I’ll be quite open about the fact that nothing makes less sense to me than someone driving around with an empty roof rack. There are quite literally no benefits to doing so other than ‘well, it looks cooler,’ and with how much fuel economy mine costs me, that’s just not worth it.
However, if you’ve got one, and you do want to use it, there’s no better time to get serious about your rack usage than right before that summer vacation or bachelor trip with your best buddies. As someone who’s attempting to plan a bachelor’s trip as we speak, trust me, mine will be doing a lot oflifting.
But what you do use your roof rack for depends entirely on your destination and plans when you get there, and these five gadgets should cover every base for everytrip, whether it’s along road tripor a daily commute.
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1The tried and true bike rack
Whether you’re an avid rider or just a beginner, this is a must-have for those beach trips
One of the biggest detractors that I hear from those who don’t actually own a roof rack is the fact that the accessories are hard to store when they aren’t in use, as they’re usually large gadgets. The good news with most bike racks is that this is not the case, and as someone with limited storage space, I would only recommend you options that I’ve found to stow away easily and comfortably.
The good news is that the sentence applies to just about every bike rack out there. They’re not cumbersome or seemingly in the way all the time when not in use, and they instantly enhance any beach trip you might take with the family otherwise. Additionally, for the hardcore trail rider, the bike rack should already be a staple in your arsenal, whether it’s ahitch-mounted apparatusor on the roof, hence it being the first recommendation on the list.
I recommend Yakima products to most of my friends, as they make the extra effort to ensure that no part of the apparatus comes into contact with the paintwork or body of the car.
Yakima Highroad Bike Rack
Make sure that whatever accessory you’re buying is supported by your roof rack not only by dimensions, but also by the weight which your roof rack is rated for. Not all roof racks are created equal, after all.
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2Fishing rod holder
For the responsible outdoorsy person with an SUV
When I first traded in my truck for an SUV, one of the first snags I ran into what where in the world to put my rods and reels for fishing trips. I fish mostly rivers and lakes, so my equipment isn’t the largest in the world, but I needed something that could hold a decent-sized rod that would allow me to reel in catfish and other larger species with no trouble. My only problem was figuring out where to put it. Enter, again, Yakima, with theReelDeal fishing rod mount.
Yakima ReelDeal Fishing Rod Carrier
Free up space to bring more friends on your next fishing trip by stowing up to 8 fishing rods on your roof. Rubber cushioned grips clamp your poles in place, keeping them organized and out of the way on your trip to your favorite fishing spot.
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3Roll-up cargo carrier
Where can you put a big, plastic tub that isn’t in the way? Roll-up is the way to go
The traditional cargo carrier is large, typically made of ugly, cheap plastic, and is a nightmare to stow. Even if you purchased a lower-profile option, it still takes up serious real estate on the garage wall, which is just about the only sensible place to store one.
Sizing is a bit different with cloth cargo carriers, and while they do typically ride on the roof of the car itself, most will come with a paint protective mat so the carrier itself isn’t scuffing any glass or roof paint.
Instead, a roll-up cargo carrier, made from heavier-duty cloth, can stow just as much as the alternative and stow away in something so small as a closet floor or a garage cabinet. They’re great for cross-country trips or longer stays, and with the technological advances in the waterproofing of cloth fibers nowadays, they even make for a great all-weather option.
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4Retractable awning
The shade is always a perfect place to hang out either on or off-road
For those who are looking for a more serious off-roading or overlanding experience, the best first attachment for your roof rack is going to be a retractable awning. I don’t think anyone out there would recommend an overnight trip as your first overlanding excursion, which is why an awning makes infinitely more sense than a tent for a first purchase.
That’s not to say the massive number of innovative tent designs out there is a bad thing, but if you’re a casual off-roader looking for a comfortable place to sit with some friends and enjoy the scenery, a good retractable awning will keep you looking and feeling like the coolest guy in your four-wheel club. Personally, I’ve heard solid reviews ofROAM Adventure Co. awnings, but as with many car modifications, make and model do play a factor, so be sure to research for your specific fit.
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5Rooftop tent
There’s no debate – this is the coolest way to use your roof rack by a mile, but also the most expensive
By and large, most would agree that a rooftop tent is the most transformative accessory you can buy for your roof rack system. It can take any car from a boring daily driver with an extra piece of hardware to a utilitarian workhorse, especially if you own anything from a compact to a large SUV or pickup truck.
I truly can’t think of anything better than waking up in the morning, looking out my rooftop tent at the sunrise, and then hopping in my mostly-still-economical Volkswagen and heading home for the weekend. When it comes to making sure you get the most out of your roof rack, these five accessories can ensure that, no matter the task, you’re equipped for the job at all times.
