Why Do Most Roof Baskets Need to Mount to Crossbars
Question:
Why do most baskets use racks? Why arent they just made to connect directly to the side rails of the vehicle?
asked by: Khaled A
Expert Reply:
We do have a small selection of roof baskets with the Surco Safari 5.0 line that are designed to attach directly to factory side rails on a vehicle without the need for roof rack crossbars. These come in a variety of sizes, such as the 84 inch x 50 inch # SPS5084-1101 and the 60 inch x 45 inch # SPS4560-1101.
I have attached a link that will take you directly this selection as well.
With that in mind you are definitely correct that a great majority of baskets are designed to mount to crossbars. Most likely this has to do with the more level and sturdy platform that crossbars provide along with their simple fit applications. While there are a variety of different roof rack manufacturers, for the most part roof crossbars feature similar dimensions and shapes. This allows one particular basket to fit just about any roof rack, regardless of the roof rack manufacturer. Because vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, it is a bit more difficult to design a basket that will be compatible with all of them.
If you are just looking for extra storage space on the roof of your vehicle another option is a cargo bag like the Rightline Gear Sport 3 # RL100S30, which can mount to a roof via crossbars, side rails, or right on top of a naked roof by running the included straps and clips inside the vehicle.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket for Factory Rails - 60" Long x 45" Wide
- Roof Basket
- Cargo Basket
- Raised Factory Side Rails
- Long Length
- Aluminum
- Large Capacity
- Black
- Surco Products
more information >
Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket for Factory Rails - 84" Long x 50" Wide
- Roof Basket
- Cargo Basket
- Raised Factory Side Rails
- Extra Long Length
- Aluminum
- Extra Large Capacity
- Black
- Surco Products
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rightline Gear Sport 3 Rooftop Cargo Bag - Waterproof - 18 cu ft - 48" x 36" x 18"
- Car Roof Bag
- Waterproof Material
- Naked Roof Mount
- Roof Basket Mount
- Roof Rack Mount
- Extra Large Capacity
- Long Length
- Gray
- Rightline Gear
more information >
Featured Help Information
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