Always refer to your owner’s manual and the installation instructions provided with your roof rack kit for specific details:
- Step 1: Assemble the base system. ...
- Step 2: Attach the clamps to your car’s raised rail system on both sides, following the manufacturer’s instructions. ...
- Step 3: Mount the rack system using the properly positioned clamps. ...
- Step 4: Add accessories to hold your equipment or cargo. ...
- Step 5: Test your roof rack by adding cargo or equipment. ...
How do I put a roof rack on my car?
How to Install Roof Rails
- Assemble the roof rails. Screw together the cross bars and side rails with a flat screwdriver and stainless steel screws.
- Place the unit carefully on top of the roof of your car. Adjust the position of the unit so that it's centered from side to side.
- Place a template with pre-drilled holes at the end of the side rail. ...
Can I put a roof rack on my car?
You can install a roof rack on a vehicle with a roof or panoramic roof in the following ways: Installing roof rack supports directly to the vehicle’s roof Using universal clamps in combination with an aerodynamic crossbar system Mounting a clamp-on type of accessory for cars without pre-existing rails in the panoramic roof
How does one properly install car racks to their car?
- A mount: this piece is what attaches to your vehicle. ...
- Cross bars: these run across the roof of your car to hold mounting hardware. ...
- The tower (or rack): This is how your mount connects to the cross bars that provide support for your equipment. ...
- Accessory kits: A basic roof rack kit will come with a mount, cross bars and a tower or rack. ...
Can I ship my vehicle with a roof rack?
Shipping your vehicle with a roof rack is possible, but there are two things here. If the roof rack is removable, it can easily be fitted in the back seat of your car which won’t cost you extra cash. But, if it’s detachable, there will be additional costs on top of the shipping charges. Since the vehicle will take-up more space in the truck ...
How do you carry a surfboard on the roof of your car?
How do you put a snowboard on a roof rack?
What is a Thule roof rack?
What is a Thule edge?
Can you put a Thule snowboard rack on a car?
See 2 more
About this website
Can you install a roof rack on any car?
Many vehicles are readily equipped with some form of roof rails — which you may notice when buying a car. Some manufacturers may offer these rails standard, while others provide them as an option instead. If your car doesn't have any, they can be installed separately.
How hard is it to install roof racks?
Installation takes just a few minutes and requires little more than basic tools or possibly no tools at all. Some automakers, such as Subaru, sell individual components to make transporting your equipment even easier. After installation, load your gear per the instructions included with the adapters.
Can I put a roof rack on a car with no rails?
If your car doesn't have any factory rails, don't worry; there are still options for you to put some bars on your roof. Some vehicles (BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda especially) come from the factory with fixed mounting points.
How much does it cost to put a roof rack on a car?
The price of a base roof rack will depend on if you want new items or not, aerodynamic profile or not, and your vehicle year/make/model. There are complete roof rack setups starting under $150 for a used rack on older vehicles, all the way through $500+ for a new, aerodynamic top-of-the-line setup.
Will a roof rack damage my car?
In short, no. A car roof rack will not damage your vehicle. Improper use, incorrect installation, and carelessness will, though.
What is the difference between roof rails and roof racks?
The Differences Between Roof Racks and Roof Rails While roof racks and roof rails are similar, the main difference is the direction in which they are mounted on to your vehicle. Both will allow you to increase your cargo carrying capacity and ensure you can transport goods safely and securely.
What's the difference between a roof rack and crossbars?
Roof bars or crossbars are a set of usually two bars that run across the top of the car. A roof rack, by comparison, will feature more than two crossbars and is often modular in design. Sometimes the racks see a fixed format with a set number of crossbars.
How do I know if a roof rack will fit my car?
The roof rack and load carrier capacity can be found in your vehicle's owner manual, or online if you no longer have a manual in your possession.
How do I tie to the roof of my car without a roof rack?
If you don't have a roof rack, run the tie-down straps through the doors, not the windows. To protect your roof from damage, it's best to lay down a blanket or towel first. When securing straps through the doors, give it a twist first to help keep the noise down and prevent the amount of force on the straps.
Do roof racks affect gas mileage?
Our experts recommend that consumers remove the roof rack and rooftop carrier when they won't be using it. Sedan owners in particular suffer a big impact on fuel economy with just the roof rack installed. But even for SUV owners, there's no need to drive around with an empty pod and rack hurting your fuel economy.
Do you need crossbars for a roof rack?
A basic rack system consists of crossbars and supports. You need two crossbars to go across your vehicle and a way of attaching those bars to your vehicle. The components you will hear us talk about are: Load bars - The two crossbars.
Are roof racks easy to fit?
Absolutely! Fitting roof bars is a simple DIY job. Here are our top 5 tips to help the job go smoothly: Get help! a second pair of hands will make fitting your roof bars so much easier and will limit the chance of scratching or damaging anything during the installation process.
How long does it take to install roof racks?
Due to the complexities of racks on today's cars installations can range from 30mins for a basic removable rack through to 8 hours for an extremely complicated fit out. Depending on the products and vehicle your fit out time will vary so please contact your local store for advice on your fitment.
How long does it take to install a rack?
The process for replacing a rack typically takes 4-6 hours, make and model variances differ or course. Removing the rack involves disconnecting the steering linkage, removing the tie rods, disconnecting the hydraulic lines, and then the rack itself. There are two types of rack mounts- bushed lugs or clamps.
Do roof racks add value to your car?
Car racks are a great way to boost resale value. They don't change the look of the vehicle much but add much needed cargo space. They are completely versatile and can haul anything from snowboards to lumber to the pool you buy your kids each summer.
Mounting instructions | Thule | United States
Thule was established in Sweden in 1942. And ever since then, we've made it our business to bring you closer to the world and your passion for life.
Thule Roof Rack Installation Instructions - CARiD.com
x4 x2 x2 x2 x2 x2 ARB43 2,3 kg 5.1 Ibs ARB47 2,5 kg 5.5 Ibs ARB53 2,9 kg 6.4 Ibs ARB60 3,2 kg 7.1 Ibs 450R 460R 480R instructions XXXX
How do you carry a surfboard on the roof of your car?
It is easy to carry your surfboard safely on your car roof. With a roof rack system and Thule surfboard car rack, you’re ready to chase the waves – just load your board and head out. Check out Thule SUP Taxi XT – a top-of-the-range SUP rack for maximum board security, with an adjustable custom fit and convenient mounting.
How do you put a snowboard on a roof rack?
Do you like to go skiing or snowboarding all winter long? With a Thule roof rack, you can easily fit your gear on your car. With a snowboard rack for your car, you can easily and safely take your board to the mountains. Check out Thule SnowPack Extender – an aerodynamic slide-out rack for convenient loading and unloading of skis and snowboards.
What is a Thule roof rack?
Our roof racks are a starting point for carrying the extra special gear that lets you live out your passions – with roof box es , bike carriers, ski carriers , and kayak carriers .
What is a Thule edge?
Thule Edge has a low profile that perfectly complements the car’s roofline. The streamlined design of Thule Edge also makes it the ideal solution for keeping the rack on the car even when not in use. In fact, it almost looks as if it was there from the beginning. All Thule roof racks share a number of features:
Can you put a Thule snowboard rack on a car?
With a Thule roof rack, you can easily fit your gear on your car. With a snowboard rack for your car, you can easily and safely take your board to the mountains. Check out Thule SnowPack Extender – an aerodynamic slide-out rack for convenient loading and unloading of skis and snowboards.
Types of Roof Racks
CargoLoc 2-Piece 52" Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set – Fits Maximum 46" Span Across Existing Raised Side Rails with Gap – Features Keyed Locking Mechanism, Silver
Most Affordable
If you need an inexpensive and simple roof rack solution for quick trips, look no further than this reasonably priced product from Highland. Although they're rated for a load capacity of approximately 400 pounds, we'd recommend them for lighter items such as snowboards, skis, kayaks, or ladders.
Premium Option
An excellent addition to your car is the Thule 958220 Roof Rack System, a timeless rack that never goes out of style. This complete kit consists of all the mounting hardware you need to install it on your roof. No permanent modification or drilling is required to get this kit in place.
Sleek and Sturdy
Rhino Rack Aero Bar 4WD SUV Roof Racks | Gutter Mount Base Rack for Jeep Wrangler JK/JL, JT Gladiator; 4 Door Hard Top 2011 - 2020 (2 Set) in Black; Easy Use & Fitment, Large (SG59)
How to Install a Roof Rack
The guidelines in this piece are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
What is a roof rack?
Roof racks are great for hauling sports gear, luggage, and work supplies without cluttering or dirtying up your vehicle. Plus, they just give off that adventurous, "I do fun outdoorsy things" vibe. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to installing a roof rack. This is especially true because roof racks will install ...
How to install crossbars on a bike?
Crossbars. Step 1: Install Fit Kit Clips into Feet Install the fit kit clips (A) into the feet (also called towers) (B). These feet provide a place for crossbars to attach. Step 2: Install Crossbars Mount your crossbars (C) to the feet via the bottom channels of the bar.
Do roof racks install differently?
This is especially true because roof racks will install a little bit differently, depending on which type of rack you buy and what type of roof you have. If you already know what type of roof setup you have (naked roof, raised side rails, etc.), read on to learn how to install a roof rack on your vehicle. If you're not sure what type of roof you ...
Do you need a foot pack for raised side rails?
If your vehicle came from the factory equipped with raised side rails, then you're in luck! You only have to purchase a foot pack and crossbars. No fit kit is required. The easiest way to find a foot pack and crossbars for your vehicle is to use our fitguide.
Do cross bars have rubber?
Make sure the rubber strip on top of the bars is securely sealed in the right position. Most crossbars will also have slots on their underside at either end, as well. If the unused portion of these slots is not filled (typically with a rubber strip), you'll experience additional noise.
How does a roof rack affect fuel economy?
Car Performance: Do Roof Racks Affect Fuel Efficiency? In most cases, yes, but how big of an effect this depends on the vehicle, the roof rack, and what you are carrying . To give some ballpark numbers, an empty rack can decrease fuel efficiency by 10-15%, while a rack loaded with an accessory or cargo can have an impact of more than 20%. Of course, your vehicle and driving habits also play into these numbers. You can minimize the impact on fuel economy by using aero crossbars if possible, which, due to their aerodynamic shape, will have a minimal effect compared to other crossbar shapes. Removing equipment when not in use will also help.
How much can you load on a roof rack?
For instance, if you have a roof-mounted cargo box rated at 150 lbs., roof-rack crossbars rated at 200 lbs., and a roof rated at 100 lbs., then you cannot load more than 100 lbs. Typically, your vehicle roof will be the limiting factor.
What is a roof rack?
If you don't have the space inside your car or would rather not clutter your cargo area, a roof rack provides a space-saving alternative for hauling gear. Whether you're heading to the lake with your fishing rods, packing for a ski trip in the mountains, or hauling lumber to the work site, a roof rack will come in handy.
How to minimize impact on fuel economy?
You can minimize the impact on fuel economy by using aero crossbars if possible, which, due to their aerodynamic shape, will have a minimal effect compared to other crossbar shapes. Removing equipment when not in use will also help.
How to determine roof weight?
To determine your roof's maximum weight capacity, check your vehicle's owner's manual. If you have a factory roof-rack system, also check your owner's manual for its capacity. Some OEM racks are designed more for aesthetics than utility and are not built to support much weight.
Do pickup trucks have roof racks?
We certainly have roof racks available for pickup trucks too, along with ladder rack systems for the bed. If you can tell me what you're wanting, along with your truck model (and its cab size/style) I will be happy to make some specific recommendations. 62527
Do roof racks have weight capacity?
This is because your vehicle roof, roof rack, and carrier will all have a weight capacity that must be complied with. Your weight capacity will depend on the lowest-rated part of your system.
Evaluate Your Vehicle
To prepare for roof rack installation, determine which option is best for your vehicle.
Learn the Parts of a Roof Rack
Roof racks Roof racks come in a few different configurations. The parts can also vary based on what your rack is made to carry. For example, a rack designed to haul skiing or snowboarding equipment will look different than a rack made for a mountain bike.
Raised Rail Installation
Vehicles that have raised rails are the easiest to work with when installing a roof rack. They’ll typically be the best option for lowering the roof rack installation cost. You’ll still need to choose the right kit and accessories to fit your vehicle.
Track System Installation
Raised rails are the easiest to work with, but many cars, SUVs and vans do not have them installed. Tracks that are in place can help you install a roof rack fairly quickly without drilling.
Bare Roof Installation
Installing a roof rack on a car that only has a bare roof can seem tricky. There are a few ways to do this depending on your needs. First, we’ll start with the simplest bare roof installation method.
What Can I Carry with a Roof Rack?
A roof rack will allow you to carry a variety of items. Many manufacturers also make accessory kits so you can effectively switch your mount type based on what you’re carrying.
What are Thule crossbars made of?
The standard Thule or Yakima crossbars are made of steel. They are strong and reliable, but heavy. They can also make a fair amount of wind-noise when mounted on your roof.
Where are rain gutters on a van?
Rain gutters. On mostly older vehicles or vans you will have rain gutters running around the edge of your car, just below the roof. Both Yakima and Thule make rain gutter towers that clamp into these gutters giving you a solid rack without any fuss. No extra mounts are needed for rain gutter towers.
Why do you need a longer bar on a roof rack?
A longer bar will stick out on the sides of your vehicle, making the rack less visually appealing, but this extra bar length will increase the amount of stuff you can carry on your roof, and can make it possible to mount accessories outside of the tower, which can be beneficial for some situations.
Can you change the location of Yakima landing pads?
The second option is mounting Yakima Landing Pads directly to your roof. With this install you can never change the location of the bars on your roof, but for almost all rack users this is not an issue. This install is a little easier, and is by far the most common permanent install we do in our shops.
Can you attach a Yakima control tower to a roof?
If your roof has a track (two long slots running front to back) you can attach the Yakima Control Tower with the correct Landing Pads, which fit inside the track to keep the towers in place.
Can you use a Thule mount on a car?
Even if they don’t have cross bars, some cars come from the factory with tracks or raised rails running front to back on the roof of your car. If this is the case for you you can use a Thule or Yakima mount to connect directly to these.
Can roof racks leak?
If installed correctly this rack can carry all the roof rack accessories and will never leak, no matter how hard the rain comes down.
What are the problems with roof racks?
Some common problems people have found with roof racks include dust collecting under the feet which rubs away the clear coat, the straps scratching the paint, and the rack shifting in high winds. Check the roof rack regularly to ensure it is properly secured to the top of your vehicle.
What is a roof rack?
A roof rack is on top of the vehicle and is used for extra storage space to carry large items such as kayaks, canoes, luggage, or big containers. Roof racks do not come standard on all vehicles, so if you are looking to purchase a car, a roof rack may be something to consider if you need extra storage space. They are also the most stable method ...
Why do you need a roof rack?
The benefits of a roof rack include increasing the storage space of your vehicle, increasing legroom inside the vehicle, and providing a solid platform for transporting sporting equipment. The last of these is important because if you do not secure sporting equipment properly to your vehicle, it can become a safety hazard to you ...
How do you carry a surfboard on the roof of your car?
It is easy to carry your surfboard safely on your car roof. With a roof rack system and Thule surfboard car rack, you’re ready to chase the waves – just load your board and head out. Check out Thule SUP Taxi XT – a top-of-the-range SUP rack for maximum board security, with an adjustable custom fit and convenient mounting.
How do you put a snowboard on a roof rack?
Do you like to go skiing or snowboarding all winter long? With a Thule roof rack, you can easily fit your gear on your car. With a snowboard rack for your car, you can easily and safely take your board to the mountains. Check out Thule SnowPack Extender – an aerodynamic slide-out rack for convenient loading and unloading of skis and snowboards.
What is a Thule roof rack?
Our roof racks are a starting point for carrying the extra special gear that lets you live out your passions – with roof box es , bike carriers, ski carriers , and kayak carriers .
What is a Thule edge?
Thule Edge has a low profile that perfectly complements the car’s roofline. The streamlined design of Thule Edge also makes it the ideal solution for keeping the rack on the car even when not in use. In fact, it almost looks as if it was there from the beginning. All Thule roof racks share a number of features:
Can you put a Thule snowboard rack on a car?
With a Thule roof rack, you can easily fit your gear on your car. With a snowboard rack for your car, you can easily and safely take your board to the mountains. Check out Thule SnowPack Extender – an aerodynamic slide-out rack for convenient loading and unloading of skis and snowboards.
