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In this guide, we’ll cover just about everything you need to know about Thule Vehicle Roof Racks. Whether you’re still weighing up the pros and cons of car roof racks in general or looking to find out what type of roof rack best suits your needs, carry on reading for a deep dive into all you need to know about this storage vehicle accessory.
VEHICLE ROOF RACKS: WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
Vehicle roof racks allow you to carry items easily and efficiently on top of your car. They are suited for heavy and bulky items that can be difficult to transport. They are also made up of roof bars that fit across the vehicle and foot packs to securely mount the bars across. If your car doesn’t come with built-in fittings these can also be purchased to safely secure the car roof rack.
Roof racks themselves are capable of transporting a variety of items but you can also choose to pair it with an attachment. There are several uses you can get out of both a car rack and the range of additional attachments. Perhaps you’re off on holiday or seeking your next adventure, roof racks for cars offer a secure means of carrying otherwise difficult items safely and efficiently. They are however not exclusive to trips away as they also have many everyday uses like hauling in the monthly shopping or transporting your kids to university safely.
Some of the attachments include:
Maximise the space of your vehicle when transporting gear and goods with a roof box attachment. These are boxes that attach onto the car roof rack and provide some added storage. Roof boxes are also weatherproof meaning you can travel safely and comfortably to any destination regardless of the weather.
Take your bikes along on your next adventure and mount them to your vehicle using a bike rack attachment. Their straightforward design means you’ll easily be able to swap out the four wheels for two.
Camp out in style with a car roof tent attachment. Your vehicle’s roof rack will help you to create that perfect home away from home.
In addition to these three attachments, some additional attachments include:
- Roof basket - These attachments are slightly similar however instead of an enclosed box the basket has an open design. Don't worry, they still offer an easy and safe means to move bulky items around. The open design can even be an added benefit with particularly bulky cargo.
- Sporting Racks - Thule’s specifically designed racks, for both winter and water sports, are fantastic for those adrenaline junkies in need of a trouble-free way of lugging around their equipment. From ski racks, surfboards, kayaks and even fishing rods.
ROOF RACK TYPES: WHAT ROOF RACKS FIT MY CAR?
Thule offers a wide range of car roof racks to fit almost any vehicle. Simply select the roof bar of your choosing and provide your car’s year, make and model and watch as the automated compatibility match does the rest. You’ll be able to browse the suitable options hassle free. To ensure you find the right match, here are a couple of things you want to watch out for.
First things first, we suggest checking over your vehicle's manual. Your vehicle’s roof type might not be information you have to hand and exact specifications are useful to have when searching for your best fit. You’ll also need to take into consideration your vehicle’s roof weight limit.
If you're not exactly sure about your type of roof and the fitting your vehicle has, here’s a list of the different types below with some useful descriptions.
- Normal roof: no added features or fixtures.
- Fixpoints: mounting points found on the roof and are designed to securely fasten car roof racks. These are usually discreetly located in the trim of your vehicle.
- Raised roof rails: bars that run along the side of your vehicle and have a space between the rail itself and the car.
- Flush roof rails: different from raised roof rails as the installed rail does not have a gap between the roof and the rail itself.
- Rain gutters: structures commonly found in older vehicles. They are structures between the roof and the door that redirect the rain away from car windows.
CHOOSING CAR ROOF RACKS: PROS OF USING THULE
One of the biggest advantages of using Thule is their diverse range of roof bars for cars that fit all wants and needs. If you are unsure which system works best for you, don’t worry - we have the expertise to help find the right one for you and your vehicle.
EASIER LOADING
If you're looking for a car roof rack that allows for easy loading and offloading, then the Thule Evo SlideBar is the best one for you. It has a two-way sliding function that makes grabbing your items a dream. Simply pull out the bars whilst pushing the safety feature and when you’re finished lock them back in place.
QUIET AND AERODYNAMIC
For a quiet and aerodynamic ride, the Evo WingBar is a great choice. Not only has it been specifically shaped for users to enjoy a calm and smooth ride, the sleek and integrated design is the ideal accompaniment to your vehicle’s roof.
ABILITY TO CARRY HEAVY GEAR
Sporting gear can get pretty heavy so it’s no doubt you’ll need a reliable roof bar for your car that can withstand the weight of such. Thule ProBar Evo is the ideal candidate for explorers or professionals that require easy transportation of heavy gear.
THULE ROOF RACK WEIGHT LIMITS: HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I PUT ON MY ROOF RACK?
Speaking of heavy gear, it's important to be aware of how much weight your car’s roof rack can withstand. If the load is too heavy, it can damage the roof bars and subsequently your vehicle. The Thule ProBar, WingBar Evo and SquareBare Evo each have a maximum weight of 220 for a pair of roof bars. The maximum weight capacity of your vehicle must also be taken into consideration in conjunction with the weight of the roof rack. Again, your car’s manual is the best place to find this information.
HOW TO INSTALL MY VEHICLE ROOF RACK?
So, now you might be wondering how exactly you install your vehicle roof rack? You need to ensure proper and correct installation to prevent damage to both your vehicle and other road users. Luckily, Thule racks attach to your car both in a fast and easy manner, and can be done using the user manuals for reference.
As trusted partners of Thule, we share their vision of providing outdoor gear that is both good quality and safe. Need any help choosing the right roof rack for your car? Please contact us on 01527 336337 or send us an enquiry via email at stef@brownsoutdoors.co.uk.
See how to install our Thule Wingbar Edge 95 by watching the video above