Roof rack: cross bars, roof box or bike carrier
Start with the roof, not the brand
There is no universal roof rack. First look at what your roof has. Raised rails with a gap (you can wrap your hand around them) are the simplest option: cross bars fix straight onto them. Integrated flush rails without a gap need special adapters. A smooth roof with no rails is fixed at the doors, at fixing points or at the gutters. Some cars have factory fixing points, called fixpoints. This decides which cross bars fit and how much it will cost.
What you mount on top
Cross bars are the base to which other systems attach. A roof box is handy for luggage: its volume is measured in litres, for example 450 L, and its length affects whether the tailgate can open. Bike carriers come for the roof or for the tow bar; loading onto a tow bar is easier, but you need the tow bar itself. There are separate holders for skis, and a basket for bulky loads.
Keep in mind that a rack on the roof raises fuel use and noise, and the load is limited by the roof’s permitted weight, given by the car maker. Check this in the car’s manual.
What to put in your request
- Rack type — cross bars, roof box, bike carrier, skis, basket.
- Car model and year — for example, Skoda Kodiaq, 2020.
- Roof type — raised rails, integrated, smooth, gutters, fixpoints.
- Volume or load — litres for a box, kilograms for cross bars.
- Maker — a particular brand, or any good one.
- Condition — new or used, for example in good condition.
- Delivery and budget.
Example: “I need cross bars for raised rails and a 450 L roof box for a 2020 Skoda Kodiaq. A well-known brand, used in good condition is fine. Courier delivery to Sydney, budget up to $430.”
What to look at in the offers
Check exactly what is included in the price: only the feet, or also the bars, locks, adapters and the fitting kit. For a box, ask about the material, how fast it mounts and whether it opens from both sides. For a used one, ask for photos of the fixings and locks, because a broken lock or a bent profile puts safety in doubt. Also check that the keys are there.
How BlaBlaPrice helps
You describe what you need in one request, and sellers reply in the chat: what fits your car, the price, availability, delivery. The site shows the offer with the best value first, and each one has seller reviews next to it. Sellers see their place among the others and often improve their terms. Contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. Read how it works on the “How it works” page.
For a trip you may also want a car fridge and a boot organiser.
