Choosing a Roof Rack for Your Vehicle
Choosing the right roof rack setup comes down to two things: what fits your vehicle, and what you actually want to carry. A simple pair of crossbars might be perfect for bikes, skis, kayaks or a roof box, while a roof tray or platform can make more sense for bulkier gear, work equipment, camping setups or rooftop tents.
At Stoke Equipment Co, we focus on quality roof rack systems from Thule and Rhino-Rack, with options to suit everyday drivers, weekend missions, family road trips and trade use.
Start with your vehicle
The first step is finding a system that fits your exact vehicle. Most popular vehicles on NZ roads have several roof rack options available, but the right fit can depend on your make, model, year and roof type.
Most vehicle-specific roof rack systems are made up of three main parts: the crossbars, the feet or towers that support them, and a vehicle-specific fit kit that attaches the system securely to your roof.
That’s why two vehicles can sometimes use the same crossbars but need completely different feet or fit kits. Your exact make, model, year and roof type determine which components are required.
Some vehicles have raised rails, some have flush rails, some use fixed mounting points, and others need a clamp-style system for a normal bare roof. If you're unsure which roof type your vehicle has, it's worth checking before ordering.
Use our roof rack vehicle selector to find options for your car, ute, SUV or van.
Roof Racks vs Roof Trays: what's the difference?
Roof racks are the best starting point for most vehicles. They're lighter, quieter, easier to remove, and ideal for carrying common accessories like bike racks, ski carriers, roof boxes and kayak carriers.
Roof trays and platforms give you more usable loading area and more tie-down options. They're a better choice if you regularly carry bulky gear, camping equipment, work gear, recovery boards, or you're setting up for a rooftop tent.
For most people, crossbars are the cleanest and most practical option. If you need more carrying space or want a more versatile setup, a roof tray is definitely worth looking at.
Overhang or Non-Overhang bars?
One of the biggest choices is whether you want an overhang rack system or a flush, non-overhang system.
Overhang roof racks:
An overhang rack system gives you more usable bar width because the crossbars extend past the mounting feet. This makes loading gear easier and gives you more room for wider accessories, multiple bike racks, kayaks, roof boxes or work gear.
Overhang bars are a great option if practicality matters more than having the lowest-profile look.
Non-Overhang or Flush roof racks:
A flush or non-overhang roof rack sits neatly within the width of the vehicle. This gives a cleaner, more factory-style look and is a popular choice for modern SUVs, wagons and vehicles where appearance matters.
The trade-off is that you usually get less usable bar width compared with an overhang system.
If you're stuck choosing between the two, our Thule WingBar Evo vs WingBar Edge comparison is a good place to start.
Other popular roof rack options
Rhino-Rack Sportz roof racks:
- Practical overhang-style systems with good usable loading width.
- A strong option for utes, SUVs and vehicles carrying mixed gear.
- Compatible with a wide range of roof rack accessories with integrated 20mm T-Slot channel.
Shop Rhino-Rack Sportz roof rack systems
Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty roof racks:
- Designed for heavier loads and trade-focused use.
- Square-style profile works with Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty accessories.
- A good option for ladders, work gear and regular carrying.
Shop Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty roof rack kits
Roof Rack FAQs
What roof racks are best for carrying bikes?
For bikes, a standard roof rack crossbar setup is usually the best option. Aero bars like the Thule WingBar Evo, Thule WingBar Edge or Rhino-Rack Sportz give you a clean base for roof-mounted bike racks.
What roof racks are best for kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards?
An overhang crossbar setup is usually the most practical option, especially if you're carrying multiple boats or wider gear. The extra usable bar width makes loading easier and gives you more room for carriers and cradles.
What roof racks work with a roof box?
Most modern roof boxes work well with aero-style crossbars such as Thule WingBar Evo, WingBar Edge and Rhino-Rack Sportz. The important part is making sure the rack system is correctly fitted to your vehicle and has enough load capacity for the box and its contents.
What roof racks are best for skis and snowboards?
Most ski and snowboard carriers fit directly to standard crossbars. A roof box is another good option if you want to keep skis, boards, boots or wet winter gear enclosed and out of the vehicle.
Can I fit a rooftop tent to roof racks?
Sometimes, but rooftop tents need more careful checking than normal accessories. You need to confirm the vehicle roof-load rating, the rack or tray rating, and whether the complete setup is suitable for both driving loads and static loads when parked.
Should I choose roof racks or a roof tray?
Crossbars are the best starting point for most people because they're lighter, quieter and easier to remove. A roof tray or platform can make more sense for camping gear, trade equipment, rooftop tents or regular bulky loads.
How do I know which roof rack fits my vehicle?
Start with your exact make, model, year and roof type. Use our roof rack vehicle selector to find kits that suit your vehicle.
