Roof racks and carriers let you carry what won't fit inside — luggage, bikes, kayaks and camping gear. They mount onto cross bars, so the bars come first and the carrier attaches to them. What you need depends on the load: a roof basket for general cargo, a box for weatherproof luggage, or a purpose-built carrier for bikes or boats. Check your vehicle's roof load limit before choosing, since it's lower than most people expect.
What type of carrier suits your load?
Match the carrier to what you're carrying:
- Cargo carrier basket: an open tray for bulky gear, strapped down. Versatile but exposed to weather.
- Roof box: an enclosed weatherproof pod for luggage, lockable and more aerodynamic than an open basket.
- Bike carrier: holds bikes upright by the frame or wheels, either on the roof or on a towbar.
- Kayak or board carrier: cradles or J-bars supporting a hull without pressure points.
How much can you put on your roof?
Your vehicle's owner manual states the maximum roof load, commonly around 50 to 100 kg for a passenger car, and that figure includes the cross bars and carrier as well as your cargo. Subtract the hardware weight to find your usable capacity — a heavy basket and bars can consume a significant share of the limit before you load anything. Weight up high raises the centre of gravity, so an overloaded roof affects handling, braking and stability in crosswinds. The carrier itself will also have its own rated capacity, and the lower of the two figures applies.
How do you load and secure a roof carrier?
Load restraint is a legal obligation, and an item that comes off at highway speed can kill someone behind you. Use rated straps rather than rope or occy straps, and think about braking forces, which push the load forward hard. Keep heavy items low and centred across both bars rather than at one end. Check straps after the first 20 minutes of driving and at every stop, since loads settle and straps loosen. Remember your new vehicle height for car parks, drive-throughs and low branches. Expect more wind noise and higher fuel consumption.
Common questions
How much weight can a car roof take?
Check the owner's manual — commonly 50 to 100 kg for a passenger car. The limit includes the bars and carrier, not just your cargo, so subtract the hardware weight.
Roof box or cargo basket?
A box is enclosed, weatherproof, lockable and more aerodynamic; a basket is open and more versatile for odd-shaped or bulky loads but exposed to weather and noisier.
Roof or towbar bike carrier?
Roof carriers keep the boot accessible but add height and require lifting bikes up. Towbar carriers are easier to load and don't affect height, but may block boot access and the numberplate.
How do I secure a roof load legally?
Use rated straps, distribute weight evenly and low, and re-check after the first stretch of driving. Load restraint is a legal requirement and unsecured loads are extremely dangerous.
Can I pay for a roof rack with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our roof racks and carriers start from $63, which is four fortnightly payments of $15.75.
Complete your fit-out
Carriers work with the rest of your setup. Add cross bars to mount them, a winch, and driving lights.
A $63 roof carrier splits into four fortnightly payments of $15.75 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.
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