Choosing roof racks for trucks: a guide

With the 2024 Toyota Tacoma about to approach our dealership lots, you might start considering how you will customize it with the ARB and other aftermarket parts, like roof racks. Finding the right roof rack can be hard, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for exactly. To make it simple for you, our N Charlotte Toyota truck parts experts are giving you a guide on choosing roof racks for trucks. Let’s start.

Why should you get roof racks for your truck?

Roof racks for trucks can be utilized in many ways; you can transport heavy off-road gear, work equipment, bikes, kayaks, and more. Once you decide what you’re going to use roof racks for your truck, you need to know what type of racks best fits what you’re carrying on your N Charlotte Toyota truck.

How do roof racks for trucks work?

Most roof racks for trucks are composed of a base and crossbars. The base is mounted to the roof of your N Charlotte Toyota truck, while the crossbars support those bases by connecting them in the middle.

Depending on what make and model you get, it may come with factory-equipped raised side rails on the roof already. But you’ll still need to buy roof rack accessories like foot packs, crossbars, and anchor straps. If you don’t know what exactly you’ll need, just ask our N Charlotte Toyota parts experts for their professional opinion.

Decide which roof rack is best

There are a lot of options when it comes to selecting roof racks. Here are a few to mention:

• Rooftop tent
• Bike racks
• Ski or snowboard racks
• Platform racks, which are mounted over the bed of the truck
• Kayak, surfboard, and paddleboard racks

But, deciding on a roof rack for your N Charlotte Toyota can be difficult because of all the technicalities.

We highly recommend Toyota roof racks because you will receive certified top-quality and longevity roof racks. If you’re looking for an aftermarket option, we recommend ARB (especially if you’re considering using it on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter) or Yakima.

What to look for when buying them

You’ll want to consider these tips when looking for the best roof rack that fits your needs:

• Make sure you choose durable racks. When looking for roof racks, you’re going to see some expensive and cheap – the cheap typically don’t last half as long as the more expensive and can fail you at the most inconvenient time. If you end up getting racks that have plastic pieces, you will see that they become brittle and break over time – so invest in all-metal roof racks. You can find them at the Toyota of N Charlotte parts center.
• If you’re planning to transport items like bikes or kayaks, make sure you get a rack that locks.
• The weight can be a heavy choice. Steel racks are strong, but they’re also a lot heavier. This can be problematic because your MPGs will drop significantly and your fuel costs will go up. But, there’s a simple fix: aluminum racks! These are the best option because they can carry just as much weight as steel, but they can weigh up to 30% less. Whichever you choose, just make sure your N Charlotte Toyota can support the racks, as well as the gear you decide to put on them.
• Choose a reliable company for your roof racks so that you can still find parts when you need them and also they’ll be sure to help you install them.
• Think about your plans with the roof racks so that you’re ready to choose and customize what roof rack is best for what you’re going to carry.
• Do not install the racks at home if you’re not experienced. Trust us when we say you will most likely damage your vehicle because it is that easy to install roof racks incorrectly. Your best bet is to bring it to Toyota of N Charlotte and let one of our auto parts experts install it for you – just so you don’t risk it falling off your vehicle while driving or any other serious damage to your vehicle.

How to take care of them

Eureka! You found your roof racks and you’ve been informed of all of the considerations. But, now we want you to make them last because they’re a costly investment.

Here are three simple pointers on how to properly take care of roof racks:

• If you hear shaking or vibrating that means something is loose. It’s most likely the hardware in the mounting system or crossbars. Do not ignore these sounds.
• Just like your oil changes, you need to routinely check on the racks by pulling on all the parts to make sure everything is in place. If anything is loose or looks like it has broken – replace them!
• Before you hit the trail or the highway make sure your gear is properly secured.

Get roof racks for trucks with Toyota of N Charlotte

Now that we simplified it for you, you’re ready to shop for roof racks! Contact Toyota of N Charlotte today to find the racks of your dreams. We’re ready to answer all your questions and help you choose the perfect roof racks for your truck. We’re open seven days a week and located at 13429 Statesville Road – just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.