Let’s say you are going on an adventure and you have a lot of friends with you. You have brought many things for that adventure. However, you noticed that your friends already occupied the car. The items you have got can no longer fit inside.
You become disappointed, but a brilliant idea crosses your mind. You look at your car roof and see the potential of it to carry your luggage. But then, it is just a bare roof, with no crossbars.
That is when you realized that it is crucial to install crossbars. To enlighten you on why there is a need to install a crossbar, keep reading this article.
What Is A Cross Bar?
Ski racks, cargo boxes, and other activity-specific racks are usually mounted on the vehicle’s roof. It supports and transfers the weight of all the items to the roof. (Learn How To Use Engine Hoist Leveler)
Round (Yakima), square (Thule, Inno), aerodynamic (Thule, Yakima, Whispbar, others), and factory crossbars are the most common.
What is a Roof Rack?
It is equipment that attaches to the top of a vehicle. This provides additional storage space for heavy objects. It can carry large containers and can become baggage or kayak carriers.
Roof racks are not standard on many vehicles, so if you need extra storage space, a roof rack may be something to consider while shopping for a car. The roof racks are also the safest way to move equipment.
Benefits of Cross Bars and Roof Rack Systems
Crossbars are used for the stability, balance, and strength of the roof rack. Because a factory roof rack alone cannot stand the weight of the things you are about to put, you also need to use crossbars.
On the other hand, a different roof rack system to your vehicle is similar to adding a second story to your home. The primary benefit is that it gives you access to a lot of space that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
A car roof rack system can be a handy addition to your vehicle for off-road enthusiasts who need to transport extra luggage. It’s also ideal for hauling bulky outdoor equipment like bikes and skis. If you’ve done your research and determined which factory-installed roof racks style is appropriate for your car, purchasing one is a relatively simple process.
There are also various roof rack options to choose from. Below are the recommended brands for flush rails, load bars, bike racks, and other factory racks.
Recommended Brands for Roof Rack Cross Bars
1. MPH Brand
It is built of lightweight aluminum and is suitable for a variety of vehicle models like most sedans. These bars have the capability of being changed to various sizes. With no factory side rails, it fits nicely on the bare roof.
2. Thule Complete Cross Road System
It has a 50-inch length and fits most cars while supporting up to 165 pounds of added weight. Best of all, it has a user-friendly design that makes it simple to install and mount without using any tools.
The Thule Complete Cross Road System securely straps into place if your vehicle already has roof rails. It has Thule’s proprietary rubber-coated steel straps that are exceptionally sturdy, allowing you to mount and unmount the accessory frequently without fear of damage. This device also comes with locks for added security and a Thule lifetime warranty.
A Thule roof rack is also a good choice.
3. Vault Cargo Management Roof Rack Crossbars
These 54-inch universal locking crossbars from Vault Cargo Management have padded clamps to protect your vehicle roof rails from damage. The clamps contain an integrated locking mechanism, making them one of the most modern anti-theft options available.
These crossbars have a raised profile and can efficiently be utilized for outdoor sports equipment because of their design. This device is 54 inches long and has a 150-pound weight capacity. It works with side rails that are up to 47 inches apart.
These universal crossbars are one of the only items that contain extra rubber strips that span the length of the rack, safeguarding your goods. It boasts a low-profile, aerodynamic design that fits most roof rails with a minimum clearance of 1.2 inches from the roof. (Read Craftsman Rotary Tool How To Change Bits)
4. Whispbar Through Bar Roof Rack System
This sleek roof rack system has exceptional aerodynamic performance and comes with four towers, so you don’t have to use regular roof rails to mount it.
There are also four cushioned SmartFoot mounts provided, which will help avoid scratches on your vehicle. Because the bars can easily be removed from the mounts that came with them, they can be utilized with various mounts.
This rack has a load capacity of up to 220 lbs, above average, along with its aerodynamic performance. It also has built-in SKS locks for added security as a premium option for your roof rack system.
5. Yakima SUP Dawg Paddle Board Carrier
This is a more specialized roof rack for stand-up paddle (SUP) boards. It’s known as the Yakima SUP Dawg, and it can hold two panels and put them on different rails or crossbars.
It can also be installed in minutes using the same tool-free installation technique as the rest of Yakima’s roof racks. This rack also has rubber-padded arms to protect the boards, and if you want to leave them on the rack, you can use the SKS system to lock and secure them.
This roof rack weighs 14 pounds and comes wholly constructed with a superior glossy finish.
6. Cargo Loc 2-Piece 52″ Aluminum Roof Top Crossbar Set
The Cargo Loc 2-Piece Crossbar Set is designed to be placed on raised cross rails. If your vehicle comes equipped with higher roof rails, the next step in increasing cargo capacity is to install these crossbars.
This is one of the most durable alternatives in its class, capable of lifting 150 pounds. Although there are shorter options available, the 52′′ version of this product can span a maximum distance of 46′′ between the cross rails.
These crossbars also include a built-in lock system to keep them safe from theft. They have an adjustable clamp system that is among the best for this product and can be placed and unmounted when not in use.
7. Yakima Jet Stream Crossbar
Take a look at the Yakima Jet Stream Crossbar if you’re seeking a product for your vehicle that mixes aerodynamics and durability. This design provides excellent performance and is compatible with various tower supports, including Baseline, Ridgeline, Skyline, and Timberline. It can also be used on vehicles that have or don’t have roof rails.
8. Yakima Load Warrior
The Yakima Load Warrior is the way to go if you’re looking for something basic rack but adaptable to your vehicle. It can be readily placed on crossbars or various roof rails, and it can even be attached directly to a roof rail in some situations. The rack is functional and does not specialize in carrying a particular gear, making it excellent for various luggage or waterproof camping gear.
To answer the question if you need crossbars for roof racks, the answer is yes! Definitely yes, because having a roof rack to your vehicle will help you have more space inside your car and carry heavy things.
It may cost too much upon buying or installing them. However, it is beneficial and convenient. It is worth the price. You have to choose the brand with good quality and price and make sure that it can carry more weight to accommodate your needs.
Luckily, we have recommended brand for you that can be found above. You also have to be careful in choosing a crossbar because they are not universal and only fit the specific vehicle. Some of them cannot fit factory points. You may bring a vehicle fit kit to adjust crossbars if they are adjustable.
In addition, factory setpoints are crossbar attachment points that have already been designated. Some of the externally built cross bars barely fit into the mounting points that were already in place. So you have to be careful in choosing factory bars.
