What is the difference between roof racks and crossbars?
Roof racks are the complete cargo-carrying system installed on a vehicle’s roof, while crossbars are the two horizontal bars that support and secure gear along the roof. In most setups, crossbars are just one part of a larger roof rack system.
Crossbars by themselves do not provide a full mounting solution. They rely on rails, towers, clamps, or other mounting hardware to attach securely to a vehicle. Depending on the car, you may have factory-installed rails, or you may add aftermarket rails and crossbars to build a full rack. The distinction matters for compatibility, weight limits, and ease of use when you’re planning to carry bikes, kayaks, cargo boxes, or ski equipment.
What is a roof rack?
A roof rack is the complete cargo carrier installed on the roof of a vehicle. It typically comprises longitudinal rails or tracks, uprights or feet, crossbars, and mounting hardware. Some systems also include or accommodate accessories such as cargo boxes, bike carriers, or ski racks. A roof rack is designed to distribute load across the roof and provide a secure attachment point for various gear.
What are crossbars?
Crossbars are the two horizontal bars that span the width of the vehicle’s roof and serve as the primary mounting surface for accessories. They attach to the vehicle’s rails, towers, or mounting points and provide the base for attaching cargo boxes, bikes, skis, and other gear. Crossbars can be included as part of a roof rack system or sold separately to retrofit an existing setup.
How they differ in practice
The key difference is scope: roof racks refer to the full carrier system, while crossbars are a core component within that system. The choice between focusing on crossbars alone or investing in a complete roof rack depends on your needs, vehicle configuration, and how you plan to use the roof-mounted gear.
Common configurations and components
Below is a snapshot of typical roof rack configurations and the parts you’ll encounter when building or upgrading a system.
- Roof rails or side rails: longitudinal bars fixed along the length of the roof, providing anchoring points for other components.
- Crossbars: two bars spanning the width of the roof, on which accessories mount.
- Towers, feet, or clamps: hardware that attaches crossbars to rails or roof channels and often allows height adjustment.
- Locking mechanisms: locks or cables to deter theft of the rack or the attached gear.
- Accessory mounts: bike racks, kayak carriers, ski mounts, cargo boxes, and other attachments that fit onto crossbars or rails.
In practice, many buyers start with factory rails and then add crossbars and towers to complete the system. Others opt for aftermarket rails and crossbars designed to be lighter, quieter, or more aerodynamic depending on their vehicle and usage.
Choosing the right setup for your vehicle
When evaluating options, consider how the roof is designed, what you plan to carry, and how often you’ll use the rack. The following factors guide most purchases.
- Vehicle compatibility and mounting system: Some cars have fixed roof rails, others have bare roofs or different channel systems; pick components that fit your model.
- Load capacity: Check both the roof’s published weight limit and the rack’s dynamic load rating; common ranges vary by vehicle and system, so verify with the manufacturer.
- Aerodynamics and noise: Some crossbars are designed to be low-profile to reduce wind resistance and wind noise.
- Security and locking: Consider whether you need locks for the crossbars and for individual accessories.
- Budget and installation: Factory or aftermarket options vary in price and installation time; assess whether you’ll install yourself or rely on a shop.
Ultimately, the right choice balances vehicle compatibility, intended cargo, and how much you value ease of use, noise, and security.
Safety and maintenance
Always stay within the vehicle’s rated roof load and the rack’s own load limits. Secure all gear firmly, check fasteners regularly, and remove or store equipment when not in use to avoid wind lift or damage. If you frequently modify gear configurations, consider a rack with adjustable crossbar spacing and secure locking features to prevent unauthorized removal.
Summary
Roof racks describe the full system used to carry gear on a vehicle’s roof, including rails, towers, crossbars, and mounts. Crossbars are the two horizontal bars at the heart of that system and the primary surface for attaching accessories. Choosing between a complete roof rack and just crossbars depends on your vehicle’s mounting points, the loads you carry, and how often you travel with gear. A well-matched setup—whether it’s factory rails with crossbars or a custom aftermarket system—offers safety, efficiency, and convenience for your adventures.
What is the difference between a roof rack and a roof bar?
In summary, roof racks are more suitable for large and irregularly shaped items, offering an open and protected space for loading. Van roof bars are ideal for transporting longer and thinner objects, providing a solid horizontal base for securing items securely.
Are cross bars and roof racks the same?
Roof bars or crossbars are a set of usually two bars that run across the top of the car. A roof rack, by comparison, will feature more than two crossbars and is often modular in design. Sometimes the racks see a fixed format with a set number of crossbars.
What do you use crossbars for?
They serve as a mounting point for various accessories, enabling the transport of items such as bicycles, kayaks, cargo boxes, and more. These bars are typically made from durable materials like aluminum or steel, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Can you go through a car wash with roof cross bars?
Yes, as long as the final height is less than the max height of the car wash she uses. It would fit in the standard car washes in my area unless you have a significant lift. You could find out by measuring you vehicle now, then adding however tall the rack is to the measurement.
