The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Different Types of Car Racks

Roof Racks

Roof racks are one of the most common and versatile types of car racks. They sit directly on top of your vehicle's roof and allow you to securely attach various accessories like roof boxes, bike carriers, ski racks and kayak holders. There are a few key types of roof racks to be aware of

Roof rails are the strips that attach directly to your vehicle's roof providing anchor points to attach crossbars. Most vehicles come pre-fitted with roof rails from the factory. If your vehicle does not have roof rails pre-installed you can purchase roof rail kits to add them.</p>

Roof bars or crossbars are the pieces that sit directly on top of the roof rails and provide the flat loading platform space to attach accessories. They come in different lengths to accommodate various car sizes and models. It's important to purchase roof bars designed specifically for your vehicle's make, model and roof rail dimensions.

Hitch Mounted Racks

For those who don't want to clutter up their roof with bulky accessories, a hitch mounted rack provides a versatile solution. Meant to hook directly into your vehicle's rear tow hitch receiver, these racks extend either horizontally or vertically out from the rear of your vehicle. This makes them ideal for transporting bikes, kayaks, skis and general cargo safely away from your paintwork.

Linear style Car Racks feature horizontal bars that reach out from the hitch providing a flat loading surface. They are great for positioning multiple bicycles side by side. Upright or vertical style racks have bike holders, cradles or swing-away arms that lift accessories high off the ground in a more aerodynamic setup. Both come in adjustable height variations to suit most vehicle types.

Trunk Mounted and Hitch Platform Car Racks

For those who want quick access cargo space without roof clutter or a hitch installation, trunk mounted and hitch platform racks provide a sleek low profile solution. Trunk mounted designs attach securely to your rear gate or trunk lid, adding a flat loading surface area without obstructing tailgate access.

Hitch platform racks are more like portable tray additions that mount directly to your receiver hitch. They provide a low-level loading deck perfect for transporting light gear, grocery bags or small cargo securely and conveniently within arm's reach of the rear of your vehicle.

In-Bed and Side mounted Car Racks

If you drive a truck, van or SUV with exposed bed sides or space along the body, in-bed and side mounted racks are ideal for maximizing cargo carrying potential. Sliding carriage style racks fit directly into pickup truck beds and can usually handle very heavy loads thanks to rolling wheels and reinforced construction. L-track systems attach securely along bed sides and roofs via tracks, allowing versatile placement of accessories as needed.

Side mounted racks take advantage of open body side areas on trucks, vans and larger SUVs. Designed to clamp or bolt securely to reinforce areas they can hold rooftop tents, cargo boxes, ladders and more straight out from the vehicle rather than on top. This keeps loads lower and more protected than traditional roof setups.

the right car rack is dependent on your vehicle type as well as the intended applications. Roof, hitch, in-bed and side racks each provide advantages across different hauling scenarios. Understand your needs and vehicle's capabilities to select the optimal solution for carrying bikes, watercraft, gear or whatever cargo you need to transport reliably.

 

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

 

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