Roof racks do not come standard on all vehicles so if you are looking to purchase a car a roof rack may be something to consider if you need extra storage space.
Can you put a roof rack on any car.
Although many cars and suvs come with basic roof racks standard if your car isn t equipped yet you can install one yourself.
On the other end of the size scale most compact cars won t accommodate a roof rack which makes this option a no go.
Can be difficult to load.
Possible to carry any bike on any vehicle.
Just about every car can take at least 4 bikes.
Either you go with a system with clips mounting into your door jams or you can permanently mount a rack to the roof in a similar style to the factory mount options.
If you have a naked roof no rails or tracks you ll need a roof rack that clamps around the door jams.
If your car already has factory built rails or tracks on the roof you ll need to install a roof rack that has crossbars which connect to the existing side rails.
Can reduce the amount of road spray hitting your bike.
On trucks and suvs the roof can be relatively high off the ground which makes it a pain to load and unload your bikes.
While roof rack installation for naked roof models takes more work it will work with nearly any vehicle which also makes it the most versatile choice available.
That said for full sized cars a roof rack is the way to go.
If your car has nothing but a bare roof then you have to make a choice between two mounting options.
More than likely you can take the rack off one vehicle and put it on another with a rain gutter.
A roof rack is on top of the vehicle and is used for extra storage space to carry large items such as kayaks canoes luggage or big containers.
Requires a base roof rack.
Max weight capacity of 50lbs or less so generally not e bike friendly.
These incorporate removable and permanent mount designs and some have rails fix points or take a clamp mount system.
A roof rack is considered a vehicle modification and as with any other modification installing one could affect your eligibility for car insurance coverage or alter the type of coverage you need.
Place it at the side of the rail and drill a hole directly into your car s roof top using an electric drill.
Make sure you get one and use it for such an installation.
Keeps your trunk free unobstructed.