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.

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.

Popular roof rack options

Thule WingBar Evo

• Overhang design for more usable loading width.
• Aerodynamic bar profile helps reduce wind noise compared with older square-style bars.
• Works with a wide range of accessories using the 20mm T-slot channel.

Learn more about Thule WingBar Evo roof racks

Thule WingBar Edge

• Flush, low-profile design for a clean factory-style look.
• A good option for roof boxes, ski carriers, bike racks and everyday use.
• Compatible with many accessories using the 20mm T-slot channel.

Learn more about Thule WingBar Edge roof racks

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

What are you planning to carry?

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.

Kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards

Kayaks and boards work best with an overhang crossbar setup, especially with the right kayak carrier or cradle. The wider overhang bar makes loading multiple boats or heavier gear easier.

Roof boxes

Roof boxes pair best with all aero-style crossbars. They're a great option for ski trips, family holidays and road trips where you want extra storage without filling the inside of the vehicle.

Skis and snowboards

Most ski and snowboard carriers fit directly to roof rack crossbars. If you're regularly heading to the mountain, a roof box can also be worth considering if you want to keep wet gear enclosed and out of the car.

Rooftop tents and heavy gear

Rooftop tents need more thought. You'll need to check your vehicle's roof load rating, the rack or tray rating, and whether the setup is suitable for both driving loads and static loads when parked.

For rooftop tents, camping gear or regular bulky loads, a roof tray or platform may be the better starting point.

Why choose Thule or Rhino-Rack?

Thule and Rhino-Rack both make well-supported roof rack systems with good accessory compatibility, strong fitment coverage and proven designs. That matters when you're carrying expensive gear above your vehicle.

Both brands offer options for different vehicles, budgets and carrying styles, from clean everyday aero bars through to heavier-duty work and platform setups.

Need help choosing?

The easiest place to start is with your vehicle. Use our roof rack vehicle selector to find kits that suit your exact make and model.

If you're still unsure whether crossbars, flush bars, overhang bars or a roof tray is the better option, get in touch with the Stoke Equipment Co team and we'll help point you in the right direction.