Roof rack: selection, installation and price

The roof rack is a storage accessory designed to increase the storage space of your vehicle. It is attached to the roof cross member and can be of different sizes and capacities. However, the luggage box increases the height, weight and fuel consumption of your vehicle.

What is a roof box for?

A real extension for your car, roof rack allows for more storage space. Rigid or foldable, there are a variety of roof boxes for every use. Indeed, whether you use your roof box every day or only a few times a year during the holidays, you are sure to find the right roof box, tailored to your needs.

The roof rack is thus additional storage which, as the name suggests, attaches to the roof of your car. This requires installation roof arches.

How to choose a roof box?

In order to select the best roof box for your use, it is important to consider different criteria.

Roof box size

One of the first criteria to consider when choosing a luggage box isstorage space which you need. There are many sizes of roof boxes from 200 to 700 liters.

Be careful to check your vehicle's maximum load capacity and roof racks so that you don't carry a roof box that is too large or too heavy.

Roof rack type

Basically there are 2 types of roof boxes: roof boxes. hard and luggage boxes flexible.

Rigid roof boxes, usually plastic or composite, have the advantage of aerodynamic, which limits fuel consumption. On the other hand, they have the disadvantage that they are heavier and cumbersome to store. If you regularly use a roof box, the use of rigid roof boxes is recommended.

Flexible roof boxes made of waterproof synthetic fabric have the advantage of easier to install and store. However, they have the disadvantage that they require more careful maintenance to remain waterproof. They are also more vulnerable to theft. If you use your roof rack from time to time, it is recommended that you use padded or foldable roof boxes.

Roof Rack Mounting Type

The last criterion to consider is the type of roof rack attachment. After all, the ease of installation and the quality of the fastener greatly depend on the fastener.

Here are the main rack mounts:

• U-shaped clasps with handles: It is a type of universal roof box mount, usually mounted on the bottom end of the box. These fasteners can be attached to any type of beam, but the disadvantage is that they are not practical to install.
• L-shaped levers: This is a type of universal roof box attachment that is usually installed on medium and high class boxes. These mounts can be adapted to all roof racks and have the advantage of being very easy to install. You just need to adjust the tension and lock the binding with the lever.
• Quick release U-shaped clasps: This is the evolution of the knurled U-mount. These fixings fit the roof cross member in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. They are more practical than standard U-brackets, but they require little force to secure them.
• Claw clasps: this is the easiest and fastest type of fastener to install. You just need to use the thumbwheel to close the retaining clips around the roof rails.

How to fix a roof box?

Installing a luggage box is a quick and easy procedure that you can do yourself. This is a guide that gives you, step by step, all the instructions on how to properly install a roof rack on your car.

Required material:

• Fastening rods
• Protective gloves
• Screwdriver or wrench if needed

Step 1. Install the arches on the roof

Start by installing and securing roof racks to your vehicle. Feel free to refer to our guide on roof cross member assembly.

Step 2: Place the roof rack onto the cross members.

After the roof bars are in place, place the trunk on them. Make sure you can open the roof rack fully without pressing down on the roof rack.

Step 3. Attach the roof rack to the roof rails.

When the roof box is securely in place, tighten and secure the fasteners around the roof rails. Use the correct tightening method for your fastener type.

Step 4. Check attachment

Once the rack is secured, make sure it is securely fastened to avoid problems on the road. Remember to balance and secure weights in the roof box for your safety.

Also, be careful and respect the PTAC (Total Permitted Loaded Weight) of your vehicle as stated on your registration document. Also, remember to respect the maximum luggage weight that the roof box and crossbars can support.

How much does a roof box cost?

The price of a roof rack varies greatly depending on its size, type (flexible or rigid) and brand. Count on average from 90 to 300 euros depending on the type of roof box you have chosen.

Please note that if you rarely use your roof box, we recommend that you opt for a mid-range roof box at a more affordable price. If, on the other hand, you must use it regularly, choose a higher-end model to gain an advantage in quality and therefore in durability.

Tip: If you exclusively need a roof box, consider that you can simply rent it or buy a used one. This is a good way to save money on overhead storage.

As you already understood, a roof rack is a very useful accessory to increase the capacity of your car, especially for families and vacations. Depending on the size of the roof rack, you can even store real luggage, skis, etc.