How to Install a Roof Rack & Attach Accessories

You’ve already done the hard part — choosing the perfect roof rack for your ride. If you follow our tips and tricks, installing your newest accessory is a cinch.

Installing Roof Racks on Naked, Factory Mount and Raise Roofs

Naked roofs are vehicles with bare roofs and don’t have factory, pre-installed racks. For a naked roof, you generally need a foot pack, fit kit and crossbars to create a complete roof rack system. While the installation process may vary slightly for your specific vehicle, keep these tips in mind.

• Fit kits are custom-designed to ensure the strongest and best fit for your vehicle. They usually include sturdy clamps that fasten to the outer edge of your roof and pads that contour to your vehicle’s roof.
• Podium-style foot packs comprise four feet that connect to the custom-made fit kit and are attachment points for the rack’s crossbars.
• The crossbars are the last part of the roof rack system to be installed.
• Certain naked-roof vehicles require a short-roof adapter, which is often used on small, two-door vehicles with curved or short rooflines. Short-roof adapters increase the roof rack’s carrying capacity and increases the distance between the crossbars for proper spacing, ensuring better weight distribution.

Factory Mount Installation:

Some vehicles come with factory-installed roof rack mount locations. These can be identified by square, plastic or metal covers that can be popped off with a screwdriver, exposing a pre-existing threaded mount hole.

Raised Roof Installation:

When your vehicle is already equipped with raised roof rails—as with many SUVs and minivans—the process will only vary slightly. With this design, the foot pack will be designed in two separate pieces — one to go above the roof rail and one that secures below it, sandwiching the crossbar.

How To Install Roof Rack Accessories - Bike Roof Racks

How to Install a Bike Roof Rack

Similar to riding a bike, installing a bike roof rack is something you never forget. Bike racks can be divided into two main categories – hitch bike racks and roof bike racks. While hitch-mounted racks slip directly into your vehicle’s hitch receiver, roof-mounted bike racks work in conjunction with your vehicle’s roof rack. Once the roof rack is mounted, a separate rack is required to load each bike. Regardless of your bike rack type, it’s always important to get a lock for extra security.

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Find out which racks get the thumbs up or thumbs down from customers just like you by checking out the roof rack reviews and roof rack accessory reviews.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, installing a roof rack and attaching accessories can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Whether you have a naked roof, factory mount, or raised roof, there are suitable options available for your vehicle. Additionally, when installing bike, kayak, ski, or snowboard racks, consider the specific needs of your equipment and vehicle for a safe and secure transportation experience. AmericanTrucks offers a wide range of roof rack accessories to meet your needs, backed by customer reviews and great deals.