Roof Racks, Crossbars, and Cargo Carriers for Your Vehicle

Roof racks, crossbars, and cargo carriers significantly expand your vehicle's hauling capabilities, allowing you to transport items too large or messy for the interior. Whether you're planning a camping trip, heading to the lake, or just need extra space, these accessories help you carry bikes, kayaks, skis, luggage, and more safely and securely. Our parts departments can help you find the right system for your Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram.

Roof Rails vs. Crossbars: What's the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between roof rails and crossbars is key to choosing the right cargo system. Roof rails are typically factory-installed and run lengthwise along the roof of your vehicle, from front to back. They provide the foundation for attaching other accessories but don't offer much cargo carrying capability on their own.

Crossbars, on the other hand, attach to these roof rails and run across the width of the vehicle, from side to side. They are the primary attachment point for most cargo carriers, bike racks, kayak carriers, and ski/snowboard racks. If your vehicle already has roof rails, you'll likely only need to purchase compatible crossbars. If your vehicle doesn't have roof rails, you may need a complete roof rack system that attaches directly to the roof's door frames or fixed points.

Cargo Boxes and Baskets for Your Adventures

Once you have your crossbars in place, you can choose from a variety of cargo solutions to suit your needs. Cargo boxes are enclosed, aerodynamic containers that provide secure, weatherproof storage for luggage, camping gear, and other items. They protect your belongings from the elements and can reduce wind noise compared to open baskets. They come in various sizes and capacities.

Cargo baskets, often called roof baskets or roof trays, are open-air platforms with raised sides. They are ideal for irregularly shaped items, muddy gear, or anything that doesn't need to be protected from rain or dust. Items in a cargo basket are typically secured with cargo nets or straps. Both cargo boxes and baskets free up valuable interior space, making your travels more comfortable for passengers.

Understanding Load Limits and Your Owner's Manual

It is crucial to be aware of your vehicle's roof load limit before installing any roof rack system or loading cargo. Exceeding this limit can compromise your vehicle's handling, braking, and stability, and potentially damage the roof structure. You can find your specific vehicle's maximum roof load capacity in your owner's manual. This figure includes the weight of the roof rack system itself, plus the weight of any cargo. Always consult your owner's manual or speak with our parts specialists to ensure you stay within safe limits.

Item	Consideration
Roof Rails	Lengthwise, factory-installed, foundation
Crossbars	Widthwise, attach to rails, main attachment point
Cargo Boxes	Enclosed, weatherproof, secure, aerodynamic
Cargo Baskets	Open-air, for irregular or muddy items, nets/straps

Wind Noise and Fuel Efficiency Considerations

Adding a roof rack system and especially a loaded cargo carrier can impact your vehicle's aerodynamics, which in turn can affect fuel efficiency and introduce wind noise. Cargo boxes are generally designed to be more aerodynamic than open baskets, helping to minimize these effects. However, any addition to your roof will likely create some air resistance. To mitigate this, consider removing your roof rack system or cargo carrier when not in use, especially for long drives. Properly securing all items and ensuring they don't extend beyond the rack's footprint can also help reduce noise and drag.

Gear for Lake and Camping Trips Around Globe

Living in Globe, Arizona, offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures, and a robust roof rack system can make your trips to Roosevelt Lake, the Tonto National Forest, or other camping spots much easier. Imagine easily transporting:

• Kayaks or Paddleboards: Special carriers secure your watercraft for a day on the lake.
• Bicycles: Bike racks, available in various styles, let you bring your mountain bikes to explore trails.
• Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and other bulky items fit perfectly in a cargo box or basket.
• Fishing Rods: Specialized rod carriers keep your fishing equipment safe and organized.
• Ski and Snowboard Gear: For winter trips to higher elevations, carriers keep your snow sports equipment secure.

Our parts departments at Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you explore genuine accessories designed to fit your specific vehicle. We're located at 2046 E Highway 60, Globe, AZ 85501. For Nissan parts, call 928-793-5581. For Mopar parts (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram), call 928-793-5581. Our parts departments are open Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.