The Different Types of Roof Rack Accessory Mounts

Travelers have used roof racks to carry their luggage and gear for many years. The roof rack has many features that have evolved throughout the years and created a reliable piece of technology. The roof rack uses accessory mounts to help carry more items or change how it holds them.

Straps

Straps bind items to the roof rack and keep them secure for the trip. These accessories consist of a strong fiber that is difficult to tear and will withstand harsh weather conditions. The straps are adjustable, so they will work with multiple items and can accommodate a looser fit.

Anchor Straps

These are unique straps with a round pipe at the end of them. The belt wraps around the object and the roof rack to secure it, and as an added feature, the tube acts as an anchor that prevents the straps from slipping. Secure the straps as you usually would and before you tighten them, drop the pipe through the loop that it makes to stop the entire strap from coming undone.

Since the pipe is empty on the inside, you have the opportunity to tie another object into the tube. Or, if you have any loose straps that you want to tuck away, the tube will hold them.

Quick Loop Straps

The quick loop strap allows for tight security and smooth tying down. Most models have a loop that acts as an anchor at the end, but the pipe isn’t as heavy as a boat tie-down. The versatile use gives this strap an excellent reputation.

Locking Straps

Locking straps are the primary example of straps and do a great job of staying in place while keeping their tightness. The nylon straps have a loop that attaches to objects and a buckle. You can adjust the tightness by opening the buckle and adjusting the lengths of the straps. Closing the buckle secures it to stop the cord from slipping, keeping it from loosening or tightening.

Heavy-Duty Straps

Heavy-duty straps are able to hold larger weights compared to other straps. This type of strap holds thousands of pounds while keeping the cargo secure. This accessory will keep your vehicle’s luggage safe and save you from using multiple other accessories.

If you have a boat or a miniature vehicle such as an ATV, these straps are the best to keep it secure. You could also use these for smaller items labeled important assets, like rooftop racks. The items you store will remain stable, and the durable nylon of these straps will endure the most challenging conditions, including UV rays and precipitation.

End Caps

End caps act as a cosmetic item with little use besides covering the endpoints on roof racks. These accessories are rounded, smooth, and made with durable plastic, and many end caps come in different shapes, sizes, and densities.

They do have some use as far as the edges possibly being sharp or blunt from damage. But outside of this, they give the roof rack a well-rounded, complete look.

Stops

As you maneuver through the world, you will come across steep hills and windy roads. For your items on top of the car to remain within the roof rack without slipping or spilling over the edge, you’ll need stops to keep them contained. The stops are placed on top of the roof rack to prevent items from tipping over when the vehicle makes any sharp turns.

These roof rack accessory mounts are especially helpful when off-roading. The uneven ground may slope at multiple drive intervals, and the straps and ropes will only do so much to keep the cargo from flying off and down a hill. By using stops, you will have a chance to keep your gear secure with an extra layer of stability.

Tie-Downs

Tie-downs are a standard roof rack accessory. They keep luggage secured to the car’s roof by pushing them down. The tie-downs are similar to a strap in that they have a strong nylon composition, and they use hooks or the cord itself to secure themselves to the vehicle. The straps run horizontally along with the roof rack and large secure items that may protrude from the roof.

These accessories have different buckles and hooks that allow them to stay secured to the car while keeping items tied down. The buckles also keep these accessories themselves in a tight grip so they don’t loosen from the bumping of the road.

Tie-downs work well with other roof rack accessory mounts such as straps and stops. The straps will add more security to items such as kayaks since you can tie them down and strap them to the sides of the roof rack, keeping them suspended. Additionally, the stops will prevent the small boat from sliding over the edge if the straps fail.

Brackets

Brackets give the roof rack a permanent place to mount on top of the car. The brackets are attached to the roof with screws drilled into the brackets. The roof rack will connect to the vehicle via the brackets, and you may remove it whenever necessary.

Light Brackets

Light brackets are smaller brackets that support lighter loads. You could have any roof rack, but the rack won’t have the support it needs to sustain heavy weights of things such as tires or packed coolers if you have light brackets. Heavier weights would damage the vehicle by leaving a dent in the metal, which will cost money to repair.

It would be best to use loads no more than 50 pounds. Items such as bikes and sleeping bags will work great with this installation system.

Heavy Brackets

Heavy brackets aren’t that different from light brackets in size, but they hold more weight. Some of these brackets are installed underneath the roof while others are over. The heavy brackets will hold larger roof racks and heavier loads such as rooftop tents and small water vehicles like Jet Skis.

Combining brackets for roof racks with sturdy roof racks will maintain the weight and prevent large loads from falling off from the force of inertia while on the road.

The roof rack is a helpful piece of equipment that keeps your personal belongings secure and carries them on your travels. Using the many accessories that come with it will help you have a safer trip.