How does Roof Rack Bar Sizing Work?

Updated 08/01/2017 | Published 07/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long

(527)

$152.95

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 58" Long

(527)

$161.95

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1749)

$251.95

Question:

Malone roof rack bars - why do they come in different sizes? I dont understand bar sizing. thanks!

asked by: Candice

Expert Reply:

Roof Rack sizing is a little different than what you'd expect it to be.

Each rack's length is measured by the length of the bar from end to end, letting you pick the amount of distance the bar goes past the bars on the top of your Jeep.

The other measurement, called "Cross Bar Spread" is the recommended distance from the center of one bar to the other bar. This helps you pick the size of the roof rack or cargo bag that you can put on top of the vehicle, as well as if a surfboard could fit across the racks.

Since you have a pre-existing set of side rails on the 2008 Jeep Liberty, you can customize the distance as long as it stays a minimum distance apart. For this vehicle, the minimum is 24" to 27.5", depending on the bar. I've included a video of the Malone SteelTop Square Crossbars, part # MPG201, being installed so you can get an idea of how the installation of these bars work.

Bar shape also has a little influence on the aerodynamics of the vehicle. A bar set like the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack, part # MPG216, creates less drag, meaning that it doesn't impact your aerodynamics as much.

expert reply by: Jacob W