Overland Roof Racks

Off-Road Roof Racks

Off-road roof racks are typically constructed from heavy-duty materials such as steel or aluminum to ensure strength and durability. They are designed to handle the demands of off-road driving, including vibrations, impacts, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

One of the key features of an off-road roof rack is its robust construction. It often includes reinforced mounting points, thick crossbars, and sturdy brackets or mounts to provide a secure and stable platform for carrying heavy loads. The design may also incorporate additional reinforcements or bracing to withstand the jolts and impacts encountered during off-road driving.

Off-road roof racks often come with various accessory mounting options to accommodate specific equipment commonly used in off-road activities. These may include mounts for off-road lights, Jerry cans, recovery boards, recovery gear, shovels, high-lift jacks, or other off road trail tools and accessories.

When selecting an off-road roof rack, it’s essential to consider factors such as the weight capacity, compatibility with your vehicle, ease of installation, and the ability to customize the rack to suit your specific needs.

Additionally, ensure that the roof rack installation does not exceed the vehicle’s roof load rating specified by the manufacturer to maintain safety and prevent damage to the vehicle.

Platform Roof Racks

A platform roof rack, also known as a roof platform or roof tray, is a type of roof rack that features a flat, solid platform rather than traditional crossbars. Instead of having multiple individual bars, the platform roof rack provides a continuous flat surface on which items can be placed and secured.

The platform of a roof rack is typically made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum to support heavy loads and withstand various weather conditions. It may have a textured or ribbed surface to provide traction and prevent items from sliding around during transit.

One of the advantages of a platform roof rack is its versatility. The flat surface allows for the transportation of various types of cargo, such as luggage, camping gear, sports equipment, or even larger items like kayaks or canoes. The absence of crossbars also provides more flexibility in terms of how the cargo can be arranged and secured.

Platform roof racks often come with integrated tie-down points or attachment channels along the edges of the platform. These allow for the easy installation of straps, bungee cords, or other securing mechanisms to hold the cargo firmly in place. Some platform racks may also have optional accessories available, such as cargo nets or brackets for specific gear attachments.

In addition to their functionality, platform roof racks can also enhance the aesthetics of a vehicle, giving it a more rugged or adventurous look. However, it’s important to consider the weight capacity and the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation and load limits to ensure safety and prevent damage to the vehicle.

Other Types of Roof Racks

There are several types of roof racks available, designed to suit different vehicle types and cargo-carrying needs. Here are some common types of roof racks:

1. Crossbar Roof Rack: This is the most basic and widely used type of roof rack. It consists of a set of two crossbars that run across the width of the vehicle’s roof. The crossbars can be either factory-installed or aftermarket options. Various accessories such as bike racks, cargo boxes, or kayak carriers can be attached to the crossbars.

2. Raised Rail Roof Rack: Some vehicles come with raised rails running along the sides of the roof. Raised rail roof racks utilize these existing rails as attachment points for crossbars. They often require specific mounting kits or foot packs to secure the crossbars to the raised rails.

3. Flush Rail Roof Rack: Similar to raised rail roof racks, flush rail roof racks are designed for vehicles with flush or integrated roof rails. These rails sit flush against the roofline, and crossbars can be mounted directly to them. Specialized mounting kits or foot packs may be necessary for proper installation.

4. Naked Roof Rack: Vehicles without built-in roof rails or tracks are referred to as “naked roofs.” For such vehicles, naked roof racks are used. These racks typically utilize clips, hooks, or clamps that attach directly to the door frames or the rain gutters of the vehicle. They provide a secure attachment point for crossbars and other accessories.

5. Track System Roof Rack: Some vehicles feature factory-installed tracks on the roof. Track system roof racks use these tracks as a mounting point for adjustable crossbars. The advantage of this type is the ability to easily adjust the position of the crossbars along the tracks to accommodate different loads.

6. Cargo Basket Roof Rack: Cargo basket roof racks consist of a large, open basket-like structure that sits on top of the crossbars. They provide a convenient way to carry bulky or oversized items that may not fit inside a vehicle. The open design allows for easy loading and provides multiple tie-down points.

7. Specialty Racks: There are various specialty roof racks designed for specific purposes, such as bike racks, ski/snowboard racks, kayak/canoe carriers, or roof-mounted tents. These racks are designed with features specific to the type of gear they are intended to carry, ensuring secure and safe transportation.

It’s important to consider your vehicle type, the intended use, and the manufacturer’s guidelines when selecting the appropriate roof rack for your needs.