Roof rack overview

Optimising your vehicle's storage can be easy by simply attaching some roof racks. Roof racks are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make the most of your roof space. Finding the best roof rack system for you and your vehicle can be tricky, so we have created this overview to help guide you through this process.  

Roof racks can be split into these six different styles;

1. Wing bar

2. Square bar

3. Heavy duty

4. Euro bar

5. Through bar

6. Flush bar

Wing bar / Aero bar

The wing bar, also known as the Aero bar, is by far the most popular option for most people. This is because of its sleek design and aerodynamics. This design is optimised to make the least amount of noise when compared to other styles, it is also less likely to impact your fuel economy. This design often features a T slot or channel on the top side of the bar, allowing you to mount the large majority of accessories such as ski holders, roof boxes, and bike carriers.

Square bar

The square bar is one of the cheapest options on the market because it is the most basic rack. This rack, unlike the aero option, does not have a mounting channel and the square shape means they are limited to what accessories can attach to them. They also tend to create more wind noise due to their shape and design.           

Heavy duty bar

HD bars are the perfect option for tradies thanks to their durable and robust build quality. The large rubber strip on top of most HD bars allows you to easily mount items such as ladders and conduits. They are also the preferred option for people mounting rooftop tents as the shape of the bar is suited to most tent's mounting hardware. Due to the structure and design of the bar, they tend to create more wind noise than any other bar. Accessory options are limited with this design.      

Euro bar

The Euro bar is very similar to the "square bar". This bar also does not have a mounting channel and the square shape means they are limited to what accessories can attach to them. They also tend to create more wind noise due to their shape and design.           

Through bar

‘Through bars’ have the metal bar itself extending past the mounting leg where it connects to the vehicle. These are generally more practical and give you more physical bar space. We recommend this style of roof rack for people who want to make the most of their roof space. This is also our recommendation for people who plan on carrying kayaks, SUPs, and bike carriers as the overhang can assist with side mounting. If you plan on mounting an awning to your bars, the 'Through' option is definitely the style we would recommend as the leg on the 'Flush bar' can impede you from attaching the awning bracket. 

Flush bar

‘Flush bars’ have the bar finishing at or into the leg. This sleek design provides a sportier and neater look. Due to the style of legs that is used these racks can sometimes sit slightly lower on your vehicle. This style offers less mounting space due to the integrated leg system that takes up 10-15cm of bar space. There is also a reduced chance of a flush bar fitting your next vehicle.