Everything you need to know about roof racks

A roof rack is necessary when you want to carry something on your car roof. A Thule roof rack is safely and easily attached to your car – you can do it yourself in minutes.

For each car brand and model, there is a Thule roof rack solution that fits. To find the right roof rack, head to our Roof Rack Systems page and click “Select Vehicle”. Then, enter your car brand, model, and year – and you will get the perfect roof rack solution for your car.

Once the roof rack is mounted on your car, you can use it for a wide range of cargo depending on your needs: roof boxes, bike racks, racks for kayaks, surfboards and SUP boards, and winter sport racks.

In order to fit your car, a roof rack needs to consist of a complete roof rack system. The roof rack system has three parts:

1. The actual load bar, that’s the part that spans across the roof of your vehicle
2. The roof rack feet, these are the parts that attach to the roof of your vehicle
3. A Fit Kit, these are the components that ensure the roof rack fits your specific vehicle and roof type

Together, these three components are a roof rack system. A roof rack system, compared to just a roof rack, are specifically designed to fit your car right away.

If you’ve updated your car, it might mean that all you need to change are the roof rack feet and fit kit. In that case, you won’t need to rebuy the entire roof rack system.

Thule roof racks are super easy to mount on all types of vehicles and include every component you’ll need. Thule prides itself with working closely with the automotive industry, that means we often have a roof rack kit that fits a new vehicle model before its even been launched on the market!

Most roof rack systems are composed of roof bars, feet and fit kits (some do not need fit kits). The bars are where you carry the load, the feet attach to a specific type of roof (see roof types below), and the fit kit ensures the rack fits on your specific car model. At Thule, we sell our roof racks as complete systems so that you get the roof bars, feet and fit kits as a complete package.

All you have to do is head on over to the roof rack page and insert your vehicle brand, model, year and roof type. We’ll then supply you with the entire kit that you need for the roof rack to fit your specific vehicle. Yes, it’s that easy!

A roof platform like Thule Caprock is a substitute for a roof rack and mounts directly onto your vehicle roof with the help of a fit kit and roof rack feet, much like a roof rack. It can, however, also be used together with your Thule roof rack.

Roof platforms are popular with overlanders. Thule Caprock comes in a range of sizes with an adjustable base crossbar for a customized fit of your vehicle. The versatile design allows for easy mounting of popular overlanding accessories like light bars, jacks, and other gear.

Installing roof racks on your car depends on the kind of vehicle you have. All roof rack systems are composed of two load bars, feet and fit kits to fit the roof racks on your specific vehicle.

To find out how to install roof racks on your specific vehicle, enter your vehicle details on our roof rack page, choose a roof rack, and download the users manuals on the Instructions tab.

All Thule roof racks are designed to carry up to 75 kg. However, the maximum weight of the system is determined by the vehicle itself. For more details on the max weigh capacity of your vehicle, consult your vehicle manufacturer.

To find the right roof rack for your vehicle, head to the roof rack systems page, click on “Select vehicle”, and enter your car model details to find a roof rack that will fit your specific vehicle.

How to choose a roof rack? It's easy! With us, it starts with a simple question – would you prefer a maximized loading area or a streamlined design?

These are the perfect roof racks for an exceptionally quiet and aerodynamic ride.

Thule WingBar Evo is an all-around roof rack compatible with all accessories, from roof boxes to roof top tents. Its wide loading area allows you to transport more gear.

Thule WingBar Edge is a sleek and sporty roof rack that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the car. It's a stylish solution for your bike rack or roof box.

These roof racks are great for the casual users who want to load a roof box or other sports gear on the top of their car. They’re built for heavy-duty usage and have a streamlined design for a quiet trip.

The Thule WingBar Edge has a sleek look that curves at the edges rather than sticking out at the sidesof the car roof. This allows for a integrated look that fits seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle. That said, it also means that the roof rack is not compatible with rooftop tents.

Thule WingBar Evo does not have the same integrated look, however it is compatible with rooftop tents and all sports carriers.

Thule ProBar Evo is the workhorse of the roof rack world, these heavy-duty roof racks are designed for professionals or explorers who need to transport heavy equipment.

This roof rack is great for construction workers or professionals who need a robust solution that can carry lots of gear.

Thule Evo SlideBar is an innovative roof rack with a two-way sliding functionality making it easier than ever to load your gear. Slide the rack out and load your things at a more convenient position, then effortlessly slide the rack back onto the roof. Perfect for bike racks and water sports racks.

These roof racks are great for seniors or for people who might struggle to lift heavy sports carriers onto the roof of your vehicle. It’s also helpful if you have a high vehicle with a roof that is hard to reach.

The Thule Caprock roof rack platform is another great way to bring both your sports or cargo carriers, and a bunch of small gear. With a load capacity of up 330 lbs, Thule Caprock has a versatile design that allows for easy mounting of popular overlanding accessories like light bars, jacks, and more.

The roof platform comes in multiple sizes to accommodate varying roof dimensions, truck bed sizes, and intended use scenarios.