Roof racks: advantages and disadvantages of roof racks
Do you see bars on the top of the vehicles? It is a roof rack that provides additional storage and allows for the safe transfer of bulky items such as luggage and large containers. It could also support the transport of sports equipment such as bicycles, canoes, skis and others.
If you like camping trips and vacations outside of the city, a luggage rack can solve your concerns about how you could bring everything you need by providing maximum capacity for all your belongings. If they have company, they would save themselves from the hassle of being clogged inside the vehicle with things that could no longer fit in the usual compartment of the vehicle.
When there is no available place in the camping area to dispose of garbage, the rooftop is a good place to store it. Just be sure to keep the trash in a separate bag so its scent doesn’t spread on your things, and keep it securely tied to the bars to prevent it from falling onto the road.
Having mentioned some of the advantages, this luggage system also has its disadvantages. A very notable disadvantage is the extra height it would give your vehicle. You should always check the clearance when going through an underground parking lot to make sure the passage is clear. Also consider the height of your own garage! In addition, the weight of the luggage on top of the car and the own weight of the bars provide an additional load on the capacity of the vehicle. It can affect vehicle performance on the road. It can also cause the vehicle to wobble while moving.
Also worry about the things you will put on the rack. Liquids, such as fuel and water, must be kept to a minimum because the weight load changes as the vehicle moves. As the weight of the fluids changes, it can cause an undesirable roll of the vehicle when turning each corner of the road. The driver may not handle this situation safely.
Another consideration is the type of material you will choose. Some are made of steel, others are made of aluminum. The steel gratings are very strong; however, these are also very heavy. Aluminum bars may not be able to withstand the load that steel bars can carry. But it also has an advantage; it does not corrode unlike steel. Use luggage rack storage bags to protect your things from dust, rain, and other elements. The bags would also keep things in order and organized.
You can buy pre-made racks that come as a complete unit and one with a removable luggage tray. The kind with a luggage tray that is detachable would help you carry some long and large items during your daily driving. You can also take your sports equipment with you whenever you want.
After knowing the advantages and disadvantages and the types of roof rack available, you can now decide which one to install on your vehicle.