Collection: Cross Bar

Car cross bars, or roof bars, are the pair of bars that run across your vehicle's roof, forming the base that carriers, boxes and racks attach to. They're the foundation of any roof load system, so getting the right type for your roof and knowing your load limit matters. Roof type determines which mounting system fits. Start by identifying what your roof has — bare, rails, flush rails or fixed points — then check your vehicle's roof load limit.

Are universal cross bars a good option?

A universal crossbar set fits a range of vehicles using adjustable clamps, which suits cars with standard raised rails. Vehicle-specific bars fit more precisely and suit bare roofs and fixed points, where a universal set often won't mount securely. Check your roof type first.

What roof type does your car have?

The mounting system depends on the roof:

• Bare roof: no rails or fittings, so bars clamp to the door frame with vehicle-specific fitting kits.
• Raised rails: rails running front to back with a gap underneath, which bars clamp around.
• Flush rails: rails sitting flush with no gap, needing a specific clamp type.
• Fixed points: dedicated mounting points, often under covers in the roof, which bars bolt into.

What is your roof load limit?

Every vehicle has a maximum roof load stated in the owner's manual, and it's lower than most people expect — often around 50 to 100 kg for a passenger car. Critically, that figure includes the weight of the bars and any carrier or box, not just your cargo, so subtract the hardware weight to find what you can actually load. Exceeding the limit affects handling and stability, particularly in crosswinds and cornering, because weight up high raises the centre of gravity. Check the manual figure, weigh your hardware, and stay within it.

How do you load a roof safely?

Load restraint is a legal requirement, and an unsecured roof load that comes off at speed is extremely dangerous to other road users. Secure everything with rated straps rather than rope or occy straps, and check the load can't shift forwards under braking, which is where the greatest force comes from. Distribute weight evenly across both bars and keep heavier items low and centred. Check the straps again after the first stretch of driving, since loads settle. Be aware of your new height at car parks and drive-throughs, and expect more wind noise and higher fuel use.

Common questions

How do I know which cross bars fit my car?
It depends on your roof type — bare, raised rails, flush rails or fixed points — each needing different mounting hardware. Check your roof type and your vehicle's year, make and model.

What is my car's roof load limit?
It's stated in the owner's manual, often around 50 to 100 kg for a passenger car. The limit includes the bars and any carrier, not just your cargo, so subtract the hardware weight.

Do cross bars affect fuel use?
Yes — bars create drag, which increases fuel consumption and wind noise, more so with a box or load fitted. Removing them when not in use saves fuel.

How do I secure a roof load?
Use rated straps, not rope or occy straps, distribute weight evenly, keep heavy items low and centred, and re-check after the first stretch of driving since loads settle.

Can I pay for cross bars with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our cross bars start from $69, which is four fortnightly payments of $17.25.

Complete your fit-out

Cross bars work with the rest of your carrying setup. Add roof racks and carriers, winches, and lights.

A $69 cross bar set splits into four fortnightly payments of $17.25 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.