Choosing the Right Roof Rack

Are you planning a road trip and need extra storage space for your gear? Or perhaps you're an avid adventurer looking to transport your outdoor equipment safely and efficiently. Whatever the reason, choosing the right roof racks Melbourne can be overwhelming with so many options available in Sydney and Melbourne. But don't worry – we've got you covered! In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect roof rack for your needs. From types of racks to compatibility with different vehicles, we'll help make sure your next adventure goes smoothly. So strap in – let's get started!

What to Look for in a Roof Rack

If you're planning on taking your bike along with you when you hit the open road, then a roof rack is essential. There are a few things to look for when shopping for a roof rack that will make the process easier.

First, decide what type of vehicle you'll be mounting your rack onto. A majority of racks are designed to be attached to vehicles with an arched or triangular roof. If your car doesn't have either of those features, you'll need to look for a rack that attaches using straps or screws.

Next, consider the weight and size of your bike. The heavier the bike, the stronger the rack needs to be in order to support it. The width of the bike should also be considered; most racks only fit bikes up to 1.5 meters wide. Finally, think about how often you plan on using your bike rack and whether or not price is a major factor. Some high-quality racks can cost hundreds of dollars, but they'll last multiple years if taken care of properly.

Types of Roof Racks

There are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing the right roof rack for your needs in Sydney or Melbourne. The type of vehicle you have, the cargo you plan to carry, and your budget will all play a role in what rack is best for you.

If you have a car with an existing roof rack, the most popular racks for use in Australia are the Thule AeroBlade and Yakima Halo Rack. These racks can hold loads up to 25kg each, making them perfect for carrying items like bikes, kayaks, and camping gear. If you don’t have an existing rack or need something bigger or heavier than these options, the Crossbar Roof Rack from Black Diamond is a great option. It can support loads up to 100kg, making it perfect for carrying large items like motorcycles or cargo trailers.

Another thing to consider is your destination. In Melbourne, many people choose to use the rooftop bike racks that are available at most major train stations. These racks can hold two bikes comfortably and are easy to access while on foot.

In Sydney, many people prefer using the car rooftop storage units that are commonly found at shopping centres and other busy areas. These units usually cost around $50 per month and include space for up to four cars, meaning you can store everything from groceries to furniture in one place without having to search through different quarters of your car every time you go shopping.

Pros and Cons of Different Roof Rack Styles

There are many different types of roof racks Sydney available on the market, and each has its own pros and cons. If you're not sure what style of rack is right for you, or if you're looking to buy a rack but don't know how to choose one, this guide will help.

Pro-style roof racks: These racks are typically wider than they are tall, making them easy to fit onto most cars. They also have a central support beam that helps keep the weight evenly distributed across the vehicle's roof.

Cons-style roof racks: These racks are narrower than pro-style racks and often have more supports on the sides and top of the rack to hold heavier items. They may be less versatile, because they don't fit as easily onto other vehicles, and they can be more difficult to load and unload.

Full-length roof racks: These racks span from side to side along the car's roof, providing plenty of space for loading and unloading groceries, tools, or sports equipment. Because full-length roof racks require more space in your trunk or cargo area, they're not ideal for smaller cars or for use with bikes or other large items.

Shorty rooftop carriers: Shorty carriers only reach up about halfway up a car's rooftop, so they're not as versatile as full-length carriers but are perfect for carrying small items like skis or snowboards.

Comparison of the Different Types of Roof Racks

There are a few different types of roof racks that can be used to carry gear, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

All-Terrain Racks: These racks are designed for off-road use, and can be fitted with a range of attachments including kayaks, bikes, skis, and snowboards. They are typically more expensive than other types of racks, but they offer greater versatility and capacity.

D-Rings: D-rings are the most common type of rack, and they're generally easier to fit than other types of racks. They're less versatile than all-terrain racks, but they're cheaper and lighter.

Bike Racks: Bike racks are typically smaller than all-terrain or d-ring racks, which means they're better suited for carrying lighter items like bicycles. They also tend to be less expensive than other types of racks.

Swing Mounts: Swinging mounts are a hybrid option between bike and all-terrain racks. They're smaller than all-terrain racks, but they offer greater versatility because they can be attached to both cars and trucks.

Which Rack is Right for You?

If you're in the market for a new roof rack, there are a few things to consider.

First, what kind of vehicle do you have? Do you have a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle? All of these vehicles come with different options for racks.

Second, what size items do you want to transport? Most rooftop racks can carry loads up to 2,000 pounds. However, if you plan on carrying heavier items or multiple items at once, you'll need to look at something bigger like a 4-inch by 8-inch platform.

Third, how important is durability? A good rack will be able to take a beating and keep on working. Some of the more affordable racks may not be as tough as those that cost more money.

Fourth, how much money are you willing to spend? Racks range in price from around $100 to $1,000+. Something that's affordable may not be as strong or durable as something that costs more money.

Finally, what type of driving do you do? If you mostly drive in town and don't anticipate too many off-roading adventures, a light weight rack that costs less might be best for you. If you're planning on taking your rack camping or off-roading often though, something heavier and more durable might be better suited for your needs.