Roof rack

In principle, yes – but there are requirements: Your vehicle must have the appropriate mounting points or be equipped with suitable adapters. Therefore, before purchasing a roof rack, check whether your car has the necessary infrastructure for installation.

There are different types of roof racks that can be used depending on the intended use and vehicle type. The most common are crossbars or platform roof racks. Crossbars provide a stable base for transporting a variety of loads on the roof, for example, sports equipment like bicycles, skis, snowboards, and kayaks, or for attaching roof boxes. Platform roof racks, on the other hand, offer a large, flat surface on the vehicle roof and are particularly popular for off-road and overlanding use. They are ideal for bulky items, but also for roof tents, as they are robust and versatile, allowing you to safely store your gear for demanding trips. At horntools, we only offer roof rack platforms.

Advantages

✅ Affordable to purchase
✅ Low weight
✅ Easy handling and assembly
✅ Practical for sports equipment and roof boxes

Disadvantages

❎ Less loading area or storage space
❎ Less stability than platform roof racks
❎ Accessories may require additional brackets or mounting systems
❎ More air resistance, increased fuel consumption

Advantages

✅ Extremely stable because the weight is evenly distributed
✅ Versatile usage and transport options
✅ Good aerodynamics with a flat design
✅ Plenty of space for accessories and equipment

Disadvantages

❎ Higher purchase price
❎ More weight due to robust construction

To find the right roof rack for your vehicle, you should consider a few important factors:

1. Vehicle type: Check which roof rack is suitable for your vehicle model. Different cars have different mounting points and roof shapes, which significantly influence the choice of rack.
2. Purpose: Determine what you want to use the roof rack for. Do you need it to transport luggage, bicycles, a roof tent for off-road adventures, or for work? For specialized applications like overlanding, particularly robust roof rack platforms are ideal.
3. Load capacity: Consider your vehicle's roof load capacity, how much weight the roof rack can support, and how large it needs to be to safely transport your gear.
4. Compatibility with the desired accessories: Make sure that the roof rack is compatible with the accessories you want to use, such as sand boards, canister holders or off-road accessories.
   

By the way, our vehicle-specific models are precisely tailored to the respective vehicle structure.

To determine which roof rack fits your car, you need to know its dimensions and requirements. Determine the exact model and year of your vehicle, as roof racks are often designed specifically for certain models and years, such as our ExRoof models. Also consider your vehicle's roof type. Whether your car has a flat roof, rail system, fixed mounting points, or roof rails also influences the choice of the right roof rack. Horntools, for example, offers roof racks that mount to original mounting points, but in some cases, clamp systems that attach to the roof's gutter are also used.

Note: Vehicle roof rails are not used for mounting in the current roof rack portfolio. Unfortunately, roof racks cannot be installed without the original mounting points.

Horntools offers three different roof rack models. These are exclusively platform roof racks:

ExRoof: The ExRoof roof rack is our newest roof rack. It is made of aluminum and is characterized by its high rigidity and versatility. The horntools Exroof roof rack is currently available for the following vehicle models: Mitsubishi L200, Suzuki Jimny GJ/HJ, Ford Ranger (models 2016-2022), Ford Ranger Raptor (from model 2023), Volkswagen Amarok (models 2010-2020), VW Amarok (from model 2023), Isuzu D-Max Double Cab (from model 2021), Peugeot Expert L2, Citroen Jumpy L2, Opel Vivaro L2, Toyota Proace L2, and VW Multivan T5/T6 – each in L1 and L2.

Navis: The Navis roof rack is both stylish and highly durable thanks to its round-tube design. It is also equipped with airline mounts. It is available for the following vehicle models: Suzuki Jimny GJ / HJ, Volkswagen Amarok (2011-2020), Ford Ranger (2016-2022 T7), Isuzu D-Max (2012-2020), Mitsubishi L200, and Nissan Navara (2015-2020).

ElPortador: This roof rack was specially developed for the Jimny GJ/HJ.

The size of a roof rack depends on the roof area of your vehicle and must not extend beyond the legally permitted vehicle width. The platform should be securely mounted and aerodynamically designed. The permitted roof load must not be exceeded.

How much you can transport on a roof rack depends on several factors. Firstly, both the vehicle manufacturer and the rack manufacturer specify the maximum permissible roof load. The so-called dynamic roof load describes the maximum load that can be carried on the vehicle roof while driving – including the rack's own weight. Typically, this value is between 50 and 100 kg for many vehicles. However, the dynamic roof load can be higher, especially for off-road vehicles. However, the following applies here too: Never exceed the manufacturer's specifications and always calculate the total weight – rack plus load – correctly. The general load capacity of a roof rack like the horntools ExRoof can be found in the respective product description. You can find the maximum permissible roof load for your vehicle in the manual, the vehicle registration document, or you can inquire directly with the respective manufacturer.

The dynamic roof load refers to the permissible weight while driving. It is crucial for road safety, as the vehicle is exposed to particular forces at higher speeds and when cornering. If your vehicle is permitted a dynamic roof load of 80 kg, the sum of the carrier system and the load must not exceed this value. In contrast, there is the static roof load, which is relevant when the vehicle is stationary – for example, when using a roof tent. It is significantly higher and is usually three to four times the dynamic roof load. This means that even if you are permitted to transport a maximum of 80 kg while driving, you can often easily store several hundred kilograms on the roof when stationary.

Roof rack installation varies depending on the model, but is generally straightforward. The first step is to assemble the roof rack and attach it to the roof of the vehicle. You can find all the instructions on the respective product pages in the "FAQs and Downloads" section. After installation, we recommend a test drive to detect any rattling noises or changes in handling and to be able to correct them immediately.

You can transport a variety of items on a roof rack platform, including:

Transport boxes and bags : Ideal for the safe transport of heavy or bulky luggage or transport bags such as the waterproof Expedition Bags from horntools.

Roof tents : Perfect for overlanding trips as they can be mounted on the platform e.g. with the ExRoof quick release for roof tents.

Off-road equipment: This includes sand trays , jerry cans, spare tires, and other equipment needed for challenging terrain and off-road driving.

Tools and equipment

In addition to roof racks, we also offer a wide range of accessories and parts to help you maximize the space on and around your vehicle's roof. These include transport boxes, quick-release fasteners for roof tents, various Quick Fist tool holders , tensioning straps, brackets, and rear ladders. Our range of accessories is modular, robust, and precisely tailored to your individual needs. Discover the complete selection of accessories in our shop now.

The recommended maximum speed with a roof rack is 120 km/h. Ensure even loading and regularly check that your rack is securely fastened. If you have any questions about this or need information about delivery, shipping, or specific roof rack systems, please contact our customer service. You can find the details on our website.

Not every roof box fits every vehicle. The decisive factors are your car's dimensions and compatibility with the roof rack system. Horntools offers exclusively platform solutions for this.