What are roof bars?

[EverClean]

I have a Renault Megane and I'm looking for a roof rack. Eveywhere I look on the internet they are advertsied as roof bars and they look exactly that - a couple of bars. How do they work? What else do I need to make these workable? Are they as safe and relaible as a traditional roof rack?

Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

roof bars are for cars that already have roof rack tracks fitted to the roof,if you want a roof rack then try halfords

[rugeleyboy]

if i am wrong shoot me,but i thought meganes have little black slots on the roofs?

[Toureman]

Find out here...

http://www.renaultforums.co.uk?referrer=599

Join and ask.

[almcd007]

I had a Renault Scenic and you had to buy the specific Renault fitting sliding, lockable bars. It then depends on what you want to carry - but look at a roof box as it fits with the roof bars better than a roof rack, boxes are lockable and covered and are practically better.

A roof rack is usually a square/oblong fixed frame, attached to gutters on a car. I havent seen one for years.

A set of roof bars are a more modern alternative which simply fix horizontally accross the roof so that things such as ladders and roof boxes can be attached to them.

[EverClean]

So if I buy the bars this is still not the solution - I will still have to buy something else such as a roof box to attach to the bars to carry my cases?

I know almost nothing about cars (as you can probably tell!) and I wanted a roof rack type solution to carry suitcases on when holidaying.

[almcd007]

You are right on both points - however you will have a weight limit with suitcases of about 65kg. You are better off putting lighter things in the box as the car can become top heavy and keeping the weight central and lower down.

The advent of roof bar attachments as opposed to gutters that most cars had, complicated or simplified the problem - depending on which way you look at it.

Your roof box will attach to the roof bars. If you go to Renault they may have a tailored solution for your car - but I would think it involves bars and a box. If you have a halfords near-by they might be able to supply you with both items.

Good Luck

[EverClean]

Thanks to all, especially almcd007, for your answers. I'm off to Halfords!