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Best Roof Rack For Cars Without Rails (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to transport extra cargo on your car but don't have any roof rails, then it's time to consider a roof rack solution. Roof racks can be attached to your car without rails and provide a secure way to transport your gear or equipment. But before you buy a roof rack, there are a few factors to consider.

The first thing to consider is the weight capacity of the roof rack. You want to ensure that the roof rack can support the weight of your cargo without causing damage to your car. The second factor is the size of the roof rack. You want to make sure that the roof rack will fit securely on your car and won't interfere with any other components or accessories. Finally, you need to consider the type of roof rack you want. There are a variety of roof rack types available, including cargo boxes, ski racks, bike racks, and more.

Are you tired of leaving camping gear or other large items at home because your car lacks roof rails? Do you want to increase the storage capacity of your vehicle? Do you want to securely transport your sports equipment or travel gear without taking up space inside the car? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a roof rack without rails might be the perfect solution for you. Keep reading to learn more about the different options available to you.

10 Best Roof Rack For Cars Without Rails

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for owners of Honda Pilot vehicles without roof side rails who need a heavy-duty anti-theft roof rack for their vehicle.
2
The product is ideal for cars without roof rails or gutters as it provides adjustable towers for mounting accessories.
3
Ideal for adding extra storage and carrying capacity to cars, SUVs, and other vehicles without roof side rails.
4
Ideal for transporting cargo on any size car, with or without roof racks. Fully waterproof and includes accessories.
5
The product is ideal for adding a roof rack to a car or SUV without pre-existing side rails.
6
It is ideal for cars without rails that need a roof rack to carry items up to 150 lbs capacity.
7
The product is ideal for securing kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, skis, and more on the roof of cars without existing rails.
8
This product is ideal for providing a secure and durable roof rack solution for Honda CRVs without pre-existing roof rails.
9
The product is suitable for adding extra storage space to cars without roof racks, providing protection and waterproofing for cargo.
10
It is ideal for adding additional storage space on the rooftop of a vehicle, whether or not it has a roof rack.
This product is ideal for owners of Honda Pilot vehicles without roof side rails who need a heavy-duty anti-theft roof rack for their vehicle.
The product is ideal for cars without roof rails or gutters as it provides adjustable towers for mounting accessories.
Ideal for adding extra storage and carrying capacity to cars, SUVs, and other vehicles without roof side rails.
Ideal for transporting cargo on any size car, with or without roof racks. Fully waterproof and includes accessories.
The product is ideal for adding a roof rack to a car or SUV without pre-existing side rails.
It is ideal for cars without rails that need a roof rack to carry items up to 150 lbs capacity.
The product is ideal for securing kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, skis, and more on the roof of cars without existing rails.
This product is ideal for providing a secure and durable roof rack solution for Honda CRVs without pre-existing roof rails.
The product is suitable for adding extra storage space to cars without roof racks, providing protection and waterproofing for cargo.
It is ideal for adding additional storage space on the rooftop of a vehicle, whether or not it has a roof rack.

1. Securefit Aluminum Roof Rack For Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a spacious car, and with these crossbars, it can accommodate even more. These crossbars are specially designed to fit seamlessly on top of the bare roof without any roof side rails. The crossbars are mounted directly to roof pre-sets with a patent-protected design. They have a solid construction made of premium aluminum, giving them a super sporty look. The aero wing shape ensures that wind noise is minimized, making for a comfortable ride. The T-slot accessories compatibility is a bonus feature that allows you to add extra accessories to your crossbars.

The lockable crossbars have a total load capacity of 165lbs when evenly distributed, which is perfect for carrying luggage, bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear. The crossbars are easy to install and come with a pair of crossbars, tools, and hardware. The installation process is straightforward, and most people can do it themselves. The package includes all the necessary tools and hardware to make installation a breeze.

These crossbars come with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty, which means that you can trust the quality of the product. Additionally, full tech and customer support are provided within the U.S.A., ensuring that you have all the help you need in case of any issues.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Stylish aero wing shape
  • T-slot accessories compatible
  • Lockable crossbars
  • One-year limited manufacturer warranty
  • Full tech and customer support within U.S.A.

Cons

  • – Not compatible with roof side rails

2. Yakima, Baseline Adjustable Towers For Cars Without Roof Rails Or Gutters, (Set Of 4)

The Yakima BaseLine Tower is the perfect solution for cars without roof rails or gutters. It offers a sleek, secure, and simple foundation for your roof rack. The intelligent design of the tower adjusts easily to a wide range of roof shapes, ensuring a secure hold.

The BaseLine Tower is built to carry any load, working with JetStream, CoreBar, and RoundBar crossbars. This opens up your options to bikes, canoes, and more. The tower easily locks to your vehicle with the SKS system, which is sold separately.

With a maximum load rating of 165lbs (75kg), depending on vehicle and bar rating, the BaseLine Tower has a high capacity. Its advanced tower architecture is both strong and quiet, making the drive even more pleasant.

The BaseLine Tower's installation is super simple and takes 60 minutes or less with the included tool. Yakima also offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty, so you can rest assured that you're covered in case anything goes wrong.

Pros

  • Sleek, secure, and simple foundation for your roof rack
  • Intelligent design adjusts easily to a wide range of roof shapes for a secure hold
  • Built to carry any load, working with JetStream, CoreBar, and RoundBar crossbars
  • Easily locks to your vehicle with the SKS system (sold separately)
  • High capacity with a maximum load rating of 165lbs (75kg), depending on vehicle and bar rating
  • Advanced tower architecture is both strong and quiet
  • Super simple installation in 60 minutes or less with the included tool
  • Covered by Yakima's Limited Lifetime Warranty

3. Aluminum Cargo Carrier For Any Vehicle

This universal roof rack cross bars are designed to fit any vehicles with a car roof width of less than 1220mm (48 inches). Please ensure that your vehicle does not have actual side rails, such as Integrated side rails or Raised side rails before purchasing. Made from high-quality aircraft aluminum, these cross bars are lightweight and strong. They have an anti-corrosion and anti-rust property, ensuring stability and durability. The maximum load capacity of the bars is 150lbs/68kg, providing ample space for your gear.

The aerodynamic design of these cross bars is special and streamlined. It reduces wind resistance and noise by 40% to 70%. The cross bars come with three pairs of padded clips and a skid-proof rubber strap, protecting your vehicle from damage and scratches. You can easily fix them on the car window frame using the skid-proof rubber strap. The universal cross bars provide a perfect foundation for the installation of bike carriers, cargo boxes, and other rooftop accessories. You can use them to carry kayaks, canoes, luggage, snowboards, skis, bikes, fishing poles, and more, without worrying about the lack of space to store your heavy things.

The installation of these cross bars is easy and requires no drilling or cutting. You don't need any side rails either. The full set of roof rack system includes a pair of cross bars, four mounting towers, three pairs of mounting brackets, and instructions. You can assemble and remove them in just a few minutes, making them a convenient accessory to have on long trips.

Pros

  • High-quality aircraft aluminum material makes the cross bars lightweight and strong
  • Anti-corrosion and anti-rust property ensures stability and durability
  • Maximum load capacity of the bars is 150lbs/68kg, providing ample space for your gear
  • Aerodynamic design of the cross bars reduces wind resistance and noise by 40% to 70%
  • Easy to install and remove in just a few minutes without drilling or cutting
  • The universal cross bars provide a perfect foundation for the installation of bike carriers, cargo boxes, and other rooftop accessories

Cons

  • – Not suitable for vehicles with actual side rails such as Integrated side rails or Raised side rails

4. Waterproof Cargo Bag – Roofbag Usa

The RoofBag car top carrier is an excellent solution for those looking for extra storage space. It is designed to fit any size car with a roof of 48” or longer, front to back. Whether your car has a rack, sunroof, or moonroof, this roof carrier will fit securely. With a capacity to hold the contents of 4 suitcases, you will be surprised how spacious this car top carrier is. It comes with everything you need for a safe trip, including the carrier, straps, protective mat, and storage bag.

This roof cargo carrier is the most secure design available in the market. Your belongings are safe at any highway speed with the roof top car cargo carrier boasting the strongest nylon straps: 1.5” wide, 3,000 lbs strong. RoofBag’s exclusive pass-through straps have been safety-tested for 18 years. They do not interfere with side curtains since they enter at the corner of the door frame. Door hooks or clips are not safe for most cars in the US as they do not have the required lip under the door gasket. However, if your car has a lip, you can buy door hooks from the RoofBag store.

The RoofBag car roof bag is truly waterproof, keeping your valued contents dry throughout your journey. It offers the benefits of a rigid roof top car cargo carrier and the practicality of a roof cargo bag. Peace-of-mind waterproofness is achieved by making the RoofBag car roof bag from a single piece of waterproof material with no exposed stitching. A double flap protects the zipper and stays in place without the need for Velcro. Straps are water-repellent, and for ultimate water-tightness, the zipper has no gap. It is recommended to install the bag with the logo to the rear.

This car topper luggage carrier is also heavy-duty and made to last. It is engineered with military-grade fabric that will not peel or tear and is resistant to cold, heat, and UV. It is free of harmful chemicals, making it safe to use for baby clothes. The RoofBag car roof bag is customer satisfaction guaranteed by experienced US staff and comes with a 2-year warranty. To avoid wind-flapping damage, it is recommended to fill the bag completely.

The RoofBag car rooftop car carrier is designed to be quiet, fuel-efficient, and easy to install. It is lower at the front and higher at the back for the best fuel economy and a quiet ride. Built with heavy fabric to reduce noise, RoofBag was engineered to maximize storage space and fuel economy. It is available in two sizes, 13 and 17 cu ft. Larger bags than 17 cu ft are not recommended as they are unstable, noisy, and greatly increase gas use. To keep the aerodynamic shape, it is recommended to fill the bag completely and leave 8” clear roof space in front of the bag.

Pros

  • Fits any size car with a roof of 48” or longer, front to back
  • Comes with everything needed for a safe trip
  • Boasts the strongest nylon straps: 1.5” wide, 3,000 lbs strong
  • Truly waterproof with a double flap protecting the zipper
  • Made with military-grade fabric and resistant to cold, heat, and UV
  • Maximizes storage space and fuel economy
  • Available in two sizes, 13 and 17 cu ft
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons

  • – Door hooks or clips are not safe for most cars in the US

5. Secure Universal Roof Rack For Naked Suvs

The Rooftop Cargo Cross Bar is the perfect solution to the problem of limited storage space in a vehicle. It is an excellent choice for those who want to haul extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage, and more. The cross bar measures 51 inches end to end, and each cross bar has a maximum span of 47 inches (usable length) for installation, providing ample space for your gear.

Made from high-strength aluminum, this cross bar is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and anti-corrosion. It is easy to install and comes with four kinds of clamps for universal fitment. The cross bar is also lockable and comes with all the necessary installation tools. It can be easily assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes.

This cross bar has a universal fit and is compatible with most 4-door models of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, with naked roofs. However, it is important to note that it will not fit vehicles with any types of actual side rails, like integrated side rails or raised side rails.

Pros

  • Provides ample storage space for extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage, and more
  • Made from high-strength aluminum, making it lightweight, durable, waterproof, and anti-corrosion
  • Easy to install with four kinds of clamps for universal fitment
  • Lockable for added security
  • Comes with all necessary installation tools and can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes
  • Has a universal fit and is compatible with most 4-door models of vehicles with naked roofs

Cons

  • – Will not fit vehicles with any types of actual side rails, like integrated side rails or raised side rails

6. Roof Max: 51'' Bare Roof Cross Bars

The Universal Roof Rack is a versatile solution that can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of cars without side rails, thanks to its adjustable base and three different shaped clamps. To ensure a proper fit, it's important to make sure the span of the top of the roof edge or gutters is within 54 inches (137cm), and that the width of the door frame meets the three sized clips.

Crafted from premium anodized-aluminum, this roof rack is both strong and sturdy, and features a powder-coated finish that will hold up well against the elements. Installation is easy and quick, making it an almost bolt-on universal cross bar for roof rack. Accurate location and measurement are important, and having a second set of hands can be helpful. It's also recommended to regularly check the tension between knobs and bolts when traveling with the roof rack bars, and to glue the end caps in place.

In addition to its versatility and quality, this roof rack is a desirable addition for those looking for more storage space during long road trips. With a load capacity of 150 pounds when evenly distributed, it's the perfect solution to free up interior space.

Pros

  • Adjustable base and three different shaped clamps for a wide variety of cars without side rails
  • Premium anodized-aluminum construction for strength and sturdiness
  • Powder-coated finish for durability against the elements
  • Easy and quick installation
  • Load capacity of 150 pounds when evenly distributed

Cons

  • – Requires careful measurement and accurate location during installation
  • – Tension between knobs and bolts needs to be checked regularly when traveling with the roof rack bars

7. Universal Soft Roof Rack For Outdoor Adventure

The Universal Soft Rack from Orion Motor Tech is an excellent solution for those who want to transport bulky items such as kayaks, surfboards, camping equipment, and furniture on the roof of their car, SUV, 4WDs, pickup trucks, and more. It has a 165-pound capacity and a base area of 33.5 by 3.1 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of rooftop sizes.

This soft roof rack set is made of high-quality materials to ensure superior protection from noise and scuffing. The premium resilient foam provides excellent cushioning, while the specially coated 600D polyester cover offers a sure nonslip grip and protection against weather, wear, and tear.

The sup roof rack comes with 2 tie-down straps and 2 long load straps, both 1 inch in width, and offers wear-proof durability. The 2 included metal buckles with teeth hold down heavy and bulky items tightly in place, even at high speeds.

Setting up the Universal Soft Rack is quick and easy. Pass the straps through the inside of your vehicle and secure tightly with the buckle mechanism, then strap down your cargo with the secure load straps. After use, fold the lightweight and compact pads neatly in your boot until you're ready for your next trip.

Orion Motor Tech offers a strong 1-year warranty and friendly 24/7 customer service for this set of roof rack pads. Order now and enjoy the convenience and versatility of transporting bulky items on your roof with ease and confidence.

Pros

  • Versatile design fits a wide range of rooftops of cars, SUVs, 4WDs, pickup trucks, and more
  • 165-pound capacity and 33.5 by 3.1-inch base area easily hold bulky items
  • Premium resilient foam provides superior protection from noise and scuffing
  • Specially coated 600D polyester cover offers a sure nonslip grip and protection against weather, wear, and tear
  • 2 tie-down straps and 2 long load straps with wear-proof durability
  • 2 metal buckles with teeth hold down heavy and bulky items tightly in place, even at high speeds
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Lightweight and compact pads can be folded neatly in your boot
  • Strong 1-year warranty and friendly 24/7 customer service

8. Brightlines Honda Crv Roof Rack – Anti-Theft Aluminum

The crossbars are constructed from premium aluminum material, which makes them sturdy and durable. The sporty look and stylish aero wing shape of the crossbars not only enhances the vehicle's appearance but also minimizes wind noise. They are compatible with T-slot accessories, providing a wide range of options for carrying gear.

The crossbars sit seamlessly on top of the bare roof, ensuring a sleek and flush fit. They can be mounted directly to the roof pre-sets, making installation quick and easy. The design is patent-protected, ensuring it is unique and innovative. The crossbars are lockable, providing extra security and peace of mind for the user.

When evenly distributed, the crossbars can support a total load capacity of up to 165lbs. This makes them ideal for carrying heavy equipment such as bikes, kayaks, or skis. The package comes with a pair of crossbars, as well as all the necessary tools and hardware for installation. The manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty, ensuring the user's satisfaction.

In addition, the manufacturer provides full technical and customer support from within the U.S.A. This ensures that any queries or issues can be resolved promptly, providing the user with a hassle-free experience.

Pros

  • Premium aluminum construction for durability
  • Sporty and stylish design with aero wing shape
  • Compatible with T-slot accessories
  • Quick and easy installation
  • Lockable crossbars for extra security
  • High load capacity of up to 165lbs
  • One-year limited warranty for user satisfaction
  • Full technical and customer support from within the U.S.A

9. Waterproof Rooftop Cargo Carrier For All Cars

Need more space for your next road trip? Look no further than the Car Rooftop Carrier, which offers an extra 16 cubic feet of storage for luggage, camping gear, and more. This cargo bag is perfect for family trips, camping adventures, and any time you need extra storage space on the roof of your car.

With four sturdy straps and an anti-slip mat, this rooftop carrier is designed to stay securely in place, even at high speeds. The waterproof nylon fiber construction protects your cargo from rain, wind, sand, and snow, while heat-welded seams and reliable zippers provide triple waterproof protection.

One of the best things about this car roof bag is its universal compatibility. Whether your vehicle has side rails, cross bars, or a basket, or no luggage rack at all, you can easily mount the Car Roof Bag using the included fasteners or firm door hooks (sold separately).

Installation is a breeze – simply place the roof rack cargo carrier and mat on top of your vehicle, mount the Cargo Carrier Bag, close the zipper, and secure the straps for extra storage space on your car's roof.

Pros

  • Provides an extra 16 cubic feet of storage space
  • Four sturdy straps and anti-slip mat keep cargo securely in place
  • Waterproof construction protects your belongings from rain, wind, sand, and snow
  • Universal compatibility with vehicles with or without roof racks
  • Easy installation

10. 10 Cu. Ft. Weatherproof Rooftop Carrier By Rightline Gear

The Car Top Carrier is a convenient and easy way to transport your belongings and passengers without compromising safety or comfort. This roof cargo carrier is designed to keep your gear dry with its waterproof features that include welded seams, an urethane-coated zipper, and a hook-and-loop-close zipper flap. Constructed of UV-protected PVC semi-coated mesh, this durable vehicle cargo carrier is designed to keep your belongings safe and secure on your roof. The Car Top Carrier is easy to set up with its attachment straps that can be attached to your vehicle's roof rack or door frame weather molding using the included car clips. When not in use, the rooftop cargo bag can be easily folded down and stored in the included stuff sack, which also includes a sewn-in setup guide.

The Car Top Carrier is perfect for those who need extra storage space for their belongings when traveling. This roof cargo carrier is designed to keep your gear dry and secure, making it the ideal solution for transporting your belongings in all weather conditions. Its quality construction ensures that your belongings won't fly off your roof while you're driving. The Car Top Carrier is also easy to install and store, making it a great addition to any car or SUV.

Whether you're going on a road trip or just need some extra storage space, the Car Top Carrier is the perfect solution. With its intuitive features, quality construction, and simple setup, this roof cargo carrier is a must-have for anyone who needs extra storage space on their vehicle.

Pros

  • Waterproof design keeps your gear dry
  • Constructed of UV-protected PVC semi-coated mesh for durability
  • Easy to set up with attachment straps and car clips
  • Folds down for easy storage in the included stuff sack

Cons

  • – May not fit all vehicle types
  • – May require additional roof rack or door frame weather molding for proper attachment

Best Roof Rack For Cars Without Rails FAQs

Can roof racks be installed on cars without rails?

Yes, it is possible to install roof racks on cars without rails. There are various types of roof racks available in the market, such as clamp-on, door-jamb mount, and rain gutter mount, which can be used to attach the rack to the car's roof. However, it is important to consider the weight limit of the vehicle's roof and the roof rack system to ensure that it can safely carry the load you intend to transport. Additionally, it is recommended to have a professional install the roof rack to ensure that it is properly secured and will not cause any damage to the car or its passengers. In summary, roof racks can be installed on cars without rails, but it is important to choose the right type of rack and have it installed by a professional.

Do all roof racks for cars without rails require drilling or permanent installation?

No, not all roof racks for cars without rails require drilling or permanent installation. In fact, there are several options available that do not require any drilling or permanent modification to your vehicle. One popular option is the clip-on style roof rack, which attaches to the door frame of your vehicle using clips or hooks. Another option is the suction cup roof rack, which suctions onto the roof of your vehicle without any drilling or permanent installation. However, it's important to note that these options may not be as secure or as stable as a permanent roof rack installation. It's important to carefully consider your needs and the type of equipment you will be carrying before deciding on a roof rack option. Additionally, it's always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use to ensure safety and durability.

How much weight can a roof rack for a car without rails support?

The weight capacity of a roof rack for a car without rails depends on various factors such as the type of roof rack, the make and model of the car, and the weight distribution of the load. Generally, most roof racks for cars without rails can support a weight capacity of up to 165 pounds, which is the standard weight limit for most roof racks. However, it is important to note that exceeding the weight limit can damage both the roof rack and the car's roof, which can be costly to repair. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the weight of the load, the distribution of the weight, and the manufacturer's recommendations before installing a roof rack on a car without rails. It is also advisable to consult a professional installer or a car dealer to ensure the roof rack is installed correctly and can support the intended load.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a roof rack on a car without rails?

Using a roof rack on a car without rails can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation.

Starting with the advantages, a roof rack can increase the available storage space on the car, allowing for more items to be transported. This can be especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts who need to carry equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, or skis. A roof rack can also free up space inside the car, making for a more comfortable ride.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One major disadvantage is the potential for damage to the car's roof. Without the support of rails, the weight of the roof rack and any items carried on it can put a lot of stress on the roof. This can lead to dents, scratches, or even more serious damage.

Another disadvantage is the impact on fuel efficiency. The added weight and wind resistance of a roof rack can cause the car to use more fuel, especially at higher speeds. This can result in higher costs for gas over the long term.

Lastly, a roof rack can be more difficult to install and remove than a rack that is designed for use with rails. This can be a hassle for drivers who need to frequently switch between using the rack and driving without it.

Overall, using a roof rack on a car without rails can be a convenient way to increase storage space, but it's important to consider the potential downsides before making a decision.

What is the best type of roof rack for a car without rails?

When it comes to choosing the best type of roof rack for a car without rails, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is a clip-on roof rack that attaches directly to the door frame of the car. These racks are easy to install and remove, and can support a range of accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers. Another option is a suction cup roof rack, which uses suction cups to attach to the roof of the car. While these racks are easy to install, they may not be as secure as clip-on racks and may not be suitable for heavy loads. Finally, there are universal roof racks that can be adapted to fit a range of cars. These racks are typically more expensive than clip-on or suction cup racks, but offer greater flexibility and durability. Ultimately, the best type of roof rack for a car without rails will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the driver.

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