Let’s begin with the most important ground rule: what is the difference between a roof rack and a truck bed rack?
The roof rack is what goes over the cab of your pick up truck, whilst the bed rack is literally a rack system installed over the bed of your truck.
Both rack systems have a similar if not the same function, which is to increase your trucks cargo carrying capacity. However, both systems are completely different and perform differently.
In this short article we will answer the question: What is the best roof rack for your pickup truck?
Crossbars Or Platform Roof Rack?
Crossbars are the two or three separate bars that go from left to right over your truck’s cab. They tend to be quite affordable in price, as well as being much easier and faster to install, and don’t weigh as much. Plus, when it comes to wind resistance or noise, they don’t impact as much.
Famous and well-known brands of cross bars include Thule, Yakima or Rhino-Rack.
If they’re so great, why not just use those? Well, here’s the catch, as much as they have a lot of benefits, they also have limitations, the most important one: the weight capacity or load rating (the amount of weight they can handle), is much, much lower than a platform roof rack.
If you just plan to transport lightweight boards, fishing gear, hunting gear or luggage, then sure, crossbars are enough.
If you plan to carry heavier cargo, a roof top tent, or want to secure your cargo better, then you want a platform rack.
What are the best platform roof racks?
The best brands for roof racks for pick up trucks are Prinsu, Front Runner and Sherpa. All three brands have platform cab racks that fit multiple brands and models of pick-up trucks. Prinsu and Sherpa both manufacture in USA, and Front Runner manufactures in South Africa. These three brands have been around for many years and are leaders in the off-road community.
What to look for in a roof rack?
As we mentioned above, the first thing you want and need to know is what you’re going to use it for. If it’s just for transporting lightweight gear, get crossbars.
If you want to transport something heavier, from ladders, to kayaks, or heavier cargo, get a platform rack.
The second thing to look for is the weight rating or weight capacity. There are two types: dynamic and static. Dynamic weight rating is when the vehicle is in motion, and you never want to exceed the rack’s dynamic weight rating. If it says it’s 100lbs dynamic, whatever you put up there cannot exceed those 100lbs whilst driving.
The static weight rating tends to be much more than the dynamic, because it’s when you truck is not in motion. It tends to triple. So, your rack could have a 1000 lbs static load rating, meaning several people can even camp over it!
The first thing to look for is the extras or advantages one rack system or another gives you.
Platform roof racks are stronger, sturdier, safer, and allow you to add more things onto them than crossbars. For example, if you want to install an LED light bar, it’s much easier and frankly better over a platform roof rack.
If you’ve decided to go with a platform cab rack, then go ahead and select the design or brand you think is better!
In conclusion, the best roof rack for a pick up truck is the one that fits your needs. Generally, it’s better to be safe than sorry and a platform roof rack will suffice any needs. Plus, nowadays, the prices range from quite affordable to premium, so you get a lot to choose from!
