Whether you drive a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or a truck, having a roof rack can be extremely useful! Roof racks are great for hauling gear or luggage that you simply can’t squeeze inside your vehicle.
The added storage space on the roof of your vehicle clears up all of the space you need for every friend and family member you want to bring along. It is also a very simple way to stay organized and keep things clean.
You should buy a roof rack system if you go on long road trips, have limited storage space inside your vehicle, ski, kayak, paddleboard, or frequently move large items.
There are unlimited accessories to choose from when looking to mount items to your roof rack system. The best part is that the installation is very simple and it is completely safe as well.
Now that you have an understanding of the value a roof rack brings, let’s talk a bit more in-depth on the topic and answer some more questions you may have!
Which Roof Rack Should You Buy?
This answer will vary depending on your car and if it already has side rails installed. To find out which roof rack tower system and crossbars are best for your vehicle’s particular make and model, visit Yakima.com/Fit.
This is how I found which rack system works on my particular vehicle. They also have a super helpful video walking your through all of the different roof rack types so you can ensure you buy the right one!
There are a lot of great roof rack brands such as Frontrunner, Rhino-rack, and Thule. Personally, I went with Yakima since they not only have as good of a reputation as any, but the website was hands down the most helpful in suggesting which rack system was best for me.
They recommended which crossbar size I need and which strength is best depending on my intended use for it. In my case, I decided to go with the Corebar crossbars which can hold up to 165 pounds and I needed the Timberline tower system to fit my factory roof rack.
There are also permanent roof rack options and platform racks that allow for more space and heavier items. You can learn more about those options here.
Are Roof Racks Worth It?
This can only be answered on a case by case scenario. If you go skiing every weekend I think buying a roof rack is a no brainer! However, if you only plan to use it a few times a year then it might not be.
One thing you can do is reduce the cost of the roof rack and simply buy a base model. Doing so will make it worth buying the rack even if you only use it a few times out of the year.
Having a roof rack is extremely handy and you never know when you might need one. More times than not, you might think you’d only use it a handful of times, but every now and then it makes way more sense to use the roof rack than squeeze something into the trunk!
Let’s talk a little bit more about the cost of roof racks and what you should expect to see as you search for the perfect match.
Why Are Roof Racks So Expensive?
The biggest factor that plays into a roof rack being pricey is both the high-quality materials used to construct it as well as how it is designed.
The design of the rack must use machining to perfectly shape it in a way that is aerodynamic. This prevents whistling and decreasing the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
The metal used in rack systems is typically steel or aluminum since it can handle large amounts of weight. You will see aluminum used on more “high-ticket” rack systems since it is lightweight and reduces the overall weight.
There is also a large amount of research and development these companies put the roof racks through to ensure they are as safe as possible. They must also be able to handle high speeds and handle the wear and tear of being in the elements 24/7.
Do Roof Racks Damage Your Car?
No, a roof rack will not damage your vehicle. You can expect to go years without ever realizing you added rack system.
If you were to misuse it in any way, you could expect to see damage occur. If you exceed the weight limit, secure it too tight or too loose, or force it to fit.
In my experience, the installation was extremely simple with Yakima’s “click” system, which gives you feedback when it is properly tightened.
So I think the most likely way to damage your vehicle with a roof rack is by overloading it with too much weight. This brings us to the next topic which will give you a brief understanding of the two different types of weight limits.
Understanding the different weight limits with a roof rack
First is the dynamic weight limit (DWL). This is often what is listed in the specs by roof rack manufacturers. The DWL is simply the amount of weight the rack can hold while the vehicle is in motion.
The other weight limit is known as the static weight limit (SWL). This metric is the amount of weight the rack can hold while the vehicle is NOT in motion. This weight limit is much higher since it utilizes the frame of the vehicle and distributes the weight evenly across it.
Now you may be wondering why this matters. For example, if you have a roof top tent that weighs 140 pounds and a roof rack with a DWL of 165 pounds then you’re in the clear.
However, once you open the tent and add a few people inside you’re clearly exceeding the dynamic weight limit. This doesn’t matter since you only get in the tent when the vehicle is parked. You can expect the static weight limit of a rack to be around 700 pounds give or take.
What Are Roof Racks Good For?
As I mentioned before, roof racks can be used to haul all kinds of gear and fun toys. If you enjoy hobbies such as biking, snowboarding, surfing, and many others, roof racks are the best way to bring everything you need.
Roof racks are also good for keeping your vehicle clean and more spacious. Instead of smushing everything into your car, you have plenty of room on the roof of your vehicle instead.
In my opinion, roof racks are worth it for those two reasons alone! If you find a couple of years down the road you didn’t use it very much you can always resell it online.
Other important things to know about roof racks
If you want to learn more information about roof racks check out our article, Best Roof Rack Systems For Roof Top Tents. It will lend plenty of examples of which roof racks work for each type of vehicle. Even if you don’t have or want a roof top tent, the racks are still great options for any activity.
I also go into much more depth on the details about roof racks and what you should look for!
Wrapping up
Roof racks are not only practical but I think they look awesome as well! They add a sporty look to any vehicle and once you have one you will be happy to know that it is there just in case.
For individuals that participate in outdoor-related hobbies you will get plenty of use out of it! For long road trips and vehicles that have limited storage space inside they are also extremely handy.
I think buying a roof rack is always a good bet and will allow you to get the most out of whatever activity you love to do in a safe way! Thank you for reading this article, I hope you found it very helpful in your search for answers.