Roof Racks & Components

Travel wherever you want to go and take whatever you want with you. Roof racks make hauling bulky things easier- take your kayak, your surfboard, or your camping tent. Having this extra capacity will afford you the freedom to carry more gear for more fun.

There’s usually at least one time in every outdoor adventurer’s life when they didn’t have a roof rack to store their clunky gear. Sometimes a surfboard gets loaded awkwardly between the driver and the passenger seat. Hey, we’ve all been there. That said, it’s much safer for everyone in the vehicle when bulky items are properly carried outside the vehicle via racks. Roof racks are an easy vehicle modification that increases safety, efficiency, and storage capacity.

The storage capacity of Broncos, Jeeps, and other off-roading vehicles range from exceptional to just okay, depending on the model and size you get. When riding any type of two-door vehicle, it’s safe to say that storage space will feel a bit limited. The beautiful thing about vehicles is that you can customize them with all the trimmings you want to best prepare for adventures afoot. Roof racks are a phenomenal way to increase storage capacity while increasing the amount of cargo space for luggage and gear inside. I’m talking about kayaks, canoes, tents, bikes, surfboards – anything bulky that you don’t want to go inside. With the ability to carry a wide variety of outdoor gear, your vehicle can be converted into a versatile outdoor adventure “Jack of all trades.”

Believe it or not, the right roof rack installation will also make your vehicle more aerodynamic and streamlined. This can have positive impacts on your gas mileage, which is basically one of the biggest money-saving wins you could have as an outdoor adventure enthusiast. Smittybilt Racks & Carriers are some of the most durable and trusted roof racks you could get to accompany you on your off-road adventures.

If you’re in need of more pickup truck storage ideas, have no fear. Roof racks may just be the answer to your prayers. These heaven-sent devices are made of metal bars that can be securely strapped to a vehicle’s roof. You can get a complete rack, all brand new in its entirety, or you can upgrade your current rack with updated rails, platforms, mounts, hardware, and crossbars. The option to just get certain components grants you the ability to customize your roof rack to fit your vehicle and specific needs. If you want the most heavy-duty, durable, long-lasting roof racks, those made of steel will check the box. If weight control is a concern, aluminum is a more lightweight and less permanent option. Roof racks with a powder coat or anodized finish are advantageous because they’re more protected against UV rays, moisture, and impact. With the right coating and proper maintenance, you can get 20 years or so out of your roof racks. That’s 20 years of superior truck storage and cargo transport for your many adventures ahead.

If you like to work hard and play hard, odds are, you pack lots of gear on your adventures. Avid outdoor enthusiasts know the equation for a good trip: Many toys = big fun. In this case, the toys are outdoor equipment, like skis, snowboards, surfboards, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and whatever else you might want to bring along on your outdoor adventure. Sometimes, though, you run out of space in your car or truck before all the packing is done. Don’t sacrifice the experiences you crave due to a lack of space- that’s where roof racks come in! Safely stow that extra cargo up top on the roof without crowding the interior. So, what is the best roof rack for cars, trucks, and Jeeps? We’ve assembled a guide to choosing a roof rack to help streamline the process of acquiring one.

Crossbar roof racks consist of two rounded metal bars that lay laterally across the width of the vehicle’s roof. They mount down to the roof via clips and work well for transporting bulky or irregularly shaped items like lumber or ladders.

Cargo basket roof racks, made of durable metal mesh baskets attached to a crossbar base, serve many weekend warriors well on their excursions. They allow users to access cargo quickly and easily.

Rooftop cargo boxes are durable hard plastic containers that lock to keep gear fully enclosed and protected from the elements. They seal water out in the event of rain, snow, and wind, ensuring that cargo stays dry and safe. These gear baskets have uniquely shaped designs that allow them to be aerodynamic, reducing drag and maintaining fuel efficiency.

The best roof rack for cars or trucks transporting winter sports gear would be a ski and snowboard rack. This type of roof rack is specifically designed to carry skis and snowboards, using clamps to hold down the gear's unique shapes. Ski and snowboard roof racks also feature padding to ensure that no damage or dings are made during travel.

Roof racks for surfboards, kayaks, and canoes require a different shape to hold down such aquatic gear. Cradles or J-hooks provide a wide enough basin to securely hold larger gear such as surfboards and watercraft. The rubber-lined cradles prevent scratches and preserve gear throughout transport.

After getting down to the basics of your roof rack, you might want to look out for a few special features and designs.

Wind Fairing Roof Racks:

Wind fairing roof racks are designed to deflect wind underneath the roof rack while driving, minimizing resistance and noise.

Roof Racks with Locking Mechanisms:

If you want extra security and peace of mind, a roof rack with a lock will prevent your cargo from being stolen while the vehicle is idle or parked.

Adjustable Mounting Towers:

The ability to adjust the placement of mounting towers on roof racks allows for more flexible cargo positioning. The added wiggle room created by adjustable roof racks can make loading up cargo much easier and more space-efficient.