What kind of arches (rails) are on the roof of a car: selection, installation and rules for securing the trunk

Transporting cargo on the roof of a passenger car was widely accepted in the USSR, where renting a truck with a driver was quite difficult; the few cargo taxis could not cope. And Soviet people were accustomed to solving all issues on their own, especially if they had a personal car. Now this is not so relevant, however, the capacity of even a large station wagon or crossover for trips to the country with all the property or long-distance travel is not enough.

It is not difficult to buy a trunk, but the question arises with its fastening; developed gutters along the edges of the roof have long gone out of automotive fashion.

Why do you need roof rails on a car?

The roof is made of thin metal that can only withstand rain; any load will inevitably leave dents on it.

Under the outer panel, a fraction of a millimeter thick, there is, of course, a power frame that can withstand even a car rollover, but all the decorativeness will be ruined even by a bag of country produce. Therefore, for a roof rack, or even just cargo attached to the roof, a solid foundation is necessary.

The roof rails are not attached to the roof panel, but rather to its load-bearing structure under the thin panel. The outer layer of metal should not be in contact with the load at all.

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To do this, holes are made in the panel through which the fastening of long longitudinal beams - roof rails - passes, and a trunk or simply power cross members are installed on them, placed at any distance from the front and rear windows of the body.

Review of manufacturers

Among the popular manufacturers of luggage racks, European and American companies stand out. Product prices range from average to very high. Modern car racks have a wide range of functionality, but the main attention should be paid to the compatibility of the design with the car model. It is worth considering the rating of popular brands.

Thule

The products of the Swedish company Thule are not only practical, but also visually attractive. The luggage rack stops have a soft coating, the clamps are fixed with one click.

Distinctive features of the product:

1. Some models have indicators that help determine whether the structure is properly secured.
2. The arches of Thule car roof racks have aerodynamic properties. This reduces noise while driving (the design does not “whistle” at high speed), and fuel consumption is reduced.
3. The range includes both ready-made kits and individual strips. Popular models include designs for transporting sports equipment, bicycles and cargo baskets.

The Thule brand produces luggage racks at an average high price.

Atlant

Luggage racks produced by the Russian company Atlant are in great demand among domestic motorists. Since the range of models is very wide, almost any machine can be equipped with the design of this manufacturer.

Features of Atlant racks:

• luggage systems for smooth roofs are made assembled or in the form of a modular system,
• arches are made of composites. Complete designs are designed for specific machine models,
• Atlant racks installed on roof rails have an attractive design and aerodynamic shape,
• the length of the supports is selected individually,
• The company’s product range includes a series of “economy” crossbars, which includes steel products coated with plastic,
• systems for fixing on gutters are made for both cars and minibuses.

The only drawback is the risk of purchasing a part that does not match the dimensions of the roof. Features of the assembly of structures are indicated in the detailed instructions.

Eurodetail

Among Russian luggage racks, it is worth highlighting the products. They do not create noise when moving and are equipped with rubber inserts that improve the stability of transported loads.

For fixation on a smooth roof, strong clamping paws are provided. Aluminum and stainless steel are used in the production of luggage racks of this brand. Such systems can load up to 100 kg.

Lux

Modern luxury car roof racks are most often made from hollow aluminum profiles with a complex shape. Crossbars are installed on special racks or adapters. The products differ in length and shape (some of them resemble a wing). Most models are universal. Each Lux product has a high build quality.

Ravon

Luggage systems for Ravon R2 cars represent designs for smooth roofs. The products are presented in a modular design, including supports, arcs and fasteners.

The trunk is installed behind the doorway. It is mounted on metal brackets - clamps. Their shape ensures reliable hooking of the structure to the edges of the body. The clamps have a special shape that takes into account the geometric features of the body.

Kinds

Sometimes they talk about longitudinal and transverse rails, although they can only be longitudinal, to which easily removable crossbars are attached and can have different purposes:

• for installing a closed roof rack;
• for open fastening of light but large loads, such as skis or bicycles;
• for installing an open expeditionary trunk in the form of a basket with high sides.

Longitudinal roof rails can be universal or designed for installation on a specific car model. In this case, they are equipped with specialized fasteners, have fixed dimensions and even the most suitable design.

Based on the distance from the roof panel, roof rails are divided into luggage and integrated. The integrated roof rail does not have any clearance between the roof and the longitudinal strip, which reduces the center of gravity, but will not be the best option for corrosion resistance. They are more often used as standard equipment of the car, with additional protective measures being taken.

Mounting methods

Understanding what the roof rack of a particular type of car is called, you understand what you want to equip your vehicle with.

But don't rush into buying. You also need to make sure that the chosen design will fit your car and the existing mounts. If they are provided.

Car racks differ from each other in the method of fastening. And here there are options.

Gutters

Until relatively recently, it was possible to install a roof rack on a domestic car only on the gutters.

These are special recesses that are located along doorways. They are needed to drain water from the roof during rain or snow. Drains are present on many domestic cars. But on foreign cars they are becoming less and less common.

The advantage is that the structure can be installed on the gutters in any position, since there are recesses along the entire length of the roof.

But this option is only suitable for our cars or some old foreign cars. Therefore, this option is rarely considered.

Doorway

Another popular type of fastening involves the use of a doorway. For this, special clamps are used.

A system of metal fastenings is used, which consists of adapters/kits. She clings to the edge in the doorway. Supports are placed on the adapters, and stability is ensured by the tightening mechanism and the rubber base of the trunk.

On some cars there are factory holes for mounting bolts in the door opening itself.

This design is suitable for almost all cars. It is dismountable, which allows you to remove it from your old car and install it on a new car. At most you will have to buy a new adapter.

But aesthetically this is not the most attractive fixation option. Plus, abrasions form at the point of contact over time.

Regular places

Many cars come from the factory with the ability to attach a roof rack. And there are special plugs for this. By removing them, the driver gains access to the fixation system.

Installation is simple. But for this you need to meet several conditions.

To begin with, only model racks are suitable for standard mounts. That is, those that are designed specifically for a specific car. Plus, you won’t be able to change the position of the structure.

Longitudinal arcs

If longitudinal arches are installed on the vehicle, special crossbars are mounted on the roof during cargo transportation.

The distance between them can be chosen, which is convenient when transporting cargo of different types and characteristics.

The advantage is that the system will not come into contact with the roof, and therefore the likelihood of damaging or scratching it is minimal. Additionally, you can tighten the load using straps.

A pressing question is what the arches on the roof of a car are called. I answer. These arches are called roof rails.

The downside of the system is the high center of gravity. An alternative could be integrated roof rails.

Integrated roof rails

They are fused and have no clearance with the roof.

Such units have recently begun to appear on cars. And on crossovers or station wagons.

The roof rails have holes on the inside. With their help, transverse car luggage bars are attached. But there are also cars where you can install universal types of arches that do not have fastening screws.

The center of gravity here is naturally lower than the previous option. Plus, the arches move freely along the rails if there are no mounting screws.

But it is difficult to select crossbars for such roof rails. And there will no longer be such an option as tightening with belts.

T-profile

If there is a T-shaped profile on the roof, the motorist has the opportunity to install a car rack on it. It is positioned as the best fixation option. The profile is also called rails or runners.

Quick installation and no contact between the roof rack and the roof.

The downside is that this profile is found on few cars. Plus, it looks beautiful only on SUVs, crossovers and off-road station wagons. Putting it on sedans or hatchbacks is not the best solution.

Magnets

The option is universal, although it is rightly ignored.

The idea is to place magnets on the roof and use them to secure the trunk. Multifunctional mount and easy to install.

But you shouldn’t count on a large carrying capacity. Suitable for light loads only.

Gradually the magnets become demagnetized. And if this happens while driving, the consequences may be unpredictable. At a minimum, all the contents on the roof will end up on the road.

There are plenty of ways to secure cargo on the roof. But choose a reliable and safe one.

Materials and design of arches

Common materials for roof rails are aluminum alloys or steel. Sometimes they are covered with plastic covers, then we can talk about a metal-polymer structure.

If longitudinal racks have little effect on aerodynamics, then transverse racks sometimes cause loud noise at high speed. Therefore, they are often made with an aerodynamic profile, as opposed to a conventional square tube.

The cross members are fixed to the longitudinal rails with threaded clamps and have an arched shape to prevent the entire structure from sagging under load. Their number varies from two to four, which allows for a more even distribution of the load on the longitudinal elements.

Fastening in standard places:

On the roofs of many cars there are moldings in which there are special plugs that cover the technical holes for attaching the trunk. Under these plugs there are threaded holes into which the trunk mounts are screwed.

If the car is new or the trunk is being installed for the first time, then the technical holes may be hidden under the factory sealant. In this case, carefully clean the sealant from the mounting area before installation.

Since all cars have different bodies, so-called “adapters” for supports are used for each car model. An adapter is an individual fastener in standard places, onto which a standard support is then installed. This trunk looks harmonious on the car and looks like a single whole.

How to choose roof rails

The simplest thing is to choose a kit designed specifically for installation on a specific car. If standard fasteners are provided, then there are also accessories with the original catalog number. Using the same number, it is easy to find a replacement from another manufacturer.

Several characteristics of the kit are subject to verification:

• compatibility with a specific body, the manufacturer indicates a list of suitable models;
• the intended purpose of the load, the rack mount differs in strength from the device for transporting skis;
• appearance, if practicality is needed for expedition luggage racks, then in other cases design is important;
• aerodynamics, otherwise you can get a source of unpleasant noise;
• ease of handling of crossbar locks;
• popularity of the product; low-quality goods sell worse.

The most important thing is not to make a mistake when choosing strength; roof repairs can cost more than a good set.

Advantages of the design

The main advantage of the product is the ability to transport large cargo. The design made of high-quality materials will serve the owner for a long time. Thanks to anti-corrosion treatment, the device does not rust and does not spoil the appearance. The aerodynamic properties of many models eliminate noise and vibration of the trunk.

Since the system is light in weight, no additional load is created on the body. Installation and dismantling of the trunk is done quickly and without much effort.

Installation rules

Most often, it is enough to remove the plastic plugs from the standard places and install the longitudinal slats in accordance with the instructions.

Sometimes you have to drill the body.

In this case, everything depends on the high-quality marking of the drilling sites, under which there should be power elements, sometimes with ready-made cage nuts. The edges of the holes are sealed with anti-corrosion primer and rubber plugs with holes for fasteners.

Metal should not be allowed to come into contact with the paintwork; rubber or plastic shock absorbers should be present everywhere in such places.

To access the fasteners, you sometimes have to remove the car's headliner or even dismantle the glass. It is better to entrust this work to specialists, otherwise the appearance of extraneous noise from incorrectly installed upholstery is inevitable.

Trunk type

When buying a car roof rack, you shouldn’t save money, although you don’t have to buy only models like Thule either. Although such samples are of high quality, if necessary, you can find a cheaper replacement for them. If you are planning to purchase Thule crossbars, we recommend reading this article.

Thule WingBar

Thus, when focusing on the reliability and durability of additional equipment for transporting cargo on the roof of a car, well-known brands of companies producing Atlant, Ant or Lux luggage systems come into view.

Roof rack Lux

However, closer to the topic. Before purchasing and choosing crossbars for the roof of a car, it is important to pay attention to the presence of roof rails, standard places or gutters. Depending on this indicator, the basic characteristics of the luggage system are built. Manufacturers offer the following types of car racks, differing in the method of installation on the roof of the car:

• On standard roof rails. If the vehicle is equipped with this addition upon release, then you don’t have to think about the method of attaching the crossbars and their type. This simplifies operation, bringing additional convenience to the transportation of goods.
• With integrated roof rails. An equally convenient option, although more often provided by the driver himself.
• By mounting on:
• Gutters. It is assumed that the crossbars will be specially equipped with appropriate fasteners.

  
  Cross members with fastening to gutters on the roof of a VAZ 2107

Smooth roof. This refers to the use of a doorway.

• Regular places. More often they are used for installing luggage racks, and sometimes for pre-equipping with roof rails.
• Or a glass panoramic roof. This option is less common and more difficult to use.

  
  Cross members for the smooth roof of Skoda Octavia

  Read also:  Muffler corrugation (compensator): device, purpose and replacement methods

Additionally, we add that some car racks are universal and are used for various types of cars. Others are used for certain types of brands or models.

As for the stops for crossbars on the roof of a car, they are divided into three classes. Namely:

1. On stops with installation without rails. They present a design with a lift of the crossbars above the roof from 70 to 280 mm in accordance with the vehicle model.
2. Supports for roof rails. They are installed sideways, without rising above the roof rails or protruding beyond them. Available in universal or model form.
3. And adapters. They are used to adapt cross members to various types of roofs or bodies. Practical for use in situations where there is no suitable option.

   
   Rapid System stops

Tips for installing roof racks on roof rails

It is very important to properly distribute the weight of the trunk. And not only from the point of view of the safety of the fasteners, but also the correct weight distribution of the car. You cannot put all the weight on one axle; if you plan to travel with passengers in the back seat and cargo in the main trunk, then the mass of cargo on the roof must be moved forward as much as possible, so the car will behave better in turns.

The maximum permissible load on the roof of the vehicle must not be exceeded, even if the trunk has a large volume. Usually this is no more than 50-100 kilograms, depending on the type of car.

You should not place additional lighting on the trunk; this may cause a conflict with the inspector, since the rules on light sources on cars are strictly regulated.

The distance between the transverse arcs should not be less than 0.7 meters, otherwise the entire structure may not behave normally when braking, but it is better to bring this base to the maximum possible value.

The trunk should be positioned relative to the window frames taking into account the load and expected driving mode. When shifted too far forward, it can create unwanted lifting force, and when moved back, it can overload the rear axle and interfere with the opening of the fifth door on hatchbacks and station wagons.

When driving, you must remember the resulting restrictions on the maximum speed and overall height of the vehicle, as well as the deteriorated lateral stability and windage, which can unexpectedly appear when there is a crosswind or overtaking a truck.

We choose the best roof racks based on the results of independent tests

When a trunk appears on the roof of a car, the car, one might say, moves into a different class: only from that moment are opportunities for travel and active recreation truly opened up for its owner. But choosing the right “superstructure” for the roof is sometimes no less difficult than choosing the car itself. The simplest car boxes cost a little more than 10,000 rubles, and the prices for the most advanced ones reach 100,000. Drom.ru figured out why expensive roof racks that win according to the results of independent tests are good, and what affordable alternatives are on the Russian market.

Someone who is looking for a “superstructure” for the roof of a car for the first time may be surprised by the fact that a roof rack is simply a set of two crossbars and four racks with which they rest on the roof or roof rails. This design alone costs from 3,000 to 20,000 rubles. To go with it, you also need to buy either a box, or a bike rack, or an expedition rack (also called a cargo basket), or a rack for skis and snowboards, or for boats and surfboards. The “Auto Parts” section on Drom.ru offers a wide range of both basic fasteners and various boxes.

More space, but less carrying capacity

Medium-sized box models, suitable for almost any car, can accommodate 400–500 liters of luggage. That is, if you have, for example, a Renault Duster or Hyundai Creta, it turns out that you can fit even more things on the roof than in a standard trunk. True, spaciousness does not mean high load capacity: boxes are usually designed for only 50–75 kg. In addition, it must be taken into account that each car has a maximum permissible roof load, which is indicated in the operating instructions. Let's say, for Duster it is limited to 100 kg, and for many passenger models - 80 kg. You need to understand that the box itself with racks and crossbars may well weigh 30 kg, which means that it will not be possible to load 75 kg inside: the entire structure, including the cargo, should not exceed the maximum permissible load on the roof.

For most motorists, the most relevant, of course, are boxes. By the way, they can also accommodate short skis and snowboards. The boxes themselves are usually designed so that they are compatible with almost all types of crossbars and will fit almost any car. Unless the owners of five-door and three-door models should make sure in advance that the rear door, when rising up, will not rest against the trunk. However, racks and cross members are very different, and they must be selected individually for each car model.

What do you need to know about roof rails, racks and cross members?

If the car has a roof, then there is a suitable trunk. But the models of suitable racks and crossbars will vary greatly. It's one thing if you have standard roof rails (most crossovers, SUVs and passenger station wagons are equipped with them). Another thing is the standard mounting points on the roof (for example, the Ford Focus has them). And the most difficult thing is if the car has a flat roof without seats for the trunk (for example, like the Hyundai Solaris). Such cars are designed with luggage racks that are attached to the doorways.

All three options are quite reliable and do not limit you in any way in the choice of boxes and other “add-ons”. The difference, by and large, is only in convenience: installing the trunk on the roof rails is easier and faster, on the mounting points is not so convenient, but the parts for the flat roof are the most fiddly. In addition, the latter can scratch the paintwork (although the mounting tabs are usually rubberized).

Possible difficulties are the presence of a hatch and an antenna. Too low racks should be avoided: because of them, the box may interfere with opening the hatch. If you have an antenna, you should make sure before purchasing that it can be folded under the box.

An exact answer as to whether a roof rack is compatible with a particular roof can only be given by the website of the rack manufacturer or online store sites. They have selection services depending on the make, model and year of manufacture.

So, the racks and crossbars have been selected, all that remains is to decide on the box itself. And then my eyes widen. Inexpensive Russian-made models and products of expensive foreign brands are not so different externally and internally, and their prices are several times higher. The best models can only be identified through independent testing. In addition, not all boxes, even from well-known brands, successfully pass crash tests, leak tests, strength tests at low temperatures, and the like.

The minimum requirements for a good car box are as follows: it must open on both the left and right sides, and also have reliable locks against thieves.

Who conducts independent tests of autoboxes and how?

The most detailed tests are carried out by the German automobile club ADAC. First, the products are checked for leaks. Moisture-absorbing paper is placed in the box and closed, and a special installation sprays 180 liters of water onto the trunk in 15 minutes. Secondly, they check whether the box becomes too fragile in the cold. To do this, each model is kept in a freezer at a temperature of -20 °C for at least 6 hours, after which a load weighing 2.5 kg is dropped onto different parts of the trunk. Thirdly, a crash test is carried out: on a special stand, the trunk is accelerated as in a typical accident, at a speed of 30 km/h. The product must not lose its load or fall off its fastenings. Fourthly, experts evaluate how easy it is to install and use a particular model, whether the luggage mounts are convenient, whether the instructions are clear, whether there is a high risk of errors during installation and operation, as well as the potential for injury and the risk of damage to the car. Fifthly, they check whether the stated trunk volume corresponds to reality, for which purpose the boxes are filled with special bulk material.

Tests by Auto Motor und Sport magazine were carried out at the Dekra test center. Among the tests there are some that ADAC does not do. A very important test is speed. A car with a trunk moves at a speed of 120 km/h: noise measurements are taken, in addition, the trunk must withstand two sharp maneuvers: moving two lanes to the side (this simulates avoiding a sudden obstacle) and emergency braking to a complete stop. The water test on the stand simulates driving in the rain at a speed of 100 km/h. The crash test is the same as ADAC (at a speed of 30 km/h). Experts evaluate the ease of use of the model, volume and fasteners, and also - which is important! - protection from thieves.

The British publication AutoExpress rates luggage racks for ease of use, safety, volume and organization of space. Laboratory and sea trials are not carried out. Their compatriots at the Independent rate luggage racks as part of their IndiBest project, where they publish ratings for a wide range of consumer products. Expert assessments and test results are taken into account, but details of the scoring are not reported.

Legal issues

Traffic rules establish uniform requirements for the transportation of any cargo, not just on the roof. The driver is obliged to control the placement, fastening and condition of the load before starting and while driving in order to avoid it falling and creating obstacles to traffic (clause 23.2 of the traffic rules). If you installed the autobox incorrectly and it falls off the roof right in front of the traffic cop, then this will result in a fine of 500 rubles or a warning (Article 12.12 of the Administrative Code). It will be much worse if the fallen load damages other vehicles or causes harm to human health. In this case, liability will be the same as for any accident caused by you. MTPL should cover the damage (within the limit), but, unfortunately, there are cases when insurance companies do not recognize such a situation as an insured event. According to the law on compulsory motor liability insurance, payment is required, but not all motorists manage to prove this in court.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the situation when you load something large onto the roof that protrudes beyond the dimensions of the car. Even if the cargo is secured securely, you may be fined for violating transportation regulations. Traffic regulations state: “A load protruding beyond the dimensions of the vehicle in front and behind by more than 1 m or from the side by more than 0.4 m from the outer edge of the side light must be marked with identification signs “Large load”, and in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, in addition, in front - a flashlight or a white reflector, and at the rear - a flashlight or a red reflector."

Loads with maximum dimensions are those that protrude from the rear by more than 2 m, as well as those with which the total width of the vehicle exceeds 2.55 m or the height exceeds 4 m. If you do not fit within these limits, then your car turns into large vehicles, and such transportation requires a special permit from the traffic police. For violation, serious fines are provided (up to 10,000 rubles), and even deprivation of rights for six months is possible.

The best boxes according to the results of European tests

We have collected ratings of car boxes, which included 30 models. From these, we selected those racks that showed the best results not only according to expert assessments, but also in road trials and crash tests. Next, we eliminated products that were not sold in Russia. As a result, five “best of the best” remained. Moreover, all the seats were divided between only two well-known “luggage” brands - the Swedish Thule and the Dutch Hapro. However, their models were not equally flawless.

Thule Motion 800 (RUB 35,000, made in Sweden)

ADAC-2013 is the test leader. Independent-2014 - first place in the Top 9. AutoExpress-2016 - eighth place in the Top 8.

In ADAC tests, this box showed excellent results in all types of tests except low temperature. In terms of practicality and workmanship, Thule is the highest level, but in the cold you should be more careful: the body cracked when hit by a 2.5-kilogram load. For all other parameters, no other model has received so many positive ratings from experts. AutoExpress complains about the high cost, but this is a sore point of all Thule models.

During the time that has passed since the tests, this brand has managed to update its lineup. In the current assortment, the Motion XT XL model is an analogue of the Motion 800 box. However, the “eight hundredth” model is still on sale and is popular with many companies that rent out boxes.

Hapro Traxer 6.6 (RUB 27,000, made in the Netherlands)

ADAC-2013 - second place. AutoExpress-2016 - third place in the Top 8. Independent-2014 - fifth place in the Top 9.

Hapro Traxer 6.6 is almost in no way inferior to its competitor from Thule, except that in the crash test it earned a rating of “good” rather than “excellent”. In terms of workmanship and practicality, this is a very worthy model. Plus it's more affordable than Thule.

Thule Motion Sport/Motion 600 (RUB 29,000, made in Sweden)

ADAC-2015 is the leader of the test.

This model has been tested as successfully as the two mentioned above, but it is not their competitor. The Thule Motion Sport is comparable to them only in length (and therefore skis can fit in it), but this box is not suitable for bulky luggage. In our selection, this is the most compact model: only 320 liters. In the current Thule range, a similar model is called Motion XT Sport.

Hapro Zenith 8.6 (RUB 45,000, made in the Netherlands)

Auto Motor und Sport-2013 - second place in the Top 8.

In terms of characteristics, this box is similar to the Hapro Traxer 6.6, but the Zenith 8.6 is the “older” model. This is a very convenient and well-thought-out box, which, however, affected the price. However, in tests it performed slightly worse than others. During the crash test, the lid cracked, but all the luggage remained inside, so the rating was reduced slightly. As a result, in the rating of the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, this model was only one line below the much more expensive Thule Excellence XT box, which received the highest rating.

Thule Excellence XT (RUB 92,000, made in Sweden)

Auto Motor und Sport-2013 is the test leader.

A very expensive and most sophisticated model. Thule designers put all their skill into it. Here is the most sophisticated system for securing luggage using straps and mesh, and there is lighting inside. As tests have shown, the strength of the structure is impeccable. The impressive two-tone body is also one of the strengths of the Excellence XT. But in general, in terms of price/quality ratio, more affordable models are preferable.

Bike racks, ski racks and other “add-ons”

If you plan to carry only two pairs of skis or a pair of snowboards, you can save money and do without racks and crossbars altogether. For such a light load, special magnetic racks are available. Such models cost from 4,000 to 9,000 rubles. Prices for traditional ski racks, which are attached to crossbars, also start at 5,000–6,000 rubles, but such models can already carry up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. In addition, it is somehow difficult to believe in statements that magnetic roof racks will leave no traces on the roof.

Roof-mounted bike racks come in two types. Some allow you to mount the entire bike, while others require you to remove the front wheel. In the first case, the bicycle is attached to the frame or pedal assembly, and in the second - to the fork. The second option is less convenient because the removed wheel takes up space in the trunk. But in reality, it is easier to drag a bicycle without a wheel onto the roof and secure it there, and the fork mount fits a larger number of bicycle frames. The type of construction does not affect the price. The cheapest bike rack can be bought for 1,500 rubles, and the price of advanced models reaches 10,000 rubles.

As an alternative, you can consider bike racks that attach to the rear of the car. Their prices are comparable to roof mounts and are designed for 2-3 bicycles at once. For the roof you will have to buy two separate bike racks (sometimes they are sold in pairs).

We should also mention cargo baskets, also called expedition racks. The device seems to be simple, but the price range is very large. Prices for imported models reach up to 50,000 rubles, while prices for domestic brands start at 3,500 rubles. Moreover, these can be models of the same size and load capacity. The downside of cheap baskets is their rather unpresentable appearance. But if you use cargo baskets for their intended purpose, then the design of the trunk will be the last thing you worry about. If we are actually talking about an expedition, then professionals usually prefer simple but very durable tubular structures. Similar models from foreign brands cost about 20,000 rubles.

Review of Russian-made boxes - up to 20,000 rubles

In the price category up to 20,000 rubles, famous brands like Thule, Hapro and MontBlanc do not offer anything, but in this segment there is a large selection of Russian-made models. At least three brands are found in most stores specializing in car racks. These are the brands Atlant, Eurodetal and LUX. Unfortunately, domestic products have not passed such demanding independent tests as imported models, but consumer reviews are not bad, and the popularity of such boxes in our market is very high.

From the assortment of Russian brands, we have selected three models that can be considered “classmates” of the mentioned foreign boxes. Our three include medium-sized models with a volume of 400–500 liters and a length of about 190–200 cm. Shorter models may not fit skis, and longer boxes are not suitable for every car. All the models we selected have a completely modern design (for example, the lid opens on both sides) and in operation are in many ways similar to more expensive brands. But - we note once again - these models should be perceived as a simplified and cheaper analogue of those products that lead in world ratings. They correspond to their price, but no more.

Atlant Dynamic 434 (RUB 16,800)

The downside of the Atlant Dynamic 434 is that the internal length is only 171 cm, so not all skis will fit there. Otherwise this is a decent box. Those who need more should take the larger Dynamic 504 model (internal length - 216 cm). It is 4000 rubles more expensive.

Luggage racks from automobile companies

Many car brands offer luggage racks under their own brands as branded accessories. True, often in such a product the features of some well-known Thule are clearly visible. Such products are not at all cheaper than the same Thule, and often more expensive. For example, Nissan offers a ski rack for 12,600 rubles among its branded accessories for the X-Trail crossover. and your own crossbars for 15,600 rubles. Land Rover has a very wide range of luggage racks. For example, for the Discovery Sport there are two types of bike racks for the roof and one for the fifth door, two types of mounts for kayaks and surfboards, and a rack for skis and snowboards. A Land Rover bike rack costs 13,000 rubles, and a ski rack costs almost 16,000 rubles. Add to this the cost of branded crossbars (about 20,000 rubles), and the meaning of such a purchase seems to be lost. But there is no doubt that all the elements will fit the car perfectly.

Euro part Magnum 420 (RUB 15,500)

This model surpasses its competitors in terms of load capacity (70 kg versus 50) and maximum ski length. But at the same time, the total volume here is less than that of the other two models in our selection.

LUX 960 (RUB 16,000)

LUX 960 is the maximum volume for its price. Capacity - as much as 480 liters. The manufacturer claims that all accessories are designed taking into account the harsh Russian operating conditions.

How to drive with a roof rack and not screw it up?

Formally, the presence of a load on the roof does not impose any speed restrictions, but we must not forget that a car with such an additional weight behaves completely differently than without it. You may not even notice 50–70 kg in a standard trunk, but a similar load placed on the roof is a completely different matter. The center of gravity rises, and therefore the car becomes more rolly and unstable in turns. The car also nose-dives more when braking, which is why the grip of the rear wheels on the road deteriorates and the braking distance increases. If, when decelerating, you also need to avoid an obstacle, then an underloaded rear axle increases the risk of skidding.

Emergency response instructors recommend taking turns only at a calm pace, and not exceeding 100 km/h on straights. Even with a relaxed ride, you need to understand that if a lightning-fast lane change is required, the car will slide at lower speeds than if there was no load. You should keep a longer distance and predict the development of the road situation: a loaded car will need more space to avoid a collision.

So, a good trunk with all fastenings will cost at least 25,000 rubles, and to purchase the best models you will need a budget of 40,000–50,000 rubles. If you only travel by car once a year or less, this seems like an excessive expense. It makes more sense to rent a trunk, and such services have become widespread. A two-week rental of an expensive box will cost about 7,500 rubles, but during the skiing season there are often higher rates due to high demand. The Russian model can be rented for 2500–3000 rubles for the same period. And, perhaps, this may be the best option. Even though domestic products are inferior to imported ones in ergonomics and practicality, in the case of rental this is not such a significant nuisance. And the savings are substantial!

If you decide to buy, look at the offers for the sale of luggage racks, towbars and other fastenings on Drom.ru.

What can be installed on the trunk?

You can install on the crossbars: • Mounts for transporting bicycles • Mounts for transporting skis and snowboards • Car boxes • Independently transport any cargo with reliable fixation When purchasing racks for bicycles or skis, ask the seller if everything is included in the kit for fastening to your trunk. Some bike racks provide installation only on square crossbars and vice versa. Autoboxes can be mounted on any type of crossbars. To install the load yourself, use special ties with a ratcheting mechanism to secure the load.