Types of Roof Racks
Roof racks come in all shapes and sizes — there are as many kinds of roof racks as there are things to carry! With a roof rack, carrying sporting equipment, camping gear, or some extra luggage is simple and easy. A well-made roof rack will be a trusted accessory for your INFINITI for years to come.
In most cases, roof racks will differ based on what they're meant to carry. Most commonly, roof racks are built to accommodate various sporting equipment, including bicycles, kayaks, or skis. Oftentimes roof racks are also used to haul cargo boxes full of gear, such as water, fuel, tents, and so on, or oversized tools and supplies like ladders or lumber. The best roof rack is one that can be used for a variety of activities. Some roof racks even come with modular parts that can be swapped out according to your needs. Below are a few different types of roof racks you can get.
Rooftop Bike Rack
A bike rack on your roof means you don't have to take your bike apart just to fit it inside your car. Plus, you maintain full access to your trunk or cargo space.
Roof bike racks typically come in two varieties: upright and fork-mount. A fork-mount bike rack sacrifices a bit of convenience for stability by requiring you to remove the front wheel to attach the rack to the front bike fork. In contrast, an upright mount conveniently keeps the front wheel attached, but as a result has less stability and stands taller on your roof.
Kayak & Canoe Rack
Kayak and canoe racks use two crossbar cradles to secure your equipment at an angle on your roof. Two more straps at the stern and bow of the kayak are then used to tie it down to the rear and front of your vehicle for maximum stability.
Surfboard & Paddleboard Rack
Surfboard and paddleboard racks are designed to lay your boards flat across both crossbars. Many also come with padding on the crossbars to protect the boards from damage. Some racks allow you to stack multiple boards on top of one another for efficient transport.
Ski & Snowboard Rack
Ski and snowboard roof racks are typically hinged so you can place the skis or boards inside and securely clamp them down. Keep in mind how many skis and snowboards you are trying to transport so you don't run out of space.
Cargo Box
Cargo boxes are a great way to carry extra gear that doesn't fit in your car or various loose items you want to keep together. Cargo boxes are typically made of hardened plastic and come in a variety of sizes. Most are lockable and feature easy-to-open hinges.
Cargo Basket
A cargo basket is different from a cargo box in that it is not a closed container. An open cargo basket is useful because it allows you to carry larger items that otherwise wouldn't fit inside a cargo box. Plus, its metal basket frame allows those items to be tied down securely instead of sitting loosely in a box.
Types of Car Roofs
The type of roof rack best suited for your INFINITI will also depend on the type of roof your car has. Many SUVs and hatchbacks come with factory-installed side rails on the roof, while other vehicles simply have tracks on top or nothing at all. Here are the most common types of car roofs:
- Naked Roof: A bare roof with no designated attachment points.
- Fixed Points: Four mounting points built into the roof at each corner, usually hidden by a cover.
- Side Rails (Raised & Flush): Two rails that run parallel to the car doors, either raised slightly off the roof or flush against it.
- Tracks: Two metal tracks or slots that run the length of the roof, parallel to the car doors.
- Gutters: A metal ridge that runs along the top of the car's doors as a rain gutter, commonly found on older vehicles and commercial vans.
While some roof types, such as side rails and tracks, make installing roof racks simpler, there are roof rack options that function with each type of roof. Consider an aftermarket installation of side rails or tracks to increase the variety of roof racks available to you.
No matter your roof type, all roof rack systems use the same base components, including:
- Fit Kit (for vehicles with bare roofs): Custom-fit for your INFINITI, a fit kit secures the feet of your rack system to the roof of your car.
- Towers or Feet: Each foot sits at one of four corners on the vehicle's roof and connects to side rails or fixed points. The rack feet provide mounting points for the crossbars.
- Crossbars: Parallel bars that run across the roof (perpendicular to the side rails), used for mounting any gear or accessories you want to haul.
- Lock Cores or Cylinders: Locking mechanism built into each foot to secure the roof rack and equipment to your car and prevent theft.
How to Choose a Roof Rack
1. Determine Roof Type
Take a look at your INFINITI or check your owner's manual to determine what type of roof it has. Is it naked? Does it have side rails or gutters? The type of roof you have will determine what kinds of roof racks can be mounted to your car — and if your roof rack will need a fit kit or not.
2. Determine Roof Weight Limit
Every car has a specific weight limit on what its roof can hold. Check your owner's manual for your car roof's weight limit. Then, total up (or estimate) the weight of the gear you would like to haul with your roof rack, including the weight of any potential racks you choose. Make sure not to exceed the weight limit specified in your owner's manual.
3. Measure Roof for Crossbars
You'll want to make a few measurements to ensure the crossbars for your roof rack system will fit properly. First, measure the width of your car's roof at the front as well as the rear if different. If your car has roof side rails, be sure to measure the distance between the inside, middle, and outside of the rails since many cross bars mount to the rails at different points.
The longer the crossbars you get, the more equipment you will be able to carry — so long as everything falls under the weight limit for your car's roof and the weight capacity of the rack itself.
4. Consider Uses for Your Roof Rack
Consider what kinds of activities you will use your roof rack for. Most people will benefit from a roof rack that can handle a variety of uses, such as one that allows you to easily exchange accessories like bike mounts and kayak cradles. If you don't plan on using your roof rack often, consider a rack that is easily removed and stored when not in use.
5. Consider Specifications & Preferences
Roof racks come in a wide range of styles and specifications. Crossbars in particular are available in a variety of materials such as plastic, steel, and aluminum. Consider what kind of specifications are important to you — including weight, low profile, strength and durability, accessory compatibility, price, and so on — before making your final decision.
6. Choose Your Roof Rack
Once you've done all of the above, it's time to make a decision. When it comes to an investment you'll use for years, consider the quality of any roof rack before purchasing. Browse online for INFINITI-made roof racks designed to perfectly fit your INFINITI model.