While roof rack installation for naked roof models takes more work it will work with nearly any vehicle which also makes it the most versatile choice available.
Can you put a roof rack on any car.
Requires a base roof rack.
If your car already has factory built rails or tracks on the roof you ll need to install a roof rack that has crossbars which connect to the existing side rails.
However since most modern cars do not have gutters most roof racks are designed for cars without them.
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.
Keeps your trunk free unobstructed.
On trucks and suvs the roof can be relatively high off the ground which makes it a pain to load and unload your bikes.
Keep in mind that the primary reason for purchasing a roof rack of this type is because your car doesn t have existing mounting points.
Possible to carry any bike on any vehicle.
Can reduce the amount of road spray hitting your bike.
Just about every car can take at least 4 bikes.
Make sure you get one and use it for such an installation.
Can be difficult to load.
Place it at the side of the rail and drill a hole directly into your car s roof top using an electric drill.
A roof rack is considered a vehicle modification and as with any other modification installing one could affect your eligibility for car insurance coverage or alter the type of coverage you need.
Although many cars and suvs come with basic roof racks standard if your car isn t equipped yet you can install one yourself.
On the other end of the size scale most compact cars won t accommodate a roof rack which makes this option a no go.
These incorporate removable and permanent mount designs and some have rails fix points or take a clamp mount system.
That said for full sized cars a roof rack is the way to go.
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.
If you have a naked roof no rails or tracks you ll need a roof rack that clamps around the door jams.
More than likely you can take the rack off one vehicle and put it on another with a rain gutter.
If your car has nothing but a bare roof then you have to make a choice between two mounting options.