If you’re planning an adventure, camping trip, or even a family vacation, chances are you’re thinking about buying roof racks. Unless you’re an expert in this area, universal car roof bars are the way to go. But there are a few things to consider before buying a set. It’s important to first know that while roof racks are universal, the fittings that connect the roof racks to the car are specific to the type and or model of vehicle.
Picking the first set of universal car roof bars you see and fitting them to your vehicle isn’t ideal. There are many things to consider when purchasing and installing universal car roof bars. For example, you’ll need to consider the type of roof rack system that fits your vehicle’s roof design. Equally important is the weight capacity that the roof of your car can support.
The universal roof bars for cars and the laws
Many first of all wonder if universal roof bars for cars are illegal. is one of the most important questions to ask yourself before a purchase, in fact, if you intend to travel to a different state, you will need to inquire about the laws governing roof rack dimensions and loading. Each state has a unique set of rules that, if not followed, could result in you paying a hefty fine.
Which universal car roof bars fit my car?
The universal roof bars for cars are, precisely, universal but the roofs of the car have different shapes and require particular specifications, so once you understand what characterizes your roof you can choose the universal roof bars for cars. Fortunately, the attack systems to consider are not infinite and we can make the necessary pre-purchase distinctions. Let’s see them together.
Bare roof systems
These are car roofs without means for attaching roof racks such as rails, gutters or fixed mounting points. Here you will use clamp-on cross bars or bolt a roof rack system to your car by drilling holes in the body of the roof or choose the universal car roof bars with specific adhesives, a universal system but limited in load capacity.
Fixed point systems
These roofing systems come with four factory installed fixed points. It is to these points that universal car roof bars attach. Beanies or weather jacket often cover the spots. Roof rack systems have crossbars that mount to these fixed points.
Gutter systems
This roof style sees a gutter running along the edge of the roof. This type is most often found in vehicles such as Jeeps. These systems require universal roof bars for cars equipped with unique feet that block the gutter slide and fix on them. This style of roof system is outdated and not often found in modern cars.
Raised rails
These vehicles come with pre-installed roof rails that function as roof racks themselves. Crossbars with unique feet that bolt into these raised rails. Another Jeep roof rack is the perfect example, this time for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Roof capacity and universal car roof bars
The load capacity of the car is a key feature to consider. Your vehicle handbook will indicate the load rating and universal car roof bars will need to match this. If you don’t have the manual, you can always call a dealer for information or look it up on the Internet. It is essential to take this into account because overloading your vehicle can cause you to pay a hefty fine, but it also increases the risk of having an accident.
Understanding dynamic capacity, i.e. the load your car can carry on its roof as you travel down the road, is key. Each vehicle’s capability is different, making it essential to find out your car’s dynamic capability. Even if a larger capacity fits in your roof box, that doesn’t mean you should exceed the prescribed weight limit.
However, it would be helpful not to fall into the trap of confusing dynamic capacity with static capacity. Static capacity is the weight of the load that the vehicle can support when stationary. This number is often higher than the dynamic capacity. When you overload a vehicle, you may also experience handling problems. Vehicles arrive with their weight evenly distributed and close to the ground. This allows the vehicle to corner at speed without rolling over. When the load is placed on the roof of the vehicle, it moves away from the car’s center of gravity. Transferring most of the weight to the top of the vehicle when overloaded means that the vehicle loses its ability to handle corners. As a result, your vehicle could roll over. So be very careful when choosing universal roof bars for cars.