Fitting a roof rack onto your Amarok is a great way to increase your luggage capacity. If you frequently partake in off-road and outdoor activities or have a big family, a roof rack will allow you to travel and take everything you need safely and comfortably. If you’ve never dealt with roof racks before, you might find yourself baffled by all the different available choices. In order to make it easier for you, I’ll discuss the most important things you need to know when shopping for Amarok roof bars.
How Are You Going to Use it?
There are two important questions you need to find the answer to before you start shopping for Amarok roof bars. Namely: What’s the main purpose of the roof rack going to be, and what’s your budget? Getting an answer to these questions sooner rather than later will help you make the right buying choice that meets your needs. Furthermore, you need to consider how the roof rack is going to be installed and the type of cargo you’ll be carrying on it. Some roof racks are permanent fixtures, while others can be removed. Permanent roof racks are typically drilled onto the roof for extra security. As far as what you’re going to transport on it, you have to consider whether you’ll be transporting specific equipment like kayaks, bikes, skis, or will you just be transporting luggage. There are quite a few roof rack accessories that can let you attach different types of cargo on the roof rack.
Steel or Aluminium Roof Rack?
It might not sound like a big deal, but the material the roof rack is made of can impact how much cargo you can carry on it, how much it costs, and how much it effects your fuel economy. Most roof racks are made of either steel or aluminium. Steel roof rack are more durable, more affordable, but they’re also heavier and cause more drag. As a result of the drag, your vehicle uses more fuel and may whistle in the wind. Aluminium roof racks are more lightweight, and they create less drag which makes them more fuel efficient. On the downside, you’ll have to pay more for them.
How Do You Fit Roof Racks?
The process of installing a roof rack will vary depending on your vehicle. The first thing you need to figure out is what type of roof your Amarok has. There are three basic types of roofs – bare roofs, roofs with fixpoints and roofs with raised fittings.
Bare roof vehicles don’t have any attachment points, so you should consider getting a clip-fit roof rack that’s designed to fit on it. These roof racks feature rubber based pads and coated metal brackets that allow you to clamp the roof rack on the outer edge of the roof. If you want a full roof rack system, you’ll also need roof bars. Roof bars are designed to fit various car models and makes, and they’re easy to install and remove.
If your vehicle has fixpoints built into the roof, you can easily install a roof rack on them by using the base towers. These fit right into the mounting point and you can mount the roof bars onto them.
And if your vehicle has raised roof fittings, then it also has fitted parallel bars that can support a roof rack system. The roof rack can easily be fitted through the use of the base towers, and all you have to do is find a base tower that fits around your roof bars. Be wary that the compatibility of the base tower will depend on your vehicle’s model and make.
If you have a roof rack and are ready to install it, make sure you have a pair of extra hands to help you with installation. Follow the instructions that come with the roof rack, and have any tools you may need close to hand. Clean your roof thoroughly so that the attachments will fit easier. Use lubricant to minimise scratches. If you don’t feel comfortable going through the installation by yourself, get a professional to do it for you.
What Can You Transport on the Roof Rack?
Most roof racks are very versatile, but depending on the type of cargo you intend to transport, you might need a few extra mounts or accessories. For instance, if most of your cargo is luggage, then you should consider fitting a cargo box. If you’re going on a camping trip and need a way to transport your tent and other camping equipment, a roof basket can be beneficial. If you have a lot of outdoor hobbies, then you might need a roof rack that can safely carry your bikes, kayaks, snowboards, etc. There are many accessories that will improve your roof rack’s capabilities and safety.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
