When selecting a roof rack for your car you often need to know the type of roof that your vehicle has to ensure you get the correct system.
Roof Types?
Raised Roof Rails
A raised roof rail running along both sides of the vehicles roof. The rails are raised off the roof with space to fit your hand underneath.
Compatible roof rack systems:
Raised rail roof racks do not require a fitting kit.
Flush Roof Rails
Flush rails run along both sides of the roof, they do not have a gap between the rails and the vehicle roof.
(Note: A small number of vehicles have raised rails which have a small gap between the rails and roof which is too small for a clamp system to fit. THULE have designed Flush Mount systems to fit these vehicles)
Compatible roof racks:
A model specific THULE fitting kit will be required.
Fix Points
Normally a set of 4 fix points located on the roof for the roof rack to attach to. (Vans often have additional fixing points)
Fix points are often found under plastic covers or plastic caps.
Compatible foot packs:
A model specific THULE fitting kit will be required.
Normal Roof
No raised or flush rails or any fix points. These roof racks clamp around the edge of the vehicles roof.
Compatible foot packs:
A model specific THULE fitting kit will be required
Roof Gutters
Found on older vehicles and some commercial vehicles, a gutter runs along the edge of the roof on both sides which the roof rack clamps onto.