These car rack systems are best dissected into the components which combine to create the complete solution.
How do i use roof racks.
This will give you the most stability.
Whether you re heading to the lake with your fishing rods packing for a ski trip in the mountains or hauling lumber to the work site a roof rack will come in handy.
There are 4 main types of roof bars and they differ in the way that they attach to the car.
First loop the strap under the roof rack s crossbar and drape the loose ends over your oblong load i e.
Roof bars for cars with raised roof rails.
The towers attach to the rails while the mounts hold the system to the vehicle.
Once the roof rack is mounted on your car you can use it for a wide range of cargo depending on your needs.
How to use a roof rack.
To mount a roof rack on a vehicle with this type of roof you will need a foot pack and crossbars.
There are plenty of options for securing your cargo.
With the third option crossbars with side rails you can secure an item to the side rails and run tie downs from front to back securing them to the crossbars.
What types of tie downs work best.
The pictures above detail the components required for a vehicle with raised side rails.
Most commonly found on estate cars suv s.
Raised roof rails run from the front to the back of the roof and look.
Most roof racks come with three components side rails towers and mounts.
On each side of the roof you ll see a rack that runs the length of the roof of the vehicle.
How do i know what type of roof rack i need.
If you don t have the space inside your car or would rather not clutter your cargo area a roof rack provides a space saving alternative for hauling gear.
Roof boxes bike racks racks for kayaks surfboards and sup boards and winter sport racks.
To secure items to the roof rack tie down the equipment with four points of contact.
The second option is the side racks.
Different cars use different methods of attachment.
They run from front to back on your vehicle and can provide attachment points for an aftermarket roof rack system.
Use a tie down that wraps around the item and the rails.
Towers or feet sit on the four corners of your roof and attach to either your bare roof with the addition of a specific kit clip or to your existing factory roof rails or factory mount track fixed points.