Luggage Rack – Advantages and Disadvantages of Luggage Racks
Do you see bars attached to the top of the vehicles? It is a roof rack that provides additional storage and allows for the safe transfer of bulky items such as luggage and large containers. It could also support the transport of sports equipment such as bicycles, canoes, skis and others.
If you like to take camping trips and vacations out of town, a roof rack can solve your worries about how you can carry everything you need by providing maximum capacity for all your belongings. If you have a company, they would save themselves the hassle of being stuck inside the vehicle with things that no longer fit in the normal compartment of the vehicle.
When there is no place available in the camping area to throw the garbage, the roof is a good place to store it. Just make sure the trash is kept in a separate bag so its smell doesn’t spread to your stuff and have it tied securely to the bars to prevent it from falling out on the road.
Having mentioned some of the advantages, this luggage system also has its disadvantages. One very noticeable downside is the extra height it would give your vehicle. You should always check clearance when passing an underground car park to ensure clear passage. Also consider the height of your own garage! In addition, the weight of the luggage on top of the car and the weight of the bars themselves place an additional load on the vehicle’s capacity. It can affect the vehicle’s performance on the road. It can also cause the vehicle to wobble while moving.
Also worry about the things you will put on the shelf. Liquids, such as fuel and water, should be kept to a minimum because the weight load changes as the vehicle moves. As the weight of the fluids changes, it can cause undesirable sway of the vehicle as you turn every corner of the road. The driver may not handle such a situation safely.
Another consideration is the type of material you will choose. Some are made of steel, others are made of aluminum. Steel frames are very strong; however, these are also very heavy. Those made of aluminum may not be able to support the load that steel bars can. But, it also has an advantage; it does not corrode unlike steel. Use roof rack storage bags to protect your things from dust, rain and other elements. The bags would also keep things neat and organized.
You can buy off-the-shelf luggage racks that come as a complete unit and one with a detachable luggage tray. The type with a luggage tray that is detachable would help you carry some long and large items during your daily drive. You can also take your sports equipment whenever you want.
After learning about the advantages and disadvantages and the types of roof racks available, you can now decide which one to install on your vehicle.