When preparing for vacation, it is common to find that there are many suitcases to carry and little space in the vehicle to take everything. This means that you have to do real juggling to be able to fit all the suitcases, becoming somewhat frustrating.
For those who do not want to suffer this every year, or if they travel frequently, a solution is to resort to the installation of a roof rack in the car.
Advantages and disadvantages of carrying a roof rack in the car
Knowing how to put roof bars in the car is necessary to be able to enjoy more space to carry all kinds of luggage. However, before explaining how to do the process, we believe it is necessary to remember some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this system.
The roof rack is an element that began as a structure of bars that is placed on the roof of the vehicle. Later it has evolved to the existence of luggage racks, which are more practical, with less freedom when storing objects, enjoying greater aerodynamics and offering greater security. The reason is that they are totally closed.
However, it must be borne in mind that the luggage rack or chest is an element that is installed on the roof rack, so the installation of the roof bars on the car must first be carried out.
The chest will be chosen in those cases in which it is going to be transported, it really fits inside the box. In any case, you should take into account the following:
- Pros: In favor of this type of item is the fact that it increases the available cargo space. However, you should keep in mind that installing roof racks does not mean that you can carry everything you want or in the way you want.
- Cons: Against plays that can affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle. However, this will depend on the object you place on top of the vehicle. This will increase fuel consumption.
Instructions to put roof bars on the car
Once we have talked about the pros and cons of installing this type of element, it is important to bear in mind that by roof rack we refer to the bars that are placed on the roof of the vehicle. Some posteriori is when trunks, chests and other solutions are installed.
That said, it is time to tell you how to put roof bars on the car step by step:
- Choose a model. In the market you can find a large number of different models, some universal roof bars and others specific to a brand and model. It is best that you take into account what you carry on the roof, since there are different options. Some are railing, which are bars raised a few centimeters from the roof, common in SUVs and off-road vehicles; integrated railing, which are the ones that do not rise from the ceiling but are similar to the previous ones; T-profile, which is less common; fixing points, which are camouflaged under flaps or sliders; and the normal roof, which is the most common and does not have a bar, rail or fixing point.
- Check the items. You must make sure that you have everything you need to be able to carry out the installation, since sometimes the pieces are purchased loose.
- Installation of the bars on the roof. This process is very simple, since once you have the chosen roof bars, what you have to do is attach the corresponding fasteners to the indicated points on the roof or structure; and then the bars to the corresponding fasteners. In the roof rack installation manual you will find all the details regarding its installation, so you will not have excessive problems when carrying out its installation.
How to place cargo on the roof rack?
Once you have done the above, you will be able to have the roof bars installed on the car, although just as important as making a good installation is the fact that you know how to place the load on the roof rack.
In this sense, you should always make sure that what is being transported is well secured, whether it is a luggage rack, a bicycle, a snowboard, packages, etc.
When loading the roof rack, you must prioritize that the largest and heaviest objects must be located at the bottom; and as far back as possible. In addition, it is preferable to distribute the entire load over the largest possible surface of the base of the roof rack. The intention of this is to ensure that the center of gravity of the car does not rise excessively.
In fact, it is preferable that the heaviest objects go in the trunk, leaving those that are lighter for the roof rack and the exterior.
