When travelling in a group, sometimes the car boot is not enough. Let’s find out how to choose the best carriers with ProduceShop.
Roof boxes and roof bars, ski racks and bike carriers: everything you need for your car, explained every step of the way in our guide. Let’s discover it together!
If you want to exploit the car’s full potential, it pretty much stands to reason that complete and carefully chosen equipment is the only thing that really comes into play. If the equipment of the car is indeed the first step, then all the benefits we can choose from are an indispensable plus; obviously we are therefore talking about roof boxes, ski racks, bike racks, roof bars. Since it is often expensive to buy from physical shops or garages and mechanics, online today offers interesting options, both in terms of choice and savings. Finally, even automotive accessories are making their way into the eCommerce market.
So why not to consider ProduceShop among the many retailers? Not only we offer you a complete and exhaustive catalogue but we give you, as always, the guide to choosing the best from our products. Let’s start discovering it together!
Why buy them?
Divided into different categories depending on the type of objects and products you need to transport these car accessories, although different in shape and use, share some common details.
Among the different options available on the market, we have identified four macro-categories that can sum up all the different possibilities of use and they are:
- roof boxes: these are a mobile extension of the car boot and a tightly closed and secure additional space to be placed on the roof. Mostly, the parameters for choosing them concern the capacity and the type of car on which you want to place them;
- roof bars: one of the most common items to keep on your car, these are parallel bars to which, with an interlocking system, you can secure various items of luggage and more, therefore a low-cost and versatile solution;
- ski racks: specially designed docking systems for transporting skis and snowboards. Definitely recommended for all people who in winter but not only, already know that they will be going on their skiing holiday;
- bike carriers: cycling enthusiasts, whether professional or amateur, know how important it is to secure their bikes flawlessly to the car. Otherwise, one risks losing hundreds or thousands of euros literally on the road.
Remember: after reading this guide, you can also read more about the various models in the article dedicated to the best car accessories from ProduceShop!
How to choose Roof Racks, Roof Bars, Ski Racks and Bike Racks for Cars?
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Roof Racks
When it comes to this car accessory, there are a few features to consider. Among the most important are:
- length: the length of the roof box depends essentially on two factors, i.e. the size of the car and the amount of luggage to load; however the normal standard is around 160x80cm, a measurement that delineates universal boxes (therefore easily adaptable to several cars);
- capacity: the capacity of the box must be carefully checked and respected: if it is exceeded, one risks damaging not only the box, but the car roof itself. A tolerated weight between 60 and 80 kg is already a good solution and it means lots of luggage (especially if it is well organised);
- weight: be careful when choosing the weight. A model that is too light risks being both delicate and unstable; on the other hand, one that is too heavy, can be a risk to the car;
- opening: the roof rack’s opening and locking system must be efficient, stable and secure. Otherwise, you risk sowing luggage along the way: clearly annoying and risky for other drivers. So check the lock and even better if it has an anti-theft system (in case of stops);
- aerodynamic design: an element on the car roof, if too high, could cause a dangerous ‘sail effect’. So make sure that the design of the roof rack is as aerodynamic as possible as not to create friction when driving;
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Roof rails
Again, be careful with weights and measurements; do not be fooled by the best offer or the cheapest price because the risk of running into a cheap product is always high. Also, remember to consider:
- compatibility: always check that the bars are compatible with your car (although, when talking about universal bars, the risk that they are not is practically non-existent);
- dimensions: in the case of universal bars, the length is normally adaptable to the width of the car but if you choose fixed bars, then assess compatibility first;
- load-bearing capacity: pay close attention to this parameter, because it is the one that, if misinterpreted or misjudged, can lead to the worst damage. So calculate how much weight roof bars should normally bear and try never to go over 75/80 kg at a time in order to avoid breakage and damage (even to the car);
- materials: it is the materials that ensure the strength, durability and solidity of the bars. Since we are looking for both maximum strength and lightness, an aluminium alloy telescopic structure can only be the best solution in this case. In addition, attention should also be paid to the materials used for the hooks and fasteners which are usually made of plastic;
Universal Rigid Roof Box 400 Litres Menabò Mania -
Ski carriers
Transporting an expensive and important item like a pair of skis or a snowboard in a car requires care and attention. For this reason, ProduceShop offers a large selection of ski racks, which are the perfect companion for ski lovers in comfort. Before purchasing, focus on certain features, above all:
- materials: here, too, make sure of the solidity of the materials, both in terms of resistance to use and durability. Usually polypropylene or ABS plastic are among the most popular;
- design: the choice of design is purely personal. For instance, hey can be bars, diamond-shaped, small or large but the important thing is that they are the right size to accommodate your equipment safely;
- attachment: there are essentially two types of attachment of the ski rack to the machine: magnetic or bar. First ones usually uses strong magnets (and safety straps) to stay attached to the car roof. The second type, on the other hand, mounts like roof rails, i.e. with interlocking system and the latter are usually more suitable for snowboards (wider) or pairs of skis;
- fastening: check the fastening of ski racks, the interlocking and locking system carefully so that it is solid and secure;
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Bike carriers
Whether you are a Sunday morning cyclist or a real professional, carrying your bike is a dilemma. A bike carrier of excellent workmanship is the perfect solution to bypass any difficulties and remember to check these factors:
- type: there are different attachment for bike racks; they are chosen according to the car and the number of bikes to be transported each time. Therefore we find roof-mounted ones, which work with the roof rails, keeping the bike upright (careful with low bridges!), rear-mounted, using the lever on the rear door with a system of hooks and straps, and tow-hook ones. The latter are the safest, offering more possibilities but the car must be fitted with a tow bar;
- compatibility: make sure that you choose bike carriers that are compatible with your car. The shape of the door and the rear window, may clash with a particular model you had your eye on;
- load capacity:: load capacity indicates the weight that the carrier is capable of supporting (before breaking down). It is indicated in kg, with an indication of the number of bicycles that can be docked. Try not to buy something below your usual weight threshold, so as not to incur breakages that could damage the car;
- materials: among the various car accessories, the bike rack is one of those that has to withstand the greatest loads, stresses and jolts. Therefore, the materials used must be stronger and more resistant than usual. While aluminium is perfect for the bands supporting the bike, it is better to choose a scratch-resistant steel structure (an eye for aesthetics, then). Check the presence of rubber protectors at the support points;
- anchorage: above all check the system for anchoring and locking the bikes to the rack: sturdy straps or snap hooks must be fully functional.
Car Magnetic Ski and Snowboard Carrier Universal Menabò Aconcagua
Get ready for the most comfortable ride ever with our Roof Boxes, Roof Rails, Bike Racks and Ski Racks!
