof of your car has two rails that run parallel to its length.
- Commonly installed by the factory
- It is possible to use them carefully for carrying light but oversized loads.
- Offer a stylish and athletic appearance.
- Function as attachment points for Roof bars or roof racks.
Roof Bars
- Two horizontally oriented bars attached to the roof rails of your car.
- Usually fitted by the dealership.
- Capable of supporting bulky and weighty items.
- Can be upgraded with accessories for storage and transportation.
Roof Racks
- Two or more bars that span horizontally over the roof rails of your car.
- Frequently modular and can be assembled into a predetermined configuration.
- Usually installed by a dealership.
- Able to support larger and heavier loads or fulfill a specific transportation need.
How They are Used
Once you’ve identified the type of rails on your vehicle, it’s time to learn how to utilize them.
Use Roof Rails
If you’re unsure of the purpose of roof rails, they can be utilized as attachment points for roof racks or roof bars, in addition to providing a sleek and athletic appearance to your vehicle.
It’s important to note that factory-installed roof rails are usually not intended for transporting or hauling. This is because items are placed directly on the bare roof of your car, making it unadvisable to carry heavy loads using just the roof rails. Doing so can lead to roof damage due to the weight of bulky or heavy items.
Use Roof Bars or Roof Racks
Roof bars can be utilized independently or in conjunction with activity-specific racks, which are intended for a particular function such as a kayak rack or cargo bag or a cargo box.
Roof bars are typically distinguished by their two parallel bars that run horizontally across the roof of your car, although they are sometimes grouped together with roof racks. However, roof racks often consist of several roof bars, arranged in a modular format, as a platform, or with a specific purpose in mind. Knowing the type of roof rack you have can determine how it should be utilized.
In any case, your roof bars or roof rack system permits you to transport heavier and bulkier items in comparison to roof rails. Here are some ways in which you can utilize your roof bars or roof rack:
- Transporting oversized items such as boxes, luggage, or a Christmas tree during a move
- Transporting sports gear such as skis, snowboards, kayak rack, or bike rack
- Install a rooftop tent on top of your vehicle for a comfortable sleeping area for camping.
Load them Onto the Roof
Before you start loading your luggage or boxes onto your roof rack or roof bars, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Step 1: Check the Weight Limit
To ensure safe loading of your car’s roof with a roof rack or roof bars, you must refer to your owner’s manual first. The manual will specify the maximum weight that can be carried on your vehicle’s roof. Along with this, you should also check the manufacturer’s weight limits for your roof rails, roof bars, or rack.
Prior to placing any cargo on your car’s roof, it’s important to calculate the total weight of the items you intend to transport. If the combined weight exceeds the suggested limit, it’s recommended to choose an alternative mode of transportation, such as a trailer.
Step 2: Consider the Location
It’s important to be mindful of how and where you position items on your car’s roof, especially when dealing with large or long items. Avoid allowing items to extend beyond the front end of your vehicle’s roof whenever possible. This will minimize the risk of wind catching the item and causing it to lift or become loose, potentially damaging your vehicle or cargo.
If you’re transporting an item that is slightly longer than your vehicle’s roof (around a foot or so), it’s best to arrange it in a way that it starts at the front of your vehicle and extends off the back.
If you need to transport an oversized item that extends beyond the length or width of your vehicle, it’s important to securely anchor both ends of the item at both the front and back. Additionally, you should refer to your local and state regulations to ensure that the length or width of your load’s overhang does not exceed legal limits. If required by law, use hauling safety flags to ensure that your load is visible to other drivers on the road.
Step 3: Fasten Your Goods and Make It Safe
When transporting items on your car’s roof, it is crucial to use the appropriate securing method. One option is to use netting or a tarp to protect and secure your cargo. After that, use rope, ratchet straps, lashing straps, bungee cords, or a combination of these securing methods to keep your cargo in place.
To ensure a safe and secure load, it’s recommended to use as many securing points as possible. Whether you’re hauling luggage for a long road trip or taking camping gear on a mountain drive, roof racks and other car roof accessories can be helpful in providing extra support. Contact Us for more information or check What We Have for your trip.