Why Roof Bars Are Important

Roof bars (also called cross bars or roof racks) are the foundation of any roof-mounted system. They allow you to securely attach accessories such as:

• Roof boxes
• Bike racks
• Kayak carriers
• Ski and snowboard racks
• Luggage baskets
• Roof tents
• TentBox roof tents

Without the correct roof bars, these accessories cannot be mounted safely to your vehicle. For heavier gear like roof tents, choosing the right bars becomes even more important.

Step 1: Identify Your Car’s Roof Type

Before buying roof bars, identify the type of roof your vehicle has.

Raised Roof Rails

Raised rails run along the sides of the roof with a gap between the rail and the car roof. These are usually the easiest to fit roof bars to because the bars clamp onto the rails.

Common on: SUVs, estates, and crossovers.

Raised rails are also often ideal for roof tents as they can support higher loads (always check your vehicle’s limit).

Flush Roof Rails

Flush rails sit directly against the roof with no gap underneath. These typically require vehicle-specific roof bar systems that attach into the rail fixing points.

Common on: modern estates and SUVs.

Fixed Mounting Points

Some vehicles have hidden fixing points under small covers on the roof. Roof bars bolt into these points using a specific fitting kit for your model and year.

Bare Roof (No Rails)

Cars with smooth roofs and no mounting points require door clamp roof bars. These clamp inside the door frame.

While bare-roof clamp systems can work for roof boxes or bike racks, not all clamp systems are recommended for roof tents, so weight limits and manufacturer guidance matter.

Step 2: Choose the Right Roof Bar Style

Square Roof Bars

• Strong and durable
• Usually the most affordable option
• Slightly noisier at motorway speeds

Square bars are great for roof boxes, bikes, and occasional use. However, many roof tent setups benefit from a stronger, more aerodynamic bar design.

WingBar Evo Roof Bars

WingBar Evo style bars are one of the most popular choices for modern cars, especially if you want a quieter drive and broad compatibility with accessories.

• Aerodynamic design that reduces wind noise
• Improved fuel efficiency compared to square bars
• Sleek, modern appearance
• Integrated T-track system for easy accessory mounting
• Strong load capacity for heavier gear

Because of their strength and stability, WingBar Evo roof bars are ideal for roof boxes, bike racks, and roof tents.

Roof Tents and TentBox: What Roof Bars Do You Need?

Roof tents have become hugely popular for camping and road trips, letting you sleep comfortably on top of your vehicle. One of the best-known brands is TentBox.

For TentBox installations, it’s recommended to use Thule WingBar Evo roof bars for a safe and compatible setup.

• Excellent strength for roof tent installations
• Aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise
• Wide load bars that properly support the tent base
• T-track compatibility for secure mounting

Because roof tents place significant loads on roof bars, using high-quality bars like Thule WingBar Evo helps ensure stability and safety while driving.

Weight Limits for Roof Tents

Every vehicle has a manufacturer-set maximum roof load rating (often called the dynamic load). This is the maximum weight your roof can support while driving.

The dynamic load includes:

• Roof bars
• Roof tent (or roof box)
• Any additional gear

When parked, the static load capacity is much higher, which is why roof tents can support people sleeping inside. Always check your vehicle handbook and the roof bar manufacturer guidance before fitting a roof tent.

Roof Bar Spacing for Roof Tents

Roof tents typically need the bars spaced roughly 70–90 cm apart (check your tent’s fitting instructions). This helps the tent base sit securely across both bars.

The Thule WingBar Evo system allows flexible positioning to achieve suitable spacing on many vehicles.

Step 3: Use a Vehicle-Specific Roof Bar Finder

Because every car roof is different, the easiest way to get the right bars is to use a vehicle compatibility tool.

Enter your:

• Make
• Model
• Year

You’ll then see roof bars guaranteed to fit your vehicle, including options suitable for roof boxes, bike racks, kayaks, and roof tents / TentBox setups.

Tip: Use the vehicle search tool on RoofBoxed.com to quickly find compatible roof bars and accessories for your car.

Common Mistakes When Buying Roof Bars

• Assuming roof bars are universal: most cars need a specific fitting kit.
• Not checking weight limits: especially important for roof tents.
• Choosing low-quality bars for heavy loads: roof tents are best on strong bars like Thule WingBar Evo.