The most common basic structure of a modern roof rack is roof edge supports with cross members mounted on them. They form a load-bearing frame for attaching other elements of the trunk to it. Models mounted on the rear of the car stand out as a separate type of roof rack.
Instructions
Step 1
The way of attaching the roof rack to the car roof depends on the car brand and the type of its roof. Roof rack manufacturers indicate the vehicle models that a particular roof rack can be mounted on. In modern foreign cars, standard mounts are provided for installing the trunk (hatches). They vary in design, so be careful when choosing a rack. When buying a rack from a well-known manufacturer, you can find in the catalog a rack with any mounting system. As a last resort, purchase a special adapter for attaching the trunk.
Step 2
The T-bar rack mounting system uses T-slots and standard rails for installation. It is very simple and easy to install, although rarely found. The system of attachment to railings, used on minivans, station wagons and SUVs, is also very convenient. When fastening, the trunk rests on the standard rails without touching the body itself. Taking into account the different thickness of the railing, specialized and universal supports are produced.
Step 3
If the car does not have sockets or railings, the luggage rack is fastened with a flat hook-bracket for the door openings. The supports themselves have a special coating so as not to damage the door seals and the paintwork of the body. Also for cars of this type, a system for attaching the trunk to the gutters is used. This simple and convenient option has been widespread in the past.
Step 4
From non-standard methods of attachment, you can find roof racks with attachment to the roof by means of magnets or suction cups. When installing such a rack, the owner runs the risk of detachment of the mountings from the roof, loss of the trunk and causing damage to unauthorized persons. In addition, this type of fastening spoils the paintwork.
Step 5
Racks attached to the rear of the car are more often designed to carry bicycles. They are used in addition to roof racks. Their disadvantages are: damage and contamination of cargo, impairment of rear view, inconvenience when parking. Such a rack can be attached to the rear door using specialized brackets that engage in the grooves of the rear door or trunk. For the transport of heavier loads, the luggage rack is attached to the tow bar of the trunk base. The upper part of the trunk is attached with brackets to the rear door.
Step 6
The car rails can be made of steel or aluminum alloy. Steel is stronger, but also heavier and creates aerodynamic noise at high speed. Aluminum have a low weight, aerodynamic shape and the necessary strength due to the profile of a complex shape. At cost, aluminum is much more expensive than steel. Many car roof racks are designed to be attached specifically to these railing arches. Among them: loading platforms and baskets, as well as cargo boxes. The fastening of the rack to the rails is a U-shaped bracket with a thread for fixing with nuts inside the box. Expensive models of roof racks use fastenings in the form of a beak, biting the arches of the rails.
Step 7
Two rods are used to mount the bike to the roof. One is attached to the rails and holds the wheels of the bike. The other holds the bike frame. Options without a frame holder include removing the front wheel of the bike and attaching the fork using a special bracket. There are two design principles for securing bicycles to the rear rack. In the first, bicycles are installed on a bracket-stand and fixed to the frame. In the second, bicycles are hung from the frame on the gripper brackets.
