WHY THE NEED OF ROOF RACK CARRIERS FOR KEI CARS

When you go to an auto camping site, you often see roof racks installed on the roof of a car.

Specially in the Philippines, almost every kei car specially the Suzuki Every has a roof carrier.

Some people say that if you go on a family camping trip in a regular car other than a van, a roof rack is a must!

But not just a regular sized car has it, even kei cars equipped with it too.

But there were so many things we didn't know, such as how to use them, the difference between rack-type and box-type, loading capacity, advantages and disadvantages, etc.

Lets discuss it here.

First of all, how does a roof carrier work?
a roof carrier is a system for carrying luggage by attaching "attachments" such as roof boxes and roof racks to a base carrier.

Many will think a Kei Van is already spacious so why the need for roof rack carriers.


What are the Advantages:

The luggage capacity has increased dramatically, allowing for more space inside the vehicle.

Can carry long luggage

You can store things you don't want in your car, such as dirty or smelly items.

It gives a rugged and wild impression, giving it an outdoor feel, and it's easy to spot in a parking lot.

2 types of common roof carriers:

Roof Box
This type of box allows you to put your belongings inside. Sizes vary depending on the manufacturer. There are single-door and double-door types.

Advantages:

Protects your belongings from rain, wind and sunlight

Simply open and close the lid to easily load and unload luggage.

With lock for excellent security

Disadvantages:
Capacity is limited by the size of the box, limiting flexibility

It will deteriorate if exposed to UV rays, rain or wind.

More expensive than rack type
If you are short, loading can be inconvenient.

Roof Rack
This type is attached to a base carrier and secures luggage with a net and belts.

Advantages

Flexible loading and fixing allows for high degree of freedom
Even if you carry slightly wet luggage, it can dry out while you're driving.
It is cheaper than the box type


Disadvantages

Directly affected by rain, wind and sunlight
Loading and unloading is a hassle, as it requires using belts and nets.
Lack of security
Depending on the load, air resistance may occur, making the vehicle unstable.

But roof carriers cannot be installed without the base carrier

The "base carrier" is the base that supports the attachments.
This is the "base carrier," the base needed to attach the roof carrier.

There are 3 parts of Base Carriers

Bar:
Parts for fixing attachments such as roof boxes and roof racks.
Foot (also called stay):
Parts for attaching the bar. The height varies depending on the manufacturer. The higher it is, the easier it is to attach the attachment, but be careful in multi-storey car parks with height restrictions. The whole base carrier can be stolen, so it's reassuring to have a key lock.

Holder:
This is the part that secures the base carrier to the vehicle body. The type of holder you choose will vary depending on the vehicle model.

According to Car camper professionals

Roof boxes are recommended for beginners.

A roof carrier that dramatically increases loading capacity. This will be a real help for our family, whose car's trunk was always full with all the family's gear! Make sure you choose a roof carrier that suits your lifestyle.

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