How to Determine the Correct Crossbar Roof Rack

Crossbars are a fundamental component of any roof rack system, and selecting the right crossbar racks for your vehicle's rooftop involves considering several crucial factors. Firstly, it's essential to identify your roofline configuration. Rooflines can vary, including bare roofs (also known as naked roofs), raised rails, flush rails, fixed mounting points, tracks, custom drilling applications, and traditional rain gutters.

Manufacturers typically offer a variety of crossbar styles, such as aluminum and steel crossbars, aero bars, square bars, round bars, and Heavy Duty style bars. Additionally, within these style categories, you can find options such as flush bars, which offer an OEM-style look without the crossbars extending past the towers. On the flip side, the alternative choice is a crossbar roof rack with longer crossbars that extend beyond the towers, which could add additional benefits.

In this exploration, we will delve into each specific vehicle roof option, the installation process, different manufacturers' roof rack crossbars offerings, and the range of rooftop accessories that can be mounted on these crossbars. Let's go exploring the world of rooftop crossbar systems!

Thule offers two distinct crossbar options designed for bare roofs. The EVO Clamp Roof Rack System provides a choice of square bars or wingbar aluminum crossbars that extend beyond the towers. Conversely, the EVO Edge Roof Rack System caters to those desiring an OEM-inspired appearance with its flush crossbar style, featuring no crossbar extension beyond the feet, and is exclusively available with the wingbar style crossbars.

Yakima presents two distinct crossbar options specially crafted for bare roofs. The Baseline Roof Rack System provides a selection of round bars, steel core bars, or jetstream bars, each extending beyond the towers. On the other hand, the Baseline FX Roof Rack System is designed for individuals seeking an OEM-inspired look, offering a flush crossbar style that doesn't extend beyond the tower. It is exclusively compatible with Yakima jetstream aluminum crossbars.

Rhino-Rack offers two crossbar options tailored for bare roofs, mirroring the style of rack systems offered by Yakima and Thule. Among these choices, the Vortex 2500 Rack System features their Vortex Aero Bars, which extend beyond the towers. In contrast, the Rhino-Rack Vortex ROC25 Roof Rack System is ideal for those individuals seeking a refined, OEM-inspired aesthetic. This system possesses a flush crossbar style that doesn't extend beyond the towers, and is exclusively designed for compatibility with Rhino-Rack Vortex-style crossbars.

In most cases, bare rooflines can support a weight capacity of up to 165 lbs. This weight limit is typically the maximum for most vehicles but is more than adequate for safely transporting items such as bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, cargo boxes, and a wide range of other accessories.

Raised roof rails are more commonly found on wagons and SUV’s. Its name basically explains what it is, a rail that runs the length of the roof on both sides and is raised off the roof where you can physically reach your hand underneath the side rails. Raised side rails are not as prevalent on vehicles as they have been in previous decades, but are still around. Thule, Yakima, Rhino-Rack and Malone each offer their unique versions of raised railing crossbar roof racks.

Thule offers two distinct raised railing crossbar options. The EVO Raised Rail Roof Rack System provides a choice between square bars and wingbar aluminum crossbars, both of which extend beyond the towers. On the other hand, for those who prefer an OEM-inspired appearance, the EVO Edge Raised Rail Roof Rack System offers a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the feet, exclusively including wingbar-style crossbars.

Similarly, Yakima provides two unique raised railing crossbar options. The Timberline Raised Rail Roof Rack System offers round bars, steel core bars, and jetstream crossbars, all extending beyond the towers. Conversely, the Timberline FX Raised Rail Roof Rack System is tailored for those seeking an OEM-inspired look, featuring a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the towers, exclusively compatible with Yakima's jetstream aluminum crossbar.

Rhino-Rack's raised rail roof rack options mirror the style of rack systems offered by Yakima and Thule. Among these choices, the SX Vortex Raised Rail Rack System features Vortex Aero Bars that extend beyond the towers. In contrast, the Rhino-Rack Vortex Stealthbar Raised Rail Roof Rack System is ideal for those individuals aiming for a refined, OEM-inspired aesthetic. This system possesses a flush crossbar style that does not extend beyond the towers and is exclusively designed for compatibility with Rhino-Rack Vortex style crossbars.

If you're searching for a budget-friendly raised rail roof rack system, Malone is an excellent choice. Malone offers two options: the SteelTop Raised Rail Roof Racks, which features square bars, and the Airflow2 Raised Rail Roof Racks are designed with an aerodynamic crossbar setup.

Raised rail roof racks offer the flexibility of adjustable positioning along the rails, allowing for wider bar spreads suitable for carrying kayaks or canoes, and accommodating most cargo boxes to clear hatch openings. Additionally, many raised rail roof racks can also support the mounting of roof top tents, though it's important to note that the weight rating for the crossbars used on these systems is typically around 165 pounds, with potential variations based on the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

Flush rails represent a more recent evolution in vehicle roof rail designs, often found on newer-generation wagons and SUVs. These rails sit "flush" with the roofline, eliminating any visible gap between the rail and the roof. Generally, they have a height of approximately 1-2 inches and feature a small lip that serves as a mounting point for roof racks to grip to. It's worth noting that the specific design of these flush rails can vary depending on the car manufacturer. Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack invest extensive time in research and field testing to develop secure clamping components that ensure a safe and reliable fit.

Thule offers two distinct flush rail crossbar options. The EVO Flush Rail Roof Racks provide a choice between square bars and wingbar crossbars, both of which extend beyond the towers. On the other hand, for those who prefer an OEM-inspired appearance, the EVO Edge Flush Rail Roof Racks offer a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the feet, exclusively including wingbar-style crossbars.

Likewise, Yakima offers two unique flush rail crossbar options. The Sightline Flush Rail Roof Rack System provides various bar styles, including round bars, steel core bars, and jetstream crossbars, all extending beyond the towers. On the other hand, the Sightline FX Flush Rail Roof Rack System caters to those seeking an OEM-inspired look, featuring a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the towers and exclusive compatibility with Yakima's jetstream-style crossbars.

Rhino-Rack offers a single solution for securing to vehicles with flush rails: the SX Vortex Flush Rail Rack System, featuring their Vortex Aero Bars that extend beyond the towers.

Usually, these flush rail roof rack crossbars come with a weight limit of 165 lbs, unless the manufacturer indicates a lower limit. Most accessories for transporting bikes, kayaks, SUPs, canoes, cargo boxes, cargo baskets, and more can all be securely attached to these crossbars.

Vehicle roofs feature a variety of fixed point styles. Certain manufacturers incorporate pre-threaded holes on the roof, typically concealed by plastic caps or plugs, often situated near the ditch moldings. Moreover, some vehicles with flush rails on the roof may incorporate a fixed point within the rail, effectively transforming it into a fixed point style instead of a flush rail configuration. Regardless of the roof's design, Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack generally provide compatible solutions for these roof styles.

Thule offers two distinct fix point crossbar options. The EVO Fix Point Roof Racks offer a choice between square bars and wingbar crossbars, both extending beyond the towers. On the flip side, for those desiring an OEM style appearance, the EVO Edge Fix Point Roof Racks provide a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the feet, exclusively featuring wingbar style crossbars.

Yakima provides two options for fix point crossbars. The Skyline Fix Point Roof Rack System offers a range of bar styles, such as round bars, steel core bars, and jetstream crossbars, all extending beyond the towers. On the other hand, the Skyline FX Fix Point Roof Rack System is designed for those aiming for an OEM-inspired appearance, featuring a flush crossbar style with no extension beyond the towers and exclusive compatibility with Yakima's jetstream-style crossbars.

Rhino-Rack offers the RCH and RCL Vortex Fix Point Rack System, equipped with their Vortex Aero Bars that extend beyond the towers.

Fixed point racks provide a reliable way to mount crossbars by directly bolting them to the roof or rails. Nonetheless, they have certain limitations because the crossbars remain in a fixed position. In contrast to raised rails and flush rails, fixed point racks have a predetermined distance between them. While this configuration doesn't hinder the transportation of kayaks or long items, it can occasionally pose an obstacle for larger cargo boxes in clearing the hatch of a wagon or SUV.

T-tracks or c-channel tracks have become less common on vehicles in recent years, but they still have relevance for certain applications. Nowadays, they are most frequently found on truck caps or campers. These tracks offer a versatile option, and Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack all provide crossbar solutions for them. Thule's 460R Podium Roof Rack System, Yakima's Skyline Roof Rack System, and Rhino-Rack's RLT600 Rack System offer a variety of crossbar styles to cater to individual preferences and needs. These crossbars can be adjusted anywhere along the length of the tracks, making them ideal for transporting various types of gear. Typically, most crossbar applications from Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack come with a weight limit of 165 lbs. However, in some cases, higher weight limits can be achieved, and these setups have no trouble accommodating items like cargo boxes, boats, bikes, and various other accessories.

In cases where there's no available off-the-shelf roof rack fit, the last resort is often a custom drilling mount, although it's a rare approach. Essentially, this process involves drilling holes into the roof of your vehicle, securing a base piece, and then attaching the crossbar system to the base. While most modern cars have rack fits from major manufacturers, when new rack designs emerge, they may not retroactively accommodate older vehicles. This is where a direct bolt-on solution becomes necessary. However, it can be a complex task since it often requires removing the headliner to locate the optimal structural point for mounting the roof rack. Nonetheless, once the rack is installed, it provides a sturdy foundation for carrying all your gear.

Rain gutter racks were the original method for securing a roof rack to a vehicle, relying on the presence of rain gutters—essentially, channels running along the roof's edge. These gutters served as a fundamental mounting point for securing the roof rack in position. While most cars manufactured from the 1990s onwards no longer feature rain gutters, there are notable exceptions, such as the Jeep Wrangler and many full-size cargo vans, and artificial rain gutter mounts are also still available. 

Among the sport-related rain gutter racks offered are the Thule 300r Gutter Low Foot Pack, Thule 387101 High Foot Pack, Thule 953101 Super High Foot Pack, Yakima 1A Towers, and Rhino-Rack RL Leg Kit. Typically, these sport-related rain gutter racks have a weight limit of 165 lbs. However, there are heavy-duty alternatives with weight limits of up to 800 lbs, primarily intended for work-related vehicles. While these heavier-duty rack systems offer an extensive range of carrying options, they may have slightly more limited compatibility with accessories.

With the exception of custom mounting setups, most of these installations are relatively straightforward as long as you exercise some patience. Typically, you'll need the crossbars, mounting towers or feet, and vehicle-specific clips, fit kits, or mounting brackets. The terminology can vary depending on the brand you choose. These three components come together to form your roof rack crossbar system. Some fits may require measurements and proper tower spacing, but all the necessary information is provided in the product's instructions. Installation times can vary based on the specific vehicle fit, but as a general guideline, it typically takes around 1 hour. You can also check our Rack Warehouse YouTube channel for installation guidance.

Before diving into the process of selecting a roof crossbar system for your vehicle, it's wise to gather some essential information. Ensure you have a good grasp of your vehicle's year, make, and model, and familiarize yourself with the type of roofline it features. This initial knowledge will significantly streamline your search. If you plan to transport items like kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, etc., it's highly beneficial to be well-versed in your gear's specifications, including weights, dimensions, and the quantity of items you'll be carrying. If your intention is to use the racks for an upcoming trip, it's advisable not to leave things to the last minute. Occasionally, products may be unavailable or on backorder, potentially causing delays. Approaching the process with a well-thought-out plan will make it much easier to determine your specific requirements.

Selecting the appropriate crossbars for your vehicle is a crucial decision. By taking into account the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed choice that suits both your vehicle and your specific requirements. Before making a purchase, it's advisable to read reviews of various crossbars to gain insight into their quality and performance. Additionally, consider your budget, as crossbars come in a price range spanning from approximately $200 to $800. When making your purchase, opt for a reputable retailer such as the Rack Warehouse to guarantee the acquisition of quality crossbars and to secure warranty coverage in case of unforeseen issues. Once you've identified the right crossbars for your vehicle, it's essential to install them correctly. Follow the provided instructions meticulously to ensure a safe and secure fit. And if you ever find yourself in need of assistance or guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to the friendly staff at the Rack Warehouse for support.