Why Do Most Roof Baskets Need to Mount to Crossbars

Published 09/20/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket for Factory Rails - 60" Long x 45" Wide

(44)

$601.50

Surco Safari Rack 5.0 Rooftop Cargo Basket for Factory Rails - 84" Long x 50" Wide

(44)

$884.63

Question:

Why do most baskets use racks? Why arent they just made to connect directly to the side rails of the vehicle?

asked by: Khaled A

Expert Reply:

We do have a small selection of roof baskets with the Surco Safari 5.0 line that are designed to attach directly to factory side rails on a vehicle without the need for roof rack crossbars. These come in a variety of sizes, such as the 84 inch x 50 inch # SPS5084-1101 and the 60 inch x 45 inch # SPS4560-1101.

I have attached a link that will take you directly this selection as well.

With that in mind you are definitely correct that a great majority of baskets are designed to mount to crossbars. Most likely this has to do with the more level and sturdy platform that crossbars provide along with their simple fit applications. While there are a variety of different roof rack manufacturers, for the most part roof crossbars feature similar dimensions and shapes. This allows one particular basket to fit just about any roof rack, regardless of the roof rack manufacturer. Because vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, it is a bit more difficult to design a basket that will be compatible with all of them.

If you are just looking for extra storage space on the roof of your vehicle another option is a cargo bag like the Rightline Gear Sport 3 # RL100S30, which can mount to a roof via crossbars, side rails, or right on top of a naked roof by running the included straps and clips inside the vehicle.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R