Pack It Up: Racks For The Road

Sometimes transporting cargo inside your vehicle just isn’t an option.

Maybe it’s camping equipment, tools, or even sandy or wet items like wetsuits from your adventures at the beach. Plus bikes, surfboards, or kayaks just aren’t going to fit in most cars or even some SUVs.

So that’s when you look into external carrier and storage options for your vehicle.

Understanding the basics

When it comes to the roof of your vehicle, what’s the difference between rails and bars?

Rails are mounted to the roof, parallel to the length of your vehicle. Usually, they come already installed from the factory. If you don’t have them, there are versions on the market that can be attached using suction cups or temporary straps.

If you want something more permanent, adding rails will require drilling holes in your roof and should be installed professionally. Improper installation can cause cosmetic or structural damage to your vehicle or water leakage when it rains.

Your vehicle also may also come equipped with crossbars that connect to the rails on each side of the vehicle roof. Often the crossbars are adjustable and can be set along the length of your vehicle.  Others are fixed to the rails and not adjustable.  Some vehicles also have installed crossbars without rails. However, if your vehicle does not have cross bars, you may purchase universal or vehicle-specific versions.

Choosing the right carrier rack

For some people, roof rails and bars are all they need for their external cargo transportation. They can accommodate some objects, but you risk damaging the roof of your vehicle, scraping the paint or denting the surface.

Also, if something is attached improperly or shifts, it can break the rails or bars and cause damage to your vehicle.

Carrier racks attached to the vehicle rails distribute pressure and weight across the roof. The rack also separates your items from the roof, protecting your car from scratches and dents.

Basket-style racks allow you to pile gear on top of your vehicle. This works well for items such as camping or outdoor equipment, which might be in a sturdy bag that withstands the elements. The odd sizes and shapes of this gear and ability for it to be shoved around works well for basket racks. Then you can just fasten it down with straps, cords, or rope and be on your way.

There are also flat platform-style roof racks that allow the fastening of longer items without the enclosure of a basket. These can work well as a base when you are transporting longer items, allowing them to be secured to the flat surface of the rack.

Enclosed rack carriers

Enclosed rooftop carriers come in a variety of styles and choices.

If you want something easier to get on and off your roof and store when you aren’t using it, a soft sided-style carrier made of thick nylon or canvas could be the right choice. These connect to your roof rails and bars, but there are some styles that allow you to strap to your roof without a rail system.

For something more durable and secure, shell and hard styles are a good option. Often called roof boxes, some of these carriers are more aerodynamic in shape, with less resistance to airflow which helps your mileage per gallon.

Most shells lock and have stay-open hinges for ease of loading and unloading your cargo.

Trailer hitch and rear carriers

If your vehicle has a trailer hitch, there are flat cargo carriers that allow you to carry items.

They come in aluminum and steel and the choice is really up to you because they are rated to weight and one isn’t stronger than the other. Usually the decision is more about the elements, as some of the steel versions tend to succumb to the weather a bit quicker.

While ratings vary, they will usually hold up to 500 lbs. If you want something more protective, there are also some trailer hitch carrier styles that are enclosed and lockable.

Another option is soft-style rear carriers that can be attached to your hatchback with straps and hooks. These can be a good option for carrying items like sleeping bags, or other bulky lightweight items because they are removable and don’t require a tow hitch.

Soft-style carriers can work well for cars that have sunroofs or EV vehicles that don’t have or allow for roof racks.

Racks for trailer hitches

Using a trailer hitch for carrying goods is a convenient way to travel. An auto professional can do a quick check and inform you exactly what your options are for your vehicle and if one can be installed.

Don’t overload hitch attachments. Extra weight at the back end can change the way the vehicle steers.

Ask your service advisor about getting the right hitch for your vehicle. Make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the items you wish to carry–bicycle, camping gear, cooler– and does not scrape against the back of your vehicle.

Sport-specific carriers

If you have a specific sport you participate in, there may be racks and carriers made just for your gear. Bicycle racks come in various styles including rooftop carriers, rear strap styles that connect to the back of your vehicle and even trailer hitch versions.

Canoes, kayakers and paddle boarders have specific racks and carriers made for these watercraft. Some are hardshell style, while others are simple strap down carriers. There are even racks designed specifically to transport your fishing rods safely.

As always, check your vehicle height with the loaded rooftop carrier to make sure you don’t run into any surprises when you go under obstructions.

Tips to remember when buying a rack for your vehicle:

• If your vehicle does not have any rails or crossbars, seek professional services to add the rack system. Trying to install them yourself could damage the integrity of the vehicle and cause roof leaks.
• Does your vehicle already have roof rails but no cross bars? Get them added by a professional to complete the setup.
• Rooftop basket racks are great for outdoor gear such as camping equipment.
• Platform roof racks allow you to transport longer cargo.
• Enclosed rooftop carriers come in hard and soft styles. Soft styles are often easier to remove and store.
• Look for products that offer lockable enclosures to keep possessions secure.
• If you have a trailer hitch, consider acquiring a rack for stowing camping gear and coolers. Sport-specific carriers allow you to transport everything from bicycles to kayaks to fishing rods.