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In fact, the roof rack is a large pocket where you can put the overall things that will be needed on the road. Any car seems to be moving into another class with the advent of additional luggage space. But choosing the right “add-on” is sometimes no less difficult than choosing the car itself.
We have selected models based on user reviews and important parameters that the best car roof rack should meet. Based on such characteristics as capacity, build quality, mounting method, weight, safety and dimensions. Our rating includes all types of roof racks on the market in 2022.
Ranking of the top 16 best inexpensive roof racks according to KP
What to do if you want to go on a trip in a small car that is familiar and convenient in the city, but there is practically no space in it for a huge number of things for the whole family? Do not change the same car for this! The answer has long been thought up and regularly incorporated into the design of many cars – the possibility of installing a luggage system on the roof.
Universal car roof racks
Station wagons are designed for medium-sized cars. They have almost identical dimensions, differ only in the method and place of installation. The most popular are the following models:
1. Yakima Kia Ceed
Model for cars with standard seats, consists of two crossbars, suitable not only for the Kia brand, but also for other cars such as a sedan. Made from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it is highly durable and reliable.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Future Lovers
Aerodynamic arches with a built-in lock and special rubber pads – the load does not slip. Very easy to install and come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Peruzzo Pure Instict
It is a bike rack on the roof of a car of a simple design. The point fastener makes the model universal, as it allows you to fix bicycles of different sizes and is installed anywhere in the frame thanks to a special lever.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Lux D-Lux 1
A complete set for the roof, consisting of arches and supports. Mounting is done behind the doorway. Withstands up to 80 kg load, has a standard length of 120 cm.
Advantages and disadvantages
Car roof rack on roof rails
We have collected the 5 best car roof racks in 2022, which are mounted on rails, have high wear resistance and load capacity and wide functionality.
1. Inter Lada Largus
The trunk is designed for all models similar to Largus. Steel arcs have a plastic braid and rubber inserts at the ends. Withstands loads up to 50 kg, designed for bicycles and various types of cargo.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Atlant Citroen Berlingo
Classic design consisting of crossbars and adapters. Mounted in the regular places of the car, designed for a load of 80 kg. Made from aluminum profile. The arcs are 126 cm long.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Thule WingBar Edge 9595
Powerful and durable rack for a load of 75 kg. Installed on integrated rails. Will fit any make and model. Easily installed on the roof.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Eurodetail ED2-111F + ED7-125K
The design is designed for standard roof rails, so it will fit a variety of brands and models from VAZ to Volkswagen. The device is securely fastened and fixed, has a lock. The load does not slip and does not vibrate during movement due to the rubberized longitudinal lines on the supports.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Inter Robust + Aero 120 lock
Another model from Inter for high railings. Robust, quiet design with complete mounting kit for easy installation. Able to withstand up to 100 kg of cargo.
Advantages and disadvantages
Car roof boxes
Luggage boxes keep things well during transportation, as they are distinguished by a closed design. Therefore, the cargo does not require careful packaging. Our rating includes 4 models for different body types.
1. Hapro Traxer 5.6
Black or white auto box in a stylish design. Able to carry up to 80 kg of cargo. Skis 1,7 m long are placed inside, and the volume is 370 liters. Features a convenient lid that can be opened from both sides. Straps and locks included.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Sotra Other 460
Sturdy ABS plastic construction with glossy finish. It performs its function well – it protects the cargo and has an attractive appearance. Boxing has a volume of 460 liters, high resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and tightness. Things will be reliably protected from rain and road dust.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Saturn 650
Inexpensive car box made of matte plastic. The cover of the structure is not only opened from two sides, but also removed. Attaches to railings with brackets. The volume of the box is 220 liters.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Terra Drive 480
Model with a double bottom, a strong and tight cover. The most capacious design, made of thick plastic. It has a hinged opening mechanism, equipped with dense rubber inserts.
Advantages and disadvantages
Car roof racks
Roof racks have a lot of advantages. They do not restrict the driver’s view, are easy to use and allow you to bring the bikes clean.
1. Thule FreeRide 532
Inexpensive simple model for mounting one bike. Adapters are required for installation. Fixing is done with a belt that holds the frame and rear wheel.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Lux Professional 846240
Bicycle fixer of production, designed for transport up to 25 kg. Differs in existence of two locks and several ways of fastening. You can even transport an electric moped.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Thule ProRide 598
Model for women’s bikes and extreme mountain bikes. This transport has a non-standard design and other parameters that do not fit into the usual size range. The trunk is equipped with a fuse and is designed for 20 kg of weight.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a car roof rack
The capacity of any roof rack is limited by its weakest link – weight restrictions. That is, you first need to decide what kind of cargo you plan to transport on your car.
In addition, any element of the luggage system must also be safe, that is, be certified. Also, the trunk itself must be properly secured. This will avoid the loss of cargo, and will not make you the culprit of the accident.
And finally, we must not forget about aerodynamics – an ill-conceived design, even at city speeds, can make a lot of noise and interfere with driving.
Here are the first things to think about when choosing the type of trunk:
1. Transported cargo. So, for example, luggage boxes are not suitable for transporting sports equipment, such as a bicycle, and if you want to transport things and keep them from rain and dirt, then most likely a roof rack for your purposes will not work.
2. Pay attention to fastening method. It can be a reinforced regular mount, a smooth roof, gutters, magnets, roof rails, belts or a T-profile – depending on what is right for your car.
3. If you are looking for an auto box, look at it measurements and your needs for transporting long loads. The average height of the boxes is 20-30 cm. The crossbars for the boxes are most often not included in the kit.
Popular questions and answers
Picking up and mounting a roof rack is not difficult. This useful accessory will simplify your vacation or moving. Our readers often ask questions about the operation of an additional “superstructure” on the roof. KP expert Sergey Dyachenko, owner of a car service and auto parts store, answered them: