In summary, roof rails are good for an oversized lighter weight load, as long as you use the correct attachments. Just make sure you read the instructions and best to have a measuring tape on hand so you can fix the racks to the rails accurately and safely. Attaching roof racks to your car roof rails is super easy to do. However, there is a range of different roof rails accessories to help improve your load capacity and stability. As roof rails are often factory fitted the rails themselves are not able to be used on their own. They also provide an aerodynamic look to your car while giving you the option to tie down items that wouldn’t otherwise fit in your car, on to the roof.
Roof rails are mounted on to a vehicle in a north-south direction running parallel with the length of the car. It’s good to note that most insurance companies won’t cover you for accidents if your load exceeds the recommended limit. However, it is important not to overload the roof rack and stick to the weight guidelines to avoid the danger of an overloaded vehicle. Roof racks are designed to handle more cargo weight. Roof racks like our Whispbar HD and LocknLoad Barsrun east to west across the roof of your car, giving you a more secure load. So we want to ensure that your gear is handled in the right way.įind out which best suits your car and your needs with our Roof Racks vs Roof Rails guide. At Yakima, we are all about keeping the great moments from your trip long after you’ve returned home. It’s also important to remember to always secure your load regardless of the type of roof rack or rail installed to your vehicle. A roof rack is a perfect carrier that enables you to load up your vehicle and carry bulky equipment from sporting goods to camping gear and a range of other items. However, the reason we are so often asked this question is that the roof rails are often a design feature of a car but their main purpose is to be used as mounting points rather than carriers. Both will allow you to increase your cargo carrying capacity and ensure you can transport goods safely and securely. While roof racks and roof rails are similar, the main difference is the direction in which they are mounted on to your vehicle. Roof rails and roof racks are the ideal and safe way to transport luggage, bicycles, kayaks, or a range of other items that just won’t fit inside your car. The Differences Between Roof Racks and Roof Rails We are often asked ‘what is the difference between roof racks and factory roof rails?’, so we're here to tell you all about it.