Learn All About Car Base Rack Systems
What Is Base Rack Systems?
The Base Rack System is the foundation of the roof rack on any car. Every car's base rack system differs by the type of roof the car has and accordingly the type of base rack system can be determined. There are a few components to every base rack like towers or feet, load bars or crossbars and fit kits or landing pads. All Base Roof Rack Systems come with built-in locking capability, simply add a Lock Cylinder to each tower/foot and you get complete security. Aerodynamics is the key to lowering your vehicle's fuel consumption and a deflector attaches to the front bar of the rack and deflects wind above and around your rack.
Where Are Base Rack Systems Located?
The base rack system goes on the roof of the car. It requires no modification to be done to the vehicle but specific fit kits may be required.
Types Of Base Rack Systems
The types of roof rack are determined based on the type of roof you have since the installation of the rack is directly affected by the roof of the car. The following are the types of roof on which different roof racks are assembled:
- Rain Gutter: The
roof rack is mounted to the rain gutter. Rain gutters are now pretty extinct in
modern cars and only a few late model cars still borne it.
- Bare Roof:
This is commonly found in most vehicles. In this type of roof, you mount the
roof rack to the door frames.
- Raised Rail:
These rails come factory installed as a styling feature along with a mounting
surface for crossbars.
- Flush Rail:
This is a subtler type of roof rail that sits flush with the roof panel and
offers a more inconspicuous mounting area.
- Track: There are tracks or
grooves in the roof edges where it is possible to mount roof racks. Their
advantage is that they allow customizable sizing of the roof rack and the
position can be altered according to user needs.
- Fixed Point: In this type of system the rack is mounted on a stud that is
secured to a fixed point in the roof. This fixed point is hidden under roof
moulding or trim.
Important Features Of Base Rack Systems
The base rack system allows for various roof accessories to be mounted to the roof of the car. It makes it easier to load any type of cargo like bikes, bags, boxes, canoes, etc. and is detachable in case the user wishes to. They are a healthy addition to any vehicle and can offer many benefits. It acts as an extension to the vehicle and allows for hauling extra goods and cargo while maintaining the room in the cabin and trunk for other goods. They are easy to install and a single pair can be placed on many different vehicles. It is the perfect solution for any backpackers that require carrying lots of equipment and cargo in a car for long trips. Sporting equipment, cargo, luggage, goods etc all can be hitched to the roof racks and will increase the vehicle carrying capacity drastically with no modification to the structure of the vehicle.
Frequent Problems With Base Rack Systems
The constant loading and unloading of equipment from the roof rack will eventually rub out the clear coat on the roof panels and will leave discoloured spots on the metal surfaces. The locks on the base rack are prone to rust which makes them hard to operate and this can prohibit the use of the lock mechanism. Installation of the rack also plays an important role and improper installation can mean risking the mounted goods or equipment and the vehicle to accidents. Taking good care of the roof rack is essential to prolong their life. A proper inspection can help determine any issue before it grows into unrepairable damage
Symptoms Of Base Rack Systems
After the installation of the cargo carriers or any other equipment and during the vehicle’s movement if there is a definite rattling sound coming from the rack or roof then it can mean that the equipment is either not mounted properly or the base rack system is loose.
Tools Needed For Base Rack Systems
Most base rack systems come with the essential tools for the installation but you may still require the following tools:
Top Brands For Base Rack Systems
When it comes to vehicle owners choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Base Rack Systems.
Related Parts Of Base Rack Systems
Here are all the accessories that you can mount to the base rack system for all your sporting and luggage carrying needs:
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort Of Base Rack Systems
It is good practice to tighten the retaining bolts that hold the base rack in order to ascertain their proper fitment. If the rack is loose then it can affect the proper installation of the various base rack accessories. The various Roof Rack accessories can fetch different prices.
How To Change Base Rack Systems?
The installation process for the various base rack systems is varied since different manufacturers have varied designs and installation processes. It is recommended to follow the instruction guide provided with the rack mounting kit for the best, safe and easy installation. Here is a simpler guide as to what you might expect when installing the base racks:
Examine the contents of the kit and assemble all the hardware and mounting brackets on the rack.
Place any protective layers on the roof or the rack if provided in the kit and then place the rack on the roof beyond the gutter.
Undo the adjusting nut and press it to change the length of the rack. Adjust is so that the length of the rack matches that of your roof.
Place the securing bracket on the rack. You may need to remove sections of the rack in order to fit the bracket.
Hold the securing bracket such that it clamps onto the roof frame. FIrst hand tighten the bolts on the securing bracket on both ends on the rack.
Make sure the rack is placed correctly and then proceed to tighten the bolt to secure the bracket in place firmly.
Apply some pressure to move the rack and check if it is placed properly.
Repeat the steps for the other rack and the installation is complete.
Note that every manufacturer has a varied process for installation of the roof rack and one must follow the instruction guides provided with the kit to ensure proper installation and safety.
