When selecting a roof rack for your vehicle, two of the most popular options you’ll encounter are flush end roof racks and thru-bar roof racks. Both provide excellent ways to transport your gear, but they differ in design, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. At Quality Roof Racks, we want to help you choose the best roof rack system for your needs. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at flush end and thru-bar roof racks to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Flush End Roof Racks?
Flush end roof racks are designed to sit tightly against the roof of your vehicle, with the bars extending just enough to hold your gear. The flush end design gives the rack a clean, low-profile look that blends seamlessly with the vehicle’s roofline. The ends of the crossbars are designed to align with the roof’s edges, making the overall appearance sleek and subtle.
Benefits of Flush End Roof Racks:
Aerodynamic Design: Flush end roof racks are known for their aerodynamic shape, which helps reduce wind resistance and noise while driving. This makes them a great option for long trips or highway driving.
Sleek Appearance: The flush design gives your vehicle a modern, streamlined look. The roof rack doesn’t stick out far from the roof, maintaining a clean, factory-installed aesthetic.
Compact and Low-Profile: These racks are ideal for drivers who prefer a less obtrusive roof rack system. The low-profile design also minimizes clearance issues in parking garages or low structures.
Quiet Performance: Thanks to their aerodynamic design, flush end racks tend to generate less wind noise compared to bulkier systems, making your drive quieter and more comfortable.
Popular Flush End Roof Racks:
Thule WingBar Edge: Known for its quiet performance and sleek, low-profile design, the WingBar Edge is a top choice for vehicles that require a flush end roof rack.
Rhino Rack Vortex Crossbars (Flush End Option): Rhino Rack offers a flush option for their Vortex crossbars, giving your vehicle a streamlined look with a solid, durable base for various attachments.
What Are Thru-Bar Roof Racks?
Thru-bar roof racks are a more traditional and versatile option, with crossbars that extend past the side rails, creating a “thru-bar” effect. These bars protrude beyond the fixed points or mounting brackets, offering extra space for larger loads or bulky items. Thru-bars are often seen in commercial or heavy-duty roof rack systems but are also used for lighter personal use.
Benefits of Thru-Bar Roof Racks:
Increased Versatility: Thru-bars provide more space for larger or more irregularly shaped items. The extended bars allow for a wider range of attachments, from bike racks to large cargo boxes.
Strong and Durable: The extended design of the thru-bar typically means it’s made of heavy-duty materials capable of supporting heavier loads. This makes it an excellent choice for carrying camping equipment, ladders, or kayaks.
Greater Attachment Flexibility: Because the bars extend beyond the vehicle’s roofline, you can easily attach more accessories or large items, giving you a lot of flexibility in what you carry.
Easy to Mount Accessories: The thru-bar design makes it easier to mount certain accessories, such as kayak cradles, cargo boxes, or ski racks, due to the extended space on each side.
Popular Thru-Bar Roof Racks:
Rhino Rack Pioneer System: This robust system includes thru-bars that provide extra strength and durability for carrying heavy-duty equipment.
Thule SquareBar: This classic thru-bar roof rack offers a reliable and strong base for carrying larger loads, with a simple design that suits a wide variety of vehicles.
Flush End vs Thru-Bar: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between flush end and thru-bar roof racks depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Feature
Flush End Roof Racks
Thru-Bar Roof Racks
Appearance
Sleek, low-profile, seamless with the roofline
More noticeable, traditional design
Aerodynamics
Excellent (less wind resistance)
May generate more wind noise due to extended bars
Carrying Capacity
Ideal for lighter loads and smaller items
Great for larger or bulkier loads
Ease of Installation
Simple, clean fit
May require more setup for proper fitment
Noise
Very quiet, minimal wind noise
Can produce some noise at higher speeds
Which Roof Rack Should You Choose?
Choose Flush End Roof Racks If:
You want a sleek, low-profile look.
You prefer a quieter, more aerodynamic ride.
You typically carry smaller or lighter loads.
You’re looking for something easy to install and remove.
Choose Thru-Bar Roof Racks If:
You need more flexibility and space for large or bulky items.
You frequently carry heavy or oversized gear (like ladders or kayaks).
You prefer a traditional design that provides more mounting options.
You are looking for a more rugged or commercial-style system.
Get Your Roof Rack Today at Quality Roof Racks
At Quality Roof Racks, we offer both flush end and thru-bar roof rack systems for various types of vehicles. Whether you’re carrying sporting equipment, luggage, or heavy-duty gear, our team will help you find the right roof rack solution for your needs.
Visit www.qualityroofracks.com.au to browse our selection or contact us for expert advice on choosing the perfect roof rack for your vehicle. Our team is here to help!
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