Home » The 10 Best Roof Racks – Guidebook

The 10 Best Roof Racks – Guidebook

Your trunk is too small and you need more storage space? Then a roof rack is the right thing for you to expand your storage space.

You can find out what to look for when buying a roof rack and which variants are available in our checklist. You can find a selection of practical roof racks in the product recommendations.

Checklist For Roof Racks

Type Of Load
  • The size of roof rack needed depends on the size of the load. However, the following applies: as large as necessary and as small as possible.
  • A smaller roof box with a size of about 250 to 300 liters volume is suitable for a large trunk and little additional storage space needed.
  • Large roof boxes with a volume of up to 500 liters are the right choice if you need a lot of additional space, whereby the box should in no case protrude over the back or front of the car.
  • Depending on the type of load, you should use additional safety nets, fastening straps or ski carriers for fasten ing.
Fastening Options
  • If your car already has roof rails, then you only need a vehicle-specific base carrier to attach the roof rack.
  • If your car has fixed points that are often covered with a plastic part, you will need load carrier feet in addition to the base carrier, which are also vehicle-specific.
  • If your car has neither roof rails nor fixed points, there are also brackets that are attached to the door frame. You can attach the basic carrier and the roof rack to these.
  • When attaching the roof rack, you should get support from 1 to 2 people, depending on the size of the carrier or the box.
Material and Quality
  • If you need a roof rack that is sturdy and quiet, you should choose a polyester material with fiberglass reinforcement.
  • Particularly lightweight boxes are made of either fiberglass or environmentally friendly thermoplastic terpolymers (ABS).
  • Regardless of the material, the roof rack should have a high-quality finish to prevent it from slipping or opening while driving.
  • Make sure the carrier is sturdy as well as UV resistant and waterproof.
  • Roof racks with a GS mark and a CE mark or TÜV certification offer high quality and a lot of safety.

We have compiled the best and most interesting roof racks.

Tip: You can find exciting recipe ideas in our guide to raclette grills.

The Best Sellers Of Roof Racks

In a list of bestsellers we have compiled the most popular roof racks for you.

# Preview Product
1 7BLACKSMITHS Black Roof Rack Cargo Basket Carrier Rack with 64' x 39' x 6'' Universal Extension Car Top Luggage Holder SUV Truck Cars 7BLACKSMITHS Black Roof Rack Cargo Basket Carrier Rack with 64" x 39" x 6'' Universal Extension Car...
2 Rightline Gear Range 3 Weatherproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Top of Vehicle, Attaches With or Without Roof Rack, 18 Cubic Feet, Black Rightline Gear Range 3 Weatherproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Top of Vehicle, Attaches With or...
3 MPH Production 48' (120cm) Universal Fit Black Adjustable Aluminum Window Frame Roof Rack Cross Bars Cargo Carrier with 3 Pairs of Mounting Clamps (2 Pcs) MPH Production 48" (120cm) Universal Fit Black Adjustable Aluminum Window Frame Roof Rack Cross Bars...
4 MaxxHaul 70115 46' x 36' x 4-1/2' Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks - 150 lb. Capacity MaxxHaul 70115 46" x 36" x 4-1/2" Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage...
5 Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack - 52 inches (Pack of 2) Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack - 52 inches (Pack of 2)
6 BRIGHTLINES Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Premium Aluminum Roof Bars Roof Rack Crossbars Compatible with 2012-2023 Honda CRV Without Roof Rails BRIGHTLINES Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Premium Aluminum Roof Bars Roof Rack Crossbars Compatible with...
7 Snailfly Roof Racks Cross Bars Fit for 2021 2022 2023 KIA Sorento & Sorento HYBIRD Rooftop Cargo Crossbars with Lock (Only for Non-X-LINE Models with Flush Side Rails) Snailfly Roof Racks Cross Bars Fit for 2021 2022 2023 KIA Sorento & Sorento HYBIRD Rooftop Cargo...
8 AUTOSAVER88 Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Rooftop Aluminum Crossbars Luggage Cargo Carrier Bag Bike AUTOSAVER88 Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Rooftop Aluminum Crossbars...
9 Snailfly Upgraded Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for 2019-2023 Kia Telluride LX S SX SX-P EX Lockable Crossbars for Ski Kayak Bike Basket (Except X-Line and X-Pro) Snailfly Upgraded Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit for 2019-2023 Kia Telluride LX S SX SX-P EX Lockable...
10 WEIZE 54' x 34' Heavy Duty Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down Strap, Net, Rack Extension and Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV, 150lb Capacity, Steel Construction WEIZE 54" x 34" Heavy Duty Roof Rack, Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket with Waterproof Bag, Tie Down...
11 MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket 51' X 36' X 5' + Waterproof Cargo Bag 15 Cubic Feet (44' 34' 17'), and Cargo Net with Attachment Hooks, Ratchet Straps MeeFar Roof Rack Carrier Basket Universal Rooftop Cargo Carrier Basket 51" X 36" X 5" + Waterproof...
12 SEAH HARDWARE Universal Roof Rack Cross-Bars 2 PC. SEAH HARDWARE Universal Roof Rack Cross-Bars 2 PC.
13 EZREXPM Lockable Cross Bars Roof Rack Fit for 2021 2022 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon & Yukon XL , Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade ESV Cargo Carrier Crossbar Accessories Rooftop Exterior EZREXPM Lockable Cross Bars Roof Rack Fit for 2021 2022 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon & Yukon XL ,...
14 Tyger Auto TG-RK1B942B Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack | L57.5 x W42 x H6 | Roof Top Luggage Carrier | with Wind Fairing, Black Tyger Auto TG-RK1B942B Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack | L57.5 x W42 x H6 | Roof Top...
15 ARKSEN 84 x 39 Inch Universal 150LB Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cargo with Extension Car Top Luggage Holder Carrier Basket for SUV, Truck, & Car Steel Construction ARKSEN 84 x 39 Inch Universal 150LB Heavy Duty Roof Rack Cargo with Extension Car Top Luggage Holder...
16 AZHZ Roof Rack Cross Bars Cargo Bars Roof Rack Fit for Tacoma 2005-2022 Black -150LBS Load Capacity ( Not Fit Access Cab ) AZHZ Roof Rack Cross Bars Cargo Bars Roof Rack Fit for Tacoma 2005-2022 Black -150LBS Load Capacity...
17 ECOTRIC 64' x 39' x 6'' Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension Heavy Duty Steel Car SUV Top Luggage Storage Holder Basket for Travel 250LBS Weight Capacity ECOTRIC 64" x 39" x 6'' Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier Basket with Extension Heavy Duty Steel Car...
18 Silscvtt 48 Universal Car Top Roof Cross Bar Luggage Cargo Carrier Rack w/ 3 Kinds Clamp Silver Aluminum Silscvtt 48 Universal Car Top Roof Cross Bar Luggage Cargo Carrier Rack w/ 3 Kinds Clamp Silver...
19 StayThere Roof Rack Crossbars, 54'' Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Raised Side Rail Gap Needed - 200 lbs Load Capacity StayThere Roof Rack Crossbars, 54'' Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars Raised Side Rail Gap Needed -...
20 Snailfly Upgraded Customized Crossbars Fit for Lexus RX RX350 RX350L RX450h RX450hL 2016-2022 Roof Rack Cross Bars Cargo Carrier Snailfly Upgraded Customized Crossbars Fit for Lexus RX RX350 RX350L RX450h RX450hL 2016-2022 Roof...

Tip: You’ll find simple ways to protect your bike in our guide to alarm systems.

Current Offers Of Roof Racks

You can find the best current offers on roof racks in this list.

SaleBestseller Nr. 2
MaxxHaul 70115 46' x 36' x 4-1/2' Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks - 150 lb. Capacity
MaxxHaul 70115 46" x 36" x 4-1/2" Roof Rack Rooftop Cargo Carrier Steel Basket, Car Top Luggage Holder for SUV and Pick Up Trucks - 150 lb. Capacity
Instant cargo space for vehicle with cross bars; Basket size - 46" x 36" x 4-1/2"; Easy to assemble and install (assembly and mounting hardware are included)
$129.99 −11%
SaleBestseller Nr. 4
AUTOSAVER88 Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Rooftop Aluminum Crossbars Luggage Cargo Carrier Bag Bike
AUTOSAVER88 Roof Rack Cross Bars Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Rooftop Aluminum Crossbars Luggage Cargo Carrier Bag Bike
Windproof Shape: Aerodynamic profile minimizes drag and reduces wind noise
$89.79 −35%

FAQ About Roof Racks

How fast can you drive with a roof rack?

There is no basic regulation for the maximum speed. It is recommended not to exceed a speed of 130 km/h.

How much weight is allowed on a roof rack?

This depends on the size and type of the roof rack as well as the car. You can find information about the maximum load in your vehicle registration document.

What is a roof rack?

A roof rack is an additional way to store luggage in your car. Besides bicycles or boats, additional luggage can also be attached.

How wide can a roof rack be?

The width of the roof rack is not limited, but the luggage must not exceed the width of the car.

Charlotte is passionate about writing for the Elternkompass. In her free time, her son Emil likes to keep her on her toes and together they spend a lot of time outdoors, walking around their home city of Leipzig. In her product recommendations, Charlotte shares her experiences with you.