A Mini van roof rack is a system of bars or crossbars that is mounted on the roof and is used to carry items that are too large or awkward to fit inside the vehicle. They can be used to carry a variety of items, such as luggage, sports equipment, kayaks, canoes, and more.
In this article, we showcase how to pick the best mini van roof rack, in addition to a list of our own choices.
Briefly: The best Mini van roof rack would be the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars.
What Are The Types Of Mini Van Roof Racks?
There are several types of mini van roof racks available, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and the type of vehicle you have. Some options include:
- Crossbars: These are the most common type of roof rack, and they consist of a pair of bars that are mounted parallel to the length of the vehicle. Crossbars typically attach to the vehicle’s roof rails or factory-installed mounting points.
- Roof basket: A roof basket is a large, open-top container that is mounted on the roof of the vehicle. It is a good option for carrying larger items that may not fit inside the vehicle, such as camping gear or sporting equipment.
- Luggage box: A luggage box is a large, enclosed container that is mounted on the roof of the vehicle. It is a good option for carrying luggage or other items that need to be protected from the elements.
An extra option would be a Hitch-mounted rack which is mounted on the rear hitch of the vehicle and is used to carry items such as bicycles, kayaks, or canoes.
How To Choose And Buy The Best Mini Van Roof Rack?
The roof rack market is wide and very versatile, choosing the best suitable roof rack might be tricky, however, we are here to help you.
Here are some criteria to consider when choosing the best mini van roof rack:
- Compatibility: Make sure that the roof rack is compatible with your specific make and model of mini van, as well as any factory-installed mounting points or roof rails.
- Weight capacity: Consider the weight of the items you plan to carry on the mini van roof rack and ensure that the rack has a high enough weight capacity to handle them, and also that the roof itself can withstand the net weight of the rack plus the items.
- Ease of installation: Look for a roof rack that is easy to install and remove, as you will likely need to do this on a regular basis. Leaving the roof rack mounted all the time can make it subject to theft.
- Security: Consider the security features of the roof rack, such as lockable mounting systems and straps, to ensure that your gear stays secure while in transit.
- Durability: Choose a roof rack that is made from durable materials and is built to withstand the elements.
- Aerodynamics: If you plan to do a lot of long-distance driving, consider a roof rack that is designed to be aerodynamic to minimize wind noise and drag, and also to prevent a drop in your MPG.
- Price: Consider your budget when choosing a roof rack and look for one that offers a good balance of features and value.
- Brand reputation: Research the brand and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and reliability of the roof rack.
By considering these criteria, you can choose the best roof rack for your specific needs and budget.
What Is The Best Mini Van Roof Rack?
After figuring out how to pick the best, it’s time for us to feature some of our top choices for the best mini van roof rack.
Here are seven highly-rated roof racks for mini vans that you may want to consider:
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars
The HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars is a portable and versatile roof rack system that can be used to carry a variety of items on the roof of your mini van or other vehicle. The rack consists of two inflatable bars that are mounted on the roof of the vehicle and held in place with straps.
One of the main benefits of the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars is that they are easy to install and remove, as they do not require any permanent mounting points on the vehicle. They can also be easily deflated and stored in a small bag when not in use.
The HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars have a weight capacity of up to 165 pounds, making them suitable for carrying a variety of items such as luggage, sports equipment, and more. They are also designed to be safe and secure, with non-slip rubber pads to prevent slipping and straps that are rated to withstand high wind speeds.
Overall, the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars is a convenient and flexible mini van roof rack option for carrying items safely and easily.
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars
These crossbars are made from a strong, lightweight aluminum material and are designed to reduce wind noise and drag. They are compatible with a variety of Rhino-Rack accessories, such as bike carriers and kayak carriers resembling a good value for a mini van roof rack.
Yakima LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Basket
This roof basket is made from a strong, durable steel material and has a capacity of up to 18 cubic feet. It includes a customizable mounting system and is compatible with a variety of Yakima accessories.
Thule Canyon XT Rooftop Cargo Basket
The Thule Canyon XT Rooftop Cargo Basket is a rooftop carrier designed to provide additional storage space for your vehicle. It is made of steel and has a durable, weather-resistant coating to protect your gear from the elements.
The basket has a large, rectangular shape and features a raised design to provide more space for larger items. It has a capacity of up to 130 lbs and is compatible with a variety of Thule accessories, such as bike and ski carriers, to allow for even more storage options.
The Canyon XT is designed to be easy to install on most vehicles with factory racks or aftermarket crossbars and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware.
It is a convenient and practical solution for anyone looking to increase the storage capacity of their vehicle for outdoor adventures or everyday use.
INNO Shadow Rooftop Cargo Basket
This roof basket has a compact design and a capacity of up to 11 cubic feet. It is made from a durable steel material and includes a lockable latch to keep your gear secure. It is also compatible with INNO’s line of cargo boxes.
Thule AeroBlade Crossbars
These crossbars have an aerodynamic design and are made from a strong, lightweight aluminum material. They are compatible with a variety of Thule accessories and include a lockable mounting system for added security.
Yakima CoreBar Crossbars
Yakima CoreBar Crossbars provide a platform for attaching various types of carriers and accessories, such as bike racks, ski racks, and cargo boxes.
The CoreBar Crossbars are made of strong, lightweight aluminum and are designed to be aerodynamic to reduce wind noise and drag.
They feature a T-slot channel on the top surface, which allows for easy attachment of a variety of Yakima accessories using the accompanying Yakima SKS Lock Cores.
The CoreBar Crossbars are available in different lengths to fit various vehicle roof widths and are compatible with a range of Yakima feet options to ensure a secure, stable fit for your mini van roof rack.
A Wild Card Entrance For Hitch-Mounted Racks
if you are leaning toward a hitch-mounted rack than a mini van roof rack makes sure to consider one of the followings:
Thule Hitch Ski Carrier: This hitch-mounted rack is designed specifically for carrying skis and snowboards. It can hold up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards and includes a lockable latch to keep your gear secure.
Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: This hitch-mounted rack can hold up to two bikes and is compatible with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitches. It features a foldable design for easy storage and a ratcheting arm that holds the bikes securely in place.
It’s always a good idea to read reviews, compare features, and consider the weight and size of the items you plan to carry, as well as the weight capacity of the mounting system before purchasing any mini van roof rack system to ensure that you get the best option for your specific needs and budget.
Remember if you have a Panoramic sunroof or any kind of sunroof, you should consider that your roof has a lower weight withstanding capacity, for more info check our article.
Conclusion
After going through our list of the best mini van roof racks in the market plus two wild entrances, it’s time to determine which one is the best.
In our opinion, we believe that the HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack Bars is the best mini van roof rack due to the utmost safety for your mini van’s roof while at the same time being very cheap and a bang for the buck.
However, you might be the guy who likes to DIY stuff and save a bunch of money in the process, if that’s the case check the next video for a DIY mini van roof rack setup.
We always value the safety of our viewers, and safety always comes first. We the Carsbooster family advise you to always check, read, and follow the manufactures safety and installation guidelines for any product, gear, or equipment you attempt to install or use.
Moreover, We recommend taking all the precautionary measures and wearing all the necessary safety equipment, to ensure the safety of you and the others around you.
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