How much does a roof rack cost?

Words:  Andrew Watt & Simon Coward

As a rack retailer, this is a question we are often asked, and although there is no simple answer, you can break it down into a few categories that will help give you an idea of the overall expense.

What does your roof already have on it?

Roof types can be broken down into the following categories:

• Naked Roof (nothing on it at all)
• Flush Rails or Fixed Points
• Raised Rails
• Pre-Existing Cross Bars 
• Truck Bed & Canopy

Each of these styles require slightly different solutions, so, check out the images below and see below for further details on roof rack price ranges for your vehicle.

NAKED ROOF OR FIXED POINTS

Naked roof racks for the most part require 3 components, a fit kit (fastens rack system to your specific vehicle), Foot Pack and Load / Cross Bars.  There are some more temporary out of the box options available, though these are definitely designed with lighter, less frequent use in mind.

PRICE RANGE:  $199 - $740 + gst

RACK OPTIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH A NAKED ROOF OR FIXED POINTS

$	$$	$$$
Malone Versa Rail	Rhino Heavy Duty Bar	Yakima Corebar

FLUSH RAILS

Flush rails are a system where the vehicle has a rail system running front to back on the roof, though with no space between the roof and the rail.  For the most part require 3 components, a fit kit (fastens rack system to your specific vehicle), Foot Pack and Load / Cross Bars.

NOTE:  Some flush rail systems will require fixed point fitting, though the price is more or less the same. 

PRICE RANGE:  $485 - $740 + gst

RACK OPTIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH FLUSH RAILS

$$	$$$	$$$$
Rhino Vortex Bar	Yakima Round Bar	Yakima Jet Stream

RAISED RAIL

Many vehicles have raised rails, where there is a rail running front to back on the vehicle roof with space between the rail and the roof.  This setup has the most options and are also the most cost effective as they typically only require a 1 or 2 component system as the rails are quite universal.

PRICE RANGE:  $189 - $530 + gst

RACK OPTIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH RAISED RAILS

$	$$	$$$
Malone Airflow 2	Rhino Vortex Stealth Bar	Yakima Railbar

PRE EXISTING CROSS BARS

Some vehicles come with pre installed cross bars.  This means you are ready to add accessories such as ski carriers, cargo boxes, bike racks and more.  No need to purchase after market cross bars, UNLESS you are looking to increase the weight capacity, or width of your rack, or have accessory specific fitting needs such as those required by the Malone Telos Load Assist. Note that some factory installed crossbars have significantly lower max weight ratings than their aftermarket alternatives. See your owner's manual or consult your vehicle dealer for weight ratings and limitations on factory installed roof racks.

TRUCK BED & CANOPY RACKS

You can put racks on the cab of your truck but many people want them either mounted on the truck bed or canopy of the vehicle.  There are multiple options from a number of brands to set up your pickup for carrying cargo.

PRICE RANGE:  $320 - $1600 + gst

Note: There are many options in this space, below is just a small selection.  Please feel free to contact us by phone at 780 463 4892 or email info@aquabaticsedmonton.com for detailed advice and information.

RACK OPTIONS FOR TRUCK BEDS

CANOPY	TRUCK BED	TRUCK BED
Rhino RTV Track	Yakima Long Arm Bed Extender	Yakima Overhaul HD
TRUCK BED	TRUCK BED
Malone Axis Bed Extender	Malone Axis Bed Extender w/ Versa Rail

RAIN GUTTERS

Last but not least, some vans and older vehicles have rain gutters to mount racks on.  Price wise you are looking at similar range to the raised rail systems listed above.  The fastening mechanism is slightly different but generally a 2 component system.

SUMMARY

So that is a quick(ish) breakdown of the different roof types, rack options and price ranges for base racks for vehicles.  We hope the information makes sense and is of value.

Our team would love to help you outfit your vehicle or just get you a bunch of great information.  Feel free to drop us an email at info@aquabaticsedmonton.com or call us at 780 463 4892

Thanks for checking in!