Roof Rack Guide - Roof Explained - Roofnest

Roof Rack Guide

Your Vehicle’s Roof, ExplainedPreliminary Information:Vehicles have a number of differentroof shapes and features built intothem. Below we’ve listed the possiblevariations to help you understandwhat you’ll need to have to install aRoofnest.Remember, roof racksare rated for DYNAMICloads (e.g., when you’regoing 100 mph and slamFirst it is important to understandthat all you need to install a Roofnestis a set of crossbars (the bars which gohorizon-tally across your roof).on the brakes) – the loadThe crossbars should be at least 30inches apart and have a weight ratingthat is equal or greater than theweight of the Roofnest.an can be as much as 7xSecond, it is not important which styleof crossbar you have (round, square,aero, etc) although the aero style barsdo provide a wider platform for yourRoofnest.which is rated for the loadHere are the different types ofroofs and what kind of cross-barsand towers you’ll need to look forto mount a Roofnest and turn yourvehicle into a camper:your vehicle is parked.that the vehicle and rackcan carry when you’reparked is a STATIC loadthe dynamic rating.Any well-installed rackof the Roofnest by itselfwill have no problemsupporting you andothers in the tent when

Your Vehicle’s Roof, ExplainedRain GuttersBare RoofThese are the small “gutters” onthe edge of the roof which werecommonplace 50 years ago but areonly found on cargo vans, etc thesedays.Most vehicles on the road today havebare roofs with no rails or racks preinstalled.To prepare a vehicle for a Roofnest,you will need a set of “gutter-mount”towers and matching crossbars.Thule, Yakima, and Rhino Rack allmake suitable towers and crossbarsfor gutters.For these vehicles, Thule racksprovide the best match betweenthe rack and the specific vehicle, theshape of its roof and door jam, etc.Yakima and Rhino Rack also makevehicle specific towers and racks andthese are also great options.Roofnest gives you asimple, durable tool tomake your road trip easy,fun, and comfortable.

Your Vehicle’s Roof, ExplainedRaised RailsFlush RailsThe next most common roof type is the raised siderails found on the majority of SUVs, wagons andmini vans. Raised rails are factory installed roofattachments that runs from front to back on theouter edges of the vehicle’s roof.These rails are similar to the raised railsabove but are flush to the roof withoutany space between the rail and theroof.The “raised” rails are distinguished by being openbetween the rail and the roof – like you can wrapyour hand all the way around the rail.Connecting a crossbar system to raised rails isstraightforward and not vehicle specific, you justneed crossbars and the foot pack. Raised rails offerthe versatility to choose the optimum crossbarlocation to best support the Roofnest.There is usually an inner and/or outergroove that allows connection of acrossbar system. Thule uses a specialset of fit kits specifically for flush siderails to provide precise integration tothe rail.Flush side rails offer the versatility tochoose the optimum crossbar locationto support a Roofnest.You Don’tNeedA VanTo LiveThe#Vanlife.

Your Vehicle’s Roof, ExplainedTracksFixed PointTracks run from front to back on theouter edges of the vehicle’s roof and area channel rather than a raised rail.Fixed connection points are factory threadedmounting points typically located on the outeredge of the roof at two points on each side.The channels offer versatility in positioningof the crossbars from front to backalong the length of the tracks. ThuleTop Tracks can be custom installed ontotruck fiberglass camper shells tops andsheet metal roof tops as well.Typically, the connection points are locatedunder a roof trim piece, a removable panel or aflip up panel.These attachment methods require drillingand offer an excellent solution when otherattachment methods are not availableOnce the threaded points are exposed acustom set of fasteners, bases and rubberboots interface between the vehicle and thefoot pack and load bars. The system offers avery clean integrated look while providing adependable platform for attaching a Roofnest.

www.roofnest.comHopefully this overview of all thepossibilities has been helpful and gives youthe confidence and knowledge to get readyto explore the freedom and adventure thatcar-based camping can offer.GENERAL INQUIRIESinfo@roofnest.com(855) 887-8897Please reach out to us at 888-8878897 or email info@roofnest.com formore information. You can also join ourFacebook group, the Roofnest Flock, to askreal customers what they’ve done and howthey’ve mounted their Roofnest to theirvehicles – chances are there’s someonewith your same vehicle who can help!

Thule, Yakima, and Rhino Rack all make suitable towers and crossbars for gutters. Most vehicles on the road today have bare roofs with no rails or racks pre-installed. For these vehicles, Thule racks provide the best match between the rack and the specific vehicle, the shape of its roof