Universal car roof rack: rating, model differences, installation tips
Content
The universal car roof rack is designed for transporting personal belongings, building materials, sports equipment, bicycles and motorcycles, motor boats. Let's see how to use it correctly.
The universal car roof rack is designed for transporting personal belongings, building materials, sports equipment, bicycles and motorcycles, motor boats. Let's see how to use it correctly.
Differences between universal roof racks
Products are divided into the following types:
- Classic or basic. Designed for use on almost all car brands. The load is secured with metal crossbars and crossbars, additional fasteners.
- Expeditionary. Outwardly, they resemble a basket with zoning. In different areas of the trunk, you can put a spare wheel, a bump stop, a flashlight. Suitable for tourist trips or hunting and fishing trips. It also protects part of the car body from hitting branches.
- Bicycle. The trunk of a station wagon is used to transport bicycles, sports equipment. Fasteners are installed in different places.
- Autoboxes. Available in both hard and soft versions. The universal car roof rack looks like a bag made of soft fabric or hard plastic.
Differences between universal roof racks
When choosing a trunk, they rely on its purpose.
Top best universal roof racks
When choosing a roof rack, consider:
- volume;
- dimensions;
- security;
- build quality;
- the weight;
- type and method of fastening;
- design.
Ratings compiled on the basis of reviews from other owners help to determine a specific model.
Cheap models
Inexpensive cargo platforms on the roof of a car:
- Amos - reliable, inexpensive models. Used on different types of cars - sedans, crossovers, SUVs. Noise occurs at speeds above 90 km/h.
- "Atlant" - high-quality, durable models, have reliable locks. The advantages include corrosion resistance, stylish design. The disadvantages include the possibility of buying defective parts - parts of the module or kit do not fit in size.
- "Ant" - equipped with convenient mounts, durable rails. The plastic braid has a low service life; modifications will be required to secure the cargo platform to the roof.
Universal roof racks
The cost of models in this segment does not exceed 5000 rubles.
Mid-price models
This category includes cargo platforms up to 10 thousand rubles:
- "Zubr" - durable, high-quality models that have received a modern locking system. The disadvantages of the products include the poor quality of the coating, the appearance of noise when driving at high speed, the deterioration of the aerodynamics of the car.
- Lux - the kit is equipped with galvanized fasteners, a durable polypropylene stop stocking. The disadvantages of the models include a high price compared to other domestic counterparts.
- Menabo - high-quality, reliable models. The disadvantage of products is inconvenient locks.
Models of this segment are reliable and strong, they perfectly cope with their functions.
Premium Models
Universal roof rails for a car worth from 10 thousand rubles:
- Yakima - the strengths of the kit include reliability, build quality, solid load capacity. Products do not leave marks on the body, are easy to clean, almost do not create noise when driving at high speeds. Models are unstable to minor mechanical damage.
- Thule luggage carriers are high quality, equipped with reliable locks and fasteners. Easy to install, high build quality.
- Whispbar - cargo platforms do not create noise during the trip, do not reduce the aerodynamics of the car.
Trunks of the Yakima brand
Models in this segment are reliable and ergonomic to use. Also, they have almost no effect on the aerodynamic properties of the car, do not create discomfort when driving.
Luggage mounting options
You can fix the cargo area on the roof of the car in the following ways:
- on the drains of the car;
- on the roof rails.
Depending on the model of the machine, the parameters of the universal loading platform (it consists of two arcs and four supports) differ.
Installation Methods
The universal cargo platform is fixed to the gutters with bolts - they fix the trunk racks, standard bolts are also used for fixing. When buying mid-price and premium cargo platforms, fasteners are supplied as a kit. How to fix the trunk, shown in the video:
To install the crossbars on the rails, you will need:
- Thoroughly clean the rails.
- Place painter's tape at the crossbar attachment points to keep the roof rails covered.
- Install the crossbars - when they are combined with the rails, make sure that the location of the mounting studs corresponds to the location of the fixing holes on the rails.
- Make sure the crossbars are level.
- Tighten the latches with a wrench until a characteristic click is heard.
- Install plugs and rubber gasket.
Roof rails on new cars have regular crossbar attachment points.
For example, the video shows the installation of crossbars on the roof rails of Toyota cars:
