2024 Roof Rack Buyer's Guide

Well, well, well. It seems as though a hearty congratulations is in order. You’ve done it. Worked yourself ragged. Saved the money. Signed up for all the message boards. Told all your friends - there’s no going back now. Your partner is still, no doubt, reeling over this new found obsession with “… driving over rocks and stumps…” as they so disparagingly attempt to define your new lifestyle. That’s okay. They’ll adjust. You’re not crazy*.

*Edit: Neither the author, nor Main Line Overland is qualified to evaluate just how crazy you may or may not be.

Vehicle: Delivered. Now, what? Well, while impulsively throwing money at any worthwhile torrid love affair will give you that sweeeeet sweet dopamine fix we all know and love, we suggest you step back for a moment. Take a breath. Have a Zima. Much like that career development counselor you ignored in high school, we suggest you briefly muzzle your impetuous side and seriously consider where you see you and your vehicle in two years. Five years. Perhaps ten?

Just like any other personal interest, your easily excitable impulsiveness will fight your grounded sense of reason until you control yourself, or embrace a hobby of a slower nature - like crafting… and crocheting.  Everyone needs a winter scarf.

Now that your jets are cooled. Consider how you intend to use the vehicle and what gear you’ll need to carry with you. The fact of the matter is, you will need to carry essential items on the exterior of your vehicle. Period. Enter the roof rack. Whether placed above a vehicle cabin or a truck bed, mounting location will depend on you, your needs as an overlander, and your vehicle’s limitations. What will you carry? Bikes? Canoes? Storage cases? It’s a dark world out there. Do you need more lights? Whatever you do, make sure the model you select either universally supports the attachments you’ll require for your accessories, or options them. That way you won’t run into compatibility issues and accessory limitations.

 

 

MLO ROOF RACK WISDOM 

You won’t get away from the standard laser cut, powder coated aluminum construction these days, but just be thankful that’s one less decision to make. Boasting strength and durability, roof racks of this design often support and exceeded the weight limitations of most vehicles. 

MLO: Confirm your cabin roof or mounted structure weight limitations. Don’t be bamboozled by racks that can support “3000 POUNDS.” Hard truth - your roof can’t. Unless you want to fall prey to Darwinism and end up on the late night news, do your homework here.

Speaking of load capacity - What are Static Vs. Dynamic load ratings?

MLO: Static is the stationary load rating, while dynamic load ratings, typically much lower, reflect limitations in motion.

How easy are roof racks to install?

MLO: Installation depends on your vehicle and the rack itself. Some vehicles accept racks that bolt on directly - easy right? Some, unfortunately require drilling into the roof itself. Don’t be scared. This isn’t a dealbreaker. Techs like ours have both the training and experience required to keep this type of install, simple, quick, and strong.

Just how easy is it to mount a roof top tent and awning to my new roof rack?

MLO: So much easier if your gear utilizes quick release brackets, my friend. 

My vehicle has a sunroof. I guess that means I can’t mount cool tents and gear to my vehicle.

MLO: Oh my. Wrong again. While some full sized racks do allow for a fully functional moon or sun roof, a 3/4 rack might also suit your needs. 

Will my roof rack cause a lot of noise/turbulence?

MLO: Oh yes, absolutely. They’re not very aerodynamic - though they try to be. Two suggestions: Make sure your roof rack comes ready to fly with a deflective wind fairing, and you try to be a bit reasonable. It won’t be perfect. 

T-Tracks? What?

MLO: Holster your confusion, future adventurer. The majority of roof rack systems that we like employ a (relatively) universal T-Track mounting system along the crossbars. Depending on the accessories you intend to mount, many of which accept T-Track mounting hardware. Try to stay away from those that don’t. Your options become very limited during a time when you should be exploring all possible options and dynamics available to you.