If you’re gearing up for your next overland adventure, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is how to haul your gear. Simply put, cargo racks are the hottest category in vehicle accessorizing, and there are dozens of manufacturers offering hundreds of products. With so many cargo-carrying options on the market, it can be a tall order to decide what is right for you.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a setup that doesn’t meet your requirements—or worse, hinders your overlanding experience. This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing a roof rack for your overland vehicle, breaking down the main factors to consider and highlighting some standout options available right here on Parts Via.
Note: For this guide, we’re zeroing in on roof-mounted cargo racks—the kind that sit overhead and mount to your vehicle’s roof—not the truck-bed style racks you’ll find on some 4x4 overland rigs.
Where to Start: Use Case Reality
Before you even start browsing racks, take a moment to think about your needs. What kind of overlanding are you planning to do, and what gear do you actually need to carry? If you are serious about your off-road overlanding adventures, additional weight is the enemy, and weight stored up high is negatively impacting your vehicle’s off-road performance.
Overlanding gear isn’t always about ultra-deluxe accessories, fancy cargo containers, and kayaks. Maybe you just need extra space for tools or a spare tire. The equipment you need to have versus the gear you want to haul will directly influence the type of roof rack that’s right for you.
For example, if you’re carrying light gear, like a traditional tent or basic camping equipment, a roof rack might not be necessary at all. Roof rails or crossbars, often used in combination with cargo carriers and baskets, could be a simpler and more cost-effective solution. On the other hand, if you plan on carrying bulkier gear or adding significant weight up there, like a rooftop tent, spare tires, or larger cargo, a solid platform that fixes directly to the vehicle might be a better option.
Consider how you’re planning to use the space. Will you need accessories like tie-down points, mounts for lights, or anchor systems, and additional attachment points for extra gear? What about future expansion and unplanned adventures ahead? All of these factors will help you determine whether a basic rack or a more customizable, feature-rich model is the right fit.
Different Types of Roof Racks
Once you have a better idea of what you need to haul and where you want to go, it's time to weigh the pros and cons of the different types of roof racks available.
1. Traditional Mass-Produced Crossbars
When it comes to roof racks, traditional roof crossbars have been a staple in the automotive world for decades. These racks are simple, lightweight, and widely available, making them an accessible and easy option for many vehicle owners.
Many SUVs and minivans come with roof crossbars as a factory accessory. This means the vehicle is already equipped with a weight-supporting roof rack rail provision—an ideal starting point for an overland build. For a vehicle without a roof rack built-in, the aftermarket accessory space offers many options. Vehicle-specific crossbar roof racks are often preferred since they fit snugly and securely on your vehicle without major modifications. However, universal options are also available and can work across many vehicle platforms.
Crossbars provide a basic, straightforward entry-level solution for carrying lighter loads like ski racks, bike mounts, or cargo carriers. Typically made with many plastic components, they are generally not designed to carry heavy items and are not ideal for carrying even light loads on a go-fast off-road trail.
That said, while they are not as heavy-duty as other rack options, crossbars can serve as a solid base for adding pods and carriers for drivers who just need some extra storage space during light off-road missions. Their simplicity and ease of installation have made them a go-to option for many vehicle owners looking to enhance their hauling capabilities without getting too complex.
2. Platform Roof Racks
Platform-style roof racks are flat and minimalistic, offering a sleek design that can be easily customized. These racks are ideal for carrying large, bulky items and often come with additional tie-down points. Most platform racks allow you to add accessories such as side rails, lights, or mounts for extra gear, making them a versatile choice for a variety of overlanding needs.
One of the benefits of platform racks is their aerodynamic design. Because they don’t have the high sides of basket racks, they tend to create less drag, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. They are also generally more customizable, so you can easily adjust them to suit your specific needs.
Mounting provisions vary wide and far. If possible—and for optimized load strength to support larger weight capacities—platform roof racks should be fixed into the roof rack rail system. If the vehicle has no roof rack rail mounting provisions, there may be clamping base wedges that can do the trick. For even heavier loads, and depending on vehicle setup, roof rack systems may call for additional reinforcements.
Additionally, for streamlined lightweight cargo needs, a platform roof rack can be configured to mount to the vehicle’s crossbars. But try to avoid overcomplicating things so you’re not mounting a mount to a mount.
3. Basket Roof Racks
If you need more space than crossbars provide and more containment than a platform rack allows, then you may want to consider a basket-style roof rack. Offering a large, enclosed area for carrying gear, they’re a solid choice for extended overlanding trips.
With built-in side rails and, in most cases, front and rear barriers, they’re great for securing bulkier items like tents, coolers, or extra fuel containers. Some models omit the front or rear sections to accommodate longer cargo.
The tradeoff? Basket racks tend to be bulkier, less configurable, and can increase wind resistance to your vehicle, which may affect fuel efficiency and create noise at highway speeds—something to keep in mind if you plan on doing a lot of highway driving. Overall, basket racks can hold a lot of gear, but they may not be as customizable or versatile as platform racks.
As far as installation, mounting a basket roof rack to your vehicle’s upper deck would call for the same or a similar process as the platform roof racks. The trick is to keep it simple and always check the tightness of your hardware as often as possible.
Roof Rack + Truck Bed Rack Combo
For pickup truck owners, truck bed racks and heavy-duty overland racks are great alternatives to traditional roof-mounted racks. These racks are mounted in the bed of your truck and can handle varying levels of gear that might be too bulky or unwieldy for a roof rack. They're best suited to support the heaviest items, like spare tires and rooftop tents.
Combining a truck bed rack with a roof crossbar rack can provide the perfect solution for carrying longer gear, giving you the flexibility to haul both large items in the bed and lighter gear on the roof. This hybrid approach can be ideal for overlanders who need to carry a variety of items that don’t always fit within a traditional roof rack setup.
Roof Rack Shopping Considerations: What You Need to Know
Once you’ve chosen the rack style that best suits your needs, it’s time to dive into the details. Here are the key factors you should consider when selecting a roof rack:
Load Capacity
Every roof rack has a maximum load capacity, which refers to the amount of weight it can safely carry. It’s essential to consider both static and dynamic load ratings. Static load refers to the weight the rack can hold when the vehicle is stationary, while dynamic load is the weight it can handle while in motion.
Make sure to check your vehicle’s maximum roof load capacity, which will be listed in your owner’s manual, and ensure your setup can handle the combined weight of the rack itself and the gear you plan to carry. Keep in mind that heavier racks can also affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, so don’t just opt for the heaviest-duty model without considering your needs.
Versatility
Roof racks come in varying degrees of versatility. Some brands, like Rhino‑Rack, offer modular systems such as the Pioneer Platform, which let you customize your setup with awnings, light bars, jerry can holders, and more. The more adaptable the rack, the better it can evolve with your overlanding needs—both now and in the future.
Vehicle Fitment and Installation
Not all roof racks fit every vehicle, so it’s important to know your vehicle’s specifications before purchasing. Some vehicles come with factory roof rails or attachment points that make installing a roof rack much easier, while others might require additional hardware. You’ll also need to consider any features that might impact installation, such as a moon roof or an antenna. Also, keep in mind that a vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco with a composite removable roof will require special roof rack mounting provisions.
Ensure the rack you’re looking at is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Most companies offer vehicle-specific racks that are easier to install and often have better fitment and security.
Additionally, take a look at your vehicle’s weight capacity. Is it equipped to handle the combined weight of the rack and all your gear? You might need to make upgrades to your suspension, such as adding an airbag system or a sway bar, to help manage the additional load.
Drag & Noise
As you load up for your overland trip, keep in mind that roof racks can increase wind resistance, which may hurt fuel efficiency and create noticeable noise—especially at highway speeds. Some models, like the Westin Mesa Roof Rack, include forward-facing diffusers to make up for this design and help reduce both drag and sound.
Top Roof Racks To Consider
To make your search easier, here are a few standout roof racks that hit different budgets and setups:
- Rhino Rack Vortex ROC25 2-Bar Roof Rack: Designed for vehicles without factory roof rails, the Rhino Rack ROC25 is a sleek, no-fuss roof rack system that installs easily and fits flush to your roof. The lockable legs, noise-reducing Vortex bars, and non-marking rubber padding make it secure, quiet, and easy on your paint. Whether you're hauling bikes, boards, or gear, the ROC25 is built to handle it, right out of the box.
- SeaSucker Ridge Ready Monkey Bars: Got roof ridges, a removable top, or no factory rails in sight? SeaSucker’s Ridge Ready Monkey Bars are made for you. Designed to mount securely inside the ridges of Jeeps, trucks, and other hard-to-fit vehicles, these crossbars use powerful vacuum cups to create a stable, rack-ready platform—no drilling or permanent hardware required. Whether you’re hauling kayaks, boards, or bikes, these SEMA award-winning bars deliver a rock-solid hold and serious flexibility for even the most unconventional roofs.
- Rhino Rack Pioneer 6 Platform with RX200-4 Legs: Built for serious overlanders, the Pioneer 6 Platform paired with RX200-4 legs delivers next-level strength, aerodynamics, and versatility—all with a sleek, low-profile fit for vehicles with flush roof rails. This is Rhino Rack’s quietest, lightest platform yet, featuring full-length mounting channels, integrated wiring options, and a massive accessory ecosystem that adapts to your setup, whether you’re hauling kayaks, recovery gear, or rooftop tents.
- ARB Flat Rack: The ARB Flat Rack delivers the strength of a full ARB roof rack with the low-profile practicality of a flat platform—ideal for mounting rooftop tents, jerry cans, or even a canoe. Available in steel or lightweight alloy with an optional Amplimesh floor, it’s built to handle heavy loads without compromising clearance or aerodynamics. Compatible with existing ARB mounting kits and rated up to 330 lbs., this rack is as tough as it is versatile.
- CURT Roof Basket (42" x 37"): Need more room without overhauling your whole setup? The CURT Roof Basket is a no-fuss, budget-friendly cargo carrier that mounts to most crossbars and adds nearly 11 square feet of storage up top—expandable to 17 with an optional extension. Its lightweight, two-piece steel design bolts together quickly and is built to handle road trips, weekend getaways, and everyday adventures. Great for stashing bulky gear, especially when interior space is maxed out.
- Go Rhino Safari Roof Rack: A rugged, no-nonsense upgrade from standard cargo baskets, this rack is built for gear-hauling in rougher conditions. Made from durable mild steel with a black textured powder coat, it bolts directly to factory or aftermarket crossbars without any drilling. Tie-down points along the side plates keep your load secure, and this version comes equipped with two Rigid Industries 3" LED lights for better visibility on early starts or remote job sites.
Get Adventure-Ready with Parts Via
Choosing the right roof rack isn’t just about storage—it’s about matching your setup to your real-world needs. Consider your gear, the type of overlanding you’ll be doing, and your vehicle’s capabilities. A well-chosen rack keeps cargo secure and your vehicle performing the way it should, whether on pavement or off the grid.
At Parts Via, you’ll find trusted brands and proven setups designed to meet your vehicle’s capacity and your adventure goals—all without breaking the bank. And with fast, FREE shipping to local network dealers, it’s easier than ever to get your gear dialed in before your next trip.