Finding out whether you need the usefulness of the crossbar is as important as you make the cargo bag buying decision. So, I understand precisely why you have asked this question, and this post gives you the answer you need.
Do You Need a Cross Bar for Cargo Bag?
You might need crossbars for the roof of your car if you are using a cargo bag. Cargo bags can be beneficial for carrying large items, but they are not very safe to use on car roofs without crossbars.
However, if you only carry thin, lightweight items, you will not need to use crossbars with your cargo bag.
- If you are using a thin piece of luggage or a light fabric box on top of your car, you can use it without crossbars.
- You should not put many heavy things in the bag because there is a chance that they will fall out and damage your car.
You might also feel uncomfortable driving around this way and would instead invest in getting crossbars installed on your car’s roof so that you can hold much more weight up there securely.
You may need a mat to protect your car paint if you do not have crossbars on your car, or else your cargo bag and its contents could damage your car’s finish.
What are crossbars?
A crossbar is a support metal bar that you attach to the top of your car.
The bars connect and hold up the weight on top of your car securely, even at high speeds.
You will need two crossbars to keep a cargo bag securely on top of your car.
If you use a larger bag or another kind of roof storage box, you will need more crossbars to secure the weight properly.
Crossbars are often used for transporting luggage or other large cargo because they can hold a lot of weight and keep it from wobbling around.
In some cases, people choose not to use crossbars with their cargo bags because their cargo weight might be low enough not to require them.
However, you should always ensure nothing is heavy or fragile inside your bag before driving off if you do not have crossbars installed on your car’s roof.
You would probably feel safer with a secure bar holding the weight of your cargo up, rather than just trusting the bag itself and the straps holding it down.
Why a Cross Bar May Be Necessary
The simple answer is; to carry more loads and give you a better space to take many people into your car and finally to support your roof with weight balance and protect against scratches.
But note that if you do not have a crossbar on your car, you may need to buy a protective mat as part of your roof bag accessories so that the top of your car does not get scratched or paint peeled off.
So, let’s journey the road where the best of crossbars are. Get a comprehensive review and analysis of each listed crossbar to help you make a good buying decision.
Some Crossbars that are worth checking out
MaxxHaul 70115 Crossbar for cargo
SHOP THE MAXXHAUL CROSSBAR ONLINE
This crossbar Cargo Carrier is designed to provide instant cargo space with an n overall dimensions of 46″ x 36″ x 4-1/2″ high, and the crossbar is one of Amazon’s Best Choice.
Amazon themselves recommend it for you to buy as your crossbar because of its quality, price, rating, and user experience from over hundreds of buyers who already own the MaxHaul 70115 roof rack.
My interest in this is the frame that is all-steel construction. It is 150 lb. maximum distributed load capacity and is powder-coated to resist rust, increasing its durability and lifespan.
This is an excellent choice for you anytime, any day, and anywhere. Just check out the product description below to help you gain more insight before placing your order for it.
Product description
- The manufacturer: MaxxHaul
- The Brand: MAXXHAUL
- The Model: MaxxHaul 70115 Steel Roof Rack-150 lb Capacity
- The Weight: 25 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 38.15 x 18.3 x 10.4 inches
- The Item model number: 70115
- The Manufacturer Part Number: 70115
- The Cover Included: 1 Steel Roof Rack
The YITAMOTOR Cross Bars
SHOP THE YITAMOTOR CROSSBAR ONLINE
How about the YITAMOTOR roof rack crossbar? Yes! It’s precisely as durable as it looks and fits perfectly for your car without much installation stress, and it’s highly compatible with the 2013-2019 Ford Escape.
Using these crossbars, you can carry your canoe, bike, or cargo on your car roof, which has been perfectly designed to carry those materials without an itch. Its flexibility is essential as it can help you sort out many cargo carriage issues with little to no stress.
This streamlined design was manufactured to reduce wind noise effectively and coupled with the anti-theft lock design, making it more firmly installed on the side rails, thereby assuring maximum safety and durability.
It is the perfect solution to hold luggage, cargo, kayak, canoe or snowboard, and even bicycles on the car roof when going on a trip, especially with your Ford Escape.
Product description
- The Manufacturer: YITAMOTOR
- The Brand: YITAMOTOR
- The Model: Roof Rack Cross Bars
- The Item Weight: 5.94 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 35.43 x 8.27 x 4.33 inches
- The Item model number: Roof Rack Cross Bars
- The Exterior: Textured Black
- manufacturer Part Number: YTCEETCB032
- The Included Cover: EASY TO INSTALL BY REFERRING TO THE MANUAL INSTALLATION
- The Vehicle Service Type: Compatible with 2013-2019 Ford Escape
Adjustable SANHIMA Universal Crossbars
SHOP THE SANHIMA CROSBARS ONLINE
These Adjustable SANHIMA universal crossbars are a simple support system to your car roof rack that helps to increase your vehicle’s storage when installed.
It is duly lightweight and built of high-quality materials which bolt on with no modifications to your car or SUV’s OEM.
This means the original equipment manufacturer (an organization that makes devices from parts bought from other organizations mounting points, thereby allowing you to securely store and transport bulky items on your roof with less risk of damages or accident)
The only Installation requisite is that your car must have pre-install roof rails with a minimum 20mm gap between roof and rails, then you’re good to go.
We all know it’s highly adjustable, but I haven’t told you that it has an Anti-rust/corrosion finish, which ensures a long lifetime (cost efficiency), and the anti-theft key that comes along with it secures it more.
But note that adjustable width suits roof rails of most vehicles range from 51″ – 62″, so know yours.
Product description
- The Manufacturer: Zhongxin
- The Brand: FieryRed
- The Item Weight: 7.09 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 33.5 x 6 x 3.75 inches
- Is the product Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- The Manufacturer Part Number: ROOF-RACK-S-UFA
Black JeCar Cross Bars Cargo Carrier
SHOP THE JECAR CROSSBAR ONLINE
Needing a crossbar for a cargo bag is a necessity with demands of the excess load over minimum available car space, and that’s where JeCar Crossbar for cargo comes perfectly handy.
It must save the day and stress of navigating the same route twice because of loads of luggage that the car loading space can not take in.
The super perfect fit for the 2017-2020 Jeep Compass with lots of unique features such as Solid Construction, No Drilling Required, 200 lbs Load Capacity, and Exterior Accessories for Jeep Compass.
What a fantastic choice if that’s your best description for your needed crossbar (smiles).
The JeCar roof crossbars are made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy with powder coat coating, protecting against rust and making them more durable than regular random crossbars. It is also a great addition to double the storage space keeping your trunk organized.
Product description
- The Manufacturer: JeCar
- The Brand: JeCar
- The Item Weight: 7.83 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 11.81 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
- The Manufacturer Part Number: JC4314
The MOSTPLUS Cross Bar Rail for Chevrolet
SHOP THE MOSTPLUS CROSSBAR ONLINE
Are you a Chevrolet Equinox owner or lover? Then you have an Amazon choice crossbar for you here for the most unimaginable price (very affordable), and I think it’s high time you bought one for your car!
GMC Terrain 2010-2017 is also very compatible with this crossbar made with a heavy-duty clamping design to fasten the existing side rails securely. And its high-strength marine-grade aluminum alloy support luggage, ladder, and cargo’s weight up to 150 lbs.
Please do not forget that it is effortless to assemble & remove in minutes with all hardware included. No drilling nor cutting is required for any installment.
You can only place an order after checking the product description below and getting to see the affordable price at which it is being sold (very affordable, like I said).
Product description
- The Manufacturer: MOSTPLUS
- The Brand: MOSTPLUS
- The Item Weight: 5.39 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 40 x 6 x 4 inches
- The Manufacturer Part Number: M35014
- The OEM Part Number: Compatible for Chevrolet Equinox 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 and also Compatible for GMC Terrain 2010-2017
- The Vehicle Service Type: With OEM Side Rail
LEDKINGDOMUS Cross Bars
SHOP THE LEDKINGDOMUS CROSSBARS ONLINE
This aluminum-made cargo Carrier manufactured by LEDKINGDOMUS is a perfect partner for your Nissan rogue if it is a 2014-2019 model like the cargo carrier crossbars name already indicates above.
Your actual side rails (as stated by the manufacturer) are required for easy crossbar installation. Some car models only have a roof molding which makes them a wrong fitting for this crossbar, and these crossbars will not fit nor work fine on them.
So, look out for that to avoid wasting money purchasing the cargo carrier crossbar.
Product description
- The Manufacturer: LEDKINGDOMUS
- The Brand: LEDKINGDOMUS
- The Model: Cross Bars Roof Racks
- The Item Weight: 7.39 pounds
- The Package Dimensions: 31.4 x 6.3 x 4.2 inches
- The Item model number: Cross Bars Roof Racks
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- The Exterior: Textured
- The Manufacturer Part Number: LKYZ0021
- The Special Features: 2 Years manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime customer support.
- The Vehicle Service Type: Compatible for 2014-2019 Nissan Rogue
FAQ
Different Types of Car Roofs
1. Naked
A bare roof with no designated attachment points.
2. Fixed Points
Four hidden attachment points are usually disguised by a cover or plastic door. It can be found on some flush rails or raised rail roofs.
3. Flush SideRail
Two flush rails run parallel to the doors. There is no space between the rail and the roof. You cannot slide your hand underneath.
4. Raised SideRail
Two raised rails that run parallel to the doors. There is enough of a gap that you could slide your hand underneath.
5. Gutters
A metal ridge runs along the top of the doors on either side. The ridge slightly sticks out from the side of the vehicle.
6. Factory Tracks
Long metal channels, slots, or tracks parallel to the doors. Tracks can be factory or installed after-market.
7. Factory / Optional Crossbars
Crossbars and side rails came pre-installed on the vehicle from the dealership.
Should I remove my roof rack when not in use?
A roof rack adds weight and aerodynamic drag to your vehicle, which will affect its fuel efficiency. Without the roof rack attached will also reduce wind noise.
If you are not using your crossbars, it is recommended to take them off in order to save gas mileage and decrease wind noise. You’ll gain gas mileage and your car will thank you!
Conclusion
Now you have a list of crossbars you can choose to order from with the specification given for your car or opting for the universal crossbar, which is the best pick for me because of its flexibility.
If you have more than a one-car and would love to have this crossbar on any of them, then you can uninstall it from one car to fix it to the other.