Is this a familiar scenario? Your camping gear is set out for the perfect weekend of adventure travel. But then you realize that your vehicle doesn’s have enough room for all your stuff. The obvious place to pack it is on the roof of your car, truck, or SUV—but you’ll need the right type of roof rack to make it happen.
We like roof baskets and platforms because they are often more affordable and versatile than closed rooftop cargo carriers. Also, a rack-mounted platform provides countless opportunities to add accessories, including lights, tents, or a spot for a spare tire.
Meanwhile, enclosed roof boxes better protect your gear from the elements and are lockable. However, they just can’t haul as much as stuff.
A Thule basket usually comes with all the necessary mounts.
Bountiful Roof Baskets
Do you want to haul totes, duffle bags, or even firewood on your roof? Then a roof basket might be the best type of roof rack for you.
Aftermarket companies like Yakima, Thule, and BajaRack offer rooftop baskets with rigid vertical sides to keep gear in place.
When the roof basket is in place, just strap or bungee cord your cargo securely inside the basket—and you’re on your way.
This type of roof rack is typically made from powder-coated steel. Roof baskets offer various sizes and styles to suit many different needs. Roof baskets for cars either mount to factory or aftermarket crossbars or could affix to your vehicle’s side if you have gutter mounts. Some of them use a tower design that raises the basket away from the roof.
Tip: Check the roof basket’s mounting instructions to make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Fitment kits might be sold separately.
Plentiful Platform Racks
Rhino-Rack platform
If you’re a minimalist and want to keep your vehicle’s profile low and slim, then a platform rack may the right type of roof rack. Flat platform roof racks minimize wind noise and drag at highway speeds. They maintain a modern look to your vehicle—especially when you’re back home and not hauling anything.
Roof-platform racks are usually made of aluminum or steel. As with basket designs, roof platform racks either mount to crossbars or affix to your vehicle’s side. Each manufacturer has a different mounting system. So, it’s important to confirm how it mounts and if it’s compatible with your adventure rig before finalizing a purchase.
Crossbars and Side Rails for All Types of Roof Racks
Crossbars as seen on a Subaru Crosstrek
Most adventure vehicles have factory side rails—or a combination of side rails and crossbars to mount all types of roof racks.
If your ride doesn’t have these rails, you should be able to mount aftermarket crossbars directly into a vehicle’s mounting points. Some vehicles have rain gutters that can be used as mounts. They are sometimes called “drip rails.”
If your vehicle has factory-supplied side rails and crossbars already installed, check your owner’s manual to find the weight rating. This will dictate how much gear (including the roof basket or platform rack’s extra weight) you can safely pack without exceeding your roof’s static or rolling weight limit.
Don’t worry if your vehicle doesn’t have pre-installed side rails or crossbars. There’s usually a workable solution. It just takes a little research to determine a mounting strategy for your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Types of Roof-Rack Accessories
Roof platforms can add a long list of possible accessories.
Installing a roof rack or basket creates adventure options not previously possible.
Roof-rack manufacturers offer all kinds of useful accessories. The list includes ways to attach shovels, jacks, and spare tires. There can be mounts for awnings and tents as well. And some providers also sell water-proof luggage, heavy-duty ladders, lighting solutions, or other cool adventure gear.
See Car & Truck Roof Baskets for sale on eBay.
