Actually, there is one critical question that must be answered before deciding which particular style of a roof rack is best suited for your particular needs: "How much load capacity (weight carried on the rack's cross bars) will I need?"
The rated load capacity of roof racks is stated in terms of "static" weight load (see next question for definition). Perrycraft medium-duty racks, DynaSport and SporTrek, provide a 75-lb load capacity relative to the stuff carried on the cross bars.
Aventura racks provide a 110-lb load rating, while Perrycraft SportQuest racks are rated at a 180-lb load capacity.
For heavier load requirements, the combination of either the Aventura or DynaSport "roof rails" in conjunction with the Mont Blanc Gripper add-on load bars provides an industry-leading 220-lbs load rating.
Remember, the "carrying capacity" of the installed roof rack relative to the intended use of the rack must always take precedence over styling, cost, etc.
Once this critical question has been answered, determine the rack's particular size you need for the specific vehicle.
What is "static" load capacity?
Roof rack load capacity is stated as "static" load weight. The static load is defined as stationary, non-moving load weight. Load "inertia" created by a vehicle moving at normal operating speeds over dips, bumps, curves, etc. on the roadway can cause the stationary load weight being carried on the cross bars to more than triple. For example, a 50-pound static load on the cross bars can increase to 150 - 200 pounds or more during normal vehicle operation.
My vehicle has rails on the roof that run front-to-rear, but it has no cross bars for carrying cargo off the roof panel. What can I do?
Many station wagons, minivans, and Sport Utility Vehicles are now being produced by automobile manufacturers with this configuration. Many parts departments do not have cross bar kits available, leaving you to look elsewhere. By adding Perrycraft's SportQuest Clamp-Mount Bars or Mont Blanc Locking Load Bars, you will have the capability to carry many different types of cargo without worrying about the load damaging the paint on the vehicle roof.
How can I increase the load capacity of my existing factory or aftermarket roof rack?
Perrycraft offers "upgrade" kits and add-on load bars adaptable to many factory racks (and roof rails that have no cross bars), allowing load capacity increases to either 180 or 220 pounds.
I want to carry bikes/canoe/kayak/skis/snowboards/lumber/ladders, etc. on my roof rack. What is available for my vehicle?
First, determine what your load capacity needs are, based on what you want to carry, and the load capacity of your existing roof rack (some factory racks have the load capacity labeled on the rack itself, or you may be able to find it in your Owner's Manual). If your factory rack meets your load capacity needs, choose a product from Perrycraft Sports Equipment Carriers and Load Securement Accessories.
I want to purchase and install a roof rack myself. How difficult is it?
Depending on your vehicle, the style of rack chosen, and your level of mechanical ability, most aftermarket roof racks can be installed in about an hour. However, to make the warranty effective on such a Perrycraft rack, it will be necessary to have it installed by a professional installer. Normally, the installation cost is reasonable and well worth the cost versus the risk.
What is the warranty period on Perrycraft products; and what is covered?
All Perrycraft products are warranted for three (3) years to the original purchaser against any defects in material and workmanship. However, there are exclusions from warranty coverage under certain conditions as detailed under "Warning" on Perrycraft Warranty/Customer Information Card included in every roof rack kit manufactured by Perrycraft, Inc. A sample card reads as follows: Warning:
- External roof racks do not increase the GVWR of the vehicle.
- Maximum load for this rack is 75 pounds, evenly distributed on cross bar assemblies.
- Keep in mind that torque applied to any straps, cords, etc. between the load and the vehicle body effectively adds "load weight" to cross bars and the vehicle roof.
- Large or flat items such as plywood or watercraft can trap air and create wind lift. Secure the ends of such objects directly to the vehicle bumpers or tie downs.
- Bulky or tall loads can create tremendous horizontal wind resistance from headwinds and crosswinds.
- Extreme caution should be used when transporting such loads, taking into consideration road conditions, vehicle speed, crosswinds, load securing methods, etc.
- Large, bulky, tall or flat objects should be properly secured to both cross bars and other attachment points on the vehicle body.
Perrycraft assumes no responsibility for style or size of the rack installed, improper rack installation, exceeding rack load limits, load securement methods, vehicle roof strength, wind lift, or any other factors beyond its control. All fasteners, knobs, and load securements should be checked frequently and tightened as necessary.
I want to install a roof rack on the fiberglass/composite truck cap or lid on my pickup. Can I install it with the self-sealing sheet metal screws in a "standard" rack kit designed for sheet metal installation?
Absolutely not! Perrycraft offers special Fiberglass Mounting Kits for bolt-through installation. These kits come complete with stainless steel fasteners, all necessary seals (gaskets), molded plastic screw covers for the interior (don't want a customer's head hitting a screw sticking through to the inside!), and detailed installation instructions.
Perrycraft assumes no responsibility for style or size of the rack installed, improper rack installation, exceeding rack load limits, load securement methods, vehicle roof strength, wind lift, or any other factors beyond its control. All fasteners, knobs, and load securements should be checked frequently and tightened as necessary.