Roof Rails CAN

Car roof rails are the key to cargo transportation and the style of your car

Car roof rails are longitudinal bars that are installed on the roof of a vehicle and serve as a basis for securing cargo. They are two strong beams along the roof, to which crossbars (luggage bars) can be attached. Thanks to roof rails, owners of pickup trucks, minibuses and station wagons significantly expand the capabilities of their car - both in terms of transporting luggage and improving its appearance. In this article, we will look at why roof rails are needed for a car, what their advantages are, what types there are and how to choose the best option. You will also learn why the DD Tuning online store - an importer and manufacturer with the largest range of roof rails in Ukraine - will be the best place to buy roof rails for your car.

What are car roof rails?

Roof rails (sometimes also called “longitudinal arches” or “rails”) are two parallel bars fixed along the roof of a car. They can be integrated (close to the roof) or classic high, depending on the design of the car. The main purpose of roof rails is to create a base on the roof for transporting additional cargo. Crossbars (transverse beams) are installed on them, which form a full-fledged roof rack. Thus, even a small passenger car or station wagon can get a luggage platform, increasing the car’s cargo capacity.

It is worth noting that many modern crossovers and station wagons have roof rails as standard. If your car is not equipped with them from the factory, there is an opportunity to purchase model or universal kits and install the roof rails yourself or at a service station. As a result, you get a practical solution for transporting things and at the same time a stylish accessory that gives the car a more dynamic and utilitarian look.

Advantages of installing roof rails

Installing roof rails on a car offers many advantages for the car owner. The main advantages of such retrofitting include the following:

• Increased functionality. Roof rails make it easy to transport long and bulky items that do not fit in the trunk (e.g. boards, ladders, skis, etc.). By attaching crossbars to the arches, you get a large area for luggage on the roof.

• Versatility of use. A wide variety of additional equipment can be installed on the roof rails: car boxes for suitcases, bicycle and ski mounts, luggage baskets, tourist tents, additional lighting (LED beams), etc. Thus, one set of arches turns the car into a platform for travel, sports or work.

• Easy to install and remove. Most roof rails are designed to be installed without special equipment. They are attached to the standard roof mounting points using the bolts and brackets included in the kit. If necessary, the roof rails can be removed without damage and the car can be returned to its original appearance.

• Strength and light weight. High-quality roof rails are made of strong and lightweight materials - usually thick-walled aluminum or steel with a special coating. They are able to withstand significant loads (some models - up to 150 kg of weight), while adding almost no weight to the car and not creating a large load on the body.

• Improving the appearance. In addition to a purely practical function, roof rails serve as an element of car design. Chromed or neatly painted arches on the roof emphasize the style of the car, giving it the appearance of an SUV or a tourist minivan. Many owners install roof rails also for an aesthetic effect - the car looks more ready for travel and adventure.

Possible disadvantages. Of course, any car retrofit has its own nuances. Roof racks themselves have almost no effect on the behavior of the car, especially when empty. But when installing a trunk and cargo on the roof, you should remember some points. Firstly, fuel consumption will increase slightly, because air resistance increases while driving. Secondly, a high load on the roof can slightly worsen the aerodynamics and handling of the car at high speed. And thirdly, when transporting cargo from above, wind noise and vibration sometimes appear. However, these disadvantages are insignificant and are easily eliminated by properly securing the luggage and maintaining a moderate speed. The advantages of having roof racks clearly outweigh, because you get additional space and convenience for transportation.

Examples of using roof rails

Roof rails open up a wide range of possibilities for car owners. Here are some typical situations when they become indispensable:

• Long trips and family vacations. If you are going on a family trip in a station wagon or minivan, there may be more bulky suitcases and equipment than the trunk can accommodate. By installing a car box on the roof rails, you can easily place additional items on top and free up space in the cabin. This design can withstand significant weight and allows you to safely transport even bulky loads. For example, you can put a box for equipment, tents, sleeping bags, etc. on the roof of a station wagon - and everything you need for camping will go with you.

• Transportation of sports equipment. For fans of active recreation, roof racks allow you to take all your equipment with you. Bicycle holders, ski and snowboard mounts, kayaks or surfboards are mounted on the crossbars fixed to the arches. You can transport several bicycles or ski sets at the same time without disturbing passengers and without risking dirtying the interior. With roof racks, your car is ready for any sporting adventure - from a bike ride to a ski resort.

• Construction and oversized cargo. Owners of pickup trucks and minibuses often use the roof to transport long cargo. Roof rails allow you to secure boards, pipes, ladders, sheet materials and other items that do not fit inside the body to the roof. For example, on a pickup truck with arches, you can transport long pipes or timber, securing them securely with straps. This is very helpful for private craftsmen, builders, and repair crews - tools and materials travel on the roof, leaving the pickup truck body for other needs.

• Installation of special equipment. Roof rails can serve as a platform for mounting non-standard devices. In particular, off-road enthusiasts and expeditions install additional headlights and spotlights (LED-bar) on the roof, which are mounted on the arches and improve road lighting at night. You can also put a car tent on the roof rails - a special folding tent that unfolds on the roof of the car. Such an accessory is popular among travelers: you always have a place to sleep with you that does not take up space in the cabin.

As you can see, there are many scenarios for using roof rails – from family tourism to professional tasks. It is not for nothing that roof rails are now installed on crossovers, commercial vans, and even sedans (with the help of special kits). If your lifestyle involves transporting large items or active recreation – roof rails will become reliable helpers.

Roof rails for pickups, minibuses and station wagons

An example of a car with roof rails installed: longitudinal arches on the roof open up wide possibilities for transporting goods.

Roof racks are useful for any car, but they are most popular among owners of pickup trucks, minibuses and station wagons. These categories of cars are most often used for long trips, work or transporting a large number of things - so an additional roof rack becomes a real salvation. Let's consider the features of using roof racks on different types of cars.

Pickup truck roof rails

A pickup truck is essentially a utilitarian vehicle designed for cargo and off-road. By installing roof rails on the roof of a pickup truck, you turn it into a multifunctional platform for any need. Firstly, this expands the possibilities of transportation: long boards or pipes can be placed partly on the roof, partly in the body, evenly distributing the weight. Secondly, for outdoor enthusiasts, roof rails allow you to take more equipment - for example, to fix an expedition trunk above the cabin with a tent, canisters, a shovel and other tourist accessories. And thirdly, a pickup truck with arches on the roof looks even more brutal and ready for adventure. It is no coincidence that many models (for example, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger) are offered with roof rails as an option. If your pickup truck did not have them - you can always add this accessory yourself. As a result, pickup truck roof racks significantly expand the vehicle's capabilities for leisure or professional use, making it a true off-road "workhorse."

Railings for a minibus

Minibuses and minivans are valued for their spaciousness. They transport both people and cargo, so every extra liter of space is worth its weight in gold. Roof rails for a minibus allow you to equip a spacious roof for the luggage compartment. On a long van (such as the Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit ), you can install a solid luggage platform or several crossbars, getting space for cargo the size of an additional passenger car trunk. This is especially useful for commercial transportation: for example, delivery services or craftsmen can fix ladders, pipes, sheet materials on the roof. At the same time, there is enough space inside the minibus for tools or goods. For passenger minivans, roof rails also open up new possibilities - tourist groups can place suitcases in the box above, and leave the interior for a comfortable journey for passengers. Many business-class minibuses (such as the Mercedes Vito or VW Multivan ) are equipped with roof rails as standard, but in their absence, there are always aftermarket solutions. So, roof rails make the minibus even more practical and roomy, which will be appreciated by both businessmen and travelers.

Roof rails for station wagon

A station wagon is a family car that is often used for trips out of town, to the country or on vacation. Most classic station wagons (such as the Subaru Outback, Skoda Octavia Combi, Audi A6 Avant ) have roof rails from the manufacturer, as this attribute has become a kind of standard for the station wagon body. If your station wagon does not have such arches, you should think about installing them. Roof rails for a station wagon perform two functions at once. First, they provide additional space for luggage: a family with children will be able to take bicycles, a stroller, additional suitcases on a trip - and place all this on the roof without loading the interior. A car box on the roof rails solves the problem of lack of space during large purchases or long trips. Secondly, roof rails emphasize the style of the station wagon. The car looks sportier and more solid with silver or black arches on the roof. It is not for nothing that many models are produced with chrome-plated roof rails, which add a “zest” to the design. By installing such accessories yourself, you will not only benefit, but also refresh the appearance of the car. For a crossover or station wagon, roof rails are both decoration and benefit: they enhance the versatility (it is not for nothing that this type of body is called so) of your car.

Types and features of roof rails

Railings can differ in design, materials, and purpose. Let's look at the main types of railings and what to look for when choosing:

• Material of manufacture. The most common material for railings is aluminum. Aluminum arches are light, not subject to corrosion and at the same time very strong. There are also railings made of stainless steel - they can withstand heavy loads and are resistant to damage, although heavier than aluminum. Some budget universal models may contain elements made of durable plastic or metal-plastic, but the main frame is still made of metal for reliability. When choosing a material, it is worth considering climatic conditions: aluminum and stainless steel perfectly tolerate rain, snow and heat, do not rust and retain an attractive appearance for many years.

• Shape and profile. Roof rack rails come in a variety of cross-sectional shapes. The most common are oval (aerodynamic) and rectangular (classic) profiles. An oval profile looks more modern and creates less oncoming air noise, while a square or rectangular one can hum a little at speed, but is often cheaper. The shape of the mounting legs can also vary: some roof racks sit close to the roof (integrated), others are raised a few centimeters, creating a gap. High roof racks are easier to grab with your hands when loading and can allow you to secure more cargo, but integrated ones look more streamlined and have less impact on aerodynamics.

• Color and coating. Most often, roof rails are offered in three colors: silver (aluminum or chrome) , black and gray metallic . The choice of color depends on the style of your car - chrome arches harmonize with chrome in the body decor, black ones match black restyling elements or a dark roof. High-quality coatings (anodizing, powder coating) ensure color stability: roof rails do not fade in the sun and do not peel off from rain or snow.

• Model or universal. By type of selection, roof rails are divided into model (created for a specific car) and universal . Model roof rails have mounts that exactly match the standard holes on the roof of a particular car model. They fit perfectly into the design, usually look like an original part and are very easy to install. Universal roof rails are equipped with adjustable mounts, which allows them to be installed on different cars (especially if the distance between the mounting points coincides). Universal models are a good solution for rare cars for which it is difficult to find “native” accessories, or in cases where the budget is limited. However, before buying, it is worth clarifying the length of the arcs and the distance between the mounts so that the universal roof rails fit exactly on your roof.

Load capacity. Each manufacturer of roof rails indicates the maximum weight that the structure can safely withstand. Usually, the optimal load capacity of standard and most universal roof rails is 50–75 kg (this is due to the recommendations of automakers and the center of gravity on the roof). However, there are reinforced models and power roof rails designed for heavier loads - some aluminum arches can withstand up to 100–150 kg of evenly distributed weight. When choosing, focus on your needs: for transporting bicycles or a box with things, a standard 50–70 kg is enough, but for transporting, say, several sheets of drywall or building materials, it is better to take a model with a safety margin. Of course, you should not exceed the specified load - this is a safety issue. Also consider the weight of the crossbars themselves and additional fasteners in the total mass.

Installation of roof rails on cars

One of the advantages of roof rails is their relative ease of installation. You can install roof rails yourself, following the instructions, or contact professionals at a service station. Most modern cars that do not have roof rails are still equipped with standard places for their attachment - under the decorative caps on the roof there are threaded holes with reinforcement in the body. The installation process in this case is very simple: you need to remove the factory caps and screw the legs of the roof rails with bolts to the prepared holes. The kit for each model of roof rails includes everything you need - fasteners, gaskets, and often keys. Installation takes 20-30 minutes and does not require drilling or modifications.

If the roof does not have the required mounting points (this happens on older models or trucks), additional holes may need to be drilled. In this case, it is recommended to entrust the work to specialists in order to install the rails hermetically without damaging the bodywork. The specialist will assess the roof structure, select the correct location of the rails and securely fix them using sealant to prevent leaks.

It is also worth considering whether you need a permanent installation of roof rails or whether a removable roof rack will suffice. If you transport goods occasionally, there are alternatives - for example, transverse roof bars that are attached to door openings or gutters and removed when not needed. But such solutions are less convenient and versatile. Most car owners who need additional luggage space at least a few times a year prefer stationary roof rails - you install them and use them at any time.

Installation tips: Before installation, carefully read the instructions of the roof rack manufacturer. Make sure that all parts are included, and prepare the necessary tools (usually a hexagon or screwdriver is enough). When attaching, adhere to the specified tightening torque of the bolts - do not overtighten, so as not to strip the thread. After installation, check the stability - the roof rack should not play or move. Drive a few kilometers and, if necessary, retighten the fasteners. If everything is done correctly, the roof rack will hold firmly and for a long time, withstanding the declared load even in harsh conditions.

By the way, many buyers search for “roof rails with installation” online, meaning a turnkey installation service. In the DD Tuning online store, you can not only buy roof rails, but also get professional advice on their installation. Store managers will tell you about compatibility with your car and the nuances of installation. If necessary, you can contact partner service stations or services, where specialists will quickly and efficiently fix the purchased arches on your car.

How to choose and where to buy roof rails in Ukraine

Before buying roof racks , you should decide on several important points. First, find out the exact model and year of manufacture of your car - the choice of racks (model or universal) and the type of fastening depends on this. Second, think about what load you plan to transport: specify in the product characteristics what weight the selected racks can withstand. If you intend to install a heavy trunk or transport something massive - choose reinforced arches with a high load capacity. Third, give preference to products of well-known brands . The market offers racks from world manufacturers of luggage systems - Thule, MontBlanc, Yakima, Atera, LaPrealpina , etc. Such brands guarantee the quality of materials and thoughtful design, so you can be sure of the reliability of the accessory. At the same time, there are also worthy local manufacturers and importers in Ukraine who offer good racks at a more affordable price. For example, the DD Tuning company, being both an importer and manufacturer, offers a wide selection of high-quality roof rails for any budget.

Where to look for roof racks? The most convenient way is in specialized car stores or on websites with a large assortment. One of the market leaders is the DD Tuning online store, which presents, without exaggeration, the largest assortment of roof racks in Ukraine . Here you will find roof racks for cars of various makes and models - from passenger station wagons to full-size minibuses. Thanks to this choice, everyone will choose the right option for their car, regardless of the year of manufacture or configuration. The assortment includes both products from the aforementioned top brands (Thule, Yakima, etc.) and DD Tuning's own developments. By the way, the prices will pleasantly surprise you - as an importer, the store supplies goods without unnecessary markups, and as a manufacturer - it offers its own accessories with the optimal price-quality ratio.

Ordering roof rails for a car at DD Tuning is very simple. Just go to the website, select the desired model of roof rails (from the catalog or by searching by car brand) and add the product to the cart. After placing the order, the manager will contact you to confirm and clarify the details. Delivery is carried out throughout Ukraine in a way convenient for you - Nova Poshta or other carriers. Delivery times are usually 1-3 days, because the goods are in stock at the company's own warehouse. Residents of Chernivtsi can use self-pickup from a company store or warehouse. You can pay for the purchase online, by cash on delivery or by another available method. If you have any questions about compatibility or installation - competent DD Tuning managers are always ready to help with advice.

Thus, wherever you are – Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa or any other city – you can easily buy the necessary roof rails. The main thing is to buy from reliable sellers who guarantee the quality of the goods and provide customer support. In this regard, DD Tuning has established itself as a reliable partner of Ukrainian car enthusiasts.

Advantages of choosing DD Tuning – importer and manufacturer of roof rails

The DD Tuning online store is not just another seller of car accessories. It is a company with 16 years of experience in the market (operating since 2009) and an impeccable reputation. During this time, DD Tuning has become a leading importer of tuning accessories and its own manufacturer of a number of products, offering customers the best of both worlds. Here are a few reasons why buying roof rails here is the right decision:

• The largest selection. The catalog contains over 55,000 products for cars, including dozens of roof racks for various models. DD Tuning is proud to have perhaps the largest range of luggage systems in Ukraine - you will definitely find roof racks for your car, even if it is a rare or new model. If the desired option is suddenly not available, managers will offer a worthy alternative or bring it to order.

• Quality guarantee and original products. The store has been working directly with well-known accessory manufacturers for more than 10 years. All roof rails sold are accompanied by a manufacturer's warranty. You can be sure that you will receive an original product designed for long service. As a manufacturer of car accessories, DD Tuning is also responsible for its products - quality control is carried out at every stage so that only the best product reaches the customer.

• Affordable prices. The status of an importer allows us to offer competitive prices without unnecessary intermediary markups. And our own production allows us to produce accessories at Ukrainian prices with European quality. DD Tuning regularly runs promotions and special offers, so buyers can save without sacrificing quality. Right now, on the website you can find both premium-segment roof racks and budget universal models - for any budget.

• Awards and customer trust. The store has gained recognition in the market, as evidenced by the award “Country Choice – Best Tuning Store 2023” received by DD Tuning. Over 900,000 successfully completed orders and thousands of positive reviews speak for themselves. By choosing this seller, you join a community of satisfied car enthusiasts throughout Ukraine.

• Professional service. The DD Tuning team cares about its customers. We are always happy to advise you on choosing roof rails, help you choose the right one for your car brand, and explain the subtleties of installation. Support is available by phone, online chat, and social media. Fast order processing and prompt delivery are the company's priorities. Flexible terms of cooperation are also available for wholesale buyers, service stations, and partners, which indicates the scale and reliability of the company.

DD Tuning provides a full cycle - from the production or import of roof rails to their sale and service support. By contacting us, you get a quality product, an official guarantee, a favorable price and professional support. It is not for nothing that many car owners choose DD Tuning when looking for roof rails in Ukraine - the company's reputation is confirmed by years of work and customer trust.

In conclusion, I would like to say: if you are planning a trip, doing sports or just want to make your car more practical, it is time to think about installing roof rails. These invisible arches will open up new horizons for your car, allow you to take everything you need with you and add character to the car. Visit the DD Tuning catalog to choose and buy roof rails for your car to your taste. By investing in this accessory, you will get comfort and freedom of transportation that will pay off on your first trip. Discover new opportunities with DD Tuning – and let no luggage stop you on the way to your goal!