Van roof racks and roof bars: differences

How to choose the most suitable commercial carrying system for your needs

One key aspect of optimizing the cargo capacity of commercial vehicles involves the use of carrying systems such as roof racks and roof bars. This guide will explore the differences between these carrying systems, which differ in structure and functionality, and illustrate how they contribute to enhancing the performance of commercial vehicles.

Roof racks: features and functions

The roof rack, or roof carrier, is a crucial component for vans engaged in transporting bulky goods. The roof cargo basket provides a larger loading area and can accommodate irregularly shaped objects. It is designed to provide an additional support base for loading items that would take up valuable space inside the vehicle itself.
Here are some notable features of a professional roof rack:

• Perimeter containment: The cargo basket is equipped with side panels that allow lateral containment. Additionally, it is possible to integrate upper crossbars both at the front and rear to achieve complete containment on all four sides. This feature makes the basket suitable for transporting stackable loads, such as panels.
• Load versatility: Baskets offer a versatile solution for transporting irregularly shaped items. The dense support base of crossbars allows for easy attachment of roof rack straps or fastening devices to secure the load, even of small dimensions.

Moreover, modular rack systems offer complete flexibility in selecting dimensions such as length (number of crossbars), width (crossbar size), and height (side panels). This enables the coverage of the entire roof of the van or just a section, depending on specific loading requirements and/or the presence of other obstacles or accessories.

Van Roof: features

Roof bars, on the other hand, consist of at least a pair of horizontal bars installed on the vehicle's roof. These bars provide a solid support for transporting longer and thinner objects, offering an additional loading surface for items or equipment, all without adding excessive weight or bulk to the vehicle.
Here are some key features of roof bars:

• Materials: They are made using robust materials such as steel or aluminum to ensure strength and durability over time. Aluminum, lightweight and efficient, has a lesser impact on the overall weight of the load, while steel is known for its strength and robustness.
• Ease of installation: Roof bars are designed to be easily installed and removed, allowing for the quick adaptation of the vehicle to current needs.

Professional roof bars are the ideal solution for those seeking a balance between practicality, quality design, and safety during transportation. You can explore accessories from the Kargo series designed for steel roof bars or choose Kargo-Plus accessories specifically designed for aluminum roof bars.

In summary, roof racks are more suitable for large and irregularly shaped items, offering an open and protected space for loading. Van roof bars are ideal for transporting longer and thinner objects, providing a solid horizontal base for securing items securely.

The choice between the two will depend on the specific transportation needs of each driver and the vehicle's load limits, which can be found in the vehicle's user and maintenance manual. Regardless of the choice, it is important to ensure that the installation and use comply with safety regulations. These accessories can significantly improve the cargo capacity and versatility of commercial vehicles, thereby contributing to the success of business activities dependent on efficient and reliable transportation.

For more information, feel free to contact us, we will be happy to answer your questions!