Maximizing Your Vehicle's Storage: A Guide to Roof Racks

Going on vacation and can't fit everything in the trunk? Think about roof racks! They allow you to mount carrying equipment on the roof of your vehicle. Roof racks can be used to mount roof boxes, bike racks, or ski racks. Longitudinal or transverse racks, aluminum or steel, what are the different features? How to choose the right roof rack for your car? How do you mount them? MOSTPLUS will guide you through the selection and installation of your roof racks.

Roof racks: what's the best way to equip your vehicle?

Depending on the size of your vehicle, you can quickly find yourself limited when it comes to carrying a lot of stuff, for example when you go on vacation. For a family of four, it's hard to fit everyone's luggage in the trunk. You can take a trailer, but it's not always practical for parking.

One solution to increase storage space is to install roof racks, which can be used to attach a roof box to hold luggage or anything else you want to transport. Roof racks are also useful for construction workers who need to carry bulky items such as ladders wherever they go. They can also be used as bicycle racks, a feature much appreciated by sports enthusiasts who can go away for the weekend and use their trunk for their luggage without having to remove the bikes or attach them to the trunk, which makes opening the trunk a hassle.

How to choose your roof rack?

Consider your vehicle type

Before you buy a roof rack, make sure it's compatible with the make, model and year of your car, because although there are universal roof racks, most are designed for a specific type of vehicle.

Consider the capacity of the roof rack

Depending on the model, roof racks can hold between 50 and 100 kg. Whether you're using a roof rack for your bike, your ski equipment or a roof box, it's important to choose your roof rack based on the equipment you want to transport and, most importantly, to choose a model or models that are compatible with your vehicle. In fact, not all roof racks are approved for the same weight. In any case, before deciding which roof rack to choose, you'll need to check your car's owner's manual for the maximum load your vehicle's roof can support. It's also important to balance the load and secure it properly to prevent any movement while driving.

Choosing a roof rack by material

Roof racks are made of either aluminum or steel. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but all meet today's safety requirements. Aluminum roof racks are lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient. Some are even aerodynamically shaped to further reduce fuel consumption. Steel racks are stronger, but also heavier. They also have the disadvantage of being more susceptible to corrosion. The choice between these materials can also be made from an aesthetic point of view: aluminum roof racks are more elegant than steel ones. However, they are generally more expensive!

How to install roof racks and roof boxes?

Installing roof racks on your vehicle to store bicycles or a roof box is a great space-saving idea. They are also very easy to install, even if you don't know much about roof racks.

The choice of roof rack mounting system also depends on the model and configuration of your vehicle. You won't choose the same product if your car has side rails, a sunroof, a panoramic roof or a reinforced roof. There are five different ways to mount a roof rack:

• If your vehicle has side rails or mounting points, you can opt for adapted roof racks that attach directly to them.
• If your vehicle has mounting points, roof racks can be attached to them.
• If the vehicle has neither mounting points nor cross bars, no problem: simply choose a model that attaches to the door seals. To install, start by assembling the components, and following the instructions carefully. Then place them parallel on your roof, respecting the dimensions between the windshield and the first bar, as well as between the two bars.
• The roof of your car may have T-slots. Slide the adapters into the slots and insert the feet into the adapters.
• If the roof has a gutter around the perimeter, a mounting kit should be attached to the gutter to hold the foot and roof rack.

Once the bars are securely in place, the roof rack can be installed. Again, nothing too complicated: simply position the roof box so that the weight is evenly distributed and does not interfere with the opening of the trunk. Once it's in place, open the roof box to align its fasteners with those of the roof racks, and all that's left to do is secure everything in place. Please note that roof boxes can carry a certain weight, depending on the model.