The content of the article:
- Varieties of external luggage racks
- Installing the base rack
- Autobox
- Bicycle mount
- Installing a rack for skis and snowboards
- Cargo basket
- Recommendations before installing the trunk
From time to time, every motorist has a need to transport oversized cargo that cannot be placed either in the car's interior or in the trunk.
Bicycles, fishing tackle, building materials can turn out to be such a load - this list can be continued endlessly, but the problem does not change from this: where to put all this stuff? Not on the roof to transport it ... Although ... Why not?
Many drivers do this by installing a special roof rack on the roof of the car, which will be discussed in this article.
Varieties of external luggage racks
Basic trunk. Designed for the transportation of oversized cargo, and at the same time is the basis for additional structures, which are also used as roof racks. The basic rack contains two crossbars made in the form of arcs, as well as four stops. The stops are fixed to the edges of the car roof. In some models, they are attached to doorways, in others - to roof rails. For fastening such a rack, special parts can be used - whales. The basic rack can be purchased as one set or separately in parts.
Boxing. This is a kind of additional container that is installed on the base rack. The box is intended for the transportation of goods of different dimensions. Provides high reliability and protection from natural precipitation. Made from durable plastic. The streamlined shape is aimed at reducing air friction, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Bicycle rack. This type of rack belongs to specialized products and is intended for transporting bicycles. By its design features, it differs significantly from other trunks. The mountings of such a rack securely fix the transported items, preventing them from falling.
Rack for skis and snowboards. This is the most convenient, inexpensive and very comfortable way to transport snowboards and skis.
Cargo basket. Another attachment that fits on the base rack. As a rule, a cargo basket is used when it is necessary to transport certain goods that it is undesirable to put in the inner trunk, on the arches of the base trunk, in the car interior. Some building materials, large bags, wheels, etc. can be such a load.
Installing the base rack
To begin with, we install the transverse support of the trunk on the roof. These supports can be fixed either to the roof rails or to the grooves of the door seals. To securely fasten the transverse supports, you need to remove the adjusting handle from them and, turning it to the right, firmly fix the support bracket in its original place. This operation must be repeated with all the remaining three supports. In some models of roof racks, the junction of the support and the cross member is closed with a special lock. At the end of the work, measure the distances between the cross members along the entire length - they should be parallel.
Attention: when attaching the trunk to the doorway, make sure that the rubber stop does not move, otherwise the support may scratch the body.
Autobox
Autobox is a good choice as a roof rack for a car. Due to its location, volume, streamlining and tightness, it:
- does not reduce the aerodynamic qualities of the car;
- expands the cargo capacity several times compared to the inner luggage compartment;
- reliably protects the cargo from dirt, dust and moisture;
- ensures the availability of baggage.
Almost any car enthusiast can install an autobox with his own hands. The box is attached to the main structure of the base rack. This requires the greatest possible distance between the cross members. We fix the box on the frame with a bracket and special nuts around the perimeter. There are holes at the bottom of the box for the bracket. But, if, as a result of the design of the rack cross members, the holes do not match the frame, you can easily drill them yourself in the right place.
Useful tips when installing an autobox:
- take into account the reliability of the base trunk, because the autobox is attached to it;
- the installation of the boxing autobox is carried out according to the instructions;
- when the body type is "hatchback", make sure that the box does not interfere with the opening of the rear door;
- install the autobox parallel to the earth's surface;
- before each trip, be sure to check the reliability of the fastening of the box, as well as its locks. Do not forget that a poorly secured container can lead to an accident.
Bicycle mount
Bicycles are attached to the base rack with special fixtures in a vertical position. The wheels of the bicycle are fixed with clamps, and the body itself is fixed with a bar that hooks onto the frame or pedal. Each bike needs a separate set of bindings. Racks for two bikes are extremely rare.
The main advantage of such transportation is safety. Bicycles are so securely secured that even on the most uneven roads, nothing will happen to them.
The inconvenience of this design lies in the increase in the dimensions of the car in height by one and a half meta. If you do not forget about it, then nothing terrible will happen. And for those who forget about it, driving under a low tree or pipeline will turn into trouble.
In all other respects, this is the ideal way to transport bicycles.
Installing a rack for skis and snowboards
There are three types of roof mounts for skis and snowboards:
- ski mount;
- mount for a snowboard;
- universal mount.
The universal mount is the most common. Outwardly, it resembles scissors, as it consists of two halves. The lower part is fixed to the roof, and the other half can be folded back freely. On the inner edges of the "scissors" are durable rubber pads that securely fix both skis and snowboards.
The snowboard mount is a lot like a universal mount, with the difference that the size of the mount is designed specifically for the snowboard.
The ski carrier consists of sections, made either in a vertical or in an inclined position. Each section includes one pair of skis. There are partitions between these sections, which do not allow fixing other items. Therefore, the bindings are designed exclusively for skis.
The ski and snowboard racks are installed on the roof rails or on the transverse frames of the base rack, or with the help of powerful magnets. The last method is very convenient and easy. With magnets, there is no need to install special fasteners.
Cargo basket
A cargo basket means a metal platform with small sides for the transportation of a wide variety of cargo. Fits on the base rack.
To install the cargo basket, it is necessary to adjust the luggage bars in such a way as to achieve coincidence with the attachment points of the brackets. If the holes do not line up with the mounting brackets, you will need to drill them yourself. To secure the basket, wrenches and hex keys are used, which may be included.
Recommendations before installing the trunk
If you decide that you need a roof rack, first of all decide on the type of roof rack that suits you. Your choice will depend on what you are going to transport: boat, bike, skis, snowboard or just suitcases.
Consider the material from which the trunk is made. Steel or aluminum roof rack for your choice. In order to transport something once, it is better to use a steel trunk. And for a constant need, an aluminum trunk is best suited.
If your place of residence is an area with a humid climate, choose a luggage rack with a special anti-corrosion coating.
Since the location of the boot is on the roof of the car, which is the windiest place, choose a boot considering its aerodynamic properties: save fuel and will not be annoyed by extraneous noise.
Know how to properly distribute luggage. Generally, luggage containers are designed for a weight of up to 80 kg. Therefore, try to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly inside the container.
After finishing the installation, load the trunk and try to drive three or four kilometers. This way you can check the reliability of the fasteners. It is recommended to do this after each installation of the roof rack. And only after that you can go on a long journey. Happy and safe road!
