Roof Rack for Bare Roof

Transverse roof rack for a smooth roof: the optimal solution for cars without roof rails (ERKUL Asaf V4)

Introduction. Modern cars often need additional space for transporting goods. Roof racks are universal crossbars that are mounted across the roof of the car and serve as a base for transporting luggage. They allow you to take on the road what does not fit in the standard trunk: suitcases, sports equipment (bicycles, skis, kayaks), building materials, etc. Thus, a flat roof rack expands the capabilities of even a small sedan or hatchback, allowing you to travel comfortably with everything you need. It helps protect the interior from bulky or dirty items and makes the car more functional for long family trips or active recreation.

Cars without roof rails – what is the special feature of the trunk? Many crossovers, sedans and hatchbacks are not equipped with standard roof rails (longitudinal rails). In such cases, it is impossible to install ordinary crossbars on the roof rails – you need a roof rack without roof rails , specially designed for a smooth roof . The design of such trunks is attached by means of clamps (supports) installed in the doorways. In simple words, the crossbars “wrap” the edge of the roof above the door and are securely fixed, without requiring any factory mounting points. As a result, even a car without rails or gutters can be equipped with a capacious trunk. Below is a table of correspondence between the type of roof and the method of attaching the trunk:

As you can see, a smooth roof rack is an ideal solution for cars that do not have roof rails. It is attached to the door openings without any body modifications. It is important to carefully install and clamp such a rack so as not to damage the rubber door seals and the roof paint. A high-quality set of crossbars has special rubber pads in the contact points that prevent scratches and dents. When installed correctly, the rack holds firmly and withstands significant loads, allowing you to safely transport cargo even at high speeds.

Advantages of ERKUL Asaf V4 roof racks for flat roofs

The ERKUL brand has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of car racks and accessories. In particular, the ERKUL Asaf V4 model is a universal crossbar for a smooth roof , which combines modern design and excellent technical characteristics. They are made of durable anodized aluminum and are designed for most passenger cars without roof rails. Let's consider the key advantages of the ERKUL Asaf V4 in more detail:

As can be seen from the table, the ERKUL Asaf V4 combines all the important characteristics that you expect from a quality car roof rack. ERKUL aerodynamic roof racks do not create unnecessary air resistance, do not spoil the appearance of the car and serve for many years. The Asaf V4 model is specially designed for a smooth roof : it holds firmly due to the “legs”-clamps that cover the edge of the roof and provides reliable support for the load. At the same time, the owner gets a universal solution - one roof rack can be moved from one car to another with a similar roof size, which is very convenient.

How to choose the right roof rack for a flat roof

The car roof rack market offers a variety of models from different brands - in addition to ERKUL, popular brands include Thule, Cruz, Menabo, and others. To choose the optimal roof rack without roof rails for your car, pay attention to the following main criteria:

• Roof type and mounting. For a flat roof, choose models that mount to the door opening (the product specifications should state “mounting type: flat roof” or “without rails”). Make sure the model you choose is compatible with your car. Most universal crossbars are adjustable, but sometimes manufacturers specify a roof width range or specific brands.

• Length of crossbars. An important parameter is the length of the crossbars (usually 120–135 cm). It should correspond to the width of the roof. Crossbars that are too short will not fit on the wide roof of an SUV, and those that are too long will protrude beyond the dimensions of a small car. For example, the ERKUL Asaf V4 has a length of about 130 cm, which is enough for most mid-range cars.

• Load capacity. The standard for aluminum roof racks is up to 75–80 kg of load. Check this figure in the model description and compare it with your needs. If you plan to transport heavy loads, take a model with the maximum safety margin. At the same time, take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer - most cars have roof load limits (usually 50–75 kg). Do not exceed the lower of the two values (between the capacity of the roof rack and the roof limit).

• Material and profile. The most common are aluminum aerodynamic crossbars . They are light, do not rust and are quieter on the go due to the streamlined shape of the profile. There are also more budget steel ones (rectangular profile), which are durable, but heavier and can be noisy at speed due to headwinds. The best choice for a passenger car would be an aluminum trunk with wing-shaped crossbars.

• Availability of locks. To protect your investment, pay attention to whether the kit includes a lock . Racks with locks allow you to lock the supports with a key so that no one removes the crossbars from the roof without your knowledge. ERKUL models have locks as standard (for example, Asaf V4 has a lock in each support). If you choose a model without a lock, it should be removed from the car when you leave it unattended for a long time.

• Compatibility with accessories. Think about what exactly you plan to mount on the roof. If it is a bike rack, ski rack or car box, it is desirable that the crossbars have a T-profile (groove) for accessories, or at least fit standard clamps. Most modern aerodynamic roof racks (including ERKUL) are equipped with a universal T-slot, which is very convenient for installing additional devices.

• Brand quality and reviews. Before buying, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the manufacturer's reputation. Well-known brands (ERKUL, Thule, Cruz, Menabo, etc.) pay more attention to the quality of materials and the safety of the design. Read the reviews of other buyers - do the declared characteristics really correspond to reality, are there any complaints about noise or unreliability of the fasteners. It is good when the kit includes clear instructions in Ukrainian or English, and the manufacturer's support service is ready to help in case of questions.

• Price. The cost of crossbar racks varies quite a lot - from budget steel ones for a few thousand hryvnias to premium aerodynamic systems from well-known brands. Determine your budget, but remember: a rack is not purchased for a one-time purchase. A quality product will last for many years and can be moved to the next car, so it is worth the investment. For example, the ERKUL Asaf V4 belongs to the middle price segment, offering top features at a reasonable price.

Having evaluated all these criteria, it will be easier for you to narrow down the choice to a specific model. If you have any doubts, the consultants of the DD Tuning store will always help you choose roof bars for your car brand and needs.

Instructions for installing a roof rack on a flat roof

One of the key parameters of a good car roof rack is ease of installation. Let's consider the basic steps on how to install crossbar racks on a smooth roof (using the example of ERKUL Asaf V4 or similar model):

A flat roof rack kit usually includes two crossbars with supports, fasteners, keys, and instructions.

1. Preparation. Unpack the roof rack kit and check that all parts are present. These typically include two crossbars with pre-attached clamps (supports), rubber pads, mounting screws, wrenches, and sometimes a hex wrench or other special tool. Before installation, it is advisable to wash and dry the roof of the car in the areas where the clamps will be attached. A clean roof will reduce the risk of sand scratching the paint and ensure better adhesion of the rubber pads.

2. Assemble the supports (if required). Some roof racks are supplied partially disassembled – for example, you need to screw the clamping mechanism to the crossbar or install the rubber inserts. Follow these steps according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, it is enough to screw in a few screws, close the protective covers on the supports and insert the locks. Make sure that the left (L) and right (R) supports are in the correct positions, if indicated (the letter L means the left side of the car, R means the right side).

3. Placement on the roof. Open the car door. Carefully place the assembled crossbars on the roof in the desired position. They are usually installed above the front door (or between the front and rear, depending on the length of the roof) and above the rear door. The distance between the front and rear crossbars is selected according to the instructions (usually 70–80 cm, or according to the length of the cargo – for example, under a car box). It is important that the supports enter the doorway with their hooks – the metal “legs” should tightly cover the edge of the roof from the inside.

4. Alignment. Before final clamping, align the crossbars. Make sure that they lie parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vehicle axis. On both sides, the crossbars should protrude the same length - symmetrically relative to the middle of the roof. To check, you can measure the distance from the edge of each support to the nearest body pillar or to the edge of the windshield/rear window so that the crossbars are not displaced to the side. This is not only aesthetic, but also the key to even load distribution.

5. Securing the trunk. Once positioned, begin to gradually tighten the fasteners. Most models have clamping screws or bolts on each side. Tighten alternately the left and right sides so that the trunk is tightened evenly on both sides of the roof. For example, make a few turns with the wrench on one side, then the other, and so on. Do not apply excessive force - the clamps should firmly compress the body, but not deform the door seal . As soon as you feel that the support sits very tightly and does not move, that is enough.

6. Check and finish. Before closing the doors, inspect to see if the clips are preventing them from closing properly. In high-quality trunks, the design of the supports is such that the doors close successfully and ensure the tightness of the interior. Make sure that the rubber pads of the supports fit snugly and there are no distortions. Next, install the decorative pads or covers covering the screws (if any). Lock the trunk with the key - now the crossbars are securely fixed and protected from theft. Remove the key and keep it.

7. Testing. After installation, be sure to check the reliability: grab the crossbar with your hands and try to move it, shake it. A correctly installed roof rack does not move or dangle. Also, after a few kilometers of driving, it is advisable to stop and re-tighten the fasteners - sometimes after the first load, you need to tighten the screws a little. That's all - the crossbar on a smooth roof is installed and ready for use!

By following these steps, you can install an ERKUL Asaf V4 roof rack yourself in 15–20 minutes. No special skills are required – the manufacturer does everything to make the installation intuitive. If you encounter any difficulties during the process, you can always contact DD Tuning specialists for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a roof rack without rails be installed on any car? Yes, universal models of crossbars (such as ERKUL Asaf V4) are suitable for most cars - they can be adjusted to the width of the roof. The main thing is to choose a rack specifically for a smooth roof , since their mounting design is special. Some manufacturers produce model kits for specific brands, but most roof racks without rails are universal . Before buying, check whether the width of the roof of your car fits into the range specified by the crossbar manufacturer.

Will the clamps damage the body and paint? High-quality trunks have a well-thought-out design of supports with internal rubber pads. This means that the metal legs do not come into direct contact with the painted surface - between them is rubber, which prevents scratches. It is important to install the crossbars on a clean roof and not overtighten the bolts. If everything is done correctly, neither the paint nor the door seals will be damaged. After dismantling the trunk, it is advisable to wipe the contact points - as a rule, no traces remain.

How much load can you carry on such a roof rack? Most crossbars are designed for 50–75 kg of cargo. The ERKUL Asaf V4 model can withstand up to 75 kg. This is more than enough to transport tourist equipment, several bicycles or a large car box filled with things. Never exceed the limit specified by the roof rack manufacturer, and keep in mind that the total mass on the roof should not exceed the maximum permissible load on the roof of your car (see the car manual).

Does a roof rack on a smooth roof make noise when driving? Aerodynamic models (for example, with a wing-like profile, like ERKUL) are designed to minimize wind noise. At speeds of 90–110 km/h, there may be a slight noise, but high-quality crossbars are usually silent when the car is moving . If you hear wind whistling in the cabin, check whether the rubber seals in the T-profiles are installed correctly (they should cover the grooves on top). Also, arrange the cargo (for example, bicycles) as symmetrically as possible - this will reduce air resistance. To save fuel and be completely silent, you can remove the roof rack when you are not using it.

Can you leave the crossbars installed permanently? Yes, many car owners do this if they use the roof rack often. Aluminum crossbars are resistant to precipitation and do not rust, so nothing will happen to them in the rain or snow. But there are a few points: without a load at high speed, fuel consumption still increases slightly due to air resistance; also, any roof rack makes a little noise in the wind (even if it is barely noticeable). Therefore, if you plan not to transport anything on the roof for a long time, it is better to remove the crossbars - this way the consumption will be lower, and the locks will last longer (less dirt and reagents will get in). Removal takes a few minutes, so it is not difficult.

Advantages of buying a car trunk at DD Tuning

The DD Tuning online store is a reliable supplier of car accessories with a long-standing reputation. When you buy roof racks from DD Tuning, you get a number of advantages:

• Original products from the manufacturer. DD Tuning cooperates directly with the ERKUL brand and other well-known manufacturers of car racks. You can be sure that you will purchase a genuine certified product with all the required characteristics. No fakes - only branded racks designed for safe operation.

• Wide range and choice. The store offers over 55,000 items of tuning products and car accessories, including dozens of models of roof racks for various needs. There is a solution for any car - from compact cars to SUVs. You can easily choose the optimal rack (ERKUL or other) for your budget and requirements.

• Professional consultation. DD Tuning managers are true experts with many years of experience (the company has been operating since 2009). They will help you understand the characteristics, advise on compatible models for your car brand, and tell you about the nuances of installation. If necessary, you will receive comprehensive information before purchasing to make the right choice.

• Reliability and trust. The DD Tuning store has been awarded, in particular, it has the status of “Country Choice – Best Tuning Store 2023” . Over the years, more than 900,000 orders have been completed throughout Ukraine – this indicates customer trust and a high level of service. By choosing DD Tuning, you trust a market leader with an impeccable reputation.

• Availability of goods and fast service. Popular models of trunks, such as ERKUL Asaf V4, are constantly in stock at DD Tuning warehouses. Thanks to this, you do not have to wait for weeks - the order will be promptly prepared and shipped. The store provides convenient shopping conditions and supports the client at all stages - from placing an order to receiving the goods.

By choosing DD Tuning, you get not only the product, but also confidence in its quality and support from qualified specialists. This is especially important when purchasing such a responsible accessory as a car trunk.

Conclusion: expand the capabilities of your car today!

A car without roof rails is not an obstacle for long trips and transportation of bulky items. By installing a crossbar on a smooth roof , you can take everything you need on the road and not worry about the lack of space. The ERKUL brand with the Asaf V4 model clearly demonstrates that a modern trunk can be stylish, reliable and easy to use at the same time. It holds firmly on the roof, withstands a solid load and serves as an assistant on any trips - from family vacations to active sports.

Don't put off comfort for later. Expand the capabilities of your car now - choose a high-quality roof rack without roof rails in the DD Tuning store. With our range and support, you will easily find the perfect crossbars for your car. Enjoy traveling without restrictions and take with you everything that will make your trip unforgettable! Order the ERKUL Asaf V4 roof rack in DD Tuning - and go forward, towards new horizons. 🚗💨