Driving when Retired

Roof racks are the perfect solution for creating the extra and much-needed cargo space on your vehicle. However, a lot goes into finding the right type of roof rack. With many options available for selection, you have to narrow down your list by looking at a few key things that set each one apart. Therefore, if you are in the market for a new roof rack for your car, here is a quick guide to help you.

Know What You Need to Transport

Knowing what you want to carry is the first step in the right direction towards finding the right roof rack. For smaller items such as camping gear, roof cargo boxes or roof baskets would be ideal. However, if you intend to carry bikes, canoes, kayaks, and other similar items, you will need to go for roof racks designed for such cargo.

Consider the Weight

Weight is also crucial when choosing a roof rack for your vehicle. And for this, you will need to think about weight in three categories: the rack, the roof, and the vehicle. Roof racks can only support so much weight, so compare the roof rack's weight capacity against what you intend to carry to ensure you don't overload it. Similarly, check the maximum amount of weight your vehicle's roof can support and the maximum capacity your vehicle can support when fully loaded to avoid overloading either. You can find all this information in your car owner's manual. If you don't have your manual, you can find it online based on your car's make and model. 

Think About Accessories

Roof racks also come with accessories that allow you to protect and secure your items. Therefore, choose the accessories based on the gear you intend to transport. For instance, if you are carrying long paddles, consider paddle holders. They are flat with a strap at the top, so you can mount these next to your canoe or kayak rack to firmly secure the rack.

Choose the Material Wisely

Roof racks come in an array of materials. And the most common are steel, aluminium, and polyester or soft neoprene. Steel is the strongest, but it's also quite heavy. On the other hand, aluminium is more lightweight yet still durable. It is also highly rust-resistant. If you intend to transport only light loads and want an inexpensive solution, polyester would be a perfect choice. However, keep in mind that it's not as strong and long-lasting as steel and aluminium.