If you're looking for a way to transport cargo on your Toyota Rav4, No matter what you drive, there's a perfect roof rack and cargo box combo for your needs. But how do you find the right one for your Toyota Rav4? Here are some tips to help you choose the best roof rack and cargo box for your vehicle.
What's Roof Rack?
A roof rack is a system designed to support cargo on the roof of a vehicle. Roof racks can carry everything from luggage and sports equipment to construction materials and kayaks. Many vehicles come with factory-installed roof racks and side rails, making a roof rack an easy aftermarket option available for those who need a little extra storage space.
When it comes to a roof rack for a cargo box, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.
Strength
The roof rack should be made of steel or aluminum in terms of strength. These materials are strong enough to support the weight of the cargo box. If you're looking for a more lightweight option, you can choose a plastic roof rack. However, remember that plastic roof racks are not as strong as steel or aluminum.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, you'll want to make sure that the roof rack is compatible with your car. The roof rack should fit snugly on your car's roof. If you have a smaller car, such as a Toyota Rav4, you'll want to choose a roof rack designed explicitly for smaller cars.
Size
The size of the cargo box is another important consideration. You'll want to make sure that the cargo box is big enough to hold all your belongings. However, you don't want to choose a cargo box that's too big, as it will be difficult to transport.
Easy To Install and Remove
Lastly, you'll want to make sure that the roof rack is easy to install and remove. That is essential as you don't want to struggle with getting the roof rack on and off your car.
These are just a few things to consider when choosing the best roof rack and cargo box for your Toyota Rav4. With these tips in mind, you're sure to find the perfect option for your needs.
Roof Rack and Cargo Box Measurements
The first thing you need to do is take some measurements of your Toyota Rav4. You'll need to know the height and hatch of your vehicle; With these measurements in hand, you can start shopping for a roof rack and cargo box that will fit your vehicle perfectly.
Height
To find the right roof rack, you need to know the height of your Toyota Rav4. Next, you need to calculate How many inches of clearance from the top of the RAV4 to your open garage door above. Finally, the rack and cargo box added together need to be the inches you measure or less. That if you don't want to leave your car park outside.
The "height" of the crossbars is probably the most critical dimension for you to know. However, The front bar is 4.5 inches above the roof, and the rear bar is 3.5 inches above the roof.
Hatch
You also need to consider hatch access. Some roof racks and cargo boxes will block the rear hatch from opening. That can be a problem if you need to get something out of the back of your vehicle while the rack and box are still attached.
Choose a rack and box that doesn't stick out too far in the front and around 2-3 inches between the box and the opened hatch to avoid this issue. Of course, it helps that the rear of the box is sloped.
You need to measure the height of the top of the Wingbars above the car roof and the distance from the front Wingbar to where the roof meets the rear hatch.
From the front side of the front bar to where the roof meets, the hatch needs to be about 61 inches.
Types Of Roof Racks and Cargo Boxes
There are a few different roof racks and cargo boxes to choose from. For example, the most popular Thule Motion XT XL cargo box with Thule Wingbar Edge roof rack or Rhino Vortex Rack system with Yakima Skybox Carbonite Lo from Amazon, if you are looking for one a bit smaller. To see more Options for roof cargo boxes for RAV4, I recommend checking out this article.
These kits fit the Rav4 well, look great, do not affect the rear hatch opening, do not make much noise can take 78 inches long skis; the box type is high volume, not slim, and not very close to the roof of the car, but it looks good on this type of car.
Materials
When it comes to roof racks and cargo boxes, there are two main materials: metal and plastic. Metal racks are typically more durable and can support more weight. Still, they're also more expensive; on the other hand. On the other hand, plastic racks are less expensive, but they're not as durable and can't support as much weight.
So, which material is right for you? It depends on your needs. If you plan on carrying a lot of weight or if you're going to be using the rack frequently, then metal is the way to go. But if you're on a budget or won't be using the rack often, then plastic is a good option.
Weight Capacity
Another important consideration is weight capacity. Most roof racks and cargo boxes have a maximum weight limit that they can support. That means that you need to make sure the rack and box you choose can handle the weight of your belongings.
To find out the weight capacity of a particular rack or box, check the product's specifications. If you can't find that information, contact the manufacturer.
Your Budget
Of course, you also need to consider the price when choosing a roof rack and cargo box. Metal racks tend to be more expensive than plastic racks, but they're also more durable. So, if you plan on using the rack regularly, it's worth paying extra for a metal rack.
What you Want Store in the Cargo Box
The type of belongings you plan on storing in the cargo box will play a significant role in determining which one to choose. For example, if you're carrying skis or snowboards, you'll need a box that's long enough to accommodate those items. On the other hand, if you're only going to carry smaller items, you can choose a smaller box.
The size of the cargo box is also essential to consider. The larger the box, the more storage space you'll have. However, keep in mind that a larger box will also be more challenging to maneuver and take up more space on your roof.
How Often Do you Use It?
Another thing to consider is how often you plan on using the cargo box. If you're only going to use it occasionally, you can choose a cheaper, less durable option. However, if you plan to use it frequently, you'll need to invest in a more expensive, more durable option.
Related Questions
How Much Weight Can A Rav4 Roof Support?
The maximum weight of RAV4 can support 176 lbs (80 kg) of cargo weight on the rooftop cargo carrier. That means you need to make sure the rack and box you choose can handle the weight of your belongings. However, the most roof cargo box capacity average is 165 Ibs (74.8 kg).
How Long Is RAV4 Roof?
The Toyota RAV4 is an excellent and versatile choice for those who want to transport their things in a different style. The roof of this vehicle measures 85-90 inches long, which gives you plenty of space when it comes down to phased transportation needs!
Are Roof Rails Standard On RAV4?
Most RAV4s come with standard roof-side rails. However, some go without them. You can check to see if your RAV4 has roof-side rails by looking for the black plastic strips on the sides of the roof. If you don't see them, your RAV4 doesn't have roof-side rails.
How Big is the Cargo area Of a RAV4?
The trunk volume is 37.6 cubic feet, and the cargo volume is 69.8 cubic feet. That means you can fit plenty of shopping bags, luggage, or other items in the back. And if you need even more space, the cargo length behind the rear seat is 40 inches, the cargo width is 39.4-59 inches, and the cargo height is 34.5-36.6 inches.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are the things you need to consider when choosing the right roof rack and cargo box for your Rav4. Now that you know what to look for, you can start shopping around and find the perfect option for your needs. Thanks for reading!