How To Use Roof Rails On Suv

So, you've got roof rails on your SUV and you're looking to actually use them. Excellent! Many people treat them as purely aesthetic, but they unlock a significant amount of cargo-carrying capability. This article will delve into the nitty-gritty of understanding and utilizing your SUV's roof rails, turning you from a casual observer into a confident cargo hauler.

Purpose of Understanding Your Roof Rail System

Understanding your roof rail system isn't just about slapping on a cargo carrier and hoping for the best. It's about ensuring safety, preventing damage to your vehicle, and maximizing the utility of your investment. A solid understanding will help you:

Choose the right accessories: Knowing the rail type, load capacity, and mounting points is crucial for selecting compatible crossbars, cargo boxes, bike racks, and other accessories.
Properly install accessories: Incorrect installation can lead to damage to your vehicle's roof, the accessories themselves, or, worse, the loss of cargo while driving.
Distribute weight effectively: Even weight distribution is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing damage to the roof structure.
Diagnose and troubleshoot issues: If you encounter problems with your roof rack system, a basic understanding will help you identify the cause and find a solution.

Key Specs and Main Parts

Before you start loading up your roof, it's essential to understand the key components and specifications of your roof rail system.

Main Components:

Roof Rails: These are the longitudinal bars running along the length of your roof. They can be either flush-mounted (close to the roof) or raised (with a gap between the rail and the roof).
Crossbars: These bars attach to the roof rails, running across the width of the vehicle. They provide the actual support surface for cargo and accessories.
Mounting Hardware: This includes bolts, clamps, and other fasteners used to secure the crossbars to the roof rails. The type of hardware varies depending on the design of the rails and crossbars.
End Caps: These are typically plastic or rubber pieces that cover the ends of the roof rails to protect them from the elements and provide a more finished look.

Key Specifications:

Load Capacity: This is the maximum weight your roof rail system can safely carry. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific load capacity. Exceeding the load capacity can damage the roof structure and compromise safety.
Rail Type: Understanding whether you have flush-mounted or raised rails is crucial for selecting compatible crossbars. Flush-mounted rails often require specific attachment mechanisms.
Rail Material: Roof rails are typically made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lighter and more resistant to corrosion, while steel is stronger and more durable.
Crossbar Length: The length of the crossbars should be appropriate for the width of your vehicle's roof. They should extend slightly beyond the rails to provide adequate support.
Crossbar Profile: Crossbars come in various profiles, such as square, round, or aerodynamic. Aerodynamic profiles reduce wind noise and drag, improving fuel economy.

How It Works

The fundamental principle is simple: the roof rails provide a secure attachment point for the crossbars, which in turn create a stable platform for carrying cargo. However, the details of how this works can vary depending on the type of roof rail system.

Raised Rails: Raised rails typically have a gap between the rail and the roof, allowing for easy attachment of crossbars. Most crossbars for raised rails use clamps that wrap around the rail and tighten with bolts or levers. The clamps distribute the load evenly across the rail, ensuring a secure and stable connection.

Flush-Mounted Rails: Flush-mounted rails are more streamlined and integrated into the roof design. They often have specific attachment points or channels where crossbars can be mounted. Crossbars for flush-mounted rails usually require specialized mounting feet that fit into these attachment points. These feet are often adjustable to accommodate different crossbar lengths and vehicle roof shapes.

Weight Distribution: Regardless of the rail type, proper weight distribution is paramount. Place heavier items closer to the center of the vehicle's roof and distribute the load evenly across the crossbars. Avoid concentrating weight on one side of the roof, as this can affect handling and stability.

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a good understanding of your roof rail system, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and troubleshooting tips:

Rattling or Whistling: This is often caused by wind passing through gaps in the crossbars or accessories. Try adjusting the position of the crossbars or adding a fairing (wind deflector) to the front of the rack.
Loose Mounting Hardware: Regularly check the tightness of the bolts and clamps that secure the crossbars to the roof rails. Loose hardware can lead to instability and potentially damage the roof or cargo.
Incompatible Accessories: Before purchasing any accessories, ensure they are compatible with your roof rail system. Check the manufacturer's specifications and read reviews from other users.
Difficulty Attaching Crossbars: If you're having trouble attaching the crossbars, double-check the instructions and ensure you're using the correct mounting hardware. Sometimes, a small adjustment to the position of the feet or clamps can make a big difference.
Damage to Roof Rails: Inspect the roof rails regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or corrosion. If you notice any damage, have the rails inspected by a professional.

Safety – Highlight Risky Components

Working with roof rails involves some inherent risks. Here are a few key safety considerations:

Overloading: Exceeding the load capacity is the most significant risk. Always check your owner's manual and the specifications of your roof rack system. Overloading can damage the roof structure, compromise vehicle stability, and lead to accidents.
Improper Installation: Incorrectly installed crossbars or accessories can come loose while driving, posing a serious hazard to yourself and other motorists. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and double-check all connections before hitting the road.
Sharp Edges: Be careful when handling the roof rails and crossbars, as they may have sharp edges. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Working at Height: Working on the roof of your vehicle can be dangerous. Use a stable ladder or platform and avoid working alone. Be mindful of your surroundings and watch out for overhead obstacles.
Weather Conditions: Avoid working on your roof rack system in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or strong winds.

Specifically, pay close attention to the mounting hardware. Cheap or poorly designed mounting hardware can fail under stress. Invest in high-quality hardware from reputable manufacturers to ensure a secure and reliable connection. Additionally, constantly monitor the hardware for corrosion, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather. Replace any corroded hardware immediately.

Remember to double-check that all mounting hardware is securely tightened *before* each trip. A simple visual inspection can prevent catastrophic failures.

Finally, consider the increased height of your vehicle when carrying cargo on the roof. Be mindful of low-hanging obstacles, such as bridges, tunnels, and parking garage entrances.

We have a detailed diagram of a common roof rail system readily available for download. This diagram provides a visual representation of the various components and how they fit together. Use this diagram in conjunction with this article and your vehicle's owner's manual to fully understand your specific system.