Car roof rails: what are they and what are they for?

Parameters and types of roof racks for roof rails

Arc length (crossbar)

As a rule, crossbars should not protrude beyond the dimensions of the vehicle's roof.
Before purchasing the bars, measure the width of the vehicle, focusing on this indicator when choosing the length. A universal trunk for a car with standard roof rails has a crossbar length of 1200-1300 mm. Depending on the accessories installed on the trunk (car box, bike rack, ski holder, etc.), you can increase the length of the cross member to the required size. Amos “Alpha” – fasteners for roof rails with increased grip width. Installation on all types of roof rails is allowed. Theft protection (individual key), lightweight aluminum profile. Rubberized grips, 36 month warranty. Made in Poland

Arc type

  1. Aerodynamic arches are aluminum cross members with an oval cross-section and internal partitions that enhance the rigidity of the structure. High price due to the high cost of the material and the complexity of the manufacturing technology. Attractive appearance. The streamlined shape reduces air resistance when moving and reduces the noise effect. Additional attachments (for bicycles, travel equipment) are mounted with a T-slot located on the surface of the arc. The design is not removed after each use, as it looks aesthetically pleasing and is suitable for frequent trips to the country house and picnics. The bars are available in sizes 53 mm (Aero-classic), 70-75 mm (Standard) and over 79 mm (Wing)

Aero-classic (53 mm) - cross members with a symmetrical cross-section, trapezoidal or elliptical. The noise when resisting oncoming air flows is less than that of luggage racks with rectangular arches, but at a speed of 100 km/h a hum is heard in the cabin.

Wing-shaped aerodynamic arcs (79-85 mm) - a cross-section like that of an airplane wing. Noise and fuel consumption are reduced to a minimum. These characteristics are relevant when traveling long distances.

Arc material and color

Aerodynamic cross members are mainly made from aluminum. Silver-gray products look stylish, do not rust, and do not make noise while driving. Significantly lighter than steel counterparts

Rectangular arches are made from steel. It is a predominantly black design suitable for transporting building materials.

Grip type

Tension fixation system using rubberized metal belts with clamps (Belt System). The grip is adjustable, which makes the design universal (suitable for rails from 2 cm to 6.8 cm). Installation does not require the use of a wrench. The device is locked with a key to protect against thieves.

Universal gripper. Allows you to install the trunk on all types of roof rails.

Fastening to low (built into the roof) integrated roof rails is carried out using brackets of a special shape and size, on the inner side of the longitudinal arch.

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.

Materials and design of arches

Why are side lights needed in a car: basic requirements
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.

The contact points of the roof rails with the body are equipped with shock-absorbing gaskets and are isolated from the penetration of water into the interior. There are also decorative plastic trims that can be matched to the body color.

Car roof rails: types, advantages and disadvantages, installation, photos, installation

Often, modern passenger cars do not have a large luggage compartment or its size is not enough in certain situations. In this case, roof rails come to the rescue; they are installed on the roof and serve as an additional trunk for transporting large items, as well as a place for installing closed boxes.

WHAT ARE RAILINGS

These are special structures that are designed to secure various loads on the roof of a car. With their help, you can load and transport a lot of useful things - these are large building materials, various bulky objects, boats and bicycles.

Rails are arches on the roof of a car, which are most often installed on station wagons, off-road and city cars (and on minivans, of course). In some car models, both imported and domestic, they may be included, but most often they have to be purchased and installed separately. Externally, these parts resemble a structure based on a metal pipe. Its ends are protected by a plastic tip with various types of fastening. It is believed that manufacturers initially used these pipes to increase body rigidity characteristics, but later they began to be used to attach luggage racks.

WHY ARE RAILINGS NEEDED?

Roof rails are selected for various reasons. For some, it is very important to install an additional roof rack that will be securely fixed. Some people use them to solve the problem of fastening various baskets or platforms in which they can carry luggage. Fans of extreme recreation use these parts to transport bicycles and other sports equipment - this is very convenient, especially when the cycling route is far away.

The main advantages of arches installed on the roof of a vehicle include:

Car roof rails are divided into universal and model. The first type of arcs is suitable for installation on cars from different manufacturers. The dimensions of such “rails” are unified, as are the fastening elements. The second type is intended for installation on specific vehicle models. Rails are divided according to the type of installation: transverse and longitudinal. Also, arcs are divided depending on their design and materials of manufacture.

Materials and design

Arches intended for installation on the roof of a vehicle can be made of:

Products have different designs:

Some models of roof rails are painted in the color of the car body; in addition, the products differ in size and shape.

As for the design features of the parts, they are divided into:

Aerodynamic roof rails are much more expensive than rectangular ones.

On sale you can find roof rails that are designed to be mounted on a flat roof: these products are equipped with special fasteners. They are installed on car doorways. In addition, expensive roof rail models are equipped with drains.

Advantages and disadvantages

Trunk rails have a number of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the parts include:

Additional protection for the paintwork of the car body. Branch guards are installed on the roof rails of the car, which protect the surface of the car from contact with branches of bushes and trees when driving on rough terrain or country roads. The disadvantages include:

Car roof racks are not used every day. Therefore, in order to avoid inconvenience, when an additional trunk is installed, it is recommended to install removable models.

About making a trunk

Before carrying out work, you need to accurately determine its dimensions. The dimensions of the roof rails must clearly coincide with the width and length of the car roof (at least their mounting points). As for the height parameter, it is not so important for the car, so here you can take any value you like. After determining the dimensions of the crossbars, the pipes should be cut to the required length. The number of crossbars is from 2 to 4, and the support should extend to 8 points (so as not to bend the roof). It's best to start from the bottom.

How to install them yourself?

A very important point is the installation of roof rails. You should entrust it to the masters in the salon, but if you do not have such an opportunity, then you can do it yourself, but it is important to follow certain step-by-step instructions.

First of all, check the roof of the car, perhaps there are already special holes for the roof rails. Your further actions will depend on their availability. Instructions for those who have such holes:

Installing roof rails without special standard holes is much more difficult. In this case, you must be sure that these devices will be on your car constantly, because without them there will be inconvenient items in the roof of the car.

The step-by-step instructions in this case look like this:

Prices for different types

Of course, the prices for model options will depend on the model of the car in direct proportion to its cost, so we will analyze exclusively universal ones. For the most part, universal roof rails are even cheaper than their model variations, but sometimes they may not fit the car.

You can separately analyze how the cost varies depending on the material, design and type of roof rails. For example, we can say with confidence that the longer the arc, the more expensive it will cost. The materials should not be missed either.

Metal roof rails cost on average from 3 to 8 thousand rubles, while plastic roof rails are difficult to find for more than 4 thousand. Options with plastic and aluminum are in the middle between the previous two, around 3-5 thousand rubles. Speaking about universal longitudinal rails and transverse options, their cost does not differ much, so we will not focus on this.

Operating rules

Rails are a useful element of car tuning, expanding the cargo capabilities of the vehicle. A correctly selected and installed design improves the appearance of the machine and makes its operation more convenient.

What can be stored on the roof rails?

Flaring: what is it and what tools are needed?

The main advantage of this method of storing things is that everything you need is always at hand, but does not occupy the working surface of the table. There are a huge number of related products for roof rails. These include hooks, shelves, and various glasses and stands. With hooks everything is clear: skimmers, towels, cutting boards, pastry brushes, etc. are hung on them. But with the choice of shelves it turns out to be more and more difficult, since you have to decide what exactly from everything variety to buy, and which shelves will suit your kitchen. Rectangular shelves, square, corner radius... Each of them is functional in its own way, but you should know when to stop and not overload the railing with unnecessary details. It is best to limit yourself to one or two shelves, ten hooks and a metal stand for pots and pans.

What types of roof rails and hanging accessories are there?

The railing system includes the following basic elements:

  • The roof rails themselves are most often in the form of a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm or in the form of a flat strip. The length of one rod/bar can be 40, 60 (see photo below), 80, 100, 120 cm or 3 m.

  • Wall holders - most often they are sold complete with a bar, their number depends on the length of the rail. The holders can be standard or end-mounted (for fastening the crossbar between two walls).
  • Caps - installed at the ends of the rails to make them look nice and be closed on both sides.
  • Corner adapters (if necessary) - are used to combine two adjacent rails, while couplings are inserted into them at the junction points, then the joints are closed with holders. Of course, it is not at all necessary to connect adjacent rods; they can simply be closed with plugs.
  • Coupling (if necessary) - is inserted into the holes of two pipes, then they are connected under pressure. A holder is always placed at the joint.

In addition to the basic elements, hanging accessories are a must - they must be selected based on individual needs.

  • S-shaped hooks - they can be large or small, as well as double. You can hang not only ladles and potholders on them, but also any utensils, dishes, cutting boards, graters.
  • Mini-shelves - you can put anything on them, for example, cans of bulk products, sauces, oil, etc. Shelves are small and large, regular and corner, single- or double-tiered, with or without additional holders.
  • Baskets and glasses - designed for storing utensils, whisks, spatulas, and even for growing plants, such as herbs.
  • Drainer.

  • Drying rack for appliances.
  • A towel holder - for example, may have a crossbar and several hooks.
  • Paper towel holder.
  • Holder for lids from pots and pans.
  • Knife holder.
  • Board holder.
  • Holder for tablet or cookbook.
  • Hot stand.
  • A shelf for spices – as a rule, it is narrow and can be two-level. You can often purchase “original” spice jars for your shelf.
  • Shelf for wine glasses.
  • Bottle shelf.
  • Holder for mugs and glasses.
  • Breadbox.
  • Holder for rolls: towels, foil, film, baking paper.

Railing system in a small kitchen

All these elements can be combined in one design, for example, a bottle holder with a glass holder or, say, a board holder with a knife organizer.

Leading Mercedes-Benz vehicles

What are 2 din car radios and what adapter frames are needed?

Among the model range of cars from Mercedes-Benz there is a huge number of interesting cars, each of which, at one time, enjoyed considerable popularity. But, we will look at seven legendary cars from Mercedes-Benz that will forever remain in the history of the global automobile industry.

G-Wagen

The legendary Gelikas date back to 1979 and have become the most recognizable SUVs in the whole world. Unique design, high reliability, and constant updates in the model range are the main reasons for the popularity of the SUV from Mercedes-Benz. It is interesting that since 1979, a lot has changed in Gelik, but he has always remained himself. That is why we will not highlight any specific crossover model from Mercedes, but will note this series as a whole.

Mercedes-Benz 770

A unique and luxurious car for its time, which had the status of a ceremonial car. It was produced from 1930 to 1943, and was always held in high esteem by Nazi officials. All modifications of this car had a truly impressive appearance, with a massive hood and a luxurious interior. Also, in the design of this model, wheels with wooden or metal spokes, called “artillery”, were used.

Mercedes-Benz W100

The most famous German limousine of the post-war era. The car was produced from 1963 to 1981. The most interesting thing is that this car is still often used in ceremonial events, and has a huge collection value. The luxurious appearance, traditional for Mercedes, is evident in every detail of the design of the German limousine. This car was in the collection of such celebrities as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Leonid Brezhnev.

Mercedes-Benz 260D

Few people will remember, but it was this brainchild of the German automobile industry that became the first production diesel car in the world. Car production began in 1936 and continued until 1940. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of World War II, this diesel car model never gained mass popularity, but it will forever remain in history as the first production car model with a diesel engine installed.

Mercedes-Benz S600

The legendary representative of the S-class series, which in our country has become synonymous with wealth and success. The car has an extremely high degree of comfort and reliability of all mechanisms. The 600 is still very popular in the secondary car market, surpassing in its characteristics even some modern car models.

Mercedes-Benz C111

A unique development of a German company that has surpassed its time. If you look closely at the design of this model, you can quite clearly see the notes of the external appearance of modern supercars. This car used a number of unique developments and several types of the latest engines, thanks to which the Mercedes-Benz C111 received the status of one of the most experimental cars in history.

What is convenient to store on the railing system?

Today there are many very beautiful and stylish accessories for roof rails, thanks to which you can store almost anything on them. The most popular options are:

  • baskets for storing cleaning products and sponges;
  • buckets for cutlery;
  • spice jars that hang by the lids;
  • simple hooks for placing mugs, ladles, whisks and other utensils;
  • shelves for cans for various purposes.

Housewives claim that the main advantage of railing systems is that everything you need is at hand, but at the same time stands in its place and looks very nice.

Railing as a decorative element

It is important to understand that roof rails are not just convenient, they are very stylish and beautiful. For example, you can hang cups with interesting designs on hooks; there are many original buckets and flowerpots designed exclusively for roof rails. On the shelves you can place not only kitchen appliances, but also small artificial plants, beautiful dishes made of ceramics or wood, small posters in frames - all this looks very interesting and elegant in modern interiors. Another interesting design option for the railing is to place an LED strip on it - this way you can create a warm and cozy environment in the kitchen.

With the help of roof rails, you can get a little extra space in the kitchen, place everything you need according to your needs, and also add some decorative elements to the kitchen interior.

Installing a Turtle Air 1 rack on regular roof rails

Measure the distance between the roof rails. To do this, install supports without an arc on the rails. Measure from zero one support and the other, respectively. Do this for the front and back of the roof separately. How to properly shorten the transverse arches is written at the end of the article.

1. Insert supports into each end of the aluminum arch profile. Make sure you hear a click. If you clicked the transverse arch into the support, but you needed to separate them again, then you need to completely unscrew and remove the clamping screw, move the outer shell of the support onto the rail and press the latch with a screwdriver.

2. Adjust the length of the arc according to the measured distance between the rails. This distance may differ between the front and rear of the vehicle if the roof rails on the vehicle are divergent. On both sides, the arc should be inserted equidistant from the base of the supports.

Place the rack in the desired location on the vehicle's roof rails.

3. The movable clamp for securing the trunk to the roof rails is located at the bottom of the support. It is tightened with a hex bolt at the top of the trunk until it is firmly fixed on the inside of the roof rail. Alternately tighten all the rack supports until the clamp is firmly held on the roof rails. Tighten alternately - a couple of turns on each support.

4. Then tighten the crossbar securing bolt. It is located in the groove of the arch profile and prevents any movement along the supports.

5. After making sure that the trunk is securely and correctly fastened to the roof rails, close all supports with lids. The support covers are closed 4 turns using the key included in the kit.

6. Don’t forget to check that the roof rack is securely installed: pull it forcefully in different directions. The trunk should remain locked in place without any unnecessary movement around the entire perimeter. And just in case, tighten all the bolts tightly.

Types of roof rails for the kitchen

There are several reasons for classifying the system. Let's consider each typology in detail.

By type of fastening

Depending on the plane in which you placed the bar, there are three types of railings:

  • The most popular - horizontal

    . The pipe can be stretched along the entire wall or several short crossbars can be placed in different areas. If you do not have upper cabinets, you can install rails in several rows.

  • Vertical

    systems are a rod that is attached on one side to the tabletop or floor, and on the other to the ceiling. It is used as a support on which shelves and stands for fruits and vegetables, dishes and various useful little things are installed.

  • Hanging

    structures are mounted to the ceiling. Designers recommend using them in large, spacious kitchens with island elements. In public places, you could find a similar installation of a railing system in bars above the counters.

Material of manufacture

The second basis for classifying railing systems is the material used in production. There are also several subspecies here:

  • The most reliable material is stainless
    steel
    . It is resistant to moisture and rust, and can also withstand the heavy weight of kitchen utensils.
  • Brass

    the models also cope well with loads and resist moisture. To diversify the range, manufacturers use different coatings in bronze, gold or silver. Sometimes dyes are added to make the products bright. Spraying creates an additional protective layer against aggressive influences that occur in the kitchen: grease, water, dirt and high temperatures.

  • Aluminum

    and
    plastic
    are the cheapest materials, but also the most fragile. They cannot withstand heavy loads. They are chosen for rented apartments or temporary storage.

Most of the samples are coated with chrome to improve performance; this product acquires a glossy shine. Sometimes there are also unusual designer roof rails, for example, made of wood, but such systems are made to order.

Kinds

The main advantages of arches installed on the roof of a vehicle include:

  1. High operational reliability.
  2. Attractive design.
  3. Versatility of application: roof rails can be installed on any type of car body.
  4. Easy to install and secure the part.

Car roof rails are divided into universal and model. The first type of arcs is suitable for installation on cars from different manufacturers. The dimensions of such “rails” are unified, as are the fastening elements. The second type is intended for installation on specific vehicle models. Rails are divided according to the type of installation: transverse and longitudinal. Also, arcs are divided depending on their design and materials of manufacture.

Materials and design

Arches intended for installation on the roof of a vehicle can be made of:

  1. metal;
  2. metal-plastic;
  3. plastic.

Products have different designs:

  1. Steel arches are painted black, and chrome-plated steel roof rails can also be found on sale.
  2. Plastic products can be painted gray and black.

As for the design features of the parts, they are divided into:

  1. Aerodynamic roof rails. Parts of this type are a metal profile placed in an aerodynamic plastic “case”. The products have an attractive design, do not make noise when driving at high speed, and do not increase the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle.
  2. Rectangular arcs. Made from metal profile. The design of such roof rails does not use plastic linings. At high speeds they make noise and increase the aerodynamic drag of the car, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Rails are longitudinal and transverse

Aerodynamic roof rails are much more expensive than rectangular ones.

Rails are divided into:

Two- and three-support products. There is a gap between the roof and the roof rail

It is important to consider that the longer the vehicle roof, the more supports will be required to securely fix the part. Integrated roof rails. There is no clearance between the roof and the product

Parts of this type are standardly installed on premium model cars.

On sale you can find roof rails that are designed to be mounted on a flat roof: these products are equipped with special fasteners. They are installed on car doorways. In addition, expensive roof rail models are equipped with drains.

Types of roof rails

Car roof mounts are classified into different categories. Depending on compatibility and versatility, there are:

  • model
    - selected for each specific car brand;
  • universal
    – suitable for most car models, mounted with magnets or through the interior.

Depending on the design there are:

  • longitudinal (rails);
  • transverse roof rails (sleepers).

Among car enthusiasts, transverse types are more popular than longitudinal ones, since they can withstand more weight and are suitable for loads of various shapes. Pipes also differ depending on the materials of manufacture, for example, they use: steel, aluminum, metal-plastic, chrome-plated metal. There are differences both in diameter from 2 to 5 cm, and in length. Among the color solutions, universal shades are offered: black, gray, black metallic, gray metallic.

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. https://www.youtube.com/embed/o5abqS_U6y0

How to choose roof rails?

In order to choose quality material, you need to know what to look for. These include the following criteria:

  1. You need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing car roof bars: if you often have to transport a bicycle, then you need to buy a special design for two-wheeled vehicles, while summer residents can choose a universal model.
  2. Pay attention to the type and quality of the material, because fragile metal-plastic may not withstand the weight of luggage, quickly fail and even be unsafe for both the driver and others.
  3. The roof rail fasteners must match the holes in the car body. In the instructions you can find the model range to which the roof rail is suitable, because cars of different brands have their own characteristics for fixation.
  4. It is advisable to imagine how the roof rails on the car will look as a whole, so you need to choose the appropriate color, shape, size so that everything is in the same style.
  5. If it is difficult to make a choice on your own, then you can get advice from the seller about which roof rails are suitable and how specific models differ.

Roof rack ATER SignoRT

The German ATER SignoRT trunk does not require preliminary assembly/adjustment at all.

We take it out of the box and can immediately attach it to the roof rails. Fixation is carried out with a torque hexagon included in the kit.

The sufficiency of tightening is determined by the alignment of the marks on the key. The tightening bolt is closed with an elegant cap that can be locked with a key.

The lower internal groove in the crossbars is closed by an already installed valve. From the outside, you will need to cut off and insert a piece of rubber seal into the rest of the groove. That's it, the installation is complete.

Separately, I would like to say about the constructive solution of German engineers regarding the upper accessory groove. In general, this groove is used for installing various kinds of fastenings for transporting bicycles, skis, etc. If it is not in use, it is closed with a noise-proof rubber band, which is not always convenient to install/remove. The Germans decided not to “jam” the groove, but to leave it open. And in order to remove aerodynamic noise, a small spoiler is made in front of it, which directs the incoming air flow past the accessory groove.

The positive impression is completed by a neat side latch that slides down and provides access for installing accessories.

A possible disadvantage here may be that road dirt will accumulate there willy-nilly. But this in no way affects the technical and operational characteristics of the trunk.

AutoModa › Blog › Car roof rails: functions, technical specifications

In addition to passengers, car owners also carry various luggage with them, which is not always compact in size. There are things that it is advisable to place separately so that they do not spoil themselves and damage the interior of the car, for example, baby strollers, skis, bicycles. Therefore, they are very convenient to transport on the roof of a car, but this requires special devices - roof rails.

Why do you need roof rails for a car?

The products consist of two metal guides. They are fixed to the roof, and luggage bars are mounted transversely between them. These elements are not only practical and very necessary for drivers, but they also decorate the car, giving it a stylish and complete appearance. It is enough to install the longitudinal rails only once and then transport anything you want. Products are indispensable in the following situations:

• moving to a new place of residence or a new office;

• trip to visit or on vacation;

Car arches make it possible to easily transport furniture, camping equipment, personal belongings, and a lot of children's paraphernalia. Even when all the passenger seats in the cabin are occupied, there is always a place to put things and transport them carefully. Therefore, the purchase of roof rails for a car is more than obvious.

Why do you need roof rails on a car?

• installation and reliable fixation of luggage racks;

• installation of cargo baskets for the delivery of household luggage;

• fixing racks for transporting bicycles;

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.

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.

What are car roof rails?

It is clear that the word “rails” does not come from the Russian language. The source is the English word “rail”, that is, a rail for the trunk. In appearance, car roof rails are a special oblong-shaped design with an oval profile.

The design of the slats is made of metal or metal-plastic. There are plastic tips on the edges. Special fastenings are provided for fixation on the roof. If you choose and install roof rails correctly, they will even decorate the appearance of the car.

There are car brands that already have these roof racks installed as standard. In some cases, there is only a mount, and the choice of device is the concern of the future owner. For example, Toyota cars do not have roof rails as standard, but there is a place for them. As for the “luxury” versions, the devices are installed at the manufacturer’s factory.

There are models on the market where additional lighting elements (lanterns) are installed on mounting “bars”. This option is useful when going fishing or hunting with friends. Most often, such lighting is mounted on SUVs that can overcome many obstacles on the road.

What are the roof rails made of and what colors do they come in?

This wonderful kitchen accessory is made mainly of steel and has 4 main colors:. steel. copper. gold. bronze. The most common, of course, is ordinary steel (can be matte or chrome-plated), as it looks most harmonious in a modern kitchen. If you have a stylized kitchen, for example, in or, then the color “bronze” will fit perfectly into such a kitchen "

If a simply made of steel and painted roof rail does not suit you, and your kitchen is designed in the now fashionable high-tech style, you can order an unusual roof rail with lighting, but it will cost much more than usual. For example, if 120 centimeters of a simple pipe costs from 150 to 300 rubles, then the price of a backlit railing starts from 1,000 rubles, and the price for a set (railing with backlight and touch switch) will already be 10,000 rubles. Some manufacturers offer wooden railings. But they have more of a decorative function than a practical one. After all, wood cannot withstand frequent exposure to water and temperature changes. In the kitchen, such a roof rail will very quickly lose its attractive appearance (it will darken, dry out and crack).

Tips for choosing roof rails

A wide range of roof rails makes car enthusiasts think about choosing one model or another. The variety of shapes, types, colors and prices confuses and does not allow you to immediately make the right choice. The task is simplified if you follow the tips below:

1. Select products for your car model. The main point is the fastening, which should fit perfectly into the existing holes. Please note that each car has its own characteristics of fixing the roof rails, which have their own dimensions and location. If you take the first product you come across, then the risk of throwing money away is great. Before purchasing, read the operating and assembly instructions for the device - it should indicate the model range of cars to which the roof rails are 100% suitable.

2. Make sure the slats are strong. The market often comes across products made of low-quality or “soft” metal (metal-plastic), which cannot withstand loads and quickly breaks. This is fraught not only with damage to the transported cargo, but also with the appearance of dents (scratches) on the car. The result is expensive repairs.

When choosing roof rails, ask specialists what the maximum load is permissible, who the manufacturer is, what material the product is made of, and so on. You won’t be able to bend the rail, but you can feel the pliability quite well. If metal (metal-plastic) “plays” in your hand, then it is better to refuse such a purchase.

3. Consider the main points when choosing - color, size, shape, and so on. If you want to buy a trendy item, give preference to rods made of temple and with plastic fasteners.

4. If you have any difficulties in choosing, call your dealer (car seller) and ask which models of roof rails are most suitable for this model. Once you have decided on the class of the product, switch to other characteristics - the cost of installing roof rails, the generation and appearance of the vehicle.

Car rack Bgznk Zubr-120

Now Bgznk Bison. Quite simple and reliable design.

Parts of the trunk that come into contact with the roof rails are covered with a polymer material that prevents scratches.

The crossbars can be placed on the roof rails without prior adjustment. Fixation is carried out with a hexagon (included).

It simultaneously pulls the crossbars to the supports and the supports to the rails. Next, by turning the key, the hole for the hexagon is closed with a latch.

All that remains is to install the lower noise-insulating rubber bands (the upper ones are already installed) and the side plugs.

So, if we talk about my subjective feelings, then among the racks without stems, the THULE WingBar Edge looks preferable, despite the small disadvantages during the initial assembly and installation of accessories. Among crossbars with offset, ATERA SignoRT is good, but in terms of price-quality ratio, the undisputed leader is BGZNK Zubr.

THULE WingBar Edge Whispbar S44 ATER SignoRT MONTBLANC ReadyFit 20Al BGZNK Zubr-120 LUX RA-120
section wing wing wing ellipse ellipse ellipse
crossbar extension No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
assembly/adjustment 4 5 5 4 4 2
installation/removal 4 4 4 5 4 5
aerodynamics 5 5 5 4 4 4
locks Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
load capacity, kg 75 75 100 100 90 80
transportation of household goods cargo 5 4 4 5 5 5
Installation of accessories 3 4 5 3 3 3
Cost, rub. (June 2015) 13900.00 12800.00 9500.00 8200.00 4500.00 4660.00
Manufacturer country Sweden China Germany Sweden China Russia

* — Ratings for baggage transportation are based on the following considerations:

for household goods:

whether the transported cargo is in contact with the crossbars or not

for accessories:

— Do I need to remove/insert the noise-proof rubber seal on top?

— Do I need to remove the side covers/plugs?

What and why is it needed?

What do we use most in the kitchen?. Detergents.. Oven mitts.. Salt and spices.. Cutting boards.. Ladles, spatulas. This is what the list of what should always be at hand looks like. Therefore, it makes sense to place towels on hooks, and detergents on a hanging shelf next to the sink, spatulas for cooking and special hanging containers for spices can be placed near the stove. Cutting boards can be stored on hooks, but you can also purchase a special shelf for them. A special metal hot stand will make life and cooking much easier. Thanks to it, your countertop will always be safe (often the film that covers the countertops cannot withstand the temperature of the dishes removed from the stove) and storing such a stand is also very convenient: it has special handles and clings directly to the railing.

Corner railing

How to choose

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a roof railing system is the size of the kitchen. If the room is small, then the scope for the system is small. Several short tubes near the sink, next to the stove and under the cabinets will perfectly relieve the work space and bring maximum benefit.

If the kitchen is larger, then you can purchase a pipe about a meter long and hang many more auxiliary structures on it.

For the functional arrangement of very large kitchens, it is better to invite a professional designer to create a system individually - perhaps even over several zones.

On sale you can find tubes of different diameters, lengths and even colors. Holders and plugs can be chosen in modern or retro style, even hooks from different manufacturers differ.

It all depends solely on the preferences of the hostess. If the interior is decorated in a high-tech style, then a chrome rail or matte nickel will fit perfectly into it; for classic styles, white systems or gold-plated systems are suitable; for retro, it is better to choose a system in antique bronze or antique copper. There are even black systems for special aesthetes who prefer minimalism or modernism.

Design

Before installing the rails, determine the diameter, length and design of the structure. By type, arcs are divided into:

  • rectangular;
  • aerodynamic.

A rectangular railing is a metal or steel profile covered with a plastic casing. The rectangular profile has a simple design, it is easy to remove, installation is carried out with bolts or special fasteners.

Rectangular roof rails

The disadvantage of the standard bar is that the trunk makes noise at speeds above 80 km/h, and there is excessive fuel consumption due to poor aerodynamic performance.

Aerodynamic integrated roof rails are made of anodized aluminum and weigh up to 3 kg. They do not create additional aerodynamic drag and do not create noise at speeds above 80 km/h. Installation of the structure - on fastening sleeves.

What are roof rails and why are they needed?

The term “railing” comes from the English word “rail” and literally means “crossbar”. The translation reflects the essence of the system. The railing is a rod with a round or square cross-section, which is attached to the kitchen apron or directly to the wall. The crossbar itself does not bring much benefit, but you can hang a variety of accessories on it for storing utensils: from towel hooks to hanging flower pots.

The system initially appeared in restaurant kitchens, then it began to be used in home interiors. Nowadays, the popularity of roof rails has increased so much that they can be found in bathrooms, offices and storage rooms.

The demand for a kitchen rod is explained by its versatility. You are purchasing a railing kit that includes a pipe, hardware, and some S-hooks. If desired, you can supplement the set with various accessories:

Holders for glasses and wine glasses.

Dish dryer.

Shelves with different numbers of tiers.

Hanging jars and cutlery glasses.

Sets of special uniforms.

Other useful accessories, such as watches.

All this can be placed in any convenient place, even in a corner area, regardless of the area of ​​the room and the location of the furniture.

The railing is easy to attach with your own hands. A hole is drilled in the wall at the required height, and the rod holder is fixed to the screws. Then the railing itself is inserted into it.

The interior will change depending on how you organize your work area. There will always be order and comfort in the kitchen. And when you want a change, hang new fittings on the bar, swap existing ones, or remove those that are of little use.

Car rack MONTBLANC ReadyFit 20Al

The crossbars for standard MONTBLANC ReadyFit 20Al roof rails are installed without pre-adjustment.

It will take a few minutes to insert rubber seals into the upper T-groove. A convenient crank simultaneously tightens the roof rack support on the roof rail and the support on the crossbar.

After tightening, the knob is carefully “recessed” into the support.

All that remains is to trim the plastic plugs included in the kit and close the lower slots with them. But the locking mechanism is not very well made, in my opinion. The “recessed” knob is locked with a plastic secret, which is accompanied by a rather flimsy plastic key.

If the trunk is not removed from the roof rails for a long time, it is sometimes not possible to unlock it with this key. Another disadvantage of this trunk would be the profile from which the crossbars are made.

It is hollow, without any reinforcing partitions, which will negatively affect the overall load-bearing capacity of the trunk.

What are kitchen rails

Rails are metal round tubes that are attached at a distance of several centimeters from the wall. Their purpose is very simple - hooks, shelves of various heights and sizes, special cups, jars for seasonings and much more are hung on the roof rails. This is a convenient and beautiful storage system for the kitchen.

Rails are placed under open shelves or wall cabinets (about 5-7 centimeters below them). Thus, an additional storage system is formed on the kitchen apron. At the same time, you can place the rails the way you want - along the perimeter of the working area or just above part of it; the rails can be hung one below the other, at the same or different heights.

Note! All these methods allow you not only to make the wall as functional as possible, they make the kitchen interesting and beautiful.

In the cabin

Although the Oka's fuel consumption is low, some consider this to be an insufficient advantage, given its small size and, accordingly, the inability to carry as much cargo as a full-size passenger car. Many complain that five people can hardly fit in the Oka, but according to the technical data sheet it is a four-seater. Four people of average build with luggage will easily fit in the car. The same goes for the trunk: if we take into account that the Oka is a station wagon, then with the rear seats folded down it can transport not only small luggage, but also a fairly large load, for example a hundred-liter refrigerator.

There are also significant disadvantages. The Oka's cross-country ability is not too high, so you need to be careful with car walks in nature, especially if the load is full. Handling on the road is good, not inferior to imported analogues of the same year.

Statement of a question

Railings are a continuation of the trunks of predominantly Soviet cars. Roof racks were far from perfect and were not always aerodynamically efficient. We also had to worry about the safety of the cargo - it could fall completely unexpectedly.

The solution was built-in luggage racks. The impact on the dynamics of air flows has decreased and become almost zero. The design change made it possible to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle design without compromising functionality. Thanks to this, roof rails have become firmly established among motorists. They can be seen on hatchbacks and station wagons.

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