How To Choose Between a Roof Rack and Hitch Rack

Hitch City has been helping our customers get more out of their vehicles for over 35 years with helpful options from carrier hitches to a variety of racks so your vehicle can do more than just drive you to and from work.

Our customers have voted Hitch City as the best place to satisfy their truck and car accessory needs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) but a common question we get asked is when it comes to racks is how do you choose between a roof rack and hitch rack and which is the right rack for their vehicle?

Which Rack Is Better For You?

First off, either a roof rack or a hitch rack are fantastic options for transporting large items and extra gear or luggage that won’t fit – or you don’t want - inside of your vehicle. To help you in your decision process you need to answer for yourself these three questions:

1. How much cargo do you need to transport? Hitch racks are perfect for a short trip, limited gear, or specific items like a bike or two. However, for larger and bulkier outdoor equipment you’ll want the versatility of a roof rack. A roof racks will allow you to safely and securely transport just about anything you want - cargo baskets, kayaks, snowboards, paddleboards, and bicycles - with the right accessories
2. How accessible to you need your rack to be? A hitch rack is easier to access than a roof rack where you’ll need to hoist all of your gear over your head in order to load and unload your equipment.
3. Do you require easy access to your trunk or rear hatch? Hitch racks vary by the manufacturer and may have models that allow easy access to the trunk or rear hatch. There are some hitch rack models that limit or don’t allow access at all to the trunk/rear. If you require complete to your trunk or rear hatch, than a roof rack will likely be a better option.

Is Your Vehicle Properly Equipped to Support the Rack?

Most vehicles equipped with a hitch receiver can accept a hitch mount. A hitch receiver usually can be installed on a vehicle not originally equipped with one.

Roof racks can be adapted to transport just about any outdoor toy in your inventory with the right accessories that suites your quality and use requirements. Most setups are vehicle specific, from the recommended length of the crossbars to the custom foot packs. Always check your vehicle’s manual to determine the maximum allowable weight the roof can accommodate – our Hitch City experts will be happy to help.

Visit Hitch City in the GTA For All Your Roof or Hitch Rack Needs

Once you take careful stock of your needs, the choice between a roof rack and a hitch rack should become clear. Next is to determine the specific design features and accessories available including overall ease of use, anti-sway cradles, locking mechanisms, material quality, and fold-away compactness for space-efficient storage. You’ll also need to determine if they are compatible with the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

At Hitch City, our wide selection ensures that customers get what they need when they need it.

We buy our products directly from the major suppliers to ensure the best possible prices. If you still have questions about whether a roof or hitch rack is right for you, contact Hitch City in Mississauga at 905-625-4664, in Barrie at 705-792-9204, and in Scarborough at 416-299-4960 today. We know how to use, find, and install roof and trailer racks.