Whether you have a Jeep or Toyota, off-road or camp, roof rack accessories come handy when you use your vehicle for outdoor recreation. As an avid off-roader, I keep a lot of gear with me when I hit off-road trails or venture into the backcountry. Having the ability to store my gear on my roof rack is a game changer.
Here are some great roof rack attachments for your vehicle:
Roof Rack Basket
Roof rack baskets enhance the utility of your roof top by adding a basket carrier to the top of your vehicle. This makes it much easier to hold gear such as bags and boxes on top of your vehicle while on the road. Make sure to secure your gear with ratchet straps, avoid bungie cords when transporting gear on top of your vehicle as they are not as secure as ratchet straps.
Roof rack baskets are also great for storing dirty recovery gear and keeping them outside of your vehicle.
I recommend the ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket as an affordable but durable option.
Cargo Boxes
Cargo boxes are a great attachment for any roof rack system. Most are simple to attach to your roof rack and universally fitting. A cargo box provides great protection for your essential gear. Whenever you store gear on top of your car it is more exposed than when inside your vehicle. More exposed to the elements as well as potential thieves. It is a plus to have the protection of the hard-shell box and the added security of a lock, which most come standard with. It is a great overland storage option.
The Thule Motion Cargo Box is a great option as it is quality and durable.
Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents have become very popular in the camping and off-road communities. Roof top tents attach to most roof rack systems and allow an easily deployable shelter from the top of your vehicle. They are an alternative to the traditional ground tent set up, providing easy deployment and as well as the added security of being on top of your vehicle.
If you want to make the switch from ground camping to rooftop camping, I recommend checking out the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent.
Roof Rack Awnings
Roof rack awnings provide an easily deployable shelter from wherever you drive your car. They easily attach to most roof racks and roll out quickly for convenience. Usually coming in durable protective bags and easily attached to most roof racks, a roof rack awning can provide you instant shelter from the sun or rain.
We at Pioneer Overland have our own line of Roof Rack Awnings available for purchase.
Our awning fabric is Waterproof, Mold Resistant, and provides UV Protection. Durable construction that will last you through the toughest of adventures. Comes in grey with the Pioneer Overland signature design on the top of the fabric. Stylish yet rugged, and unique from other awnings on the market.
Check out Roof Rack Awning Product Page for details.
Gear Carriers
Depending on your hobby, you can find an assortment of gear carriers that attach to your roof rack. Many companies make bike carriers for avid bikers, ski or snowboard carriers for lovers of snow sports, fishing pole carriers for the fishermen, and more.
Companies such as Thule, Yakima, or Rhino Rack provide great quality equipment for carrying your gear.
For a list of other overland gear, check out our article The Best Overland Gear.
New Products
Roof Rack Awnings
$330
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High-Quality, Durable Roof Rack Awnings for Off-Roaders, Overlanders, and Adventurers.
Our awning provides shelter while in the great outdoors conveniently attached to your roof rack.
Awning fabric is Waterproof, Mold Resistant, and provides UV Protection. Durable construction that will last you through the toughest of adventures.