5 best car roof rack manufacturers

Types of luggage racks

Hard and soft car boxes. The devices protect the cargo from atmospheric manifestations of nature.

Soft products are similar to duffel bags. Plastic hard car boxes have an ideal shape, which does not interfere with driving.

Expedition devices are produced for outdoor enthusiasts.

These “baskets” are equipped with additional places for attaching useful things. Also, an expeditionary trunk is a kind of protection for the roof of a car when driving in the forest.

Bicycle. Designed for securing bicycles and other useful equipment.

Fasteners are installed on the trunk in different places.

Classic. You constantly see such universal racks on many cars. The design of the devices is the same; crossbars and crossbars made of metal are attached to the roof of the car.

The simplicity of the design allows you to install the trunk on any car and transport anything. The design can also be supplemented with fasteners for car boxes or sports equipment.

7 ways to attach luggage racks

• On roof rails - that is, longitudinal arches installed during the production of the car.
• In standard places on the roof of the car, which were intended by the manufacturer.
• Domestic cars have gutters. The trunk can be mounted in different ways, at your discretion. Foreign cars do not have gutters.
• On a smooth roof - the rack is installed behind the doorway or using adapters in three-door cars. The structure cannot be removed when the doors are closed.
• On belts across the cabin - this is how inflatable luggage racks are usually attached. The method is little used and causes inconvenience for passengers.
• On magnets. This method only applies to light luggage.
• On larger machines it can be mounted on a T-profile. The load is kept elevated and not in contact with the roof.

Watch a useful video, types of roof racks and methods of mounting on the roof:

How to choose?

1. Check your vehicle's manual for the permitted roof weight.
2. Decide on the type of luggage you will transport.
3. Choose the trunk size from the design features of the car. The installed product should not interfere with the opening of the hood and trunk.
4. It is better not to purchase cheap models. They do not hold the load well, quickly rust and become unusable.
5. Don't rush to buy the trunk you like. First, study information about the manufacturer and the opinions (reviews) of car owners.

Check out our review of car racks to help you make your choice:

Installation

To avoid damaging the paintwork of the car body, strictly follow the instructions for installing the rack on the car. Do not exceed the maximum permissible roof load.

Immediately before installing the rack, be sure to clear any dust and dirt from the roof of the car in the area where the rack is attached. Please note that if you use the trunk for a long time, marks may remain in the places where it is attached due to the paintwork fading in the sun.

Sometimes, when buying a new car, the question arises: “Is it possible to install a trunk from an old car on it, or will I have to buy a new one?”

Fortunately, roof racks from leading manufacturers usually have a modular design. If you have such a design, then it will be enough to buy a new fastening kit and you can install a used product on a new car.

Watch an interesting video about installing the Atlant universal luggage rack system on a Daewoo Matiz car. ATLANT:

Another interesting post: what to put in the trunk of a car. Good luck with your purchase!

Advantages of using the autobox4u.ru service

1. Professionalism and extensive experience of the craftsmen. Our specialists know exactly how to install any roof rack. There are no difficulties when performing the work.
2. Availability of quality components. To install any type of car rack, specialists use spare parts and fasteners that last as long as possible and do not cause damage to the car body or fasteners.
3. Efficiency. Experts can install the trunk in the shortest possible time. You won't have to wait long! You can hit the road with your new luggage rack in a matter of days.
4. Affordable price. We do not inflate the cost of services.

From us you can order a trunk that meets all your needs.

The table below shows the prices for installing car racks, ski and bike racks, as well as car boxes.

Contact us! We will select the trunk and install it!

Advantages and disadvantages

5 best manufacturers of silent blocks
Installing this additional structure has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Undeniable advantages:

• versatility of most models;
• accessibility in terms of financial costs;
• reliable securing of the transported cargo;
• no impact on visibility while driving;
• the presence of additional elements for more reliable fixation.

Installing a car trunk has a number of advantages and disadvantages
. Cons:

• the occurrence of additional resistance, which contributes to the deterioration of aerodynamics;
• limited machine height;
• noticeable decrease in stability while driving;
• lifting luggage to a height.

Collection

Depending on the vehicle you have, you must first select the type of installation of the roof rack. There are two main installation methods. If the vehicle is equipped with roof rails, you need to select suitable rails that match the length of the beam. If the car does not have slats, you need to purchase a special kit that will allow you to attach the base to the body of the car trunk. Important! Be sure to read the instructions during operation, otherwise installation may result in damage to the car.

The video shows the assembly and installation of the car rack:

Which roof rack to choose and how to install the roof rack correctly.

Rating of the best GPS trackers for car protection in 2021

In order for your purchase to be a successful investment for you and provide maximum comfort in operation, it is important to think through everything down to the smallest detail. What type of car rack is right for you, what kind of cargo is it intended for?

How often do you plan to use your car carrier and much more.

Pay attention to the most basic points that are important to consider when choosing a trunk:

carefully consider what type of cargo you are going to transport

Will it be a bicycle, ski equipment, or just cargo in bags or baskets; It is also important to evaluate the size of the luggage racks in accordance with the size of the car; It is not advisable to buy a product on the Internet, because you will not be able to assess the suitability of the design and model of your car

Many, when purchasing a universal roof rack, are sure that the issue has been resolved, but in fact, universal racks are universal in terms of the types of cargo that will be transported in it, but not in combination with any model of car roof.

If you plan to transport a bicycle, then you must take this into account when choosing a rack, since bicycle mounts are special, and not every rack is suitable for this

For a tall car, it would be optimal to purchase a trunk that opens on both sides, which will simplify the procedure for loading and unloading luggage.

It is also very important to understand that the quality of the trunk is reflected in its price. For example, a cheap trunk may vibrate during transportation.

It can also rust and fail much faster, the gaps will also increase, and the safety of the cargo will be in doubt.

You also need to be careful with expensive luggage racks, because they are often stolen, which means you will be forced to constantly dismantle it if the car is left unattended. And this is additional discomfort.

Important! Be sure to decide on the type of trunk before installation.

Subtleties of choice

When choosing a trunk, carefully study the types and information about the load capacity. If the trailer has a spring suspension of any design, which facilitates maneuvers over bumps and holes, then in the case of a roof rack on a car, with a shock-absorbing suspension of the car, it is separated by that very roof. It does not have pronounced properties to level out vibrations and take on the vector impacts of the load mass. But a body with inter-window pillars is a damper between the road and an additional high center of gravity. Therefore, they attach the trunk as low as possible to the roof, even one centimeter is important.

Trunk design

The golden rule: if the car has a pair of roof rails, then the corresponding cross members are selected. The dimensions must correspond to the distance between the rails. This is critical for even distribution where most of the weight is carried by key fasteners.

If there are no elements, a set of fasteners is used to establish a connection between the trunk and the top of the car. The components of a basic trunk are few:

Support struts, which consist of:

In practice, car racks come in different forms. The material used and the mechanical properties of the fasteners, together with the performance of the vehicle’s roof, determine the design and future purpose of the device.

Easy luggage rack selection

When purchasing a roof rack for your car, you should check:

These parameters will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing. Subtleties follow. It is important to know what the roof rack supports and roof mounting rods are made of. They are made of steel and aluminum. When using the trunk for a short period of time, they stop with steel fasteners. With prolonged use, they become unusable and worsen their aerodynamic properties.

Introducing the optional trunk

Bearing Manufacturers Rating

Until a certain age, I was little concerned about the issue of trunk capacity. But when I had my own family, I realized that a universal car is one that can take 3-4 passengers on board and, in addition, have a huge space in the back for loading the belongings of these same passengers.

When I was lucky enough to buy my own car, at first I did not pay attention to the presence of roof rails and the possibility of installing an additional trunk with their help. But how glad I was to notice them before going to the sea. I don’t know where I got so many things from in my house, but I got the feeling that the family decided to take literally everything. I looked in horror at more and more new suitcases and did not understand how to fit it in. Standing on the street, I saw a neighbor who was also getting ready for a long trip, apparently. Although he took things much more calmly. I smiled because I realistically assessed the trunk capacity of his Renault Duster and the amount of luggage. But when the trunk was full, things began to move onto the lid.

Great decision, I thought. While my girls were getting ready, I quickly read reviews on the Internet, watched a video and decided to buy myself a trunk. Luckily, installing it yourself took little time. Used 2016 models were available for sale, but I decided for myself that I’d rather take a brand new one.

But now I decided to share with you what I managed to find out.

Railings

You will not be able to install the appropriate trunk without roof rails. Or you will have to do them yourself, make changes to the car’s body configurations, and so on. That is, theoretically, this is all possible, but you will have to spend more time and money compared to cars where integrated roof rails were initially provided.

Installation is possible on any car - Lada Largus, Kalina station wagon, Chevrolet, Hyundai, German, Japanese cars and so on. All that is needed is the need for such a design.

Essentially, roof rails are slats that run parallel on the roof of a car. In addition to slats, roof rails include fastenings, holders and seals. They prevent moisture from penetrating the metal, thereby protecting against corrosion.

The arcs are made from high-quality metals and coated with powder paints on top. This way their appearance is preserved for many years. Even if installing a trunk is not part of your plans, roof rails will remain a good decorative element of the car.

Railings are divided into two types.

1. Universal. Any car can be equipped with such aerodynamic arches. They can be purchased and installed as needed on Opel, Hyundai, Niva, etc. models. Buying them in St. Petersburg or any other city is not a problem;
2. Model. These are produced specifically for the car. That is, for Sandero Stepway, Skoda Yeti, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage and so on.

Another classification provides for division into:

• Integrated. They are installed directly at the factory during car production;
• Removable. They can be mounted additionally if the car owner so desires.

Luggage racks

You can choose a large and spacious expedition trunk, or get by with a compact model for personal purposes and transporting a small amount of additional luggage that does not fit inside the luggage compartment.

It is important not to miscalculate the size so that the trunk looks beautiful on the car, fulfills its purpose and does not cause unnecessary problems, does not interfere with the opening of the back door, etc. A modern trunk mounted on roof rails is a pair of crossbars that are mounted on the base of the roof

There are different manufacturers and prices, which affects the quality of products, their shape, cross-section, materials used

A modern roof rack mounted on roof rails is a pair of crossbars that are mounted on the roof base. There are different manufacturers and prices, which affects the quality of the products, their shape, cross-section, and materials used.

If you rely purely on the manufacturer, then it is better to pay attention to:

• Lux (Lux);
• Thule;
• Amos alpha;
• Atlant.

This is especially true for Thule products. This is the Swedish flagship, which is the leader in this segment on the market. Although the products are quite expensive, this is fully compensated by quality, reliability and durability.

Advantages and disadvantages of such homemade luggage racks

Each type of luggage rack has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of such products include:

• increasing space for cargo transportation;
• protection of the car roof from impacts or dents;
• the ability to transport a boat, skis, bicycles, boxes, suitcases, snowboards, fishing rods, and construction equipment.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=PkKvLIMLilw

The disadvantages of such luggage racks include:

• deterioration of car controllability due to improper distribution of load;
• deterioration of the aerodynamic properties of the car;
• the noise level in the cabin increases;
• increased fuel consumption due to drag forces.

Design options

To begin with, I would like to note that, like many other manufacturers of roof racks, the Lux company produces various types of products.

Conventionally, they can be divided into 2 categories.

• Universal. The peculiarity of this design is that the universal trunk fits different cars. For this purpose, appropriate mounting options are provided. They are usually more affordable in terms of cost. But if you decide to get yourself a good luggage system, I advise you to abandon the idea of ​​​​a universal type of device. It's up to you though;
• Special or specialized. These are car roof racks that are adapted to a specific car. Moreover, the developer takes into account not just the model, but the version, year of manufacture, restyled or pre-restyled versions. This way, you don’t have to be tricky with installation, since the design of the trunk already includes compliance with standard fastening points, roof rails, etc.

Cross members

All roof racks offered by Lux are further differentiated by the type of crossbars used. For their production, Russian specialists use steel and aluminum. How important it is for you to choose this or that material, decide for yourself.

But the main difference is not in the material, but in the type of crossbars. They come in exactly 2 varieties:

• Rectangular. Standard, quite outdated, but still popular. The cross section of such crossbars has a size of 20×30 mm. If you do not expect to use the trunk at high speeds, and you are buying a design for a domestic car or an old foreign car, this will be an excellent and inexpensive choice;
• Aerodynamic. Their peculiarity is that the crossbars provide less resistance to oncoming air flows. Plus they allow you to install additional accessories on the trunk. They can be purchased from domestic or foreign manufacturers. But the catch is that you can only install aerodynamic crossbars using supports from Lux.

If we talk about the types of roofs for which the range of roof racks from the Lux company is offered, then there are also their own varieties.

Lux and car roof type

The production provides the possibility of choosing a design for any type of roof. Namely:

• On the roof rails. A common option is when a car is equipped with roof rails from the factory. Installing the trunk takes minimal time;
• To regular places. Many cars come from the factory with mounting holes for the trunk, which are closed with plugs. All that remains is to remove them and secure the trunk, the fastenings of which coincide with the location of these holes;
• On integrated roof rails. An option for those who once needed roof rails that were initially missing from the factory;
• On a smooth roof. For fastening, metal adapters called whales are used. Fasteners with rubber gaskets are created depending on what features the roof of a particular car has.

But I won’t tell you how the installation happens. And it's not because I'm so nasty. It just doesn't make any real sense.

You can select a suitable luggage system using a standard algorithm, which provides:

Walk just a few steps, and in front of you is the roof rack that is optimally suited specifically to your car.

Already upon purchase, instructions are included in the box with the system. The installation is carried out according to it. Simply, depending on the machine and type of construction, the installation may vary. There are simply no universal installation schemes for all cases.

Thank you all for your attention! Subscribe, share your personal experience, leave comments and ask questions!

Baggage distribution

Most shipping boxes can support a maximum weight of 75kg. The distribution of mass should be as uniform as possible. According to the manufacturer, you need to distribute the load in the ratio of ½ of the total luggage between the beams and ¼ of the weight on the front and rear of the trunk.

After fixing the structure, load your car with luggage and drive a few kilometers to see if everything holds up properly. Carry out this procedure every time you install a roof rack.

The video shows an example of installing a trunk on a car:

How to choose the right roof rack for your car

The choice of car racks is wide and varied. A picky buyer will find the best option. Before purchasing, you need to decide on your budget. Makes it possible to narrow down your search and reduce time spent.

Mounting equipment racks.

For cars with roof rails, choose beams and slats of the appropriate length. If the machine is equipped with factory fastening elements, you need to use special kits for installation work. Reliably fix the roof rack.

Car trunk material.

Cheap models are made of plastic. Impractical material that loses consumer qualities. Fades in the sun and becomes brittle at low temperatures.

You need to choose steel or aluminum car racks. Practical, durable and reliable. After long-term use, they retain their original appearance.

The volume of the trunk depends on the number of items that can fit in it. Large trunks are convenient and practical, but you will have to pay with increased fuel consumption.

When choosing a roof rack, you should not forget that each model has maximum load parameters for the transported mass. Failure to comply with this indicator will lead to wear of the trunk and replacement.

How to make a trunk with your own hands

If the car is equipped with special arches, it is easier and more profitable to assemble the trunk onto the roof rails with your own hands. For work you will need materials:

1. Metal profile with a cross section of 20×30 mm with walls 2 mm thick.
2. Fasteners - clamps that secure the muffler.
3. Polyurethane foam.
4. Dye.
5. Sander.

Before making the crossbars, their length is selected. Then the profile is cut off and foamed on all sides. Subsequently, it is ground down with a grinding machine, giving the product the desired shape. After processing, the foam is covered with 300 g/m² fiberglass to add strength. All that remains is to paint the cross members in the color of the car.

The fastenings are made of clamps for fixing the muffler, which are a flat bracket on one side and an arc on the other. Having sawed off the excess, only a flat plate is left.

To attach the crossbars, special holes are made in them, taking into account the location of the holes in the prepared plates.

Types of external luggage racks

Basic trunk.

Designed for transportation of oversized cargo, and at the same time it is the basis for additional structures, which are also used as luggage racks. The basic trunk contains two crossbars made in the form of arcs, as well as four stops. The supports are attached to the edges of the car roof. In some models they are attached to doorways, in others - to roof rails. To attach such a trunk, special parts - whales - can be used. The basic trunk can be purchased either in one set or separately in parts.

Boxing.

This is a kind of additional container that is installed on the base trunk. The box is designed for transporting cargo of different sizes. Provides high reliability and protection from natural precipitation. Made from durable plastic. The streamlined shape is aimed at reducing friction with the air, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Bicycle rack.

This type of luggage rack is a specialized product and is designed for transporting bicycles. Its design features are significantly different from other luggage racks. The fastenings of such a trunk securely secure the transported items, preventing them from falling.

Rack for skis and snowboards.

This is the most convenient, inexpensive and very comfortable way to transport snowboards and skis.

Cargo basket.

Another device that is installed on the base trunk. As a rule, a cargo basket is used when it is necessary to transport certain cargo that is undesirable to be placed in the internal trunk, on the arches of the base trunk, or in the car interior. Such cargo can be some building materials, large bags, wheels, etc.

Content:

• 1 Today, manufacturers offer several types of luggage racks:

Today, manufacturers offer several types of luggage racks:

• An open model, which is a rectangular platform with a load securing system. This is the most inexpensive option that many drivers can afford.
• Luggage box. Compact design with reliable latches. Made from impact-resistant plastic.
• Specialized models designed to transport certain items. For example, you can purchase a model for transporting a boat, bicycle, etc.

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.

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.

Recommendations before installing the rack

If you decide that you need a roof rack, first of all decide on the type of rack that suits you. Your choice will depend on what you are going to transport: a boat, a bicycle, skis, a snowboard or just suitcases.

Consider the material from which the trunk is made. Steel or aluminum trunk - your choice. In order to transport something once, it is better to use a steel trunk. And for constant needs, an aluminum trunk is best suited.

Since the location of the trunk is the roof of the car - the windiest place, choose a trunk taking into account its aerodynamic properties: you will save fuel and also will not be irritated by extraneous noise.

Know how to properly distribute your luggage. Basically, luggage containers are designed for a weight of up to 80 kg. Therefore, try to evenly distribute the weight of the cargo inside the container.

After installation is complete, load the trunk and try to drive three or four kilometers. This way you can check the reliability of the fastenings. It is recommended to do this after each installation of the roof rack. And only after that you can go on a long journey. Have a good and safe journey!

Review of luggage racks for transportation - in the video:

Good afternoon! And thanks to EVERYONE! Information especially for those who want to install a roof rack on a car.

The trunk (usually) consists of: - crossbars/arches/sticks, - stops (connecting the arches to the car), - sometimes an installation kit (bolts/studs, rubber bands, staples, etc.).

My personal opinion, (photos below) the best type is T-profile (T-groove)

, since the load is evenly distributed through the profile along the roof of the car; next is
the integrated railing
, the reason is similar to the T-profile; then -
gutters
; then -
the railing
, the disadvantage is that the railing has places (supports) adjacent to the roof, and this is vulnerable part of the structure; then -
standard places
, minus - there is no possibility of placing the trunk anywhere on the roof, only in standard places; and -
brackets behind the doorway
(sometimes window opening), minus installation in a certain place, point load on the roof and the need for fixation with a bracket ...

1) Gutter

— the stops are installed on the gutters (false gutters) of the car roof. It is possible to move the trunk along its length;

2) T - profile (T - groove)

— a profile lying on the roof with a longitudinal groove. The stops are installed using a kit kit. It is possible to move the trunk along its length;

3) Railing

— a longitudinal element of the car roof, has a “clearance”. It is secured with supports (at least two, there are intermediate supports). It is possible to move the trunk along its length (except for the places where the roof rail supports);

4) Integrated railing

— a longitudinal element of the car roof, completely “lying” on the roof. It is possible to move the trunk along its length;

5) Regular places

— places for installation using a kit kit, which fixes the stop in the places for installation. Places for installation are both under the “hatches” on the roof of the car and in the integrated roof rails. There is no possibility to move the trunk.

Installation recommendations

The presence of roof rails allows you to install various models of car racks on your car. Assembly is simple and fast. The design is reliable.

Installing a rack without rails or mounting points. This is a popular type of car rack with adjustable distance between the legs. This method involves installing and assembling the crossbar on the roof, securing the clamps and the body. After this, you can attach additional elements for transporting equipment.

Installing the rack at anchor points. If the vehicle is not equipped with rods, then anchors are used. They are attached to a harness provided by the car carrier manufacturer. To install the anchor, you need to secure the installation coupling, install and secure the crossbars with fasteners.

Assembly

Self-assembly is no different from service assembly.

Each driver decides whether to buy it or not, install it himself or at a car service center. And saving money without taking into account important information will not save emotions on the road. The golden mean lies in following the procedure for installation and in the previous competent selection of a roof rack for the car.

Source

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.

Assembly

Depending on the vehicle you have, you must first select the type of installation of the roof rack. There are two main installation methods. If the vehicle is equipped with roof rails, you need to select suitable rails that match the length of the beam. If the car does not have rails, you need to purchase a special kit that will allow you to attach the base to the body of the car trunk. Important! Be sure to read the instructions during operation, otherwise installation may result in damage to the car.

The video shows the assembly and installation of the car rack: