The roof rack is an optional accessory in which you can carry your belongings. It is fixed on the roof and used on long journeys when the bags no longer fit into the trunk. In this article we will tell you how to choose a toyota rav4 roof racks and what accessories to buy additionally.
Do not confuse roof rack with trunk
The roof rack is a versatile removable storage device that is attached to the car before traveling. It is often mistakenly called the trunk, although in its design the roof rack looks more like a plastic soap dish with the fasteners that are included in the kit. The roof rack is usually installed on special transverse arches with stops, they are chosen for a specific RAV4 model.
Allocate a budget to buy a roof rack for Toyota RAV4
The price range for the purchase of an roof rack can vary from 100$ to 3000$, but we do not recommend choosing the most budget models under 300$. Most often these are roof rack of poor quality that can crack or open at high speed and ruin the ride.
If you plan to actively use the roof rack, the optimal price-quality ratio is in the range of 300$ - 800$.
Determine the dimensions and volume
The size of the car roof is not important when choosing a roof rack - it can protrude above the windshield without interfering with the view. It is more important to consider the size and capacity of the roof rack itself. As a rule, the optimal roof rack parameters are 195 cm with a volume of 430-520 liters. Models with such parameters hold a lot of luggage and do not significantly affect the speed of the car and do not make noise during the trip.
The roof rack design is universal, but some nuances should be taken into account. For owners of three-door and five-door cars, it is important to make sure that the roof rack does not interfere with opening the rear door. The "nose" of the roof rack, which may hang over the windshield, does not affect the view, however, it can cause visual discomfort - in this case, it is better to take the smaller version.
So that everything suits you on the road, we recommend buying a roof rack after preliminary fitting on the car. This service is usually free in specialized stores.
Estimate strength and load capacity
The strength of the roof rack is determined by the thickness of the ABS plastic from which it is made, and the presence of stiffening ribs. Reputable manufacturers conduct crash tests on a regular basis and demonstrate that this product is, in principle, difficult to damage if used for its intended purpose. The reinforced bottom roof rack is something to really look out for, especially for those with low roof racks. This design will save the roof of the car from deformation when driving on uneven areas or off-road. Some manufacturers immediately equip roof rack with special metal amplifiers, others can be ordered separately.
Car owners often cannot choose the load capacity of the roof rack. The standard for most models is 50-75 kg, but some manufacturers claim up to 90 kg. It is important to remember that the maximum permissible load on the roof of a car is 75-100 kg, and if the load is heavier, the roof may deform. If we take into account the weight of the trunk (about 10 kg) and the weight of the autobox (12-18 kg), it becomes obvious that the roof rack can hold more than it is generally allowed to carry on the roof.
Most roof rack have a streamlined aerodynamic shape. It reduces resistance when driving a car and has almost no effect on speed, unlike a load that is simply attached to the trunk. In addition, it is more convenient to transport small things in such a roof rack.
Decide where to place
Most often, fixed on the roof rack Toyota RAV4. It is simpler and more budgetary, although it imposes some restrictions on the driving speed and the height of the openings at the entrance, for example, to covered parking lots and garages.
There is an option for placing on a towbar - a towing device. This method is not common for several reasons. It seems that fastening the box at the level of the passenger compartment is much more convenient: you do not need to reach for the roof to stow your luggage. But in fact, the towbar box increases the vehicle's dimensions by more than 50 cm and often complicates parking in shallow pockets.
Towbar boxes are expensive. Of these, the most common are the Thule and Menabo models, prices for which start at 500$. Also, to attach the box to the towbar, you need a special cargo platform or bike rack - you can add at least 500$ to the total cost of the structure. In addition, a duplicate license plate will need to be installed on this platform.
Explore the type of fastening, opening and locks
There are many roof rack mounting options, they are divided into two main subgroups. The first one is U-shaped brackets with "lambs", which are used in budget roof rack. The second is crab clamps, which are more common. The second option is easier to install.
There are also original solutions such as QuickDock - mounting in the T-slot of the trunk, as in Whispbar and QuickFixing boxes. There is a semblance of a metal clamping "foot" at the Menabo.
Almost all modern roof rack are equipped with a two-way opening system, which is convenient for both the driver and passengers. At the same time, there are still early models with a one-sided opening system - you should pay attention to this nuance when buying.
It is better to choose locks on roof rack with a three-point locking system - in them, with one turn of the key, they are locked in three places. Models with two-point fixation are also quite good. Note that the locks of autoboxes reliably protect from random passers-by, but they will not save you when trying to professional burglary, so you should not lose your vigilance.
Choose the color and design of the box
When choosing an roof racks for toyota rav4, design and color are important - they must be in harmony with the car. Some of the most stylish and original products are Swedish THULE, Japanese INNO, Dutch HAPRO.
The most popular roof rack colors are black, white and gray. They look versatile and aesthetically pleasing with any finish: glossy, matte or textured. Original colors are popular with many car enthusiasts: red, blue and khaki. And some manufacturers can paint the finished box in the body color or develop an individual sticker.
Find a storage case and optional accessories
Some car owners use the Toyota roof racks RAV4 for business purposes: for the daily transportation of goods. However, more often it is needed only for travels once or twice a year, and the rest of the time it is stored. In order for the roof rack to retain its presentable appearance and quality, it is better to think over the options for storing it in advance.
Almost all manufacturers offer covers that will protect the box from scratches and fading. To keep the box in the room suspended from the ceiling, lifting devices are used - similar to devices for storing boats and skis. There are also mounts for vertical or horizontal storage of the box on the wall.
The order inside the roof rack is provided by special rugs that prevent things from sliding along the bottom and reduce noise when the car is moving. Rugs are made from textiles, rubber or sevilen (EVA).
It is convenient to pack things and small cargo in special bags. Usually four bags are placed in one box: three main and one bow, which, thanks to a special shape, fits into a narrower "nose". The products are universal: they are convenient to use outside the box as well - just like ordinary travel bags.
