How to make a roof rack for a car

Car roof rack for various purposes - mounting options and design configurations

If there is not enough space in the car to transport large luggage, it is recommended to use a roof rack, which has a fastener and ensures the safety of the cargo.

This is a convenient design that can be purchased additionally and installed, and then unnecessarily removed and stored separately, for example, in the garage.

Before purchasing a luggage rack for a car, you need to choose a trusted manufacturer and determine the price-quality ratio of the product.

Structurally, a car trunk is made up of several crossbars mounted on the roof of a personal vehicle, which are designed to secure large cargo, bicycles, transport special boxes, sports equipment, and bulky luggage. Such a mobile luggage compartment can be called an autobox and has its own design features, shape, and dimensions.

The top trunk on cars is designed more for the hatchback body type, but it is also found on sedans and minivans. The range of products available for free sale is huge, prices vary. Before buying a roof rack for a car, an experienced car owner must decide on a reliable manufacturer and create parameters for himself that are relevant when choosing and purchasing.

The domestic manufacturer Atlant guarantees high quality and safety of products. Before going on sale, luggage racks undergo aerodynamic tests, crash tests, and laboratory studies.

The models are made only from durable and lightweight composite alloys, while the supporting parts are made of steel or aluminum.

Here is a good example of which roof racks are chosen by domestic buyers, not only:

name – Atlant Standard for Hyundai 30 FD hatchback;
price – 4,100 rubles;
characteristics - the length of the arc on the roof of the car is 1100 mm, can withstand up to 80 kg of distributed load, the set includes 2 rectangular profile arcs with a cross-section of 20 * 30 mm and 4 plastic supports, a mounting kit;
pluses - minimum noise, vibration during movement, the presence of rubber support cushions, affordable price, high quality material;
There are no cons.

Atlant Aero

Knowing the exact dimensions needed for a car roof box, you can order the model you like in the online store from the manufacturer, it will be cheap. Prices are an order of magnitude lower, quality does not suffer at all, and ratings for domestic products remain at a high level. The following model has a minimum of disadvantages with a lot of advantages:

model name – Atlant New Aero trunk for TATA Xenon 4 doors. on the roof rails;
price – 5,500 rubles;
characteristics - for the roof of a car, 2 aluminum wing-shaped cross members and 4 supports, reinforced wing-shaped arch, material - high-quality aluminum with anti-corrosion properties, T-shaped groove of the arch and rubber profile;
pluses - a simple system for installing additional accessories from any manufacturer on the roof, a double fixation system to the transverse arch, insurance against water and dust;
cons - quality.

Thule SmartRack 794

This is a manufacturer from Sweden, which is famous for its high prices for roof racks designed for installation on the roof of a car.

The buyer receives a perfect fit of parts combined with a stylish design and streamlined design.

The basis is a metal alloy of increased strength, and both auto boxes and classic pepper boxes predominate on sale. Here's a good example:

name – Thule SmartRack 794 (rectangular arc);
price – 8,900 rubles;
characteristics - aerodynamic arch on the roof, installation method - on roof rails, silver color, secret lock, load weight up to 75 kg;
pluses - compliance with many car models, ease of installation and fastening, availability of covered airboxes;
disadvantages - high cost.

Almost all motorists are well aware of another model from the Swedish manufacturer, presented in the form of a compact but spacious airbox. It is expensive, but such a roof rack is installed on the roof rails of the car, protects the luggage from bad weather and dust, has a reliable lock and strong fixation of the fasteners. Below is its characteristics with advantages and disadvantages:

model name – Thule Pacific 780;
price – 27,800 rubles;
characteristics - volume up to 420 l, manufacturer's warranty, central locking, metal alloy combined with plastic;
pros - universal for all small cars, durable fastening, reliable transportation, high quality material;
Cons: overpriced.

Lux 692704

Such roof racks for cars are also popular, but Russian products are much cheaper than those from the Swedish manufacturer. You can buy the brand you like on sale, or order from a photo through an online store. Such a purchase will not be expensive, but the quality is significantly inferior. Here is a good offer on the domestic market for a budget option:

name – luggage system Lux 692704;
price – 3,200 rubles;
characteristics - rectangular arc, installation type - on a smooth roof, material - plastic, 2 transverse and 4 racks, anti-theft protection, 4 rubber gaskets;
pros – affordable prices, stylish design, universal sizes, manufacturer’s warranty;
Cons: unreliable design, flimsy fasteners, cannot withstand heavy loads.

Amos Koala K-1

These are products of a Polish manufacturer, which is famous for its non-standard solutions and the use of innovative technologies.

A distinctive feature of the products is the use of surface treatment of coatings using high-quality powder paint.

The racks are universal, lightweight and practical, easy to install and dismantle on the roof of any car. The range of offers is constantly growing, here is the most popular model:

name – Amos Koala K-1 (for Toyota);
price – 3,350 rubles;
characteristics - the trunk is attached either to the doorway, has 2 crossbars and 4 supports, a T-slot, 4 gaskets;
advantages - affordable cost, quality;
There are no cons.

Before you buy a roof rack, you need to measure the dimensions of the roof and study other selection criteria. When making a purchase, experts recommend considering the following parameters:

purpose of acquisition;
arc type;
type of fastener;
weight of the structure;
manufacturer.

Video

Reviews

Source: http://sovets.net/13516-bagazhnik-na-kryshu.html

5 expert tips on how to choose the best car roof rack: review of models, video

When purchasing a car, everyone has a specific goal: some prefer a sporty ride, others like to drive in comfort, and for others, a car is a universal travel assistant.

Passenger cars are mostly equipped with built-in trunks, but often the volume of cargo transported exceeds the capacity of the trunk, or the luggage is too bulky.

Obviously, bicycles, skis, pipes, gardening and other sports and recreational equipment cannot be transported in the trunk of a car. It will not be able to accommodate the amount of things that is needed on a car trip with friends or family. A roof rack for a car is a rational solution in this case, which has its own advantages:

You can transport up to 100 kg on the roof of a car without changing its condition.
availability at a price that is significantly lower than that of a trailer
reliability of cargo securing
variety of accessories
the cargo placed on the trunk does not limit the view when moving backwards

Previously, the automobile market was not diverse, so a universal trunk was used, which fit any passenger car and was attached to the roof using gutters. Now the car market is rich and diverse, with a large assortment of domestic and foreign products.

Today, many auto stores offer various models of roof racks. Here is a list of trusted online stores with a decent selection, where you can find out prices, view the assortment and familiarize yourself with delivery conditions:

Luggage boxes (capsules):

Luggage systems:

Online store
Online store

Equipment for transporting cargo, even in the same model range of machines, has many options, differing in the method of fastening and the materials used: aluminum, stainless steel, durable plastic. The designs of today's car roof racks are aesthetically pleasing, have aerodynamic properties, are lightweight, and can be easily removed.

What types of car racks are there?

First of all, it depends on the type of car roof and the cargo being directly transported. A roof rack for a car consists of two transverse arches, installed on roof rails, which are mostly already equipped in SUVs, station wagons and minivans, or mounted on the roof of the car.

A roof rack can be either universal, compatible with a number of models, or individual for a specific car model.

Car roof racks differ in the types of fastenings:

fastening to gutters, which are equipped with most domestic cars. This type of trunk is universal, suitable for passenger cars of the VAZ, GAZ, Moskvich, IZH series. Since the gutters are located along the roof, you can change the position of the rack or install not one, but two rack racks on the roof.
fastening to the doorway. One of the most common types of fastening, used on domestic cars Lada Granta, VAZ 2110, VAZ 2112 and most foreign cars with a smooth roof. The trunk supports cling to the doorways using special hook brackets. Closed machine doors protect the supports from unauthorized removal. Adapters are used for three-door cars.
fastening to standard places, that is, to the places specified in the vehicle’s operating instructions - recesses, threaded holes. In this case, a car manufacturer, such as Daewoo Nexia, has provided the possibility of transporting things and cargo on the roof. When there is no trunk, the recesses are covered with decorative moldings. This fastening guarantees the reliability and aesthetic appearance of the roof rack, but limits the choice of changing the location of the roof rack.
Mounting on roof rails is provided for vehicles with longitudinal arches: foreign cars such as SUVs, station wagons and minivans, VAZ 2111, Lada Priora station wagon. On roof rails, crossbars are installed at any distance, depending on the load, in a matter of minutes. This is a universal way to transport things of any size. It is important that a car roof rack of this design does not scratch the roof, since it does not come into contact with it. The cargo is conveniently secured to the trunk using straps on the roof rails. But it is necessary to take into account that the center of gravity of the cargo on the trunk with such a mount is located higher and can affect the car when moving. Therefore, cars with low roof rails began to appear. In this case, the trunk is secured to the inner side of the longitudinal arch with brackets.
Mounting on integrated roof rails has recently been used on station wagon or crossover cars. Such roof rails are made without clearance and have holes on the inside to secure the transverse arches. The center of gravity is lower than when mounted on conventional roof rails. There are certain problems when selecting transverse arches. Opel Mokka, Kia Sportage III, Suzuki Grand Vitara II are equipped with integrated roof rails.
fastening the trunk to a T-shaped profile, otherwise known as skids, is considered the optimal mounting option when the arches are installed in the skids. This type of fastening is quite simple, the arcs move along the roof without touching it or damaging the surface, but it is extremely rare and only on station wagons and SUVs such as the Nissan Wingroad.
Magnetic mount, although absolutely universal, is an extremely unusual type of mount that allows you to easily install a roof rack on the roof of a car of any model. It is necessary to take into account the low load capacity of a luggage rack reinforced with magnets, for example, for transporting light items such as skis.
Through-the-cabin strapping is used when attaching an inflatable rack, such as the Handirack. This method is also universal, since the belts pass through the interior of both four-door and two-door cars. Inflatable luggage rack elements are placed on the roof and secured with straps through the passenger compartment, which can create inconvenience for passengers.

When choosing a luggage system, you should be guided not by the fact that the luggage rack is universal, but by the fact that it must be safe both during installation and when transporting cargo. It is very important to listen to the recommendations of car manufacturers, luggage rack manufacturers, as well as the requirements of the Road Traffic Regulations established for the carriage of cargo.

What can be installed on a car trunk?

The following is installed on the roof rack of the car:

Cargo basket for transporting things
Car box
Rack for skis and snowboards
Bicycle carrier
Special attachments for transporting boats and other water sports equipment
Special fastenings for transportation of oversized cargo.

The optimal and correct choice of luggage rack will allow you to update your car's capabilities:

By attaching special fasteners to the roof, you can transport long and large cargo. Pipes, lumber, fishing rods, etc. are secured to the crossbars of the trunk, and a special trunk is needed to transport skis and snowboards.
A closed car box will double or more increase the volume of a stationary trunk. Suitcases, strollers and boxes of belongings can be placed in the car box, leaving the car interior free and comfortable for traveling passengers.

Can I install the trunk myself?

You can handle installing a roof rack on your car yourself. The installation of most structures, following the manufacturer’s instructions, takes only 10-15 minutes. This mainly depends on the type of roof of the car. If there are threaded holes on it - a standard place, then the trunk is securely attached to the roof with bolts.

Installing a car box is also easy. First, the crossbars are attached, then the box itself.

However, to evenly distribute the load on the vehicle, it is necessary to place the box strictly parallel to the surface of the earth and in the center of the base structure.

To prevent things from scattering and moving around in the box during transportation, creating noise, you can purchase a universal organizer or bag for small items.

Such a trunk is well protected from burglary, is locked, has a permanent fastening on the roof, and is aerodynamically shaped, so the noise in the car interior does not increase even at high speeds.

Cycling enthusiasts need to install a bicycle rack on the roof of their car. To do this, special fasteners are attached to standard rectangular crossbars using clamps or clamps. Aerodynamic cross members can also be used. The bicycles themselves are secured to the trunk with straps.

As you can see, installing a roof rack on a car is not a difficult task, the main thing is the quality of the devices. The safety of things and the safety of all road users depend on this.

A universal way to protect yourself and your passengers is to place things in the roof rack of your car.

How to choose the best luggage rack?

Among the manufacturers of luggage racks, the Swedish companies Thule and Mont Blanc . The products of these world-famous brands are distinguished by their reliability, ease of installation and operation, and attractive appearance.

Thule brand products have been well-thought-out and tested for decades, with constant improvements to match their price.

As a compromise, as an alternative, but less expensive and universal, there is a roof rack option from Mont Blanc or Hapro (Holland).

Farad luggage racks (Italy) correlates with their quality. The Renault-Nissan concern highly appreciated Farad . In the domestic market, boxes of this brand with a carrying capacity of up to 90 kg are almost the only ones.

More budget-friendly car racks are also produced by Italian companies Menabo , Modula and Junior . Despite the relatively low price, this product enjoys the trust of motorists.

Among domestic products made entirely from Russian-made components, Lux .

Do-it-yourself roof rack - photos, videos on how to make a roof rack yourself

The problem of free space in the trunk worries every car owner. If you like to go with your whole family on long trips or fishing and hunting with friends, then you cannot do without an additional roof rack.

This type of trunk is called expeditionary , because you cannot put very heavy objects on it, but those things that you will need during the trip - tents, fishing rods, folded bicycles, sets of clothes, and so on - all this can easily be placed on the trunk on the roof.

Another popular type of trunk is the autobox. Its main advantage over the expedition one is that all your things will be protected from bad weather, and the car box itself has a streamlined shape and will not affect the aerodynamic properties of your car too much.

Cars these days rarely come with roof racks. Although there are standard places for their installation, as well as roof rails on crossovers or station wagons.

You can order from specialists or buy a custom-made trunk that will fit your car in size, but all this will be quite expensive. Those people who have skills in working with metal can make such a trunk themselves if they have all the necessary tools.

Making a roof rack with your own hands

Material selection

First of all, you need to decide on the material. It is clear that the best choice is metal. But you need a metal with low weight and excellent strength characteristics.

The best option is aluminum because it is lightweight, easy to work with, quite durable and corrosion-resistant.

You can also use a profile thin-walled tube; they prefer to install it on domestic SUVs - LADA Niva 4x4 or UAZ Patriot.

A very cheap option is sheet stainless steel, it is quite flexible and durable, however, its disadvantage is its weight, which is definitely greater than that of aluminum and metal profiles.

DIY roof rack

Measurements

Once you have decided on the type of metal, you need to take accurate measurements. This will help you calculate the total weight of the future structure, its approximate cost and, of course, the amount of materials.

It’s best not to just measure the length and width of the roof, but to immediately draw up a project:

frame;
jumpers that are used to strengthen the structure;
sides;
load-bearing panel - it will be the bottom of your trunk, and will also strengthen it.

You can come up with additional elements - make the front side of the car streamlined, so as not to greatly disturb the aerodynamics.

Let's get started

If you have a detailed plan and scheme of work, then you can consider that the job is half completed.

First, the profile is cut using a grinder according to the drawn up diagram.
Then the perimeter of the expedition trunk is welded - you will get a rectangle of a certain size.
The perimeter is reinforced with the help of longitudinal jumpers, which we also weld to the resulting base. For greater reinforcement, the longitudinal jumpers are connected to each other, creating a lattice base - the bottom of your trunk.
A rectangular trunk is not very beautiful; it can spoil not only the aerodynamics, but also the appearance of your car. Therefore, an arc is usually welded to the front part, which is made from the same metal profile.
Then they begin to manufacture the sides of the trunk. To do this, cut metal stands approximately 6 centimeters long. It is worth noting that the sides are usually made removable, that is, these racks are best not simply welded to the base, but mounted on a thread. To do this, holes are drilled in the base, into which bushings are then welded. Bushings are needed so that when tightening the bolts the metal profile does not deform.
The racks are welded to the top crossbar, which in its parameters repeats the base, with the only difference being that the side crossbars - left and right - are usually made a little shorter, and the front two racks connecting the crossbar and the base are installed at an angle so that your trunk does not look like an ordinary metal box, but followed the contours of the car. The front arc, by the way, is also used for this purpose.
Now that the trunk is almost ready, you need to start painting it and attaching it to the roof of the car. In order for the paint to stick well, you first need to prime all surfaces well and let the primer dry. Then we apply paint, preferably from a spray can - this way there will be no drips and it will lay down in an even layer.
There are many ways to attach such a trunk - if you have roof rails, then they can easily support the weight of the entire structure, which is usually 15-20 kilograms. If there are no roof rails, then you will have to drill the upper part of the body and install the trunk on special brackets. Some cars have special standard places - recesses for fastening. If you wish, you can find various types of fasteners in stores that will allow you not to drill your car.

Advantages and disadvantages of expedition racks

The biggest benefit is the extra space to carry whatever items you need. The trunk also provides excellent protection against dents and overhead impacts.

You can find many other examples of roof racks. Some people just install a few cross rails to which you can attach whatever you want.

Also, fog lights are usually installed on such trunks and a radio antenna is attached.

If you're heading off-road, the roof is a great place to store essential tools like a shovel or hijack.

However, there are a number of disadvantages:

deterioration of aerodynamics;
fuel consumption increases - even small cross rails can lead to an increase in consumption in the extra-urban cycle by half a liter;
sound insulation deteriorates, especially if the fastening is not fully thought out;
If weight is not distributed correctly, handling may be affected.

It is because of these shortcomings that it is advisable to make such racks removable and use them only when necessary.

In this video you will learn how to make a roof rack on your car yourself.

Source: http://AutoDriving.net/bagazhnik-na-kryshu-svoimi-rukami-foto-video-o-tom-kak-sdelat-bagazhnik-samomu/

Production of expeditionary trunk

It is unlikely that any motorist will refuse an additional luggage compartment, especially if it can accommodate large items that are inconvenient for transportation inside the car.

Various overhead structures, numerous versions of which are presented on retail shelves in stores, cope well with this problem. Everything is fine, except for the numbers indicated on the price tag.

Therefore, many car owners are wondering whether it is possible to make an expedition trunk with their own hands. One of the solutions to the problem is described in this article.

Algorithm for the manufacturing process of a removable structure

1. Preparatory work

Depending on the model of the car, measure the size of the roof and determine the location of future supports. After determining the parameters, you need to decide on the future design. You should immediately consider the attachment points to the car roof and calculate the weight of the frame and components. At the end of the preparation, the platform drawing is compared with the data given in the technical specifications for the vehicle.

As an example, the calculation of a do-it-yourself expedition rack for a Niva is given. Overall size of the platform: 1500 x 1230 mm.

2. Manufacturing of supporting frame

Stands are cut from the pond according to the width and length dimensions. A rectangle is welded from them. At the front and rear (opposite the opposite points of attachment of the structure to the rails), ponds are attached to the middle of the frame.

To prevent the platform from deflecting under load, another 2-3 stiffening ribs made of profile metal are added to the free internal plane - at equal distances. At this stage of work, a lattice frame with a number of parallel jumpers is obtained.

Continue strengthening the frame structure using small sections of profile pipe. They are cut in advance so that cells close to a square shape are formed inside.

3. Improving the aerodynamic qualities of the structure

In order to create conditions for better glide of air flows, an additional structure in the form of a trapezoid is welded to the front part of the expedition trunk, made by hand.

The size of the base of the geometric figure is equal to the width of the platform being manufactured. The smaller part of the trapezoid is chosen arbitrarily. Recommended edge angles: 30-45 degrees.

At each of the two bend points, sectors are selected using a grinder (or other separating tool). This must be done in such a way that there remains a jumper of 5-7 mm to the end of the profile.

Next, the structure is heated and bent so as to form a trapezoid. The places of contact of the material in the corners are treated with electric gas welding and firmly connected to the platform.

To strengthen the frame, 2-3 short jumpers are installed on the trapezoid side.

Drawings of an expeditionary rack and fastenings.

4. Manufacturing of sides and fastening to the main frame

Holes are drilled in the places designated for supports. In order to prevent cases of weakening of the structure, they are strengthened with bushings. They are threaded into drilled grooves and firmly welded at the junction with the metal base.

To attach the studs, 2 grooves with a diameter of 8 mm are drilled in the profile. A pin is inserted into each and the diameter is treated with electric welding. The liner is cut to the required length and secured with threads.

Two side crossbars, shaped like a trapezoid, are made according to the same principle as described in point No. 3. The wider part of the structure is the side that is attached to the platform. It is necessary to ensure that the angle of inclination of the trapezoid at the right and left sidewalls is the same.

Manufacturing of front and rear crossbars of supports. In order to make jumpers at both ends of the crossbar, sections of studs are welded to the structure. At the point where the sidewall supports meet—at the obtuse corner of the trapezoid—a bushing is attached. The ends of the studs are threaded into the bushings and additionally processed by welding.

If you want to supplement the design with fastening elements for a hijack, fog lights, a shovel, an antenna and other cargo that is so necessary on the road, you can buy ready-made elements (or make them according to your own designs) and then install them on the made frame.

5. Giving a presentable appearance to a do-it-yourself expedition rack

The platform is cleaned of scale, burrs are removed, degreased, and primed. Leave for at least a day to allow the composition to dry, and then the surface is covered with a layer of paint or enamel.

This concludes the DIY production of a removable expedition rack. The structure remains to be secured to the roof of the car using roof rails.

Don’t be afraid to try: anyone can make an expedition trunk with their own hands!

Source: http://NashiKolesa.ru/kuzov/ekspedicionnyy-bagazhnik-svoimi-rukami

Car roof rack

Car roof rack - what they are, how to choose, mounting methods, how and what to make it yourself, and much more will be described in this article.

As a rule, car owners of small cars with a body with a modest trunk volume, and even those drivers who have folding rear seats and a station wagon or hatchback, begin to think about the need for a roof rack on their car.

After all, often active car owners have to transport not heavy, but rather large or long objects (snowboards, skis, surfboards, regular boards for the summer house, rubber boats, rubber or plastic canoes and kayaks, various cargo in boxes, baskets, bags, boxes , but you never know what else that won’t fit in a standard trunk.And not every driver has a minibus in his garage that can transport large or long objects.

Well, the roof of any car (except for convertibles, of course) has a fairly rigid and extensive platform, and the space above the roof is generally immense. In addition, most roof racks can be attached to the roof of a car quite easily and simply, and their price is quite modest compared to other useful devices.

Therefore, for almost every driver (especially those who love an active lifestyle or have a dacha), after purchasing a car, the first and most necessary device that you need to spend money on is a roof rack.

But many, especially inexperienced drivers, cannot decide in the huge variety of modern models and designs of luggage racks - what to choose?

Of course, there are no universal models, but still, based on personal needs, roof dimensions, design of gutters, frequently transported cargo, and other nuances, you can choose the most suitable design and model that will still meet at least 90% of the driver’s requirements . Let’s try to figure out how to achieve this.

The main difference between different designs of luggage racks is the way they are attached. But for now, let’s not delve into these nuances and first consider what kind of car racks there are and what kind of car or cargo they are intended for.

Car roof rack - what are they?.

Let's start with the simplest and most ancient models, which are mostly intended for domestic cars and which are still quite well known to our grandfathers. Such a trunk is shown in photo 1.

Soviet roof rack

Their main advantage is the ability to attach almost any load to them (within a reasonable load capacity, of course), and the most important thing is the simplicity of their design, and therefore the possibility of making them yourself.

Moreover, the material for self-production can be any rolled metal, for example, any pipe (round, square, rectangular), corner or rod. But still, the rod is less preferable, since it has more weight than a pipe or angle (profile).

When making such a trunk, the profile can be welded, twisted, riveted (the riveted version is shown in photo 1).

We will return to making a trunk ourselves later, but for now we should describe what they are and their main differences and advantages (as well as pros and cons).

Luggage racks such as those shown in photo 1 are still produced by some Russian factories. Their advantage, as I already said, is the ability to secure both small and large objects, and the ease of securing them.

But their main disadvantage is their greater weight (compared to more modern models) and also the fact that the distance in width (and length) between the fastenings of such a rack is stationary (does not change), which means that such racks can only be mounted on the roof of a certain brand the vehicle for which they are produced (on a roof of a certain width and length).

In addition, the fasteners are designed for a convex drainage groove, which is available only on domestic cars of previous years of production (and on some ancient foreign cars). But on the roof of a modern car that does not have a pronounced gutter, it will not be possible to attach such a trunk (well, unless you redo its fastenings).

More modern models of luggage racks. Now let's look at more modern luggage racks designed for foreign cars (and in general for more modern cars).

Modern trunks do not have a pronounced grille, like older Soviet models (except for models intended for SUVs and safari), but have only two transverse rails (or three, for longer station wagon roofs) on which the load is attached.

Also, modern trunks do not have fastening elements designed to secure the trunk to the gutters (after all, modern cars do not have convex gutters).

In addition to fastenings and two or three crossbars, for various models of luggage racks the kit includes some other structural elements depending on the nature of the load, for example for transporting bicycles on the roof; the kit includes various bicycle wheel clamps and other clamping elements depending on the nature of the load and on the capabilities of the trunk manufacturer.

But the main difference between modern models of luggage racks, of course, depends on the fastening elements of the roof and the configuration of the car’s roof and body. The crossbars themselves, on which the luggage is attached, are almost the same and are usually made of light-alloy profile material.

And the crossbars from the most reputable manufacturers of luggage racks have an aerodynamic shape (in profile in the shape of a sign<\p>

Source: http://suvorov-castom.ru/bagazhnik-na-kryshu-avtomobilya/

Roof rack for cars: which one to choose

Hello, dear car enthusiasts! Many car owners are faced with the problem of transporting things. Just recently, my friend was going on vacation, and due to lack of space in the trunk, I had to leave it open.

Imagine the driver’s surprise when half of the things simply flew out and remained on the road. Unpleasant situation. Do you agree? Do you know how easy it is to avoid such an incident? All you need to do is choose a roof rack for your car.

Moreover, it is easy to buy it for any brand and any wallet (at least open the advertisements on Avito). Let's try to figure this out.

Why is it needed?

Very often, buyers ask themselves the question: “Why do I need it?” or “Can’t I really do without a trunk?” “My car is so roomy, which means I can get by with just one trunk.” This is all great, but there are situations when you need to transport tables or small furniture for a picnic.

What happens in this case? When disassembled, the furniture is shoved at the feet of passengers in the back seat. Or you love physical activity and spend your time actively, sparing no time for sports. You can easily stow a bike, skis, a tent and any sports equipment in the roof rack, and put your main luggage in the main compartment.

And it’s easy to take the harvest with you, having space on the roof for transportation. And building materials can easily fit there.

Even when we think about buying a car, we figure out what we will need it for. For example, many people take a car for travel, looking for good speed and loading, others for trips to the countryside, looking for roominess and comfort.

In both cases, a car is a solution to many problems, even if it is a used option. Of course, any vehicle is equipped with a compartment for transporting things, but very often this space is not enough.

In this case, a reasonable solution is to purchase a roof rack for your car.

What are the advantages?

The ability to transport a load weighing about 110 kg, without damaging the smooth roof.
The price range is significantly lower compared to the same trailer.
The cargo is securely secured, so there is no need to worry about it.
You can come up with many other devices.
Whatever the burden, it will not interfere with looking at the road when moving.

A few years ago, the choice was small; universal roof racks were produced that fit any make of car, both sedans and SUVs, and were attached using a drain.

Now technology has moved forward, therefore, the choice has become more diverse and wider. You can choose a foreign manufacturer if you trust the West more, or you can try to work with domestic production. The taste and color, as they say.

Now, first of all, attention is paid to the method of fastening and the materials used. It can be aluminum alloy or stainless steel, as well as plastic, but durable. An additional compartment for transporting things can be individual or suitable for all cars.

Types of fastenings:

To the drain. This type is most suitable for cars of domestic manufacturers. You can place the trunk in any position, as well as install two small ones on the roof.
Behind the doorway. This mounting method is suitable for both domestic cars and foreign models with a smooth roof.

For fastening, hook brackets are purchased, which are attached to the door opening. It will not be possible to remove them, since when the door is closed, the support is inaccessible.
Certain places. Some models have special holes for attaching luggage devices.

Such recesses help the car look aesthetically pleasing and organic, while allowing luggage to be securely secured.
On the roof rails. If your vehicle has longitudinal arches, and these are station wagons or minivans, as well as some SUVs, then this type of fastener is suitable for you.

Cross arches are laid, which allow things to hold well without touching the roof, which helps avoid scratching it. The luggage itself is secured using straps, but you should take into account the center of gravity, which can shift.
Station wagons or crossovers have come up with a new type of fastener called “integrated roof rails.”

They are made without gaps and contain arcs with holes. Keep in mind that the center of gravity here shifts downward. Opel, Kia, Suzuki models are pleasing to the eye with this fastening method.
Skids. Attaching the trunk with this type is quite easy, and the arches themselves are located along the roof, which allows them not to come into contact with it and not damage the smooth surface.

This type of fastener is very rare; most often Nissan SUVs are equipped with it.
Magnets. An amazing method, although it is suitable for absolutely any model. However, it is designed for light weight, such as skis.
Belts. Several belts pass through the interior and secure the inflatable trunk. The downside is that it may be inconvenient for passengers.

When choosing a trunk, you need to think not about the versatility of transportation, but about safety and comfort. Read reviews carefully, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and do not make mistakes in choosing the right compartment for transportation.

We install it ourselves

It is also noteworthy that you can install an additional cargo carrier yourself, and it will take about 20 minutes, depending on the type of roof.

So how to install? If there are already holes, then it is easy to secure it using ordinary bolts. If we are talking about a car box, then first the crossbars are made, and then the box itself is located, but it should lie in the very center.

Installation can be problematic. But this type of trunk is difficult to break into, since it is locked.

In any case, each factory rack comes complete with the necessary fasteners and detailed installation instructions. Therefore, absolutely any car enthusiast can install the trunk with his own hands, without the help of a professional.

Manufacturers rating

Atlant

This company is in first place among lovers of domestic products. Moreover, the range of products it produces is very diverse, so you can choose a trunk from this company for any car model. The arcs are most often rectangular, which is a definite plus, and are made of solid material.

The streamlined shape and original appearance allow Atlant to stay at the top of the ratings. For particularly thoughtful drivers, there is an economical version, which uses steel crossbars coated with plastic. These are good for mounting a bicycle.

By the way, you can choose a box ranging in size from 300 to 550 liters.

Pros: good selection, many sizes, wide application, quality, reliable fixation, corrosion protection, price, appearance. Cons: There are sizing issues.

Lux

No company has thought out luggage racks better than this one. It is these compartments that cope well with Russian weather conditions. There are Standard and Aero types of racks.

The Standard features rectangular steel arches, while Aero is an oval profile. To make the item durable, heat treatment is carried out.

The streamlined shape allows you to reduce sounds during transportation, and they are attached to a smooth roof in any way. They also have bike racks and boxes for cars.

Pros: temperature resistance from +55 to -55, high latitude profile, protection from external factors, quality, good material, suitable for sedan models. Cons: price.

Ant

If you are the owner of popular domestic brands, then Ant is suitable for you. There are a variety of types of fasteners, so you can choose a compartment for any model (and for many foreign cars).

Corrosion protection allows you to win fans, and its modest appearance and one-and-a-half-year warranty are undoubted advantages. There are also reinforced racks that are easy to install on vans.

They are well fixed to the gutters.

Pros: easy to use, rigid slats, load up to 80 kg, modest design, cost. Cons: the fasteners need modification, the plastic quickly fails.

Thule

The Swedes have gone far ahead, combining both appearance and functionality in their trunk.

Good quality materials, beautiful appearance, no modifications, protection from external damage, fastened with one click + special indicators indicating incorrect or correct fastening. The trunks are made using special technology to reduce noise to zero.

The model is selected to suit your taste and budget, as well as for any car. These can be boxes, cargo baskets, bicycle racks, and sports equipment. A good expedition option.

Pros: Quality, looks, one-step installation, safety certified, good reviews, size to fit every roof. Cons: high price.

As you can see, the choice of luggage racks for cars is huge, but you can still sort through it and choose the right model to suit your taste and budget.

Have you already had experience mounting a roof rack? Feel free to share it in the comments to this article; it will be very useful for other readers to know your opinion!

Technology develops and does not stand still, so even a small car can be converted into a spacious and comfortable one in order to simplify your life. Read carefully about the products and have a good shopping! Don't forget to share the article with your friends and family.

Source: https://pricep-vlg.ru/bagazhniki/bagazhnik-na-kryshu-na-avto/