The world of roof rack options are growing steadily alongside the many different reasons we need them… and because of this, interesting questions about our roof racks are always coming up. So here are a few commonly asked questions with answers, just in case you’re wondering, so you can travel safely with your equipment on your next adventure.
Can any roof rack fit any car?
Unfortunately not all roof racks will fit every car, each vehicle has a unique roof profile that needs to have roof racks designed to specifically suit it. Some of the styles of roof that your vehicle may have are:
- Factory rails
- Rain gutters
- Factory mounting points
- Factory raised rails
- And most commonly, vehicles without any of the above
Depending on what style roof your vehicle has, our Engineers design and develop legs and fit kits specifically to suit every mounting style – not only to look good but to meet industry standards.
Figuring out which one you need is easy, just visit the Rhino-Rack website and hit the Fit My Vehicle tab, enter your vehicle make, model and year and it will show you which roof rack system and mounting solutions are available to you.
Do roof bars damage your car?
Correctly installed and loaded roof bars should not cause any damage to the roof of your vehicle. Depending on what style roof your vehicle has, our Engineers design and develop legs and fit kits specifically to suit every mounting style – not only to look good but to meet industry standards.
Is it illegal to strap things to the roof of your car?
It is not illegal to strap loads to the roof of your car as long as the load is properly restrained and evenly distributed across the roof. How you restrain your load is largely up to you, however, it is recommended that you must restrain any load on a light vehicle so that it:
- Stays on the vehicle during normal driving conditions – this includes heavy braking, cornering, acceleration and even minor collisions.
- Doesn’t negatively affect the stability of the vehicle, making it difficult or unsafe to drive.
- Doesn’t protrude from the vehicle in a way that could injure people, damage property or obstruct others’ paths
Rhino-Rack strongly advises that elastic straps and hockey straps are never used to secure a load on the roof of your vehicle. You should always use a load rated lashing device/strap and appropriate mounting accessories, such as our eye bolts, gas bottle holders, jack holders, jerry can holders, ratchet straps, shovel holders, spare wheel holders and tie down straps.
You can see our full range of load securing accessories here: https://www.rhinorack.com/products/straps-accessory-holders/load-securing
For a full set of load restraint guidelines in New Zealand, visit: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/docs/guide-safe-loading-towing.pdf and https://www.tieitdown.co.nz/
What is the maximum length you can carry on a roof rack?
If you are transporting a long load that is longer than the length of your vehicle, it is called a projecting or overhanging load. Depending on where you are in New Zealand, each region has different regulations and limits on how long these loads can be, and specifications on the appropriate warning devices needed to legally carry that load.
Depending on your location, be sure to visit your local roads and transport authority so you are clear on the regulations before you transport any projecting or overhanging loads.
When carrying longer items on your roof racks you want to make sure that the weight of the items are evenly distributed across the spacing and length of the roof racks, and secured in a safe manner. We have a wide range of accessories to help you safely carry items on your roof racks of roof platform, you can find them here: https://www.rhinorack.com/products/straps-accessory-holders/load-securing
How much overhang should a roof rack have?
When it comes to lateral overhang, or how far to the left or right side of your vehicle that your crossbars can protrude, you must ensure that your crossbars do not exceed the maximum width of your specific vehicle with the mirrors folded in.
Can you carry a ladder on a roof rack?
Yes, as long as the ladder does not exceed the allowable length for projecting or overhanging loads as specified by your local roads and transport authority. Please visit the relevant website to make sure you are familiar with allowable lengths in your area.
Once you have ascertained that your ladder is the right length you must ensure you are securing the ladder in the safest manner possible, and using the correct load securing accessories to ensure that the ladder does not move when on the road. You can find a range of load securing accessories on our website here.
Rhino-Rack strongly advises that elastic straps and hockey straps are never used to secure a load on the roof of your vehicle.
What is the difference between roof rails and roof racks?
The rail that runs from the front window to the back window, along the sides of the roof is referred to as the roof rail of the vehicle. There are two types of roof rails as follows:
- The raised rail i.e. you can grab the whole rail with your hand with a closed fist, or
- The solid rail (flush rail) there is no gap between the rail and the vehicle roof
A roof rack runs from side window to side window, and attached to the factory rail on a vehicle that has factory rails. Rhino-Rack have a wide range of roof racks to suit each vehicle, and each different mounting style. You can find the roof racks available for your vehicle by visiting the Fit My Vehicle tab on our website.
For more information you can visit:
- https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
- https://www.transport.govt.nz/
- https://www.govt.nz/organisations/new-zealand-transport-agency/