Let’s talk about Flush Rails.
Regardless of the duration of their journey, true travelers rely on their roof racks to transport their belongings. Roof racks are the greatest travel partner, regardless of whether you’re going on a short family vacation or a lengthy alpine excursion.
The market for roof racks has seen a significant change as a result of their increased demand and widespread use. With a removable roof rack, the arduous task of hauling your luggage is alleviated, as it is vital for a traveler to bring luggage along.
Table of Contents
What Are Roof Racks?
There are several varieties of roof racks on the market, including awnings and tents. The primary function of roof racks is to increase the carrying capacity of your vehicle and make your journey more enjoyable.
The vast majority of the metal racks are detachable and compatible with a range of vehicles. These are compatible with luxury cars, SUVs, travel trailers, and other vehicles.
Roof racks are the most practical method for hassle-free and less crowded vacation journeys.
What Type Of Roof Does My Car Have?
If you want to acquire a roof rack for your car, you must know the following:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Roof Type
Year, make, and model are straightforward. Roof type is where things can become tricky, but it is essential to get this right; else, your rack will not fit.
The phrase “naked roof” refers to a roof that is smooth and uncovered. Below is a picture of a car with a naked roof and a roof rack.
Some roofs may appear to be devoid of features but actually have hidden fixed points. Typically disguised by a thin flap, these are small threaded connection terminals located at the four roof corners or occasionally on rails.
The vehicle depicted below has a fixed point with an attachment bolt fitted, indicating that it is ready to mount a crossbar assembly.
If your vehicle’s roof includes front-to-back rails along the sides, you must establish what type of rails they are. If there is a space between the rail and the ceiling then you have raised rails. The picture below depicts a roof rack mounted on raised rails.
If there is no space between the rail and the roof, they are flush rails. The picture below depicts a roof rack fitted on flat rails.
A few automobiles with exposed roofs may have black side inserts that resemble railings but are not. Raised rails give a platform for the roof rack’s “foot” to attach to.
Installing a rack on a bare roof necessitates attaching it to the door jam since it has nowhere else to connect.
Once we know the type of roof your car has, we can decide which rack will fit.
What Is The Difference Between The Roof Types?
The roof of your car should be one of the following:
Naked Roof
The top of a vehicle lacking tracks or rails would be naked. Clip kits, leg kits, and crossbars are needed for a complete roof-rack system for a bare roof. Each vehicle’s installation procedure may change somewhat.
Clip kits are custom-made for your vehicle to provide optimal durability and a snug fit. The system will comprise pads and clips for mounting to the roof’s outer corners through pre-drilled holes or door jamb clamps.
Leg Kits consist of four feeds that connect to the fit kit and offer crossbar attachment points.
Crossbars are the rack’s accessory-carrying component and are installed last.
Utilize the Cargo Management Vehicle Search to determine the suitable roof rack components.
Factory Installed Raised Side Rails
Minivans and SUVs are often fitted from the factory with higher side rails. They go from the front to the rear of the roof of your car and serve as connection points for an aftermarket roof rack system.
This construction needs legs and crosspieces. Utilize our Cargo Car Search tool to locate a suitable roof rack for your open-roof vehicle.
Factory Installed Flush Rails
No gap exists between the front-to-rear factory-installed flat rails and the top of your car. An inner and/or outer groove often facilitates the connection of crossbars. This sort of roof system requires a clip kit, leg kit, and crossbars for the installation of a roof rack.
Factory Installed Fixed Points
Fixed connection points are factory-threaded fastening points often located at the roof’s toe points. Behind a roof trim piece, a detachable panel, or a flip-up panel, the connecting points are concealed.
Crossbar Overhang and Crossbar Termination are the two types of fixed points. They require leg and crossbar components.
Raingutter
Certain late-model cars still include raingutters, although they are most prevalent on big cargo and passenger vans. For a raingutter, Leg Kits, Gutters, and Crossbars are required.
What Are The Pros Of Having A Roof Rack?
Roof racks offer advantages in terms of their functioning, just like any other useful item. Let’s review the benefits and drawbacks of installing a roof rack on your vehicle:
Enhanced Accommodation Opportunities
Roof racks provide a clutter-free place to enhance the trip experience. Consequently, you always have the option of hauling as much luggage as you like on wheels without having to manage space.
It is also ideal for persons who refuse to travel alone, since roof racks’ roomy, accommodating character provides much-needed breathing room inside the vehicle, preventing it from becoming overcrowded.
Strong Protection
Currently, roof racks are made of very durable materials, like alloy rims of aluminum and steel or the highest quality plastics. The presence of these materials boosts the racks’ longevity and resilience to all weather conditions.
Due to their longevity, they will likely cover your travels throughout the entire year. In addition, several companies provide a 3- to 4-year warranty on the polymer material used in your car’s roof racks, making repairs simple in the event of damage.
Extremely Carry Friendly
Modern roof racks are very transportable, regardless of the destination. Their lightweight and portable design allow for easy transportation and installation on the car’s roof without adding any weight to the vehicle’s body.
Some roof racks are provided with a simple-to-carry handle, enabling effortless mobility in locations such as harsh terrains or steep cliffs.
Enhances The Appearance Of Your Car
Most roof rack designs are available in an assortment of colors and styles, providing your luxury vehicles and SUVs with a unique appeal. There are additional comforts such as LED lights, safety netting, etc., to provide a homelike environment for outdoor stays.
Weather Proofing
The roof racks have been shown to survive the weather and offer complete protection for our valuable holiday luggage. It provides the most protection against heavy downpours and frigid temperatures.
The materials used to make roof racks are more resistant to moisture caused by rain or snow, therefore protecting the delicate items stored therein.
Final Thoughts
After examining all of the technical facets of roof rack usage, the only conclusion is to choose the most suitable one.
Yes, your selection of an appropriate roof rack will reduce the residual unfavorable qualities while improving the favorable ones. Choose a stylish, durable, and lightweight roof rack from a respected manufacturer to reduce the risk.
