Roof Rack

What is a roof rack, and what transport applications can it be used for?

A car roof rack consists of two bars positioned transversely across the roof of the vehicle and mounting components designed to fit the car. The roof crossbars provide a base for installing a roof box and other compatible load-carrying accessories. A roof box can only be mounted on a roof rack and can be used to transport luggage or skis. The selection of the appropriate system must always begin with the design of the specific vehicle.

How can vehicle compatibility for a roof rack be determined?

The make of the vehicle alone is not sufficient for checking compatibility. The exact model, number of doors, body style and model year are also required. Vehicles produced under the same model name but with different body styles or model years may require different mounting components. When searching for a product, all vehicle details should therefore be entered according to the vehicle registration certificate and the actual design of the car.

What maximum load capacity should be considered?

The official maximum load capacity of the roof rack must be checked separately for each product. Values of approximately 50-60 kg may occur among roof racks, but the specification provided for the particular product is the determining value. A heavier load may dent or damage the roof of the vehicle. The combined weight of the transported luggage, roof box and installed components must be considered when planning the load.

Checking the maximum load capacity before transporting luggage

• Check the official load capacity of the selected roof rack.
• Take into account the weight of the installed roof box or other load-carrying component.
• Determine the combined weight of the items to be transported.
• Check the load restriction specified for the roof of the vehicle.

The roof rack may withstand a greater mechanical load, but this does not permit the official load rating to be exceeded. During use, only the load specifications provided for the vehicle and the product may be taken into account.

Installing the roof rack mounting system

The tools required for installation are included in the roof rack package. Installation can be completed within a few minutes, although the first installation may take longer because of the precise adjustments required. The two crossbars must be positioned at the locations and spacing specified for the vehicle. The mounting components must be used in accordance with the installation sequence provided with the product.

How should the installation be checked before use?

After installation, the tightness of the screws and the stability of the structure must be checked. After driving a few kilometres, the correct seating, screw tightness and stability must be checked again. The mounting of the load and the roof rack should be rechecked periodically, particularly after travelling on uneven road surfaces.

How can a roof box be mounted on the crossbars?

A roof box can be installed on the roof rack crossbars. The mounting design of roof boxes allows different crossbar spacings to be used, but crossbars positioned very close together may restrict installation. When selecting a roof box, the space required by the luggage to be transported and the dimensions of the vehicle must be considered together.

Roof box mounting and luggage space requirements

A suitable roof box must fit on the roof of the vehicle and within the mounting range of the crossbars. A longer box can be used to transport skis or other long items, while its capacity indicates the available luggage volume. The weight of the roof box itself must be added to the weight of the load.

What should you consider when transporting luggage on the roof of a vehicle?

Using a roof rack changes the vehicle's centre of gravity and handling characteristics. Increased attention is required when cornering, braking, accelerating and driving in strong winds. The load must be distributed evenly, and the mounting of both the roof rack and the luggage must be checked before departure. The permitted roof load must not be exceeded.

Frequently asked questions about roof racks

• What information is required when selecting a roof rack?
  The make, exact model, number of doors, body style and model year of the vehicle.
• Can an existing roof rack be used on another vehicle?
  Only if the mounting system can be adjusted to fit the new vehicle or a suitable adapter is available.
• Do all installation tools need to be purchased separately?
  No. The tools required for installation are included in the product package.
• How much weight can a roof rack carry?
  The official load capacity differs by product; values of approximately 50-60 kg may occur.
• Can a roof box be installed directly on the roof of the vehicle?
  No. A roof box can only be installed on roof rack crossbars.
• How should the size of a roof box be selected?
  According to the space required by the luggage, the dimensions of the vehicle, the spacing of the crossbars and the applicable load specifications.

Summary: selecting a roof rack according to the vehicle and load

The basis for selecting a roof rack is exact vehicle compatibility, which requires the vehicle model, number of doors, body style and model year. The profile, mounting method and official maximum load capacity of steel or aluminium roof crossbars must be checked together with the accessory to be installed. When using a roof box, crossbar spacing, box dimensions, the weight of the box itself and the space required by the luggage also determine suitability.