2017 Nissan Rogue Roof Rails

Let's delve into the specifics of the roof rails found on the 2017 Nissan Rogue. These rails, while seemingly simple, are crucial for expanding the cargo-carrying capabilities of your vehicle and understanding their construction, mounting, and limitations is important if you are considering adding crossbars, roof boxes, or other accessories.

Roof Rail Components and Construction

The 2017 Rogue's roof rail system typically consists of two main parallel rails running along the length of the roof, often constructed from extruded aluminum. These aren't solid bars; they're hollow to save weight while maintaining sufficient strength. The extrusion process involves forcing heated aluminum through a die, creating a consistent profile with internal reinforcing ribs for added rigidity.

The finish on these rails is usually either a painted finish or an anodized coating. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. This is more durable than paint and less prone to chipping. The specific finish may vary depending on the trim level of the 2017 Rogue.

Mounting Points and Attachment

Understanding how the roof rails are attached to the vehicle's roof is critical for safe and secure accessory mounting. The rails are typically fastened to the roof via several mounting points. These points are often hidden beneath plastic covers or caps, providing a clean and aerodynamic appearance. These covers are usually removable by prying them off carefully.

Underneath the covers, you'll find the actual fastening mechanism. This typically involves bolts or screws that thread into reinforced areas of the vehicle's roof. These reinforced areas are crucial; the roof itself is not designed to bear significant weight concentrated at single points. The reinforcement usually comes in the form of internal bulkheads or metal plates welded to the roof structure during manufacturing.

The specific type of fastener used can vary. Common types include:

Torx Head Screws: These require a Torx wrench or socket for removal and installation. They offer good resistance to stripping.
Hex Head Bolts: These are standard bolts that can be tightened with a wrench or socket.
Rivets: While less common for aftermarket removal, factory installations might involve rivets in certain areas. Removing rivets requires drilling them out, and re-riveting would need specialized tools.

It's essential to identify the type of fastener and use the correct tool to avoid damage. Stripped fasteners can be a major headache and can require specialized extraction techniques.

Weight Capacity and Load Limits

The most important aspect of roof rails is their weight capacity. Exceeding the specified load limit can lead to serious consequences, including:

Damage to the Roof: Overloading can bend or deform the roof panel.
Compromised Vehicle Handling: A high center of gravity from a heavy load can make the vehicle unstable, especially during cornering or braking.
Component Failure: The roof rails or their mounting points could fail, leading to the load detaching from the vehicle.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue's roof rail system typically has a specified weight capacity listed in the owner's manual. It is imperative to consult your owner's manual for the exact weight limit for your specific vehicle and trim level. A general guideline is that most Rogue models around that year have a load limit of around 165 lbs (75 kg). This number includes the weight of the crossbars themselves, as well as anything attached to them.

Dynamic Load vs. Static Load: It's important to differentiate between dynamic and static load. The weight capacity listed in the owner's manual refers to the dynamic load – the weight the roof rails can safely support while the vehicle is in motion. The static load, which is the weight the rails can support when the vehicle is parked, is significantly higher, but still not unlimited. Never exceed the dynamic load limit.

Adding Crossbars and Accessories

To utilize the roof rails for carrying cargo, you'll need to install crossbars. Crossbars span the distance between the two roof rails, providing a platform for attaching cargo carriers, bike racks, kayak racks, or other accessories.

When selecting crossbars, ensure they are compatible with the 2017 Nissan Rogue's roof rail design. There are two main types of crossbar attachment methods:

Wrap-Around Clamps: These crossbars have clamps that wrap around the existing roof rails and tighten securely.
Fixed-Point Mounts: Some vehicles have designated fixed mounting points on the roof rails. Crossbars designed for these systems have feet that attach directly to these points.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing crossbars. Improper installation can lead to them coming loose or damaging the roof rails.

Once the crossbars are installed, you can attach various accessories. Always ensure that the combined weight of the crossbars and the accessories, plus the cargo, does not exceed the roof's weight capacity. Equally important, make sure your load is properly secured. Use straps, ropes, or bungees to prevent items from shifting or falling off during transit. Consider using tie-down straps with a ratcheting mechanism for optimal security. Distribute weight evenly across the crossbars to prevent excessive stress on any single point.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Roof rails, while generally reliable, can experience issues over time.

Loose Mounting Bolts: Vibrations from driving can cause the mounting bolts to loosen. Periodically check the tightness of the bolts and tighten them as needed. Use a torque wrench to ensure you tighten them to the correct specification (consult a service manual or online resources).
Corrosion: In regions with harsh weather or road salt, corrosion can occur on the roof rails or mounting hardware. Inspect the rails regularly for signs of rust or corrosion. Clean any affected areas and apply a rust inhibitor or protectant.
Damaged Covers: The plastic covers over the mounting points can become brittle and crack over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. Replace damaged covers to protect the underlying hardware from the elements.

If you notice any damage to the roof rails themselves, such as bends or cracks, it's crucial to have them inspected by a professional. Damaged roof rails can compromise the safety of the entire system.

Aftermarket Options and Considerations

If you're looking to replace or upgrade your 2017 Rogue's roof rails, there are aftermarket options available. When choosing aftermarket roof rails, consider the following:

Compatibility: Ensure the aftermarket rails are specifically designed for the 2017 Nissan Rogue.
Weight Capacity: Check the weight capacity of the aftermarket rails and ensure it meets your needs.
Construction Quality: Look for rails made from durable materials with a robust mounting system.
Reviews: Read online reviews from other owners to get an idea of the quality and reliability of the aftermarket rails.

Installing aftermarket roof rails can sometimes be more involved than replacing existing ones. It may require drilling or other modifications to the vehicle's roof. If you're not comfortable performing this type of work, it's best to have the installation done by a professional.

Legal Considerations

Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding roof-mounted cargo. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on the height or width of cargo that can be carried on the roof of a vehicle. Additionally, ensure that your cargo does not obstruct your view or interfere with the vehicle's operation. Pay special attention to rear visibility if you are carrying large or bulky items.

By understanding the construction, limitations, and maintenance of your 2017 Nissan Rogue's roof rails, you can safely and effectively expand the cargo-carrying capabilities of your vehicle. Remember, safety is paramount. Always consult your owner's manual, follow manufacturer's instructions, and use common sense when loading and securing cargo on your roof rack.