How to Install a Roof Rack (Hint: It Depends On Your Roof)

Roof racks are great for hauling sports gear, luggage, and work supplies without cluttering or dirtying up your vehicle. Plus, they just give off that adventurous, "I do fun outdoorsy things" vibe.

However, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to installing a roof rack. This is especially true because roof racks will install a little bit differently, depending on which type of rack you buy and what type of roof you have.

If you already know what type of roof setup you have (naked roof, raised side rails, etc.), read on to learn how to install a roof rack on your vehicle.

If you're not sure what type of roof you have, check out our help article here, where we break down the different roof types. And if you want to know all about using your roof rack once it's all installed, watch our video on the subject here.

How to Install a Roof Rack (By Roof Style)

Roof rack systems all work a little bit differently, depending on the brand and model. However, they're all similar enough in concept that we can go over the basic steps involved in installing one. Consult the instructions that come with your roof rack for full installation instructions.

You don't get much of a choice in the type of roof rack setup you have—this is determined by your roof type. For most roof styles—those with flush side rails, fixed mounting points, flat tracks, or nothing at all—you'll need three components: a fit kit, foot pack, and crossbars. For roofs equipped with OEM raised side rails, you'll only need a foot pack and crossbars. We group these items together in kits in our fitguide, so you can make sure you're getting the right components for your vehicle.

Read on below to see how a roof rack attaches to each of these roof styles.

Installing a Roof Rack On a Naked Roof, Flush Side Rails, Fixed Mounting Points, or Flat Tracks

Components needed:

Fit kit
Foot pack
Crossbars

Step 1: Install Fit Kit Clips into Feet

Install the fit kit clips (A) into the feet (also called towers) (B). These feet provide a place for crossbars to attach.

Step 2: Install Crossbars

Mount your crossbars (C) to the feet via the bottom channels of the bar.

Your crossbar placement will depend on your vehicle and rack model—manufacturers determine placement based on your roof's strongest portion. Refer to your instructions when measuring for crossbar placement.

Step 3: Place Rack on Roof

Place the entire rack on the roof, then tighten it down.

Installation varies by roof type. On naked roofs, fit kits generally clamp around the door frame or install into pre-drilled holes. For roofs with factory flush rails or flat tracks, fit kits install in these tracks. If your vehicle has fixed mounting points, these points generally have covers that can be removed so you can attach a roof rack.

Install Images by Roof Type:

Naked Roof

Flush Side Rails

Fixed Mounting Points

Factory Flat Tracks

Install Videos by Roof Type:

Watch Now: Roof Rack Installation on Naked Roof

Watch Now: Roof Rack Installation on Flush Side Rails

Watch Now: Roof Rack Installation on Fixed Mounting Points

Installing a Roof Rack on Raised Side Rails

Components needed:

Foot pack
Crossbars

If your vehicle came from the factory equipped with raised side rails, then you're in luck! You only have to purchase a foot pack and crossbars. No fit kit is required.

The easiest way to find a foot pack and crossbars for your vehicle is to use our fitguide.

Roof Rack Installation - Raised Side Rails

Step 1: Install Crossbars

Mount your crossbars (B) to the feet (A) via the bottom channels of the bar.

Step 2: Place Rack on Roof

Place the entire rack on the roof, then tighten it down. The feet will attach directly to your raised side rails.

Install Image (Raised Side Rails):

Install Video (Raised Side Rails):

Watch Now: Roof Rack Installation on Factory Raised Side Rails

Troubleshooting: How to Stop a Roof Rack From Whistling

A whistling roof rack can be quite the nuisance, but fortunately it's not one you have to put up with. Try these tips for eliminating roof rack whistle.

Make sure the rubber strip on top of the bars is securely sealed in the right position. Most crossbars will also have slots on their underside at either end, as well. If the unused portion of these slots is not filled (typically with a rubber strip), you'll experience additional noise. You can use a rubber strip to cover any leftover gaps in the channel, if necessary.
Ensure the bars are mounted in the correct orientation, front to back (check your manufacturer's instructions).
Add fairing to the crossbars.

Save or Share This Idea

How to Choose a Roof-Mounted Bike Rack

Roof-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Carriers

Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers

Related Products

Shop Roof Rack Locks

Shop Roof Boxes

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 6/28/19

Dean N.

7/15/2023

I purchased a 2022 Toyota Venza limited. it has the "panoramic" skylight with no rails. They said I could get rails that fit it? Whats your suggestions

Mike L.

8/2/2023

@DeanN Unfortunately, none of our roof rack manufacturers offer a roof rack fit for your vehicle. I'd recommend checking with Toyota to see if they offer anything. Wish we had better news for you!

Jerry T.

9/25/2020

do you have roof mounts for canopies

Jon G.

9/25/2020

We have some mounts for awnings but nothing for a canopy that I'm aware of. If you have an awning just let me know what you have and I'll see if we have something for it (granted that we actually carry the brand).

Steve

9/25/2020

What rack would be able to be attached to the top if a shell on the back of a truck? Which ones can be bolted through the shell’s roof? Thanks

Jon G.

9/25/2020

If you use our fitguide to input your truck info you can then navigate to the ladder rack selection for your pickup and choose "Camper Shell" under "Type". This will show you all of your roof rack options that are confirmed to fit the camper shell on your pickup.

Explore Expert Info

on Roof Rack

Videos

for Roof Rack

Help Articles

for Roof Rack

Expert Answers

for Roof Rack

In-Depth Review of the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells

Complete Breakdown of the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells

Installing the Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Kia Sportage

Install: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2023 Kia Sportage

Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack Installation Guide - 2021 Ram 1500

Installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2022 Honda Odyssey

Set up: Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs on a 2021 Ford F-150

Setting up the Inno Square Bar Roof Rack for Naked Roofs on a 2015 Toyota 4Runner

Fit Check: Inno Square Bar Roof Rack for Naked Roofs on a 2014 Toyota Corolla

Review of WeatherTech Rain Guards - Side Window - WT32AF

Install: SideBar Rails for Yakima OverHaul HD and Outpost HD Truck Bed Racks on a 2023 Ford F-150

Beginner’s Guide to Installing the Inno Aero Roof Rack for Naked Roofs on a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Rooftop Cargo Carriers

Roof Rack Information

Roof-Mounted Watersport Carriers

Which Roof Rack Fits Your Vehicle? Depends on Your Roof

How to Attach a Cargo Carrier to a Roof Rack

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Performance Chips and Modules

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft

Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices

How to Use a Roof Rack (Like a Boss)

Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size

Replacement Mounting Hardware for Yakima Megawarrior

We have the replacement mounting hardware for the Yakima Megawarrior with the lock setup with part #Y07064 and we have quite a few in stock.

view full answer...

The 59" rails that come with the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack System w/ 2 Vortex Aero Crossbars #Y02-490B that you referenced can be cut to length according to your needs with your 2016 Toyota Tacoma. However, I do recommend going with the part…

view full answer...

Rhino-Rack Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2016 Honda HR-V with Naked Roof

I have some great news for you. The Rhino-Rack roof rack #RRVA118B-2 is a fit for your 2016 Honda HR-V with a naked roof. You will just need custom fit kit #DK454, and feet #RRRLKVA to mount the rack to your vehicle. There are other options as well…

view full answer...

Fitment of Inno Square Crossbar #INB127 System on a 2020 Honda HR-V with Bare Roof

I calculated all the specs for you. From the roof rack you mentioned, I assume you have a bare roof on your 2020 Honda HR-V. If this is the case, then yes! You will be able to use the the following roof rack setup with the Trunx #TRX44FR and the…

view full answer...

Replacement Straps for Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket

Hey Sven! I'm sorry to hear that, is your vehicle ok? At least they didn't manage to remove and steal your roof basket. To replace the straps on your Yakima OffGrid #Y07138 you need the replacement brackets. You can choose from the following…

view full answer...

Locking Options for Rola Roof Basket Brackets

It looks like the Rola hardware of the roof basket #59504 will be able to be replaced with the locking hardware from Yakima #Y07064. Due to the slight differences in the mounting hardware, you will need to replace all 4 mounts. I've attached the…

view full answer...

Replacement Mounting Brackets for MaxxTow Roof Cargo Basket

There are not direct replacement mounting brackets available for the MaxxTow Roof Cargo Basket MT70115, but you might be able to make the Rola Replacement Roof Mount Bracket Assembly #59506 work on this cargo basket. I've linked a photo with some…

view full answer...

Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

view full answer...

Dimensions Of The TorkLift GlowStep #TLA7834 And #TLA7510

The mounting bracket for the TorkLift GlowStep Stow N' Go Scissor Steps #TLA7834 is 23" wide x 3-1/2" tall if you measure from outside edge to outside edge. With the retention straps/rest of the bracket on the sides included you're…

view full answer...

2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Westin Winch Tray Mounting Hardware Kit

Hey Brian, thanks for reaching out! The Westin MAX Winch Mounting Tray #W32VM is the winch system that fits your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, so to get the replacement hardware you'll need the Kit #W62VM. Is your mounting hardware in bad shape, or…

view full answer...

Roof Rack and Cargo Carrier for a 2022 Lexus GX 460 with Factory Flush Side Rails

According to the installation instructions for the Landing Pad 30 for Yakima SkyLine And Control Towers #Y25ZR, you will have to remove the flush mounted side rails to mount the landing pads. I do have another option for you that does not require the…

view full answer...

What is Width and Height of Thule Wingbar Crossbars

The dimensions of the Wingbar Thule crossbars like part #TH711420 are 3-1/8" wide x 1" tall.

view full answer...