Picking a set of van roof racks can be tough as no van roof appears to be the same and there are more options than you would think. Happily however, searching and filtering down to the correct option for your van couldn’t be simpler nowadays, because tools like Amazon Garage and other equivalents can help you out. This tool is also very useful for picking out car roof racks to carry your roof box.
Roof racks for vans are designed with one thing in mind: to provide extra storage if you have items that won’t fit into the back of your van in its standard form. Plenty of traders will be carrying materials which are too long to fit into the back of vans, and so enlist the help of van roof racks to accommodate them.
Manufacturers such as Rhino, Van Guard, and Titan are reputable, solid go-to brands for van roof racks as they’re known for sturdiness, ample weather protection, and build quality. The same goes for roof racks on cars that are designed to carry roof boxes.
The best van roof racks 2024 at a glance:
The best tool for finding van roof racks: Amazon Garage – search here
The best van roof racks: Rhino Twin Roof Rack Set – buy from Amazon
Editor’s pick: Van Guard 7 Bar Aluminium Van Roof Rack – buy from Amazon
In some cases, roof racks can even carry roof bags on cars. But for vans, it’s largely for work or industrial items. We’ve compiled a few great examples of van roof racks that are designed to fit a few popular vans, plus critical information on payload limits.
How to find the correct roof racks for your van
The best tool for finding van roof racks
What's more, you can add as many vehicles as you'd like and chop and change between vehicles after searching for products.
Pros
- A very easy filter to find the correct products and accessories for your car
- You can add in different cars to your garage
- It can save hours of searching and finding out what your vehicle needs
Cons
- You need an Amazon Prime membership for free delivery
The Best Van Roof Racks 2024
The best roof racks
They also come with two pairs of load stops which will be useful to securing things firmly in place. It should be noted however, that these are only designed to fit the L1 version of the Partner - otherwise known as the short wheelbase - rather than the slightly longer L2.
Pros
- Good, ample protection from the elements with zinc seal
- Easy to install and easy to secure things, thanks to the included load stops
- Aerodynamic design to cut through the air effectively
Cons
- Only suitable for standard roof models with twin rear doors
Editor's pick
The smart click and lock mechanisms make fitting this roof rack quicker and easier than most van racks on the market, wind noise is kept to a minimum with an aerodynamic profile.
Pros
- Aerodynamic design for better efficiency on the move
- A fixed unit with seven bars, making it capable of carrying more than just one thing
- Fits the last-generation Ford Transit perfectly (the short wheelbase)
Cons
- Only designed for one van and not a broad range of others
Best lightweight van roof racks
The T-Track system allows you to fit a wide variety of compatible roof rack accessories and includes four free Load Stops. Capable of carrying up to 55kg per bar not only are they durable but they’re strong, too.
Pros
- UV protected to prevent fading from the sun
- Lightweight, thanks to aluminium construction
- The total load capacity is 80kg, making them very capable
Cons
- Not the most durable roof racks available
Best quality van roof racks
Fitting time will take between 15 and 30 minutes, with minimal tools and no drilling required. Rubber pads are also provided, which fit under the steel legs to provide a bespoke fit for each vehicle.
Pros
- Suitable for Ford Transits built between 2000-2014
- Each bar can take a load of 50kg, totalling 150kg for them all
- Durable steel construction and good build quality
Cons
- Only fits those specified Transits and nothing else
The best roof racks for the Renault Master and Nissan NV400
They're even designed to fit three lengths of wheelbases and roof heights of the compatible vans, which is a huge bonus for buyers. They're even covered by a 12-month warranty, which adds a bit of extra reassurance.
Pros
- Designed to fit three wheelbase lengths of the compatible vans
- 12-month warranty included for extra reassurance to buyers
- Slightly better value for money than some of the other examples
Cons
- The 35kg (each) load limit is weaker than the other examples
- Only designed to fit certain vans
FAQs and things to remember with van roof racks
How to use van roof racks
The first thing you need to pay attention to is your van’s maximum payload. The payload is the term used to describe the total amount of weight in which a van can carry. A Ford Transit Custom for example, built between 2012-2023, has a payload of anything between 700kg to almost 1,500kg, depending on the model. This rule also applies to cars, so keep it in mind when browsing for bike racks or similar items.
Roof racks – much like towing bars – are ultimately there to assist in carrying items that couldn’t otherwise be slotted into the back. But it’s important you don’t exceed the payload limit with whatever you’re carrying as this could result in a fine of up to £5,000 and three penalty points on your licence.
Do you need van roof racks?
Some items are simply too long to fit in the back of a van. Think kayak boats or slightly longer items that couldn’t fit in the back without posing a safety threat. Van roof racks are versatile and useful things that allow for a bit of extra storage should you need it – much like a car.
So, if you are likely to carry longer items with your van, then yes, roof racks are worth it for widening the loading capabilities.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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