The Best Roof Racks For Van Life (2024)
A roof rack for van life has many benefits, including making it much easier to install lights, awnings, and solar panels, as well as for hauling extra cargo and building a roof deck.
When I built my DIY campervan I knew a roof rack would be a non-negotiable for me. It’s limited the number of holes I need to drill into my van roof because my outdoor lights, and solar panels are attached directly to my van’s roof rack.
There are many options when it comes to deciding on the best roof rack for your van. And, it can be a pricey investment and tricky installation. Don’t let that scare you, though! I installed my roof rack in an afternoon – it’s not as tricky as it seems and just requires some patience.
In this article, I compare the best roof racks on the market, as well as their available accessories. I break it down so the decision on which one to buy is less daunting.
1. Unaka Gear Co 8020 Roof Rack For Vanlife
The Unaka 8020 Roof Rack for vans is one of the best on the market, at one of the best prices. Kits include roof rack mounting brackets, 4 cross cross bars and the side rails. Additionally, they allow for full flexibility to add to delete accessories in the future.
You’re also able to customize these roof racks with wind fairing, awning brackets and additional crossbars as needed.
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
Model Variations:
Mercedes Sprinter – 144 / 170 / 170 Extended
Ford Transit – 130 / 148 / 148 Extended
Ram ProMaster – 118 / 136 / 159 / 159 Extended
Options & Add-Ons
Upgrades include an acrylic wind fairing, WeBoost antenna mount, tie downs, ladders, light bars, awning mounts and additional cross bars.
Because these roof racks are made from 8020 the potential additions are endless. I added eye-bolts to my 8020 roof rack in order to mount my MoonShade awning.
2. Aluminess – Touring Roof Rack
Aluminess roof racks are great for van life. They’re built with strong aluminum alloy tubbing which gives them durability while remaining lighter than most roof racks.
Installation is easy because they use the factory track mounts of your van. Even if you don’t have factory roof rails installed you are still able to remove the roof plugs and mount directly into your vans roofing structure.
Model Variations:
Mercedes Sprinter – 144 / 170 / 170 Extended
Ford Transit – 130 / 148 / 148 Extended
Ram ProMaster – 136 / 159 / 159 Extended
Options & Add-Ons
Touring comes with two flooring options: slats or a perforated sheet. The slat floor is made of 3″ wide slats which will support your weight so you can walk or sit on your roof rack. The perforated sheet is more like a full floor, but with less weight. This would be ideal if you’re looking to incorporate a roof deck on your van.
Aluminess also offers a ladder and a surf pole which install easily with the Touring roof rack for your van.
3. Aluminess – Weekender Roof Rack (Previously Named Double Loop)
The Weekender roof rack by Aluminess is similar to Touring. Both are made with durable and lightweight materials and can be easily installed into the factory roof rails or roof plugs of your van.
The primary difference between the Weekender and the Touring is the front shape of the roof rack. Weekender is an enclosed basket (previously named Double Loop basket) whereas the Touring has a front drop down which makes it more aerodynamic. If you’re planning to carry cargo on your roof the Weekender will have more ability to tie down and carry large objects.
Model Variations:
Mercedes Sprinter – 144 / 170 / 170 Extended
Ford Transit – 130 / 148 / 148 Extended
Ram ProMaster – 118 / 136 / 159 / 159 Extended
Options & Add-Ons
Just like Touring, the Aluminess Weekender offers easy intergration with the Aluminess ladder and surf hooks.
Verdict: Best Roof Rack For Van Life
In my opinion, Unaka Gear Co 8020 is the best roof rack for van life. It’s affordable and easy to install. Additionally, it provides a lot of flexibility to make changes to your roof rack set up in the future.
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
