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Crash Course:

A roof rack is a versatile attachment that allows you to safely transport bikes, skis, and kayaks with your car.

You don’t need to hire an expert to install a roof rack, but you may want the help of a second person. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour installing a roof rack.

If you don’t plan to use your roof rack for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to remove it temporarily so it doesn’t deteriorate.

Installing a roof rack sounds like an easy job, but this isn’t always the case. The instructions you get with your roof rack can often range from poorly written to downright confusing. 

While the exact installation process will vary depending on your particular vehicle and style of roof rack, the process is quite similar between products.

This guide offers a basic overview of roof rack installation from an Automoblog expert who has installed dozens of them. Our experience and expertise will help you understand the basic steps required. Then, all that’s left is to choose from one of our best roof racks and start installing.

What Is a Roof Rack?

The term “roof rack” can refer to a number of different vehicle accessories. Broadly, a roof rack is a cargo carrier you install on top of your vehicle to help transport cargo bags, luggage, or sports equipment. The most common types of roof racks include:

Cargo basket

Cargo box

Ski rack

Kayak rack

Bike rack

“Roof rack” can also refer to the crossbars on top of your vehicle that connect storage racks.

Roof Rack Installation: Step-By-Step

While specific installation directions differ from rack to rack, in most cases, you will follow these basic steps:

Assess and prepare vehicle

Install crossbars, if necessary

Assemble roof rack

Hoist roof rack above vehicle

Attach roof rack

Check stability

Most roof racks come with an Allen wrench, which is often the only tool you’ll need to assemble and install the roof rack. However, you might also consider having the following on hand:

Extra Allen wrenches: If you’re working with another person, the assembly can proceed faster if you’re both able to connect parts simultaneously.

Stool or ladder: If you’re tall enough, you can access the roof of your car without any height assistance. Otherwise, you may want a stool or ladder to reach over your car.

Microfiber cloth and cleaning solution: It’s a good idea to wipe down your roof and side rails before installing a roof rack.

1. Assess and Prepare Vehicle

To install almost any roof rack, you will need to have roof rack crossbars on your vehicle. Most roof racks connect to these raised rails.

If your vehicle has a bare roof, you’ll need to install crossbars. If your vehicle already has crossbars, you can move on to Step 3. In either case, it’s a good idea to wipe down your roof to clear away dirt and debris before proceeding to the following steps.

2. Install Crossbars

There are two means to install crossbars on your vehicle: permanent installation or clamp-style.

If you want to permanently install crossbars, we recommend you take your vehicle to a dealership to have them professionally installed. Even if you plan to perform a DIY installation, it’s a good idea to purchase the installation kit from a dealership so that you get the best crossbars for your specific vehicle.

Clamp-on crossbars are compatible with a range of vehicles and can be installed at home.

3. Assemble Roof Rack

Some roof racks are fully assembled, while others must be put together before you attach them to your roof. If your rack needs assembly, follow the included installation guide to fully assemble your roof rack on the ground. If you can put together Ikea furniture, you can likely handle assembling a roof rack.

4. Hoist Roof Rack Above Vehicle

Once it’s all put together, lift the roof rack on top of your crossbars. Depending on the size of this rack and your capabilities, you may need another person for assistance.

5. Attach Roof Rack

Once the roof rack is aligned with your crossbars, you’ll connect it. Each roof rack will have a different system for doing so, as described in the owner’s manual. Some have clamps that you tighten by hand, while others may require tightening screws or other fasteners.

6. Check Stability

Once you think the roof rack is secure, try wiggling and shaking it to ensure it won’t fly free on the highway.

Roof Racks We Recommend

The best roof rack for you depends on what your needs are and what type of vehicle you’re installing it on. For example, do you need to transport a snowboard, a kayak, or several cargo boxes? Are you installing on a Toyota Tacoma, a Nissan Pathfinder, or a Subaru Forester?

In general, the brands Yakima, Thule, and Rhino Rack make some heavy-duty, reliable roof racks for a variety of needs, though there are plenty of other reliable roof rack options out there as well. Specifically, we recommend the Yakima Highroad Bike Rack, Yakima FreshTrack Ski Rack, and Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack.

Expert Advice on Roof Racks

Our review team had a chance to talk with Garrett Barnum, a director at Yakima Products. He said that it’s important to make sure your rack is compatible with what you plan to carry.

“You need to pay attention to the weight rating or the rack weight rating of bikes when you get into heavier bikes,” he said. “Most traditional bikes, they’re less than 40 pounds and that used to be the standard, but now it’s pushed up to 70 in some cases.”

Barnum also stressed the importance of maintaining your roof rack for longevity. You can leave your roof rack attached to your vehicle, but the elements will wear it down over time. It’s a good idea to remove your roof rack when you aren’t using it for a long period of time, especially if you live somewhere with a lot of snow and salt.

Roof Rack Installation: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about roof rack installation:

Original article: Roof Rack Installation: How-To Guide