Owning a Honda Accord sedan might limit what you carry due to its closed and limited storage trunk. However, with the innovation of roof racks, it is now possible to carry bulky and elongated cargo on the roof of your Accord Sedan. Subsequently, it is prudent to go for the best roof rack for Honda Accord to secure your gear and guarantee a smooth drive.
As we seek to provide you with a buying guide for the best Honda Accord roof rack, let's first get to know what a roof rack is.
What is a Roof Rack?
A roof rack is a storage accessory that you can install on the roof of your car to create more space for carrying your heavy luggage and gear without damaging your car. There are different roof racks in the market depending on different customer needs. For instance, there are bike racks, kayak or canoe racks, ski & snowboard racks, and cargo bags/baskets for family or personal luggage.
Essentially, a roof rack helps decongest the interior of a car with the additional capacity to stow long cargo, notwithstanding the size of your car. Therefore, having established what a Roof Rack is, let us look at the five best roof racks for Honda Accord.
1. YAKIMA, FatCat EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount
YAKIMA - FatCat 4 EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up To 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Snowboards,...
- Ski & Snowboard Mount: Wide enough to carry 4 pairs of powder...
- Aeordynamic design: Our sleekest and sweetest ski & snowboard...
- Universal mounting system: Mounting system works with round,...
- Easy access: The OverHang clamp attachment point makes it easier...
- Tool-free install: Tool-free clamp design makes installation and...
One of the best ski and snowboard racks for your Honda Accord is the Yakima FatCat EVO which can carry a capacity of two snowboards and four ski pairs. Yakima's construction of this car roof rack features heavy-duty steel for durability and high-density polyethylene for enhanced aesthetics and weathering resistance. These high-grade materials work to make this rack model long-lasting with superior reliability.
Additionally, it is important to note that this Yakima EVO rack is made with an aerodynamic design for sleek and quiet drives. On matter compatibility, this rack has a universal installation system, meaning it can be installed on factory, round, square roof rack systems also including integrated Same Key System with locks included. When carrying skis and snowboards on your Honda Accord, your cargo will be easy to access due to its OverHang clamp and have clearance from tall bindings due to its SkiLift attachment. Its installation doesn't need any tool, just clamping it to the base rack system.
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2. Thule SnowPack Extender Ski and Snowboard Rack
Thule SnowPack Extender Ski/Snowboard Rack (6pr/4 Boards), Silver
- Aerodynamic slide-out rooftop rack for all types of skis and...
- Slide-out design extends from vehicle for easy loading and...
- Fits up to 6 pairs of skis/4 snowboards
- Ultra-soft rubber arms grip without scratching
- Oversized push button to easily open while wearing gloves
Suppose you are looking for a Thule roof rack to hold in place your snowboards and skis while on the road; the SnowPack Extender is another Honda Accord compatible rack. This Thule roof rack is made with aero dynamism for efficient cruising and can carry all types of skis and snowboards. You can comfortably carry four snowboards or six ski pairs with this Thule rack which is also made with easy-slide loading and offloading. When it comes to the safety of your sporting gear, it has highly soft rubber Thule grips that will prevent scratching.
Moreover, its ease of opening and locking is also enabled through a large push button that is glove-friendly. You can also securely stow your gear on your Honda Accord due to its Thule anti-theft security locks. Beyond its compatibility with the Honda Accord Sedan roof rack system, it is a perfect fit for other Thule rack systems and other round bars or factory carriers.
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3. YAKIMA, FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount
YAKIMA, FreshTrack Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Most Roof Racks, 6 Ski Pairs/2 Snowboards
- Ski & Snowboard Mount: Easily carries up to 4 pairs of skis (up...
- Universal mounting system: Mounting system works with round,...
- Anti-theft: Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks included for...
- Easy open: The large one-push button makes it easy to open and...
- Tool-free install: Tool-free clamp design makes installation and...
Another great choice for the best roof rack for Honda Accord is the FreshTrack Yakima rack for ski and snowboard mounting. This brand of skis and snowboard racks features a superior construction with heavy-duty steel and high-density polythene for durability and attractive aesthetics. Its rack capacity can hold four snowboards or six ski pairs. Being another Yakima car rack, it can fit universally on factory, round, and squares roof rack systems with a clearance allowance to protect your sporting gear.
Moreover, even as you make stopovers, you can be guaranteed that your gear is safe with the help of the Same Key System. This rack also features easy opening even while wearing gloves with the help of a one-push button. Its installation is also tool-free, and its frame is aerodynamic for smooth drives. You can also adjust its rack length to accommodate other racks, such as bike racks.
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4. Rhino Rack Carrier
Rhino-Rack Carrier for Skis, Snowboards, Fishing Rods, Paddles, Skateboards, Water Skis, Wakeboard &...
- Universal Fit to Most Crossbars
- Key Locking for Security
- Easy Release and Lock Mechanisms
- Rubber Grip Profile to Protect your Boards
- UV Protected
This large capacity Rhino rack is best for carrying snowboards and skis. It is a construction of heavy-duty aluminum that is resistant to corrosion and rust. This Rhino rack can carry four snowboards and six ski pairs with compatibility to the Honda Accord Sedan roof rack system. While mounting, this Rhino-Rack is easy to install on any roof rack system with easy to lock and release buttons. This Rhino rack also guarantees the safety of your gear due to its rubber grips that protect your skis, snowboards, and fishing rods.
Furthermore, this Rhino rack has an additional security measure of locks and keys for reduced theft risk. Also, when it's freezing, and you don't want to take your gloves off while offloading, you can easily lock and unlock.
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5. SportRack Vista Cargo Box
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
- 18 cubic foot (510 L) internal cargo capacity
- Made from durable UV-resistant ABS material
- Rear opening for easy access away from traffic
- Tool-free mounting hardware for easy installation and removal
- Includes key and lock to secure contents in the box, and the box...
Another great choice for your Honda Accord roof rack, asides from the other brands of Thule, Yakima, and Rhino, is the SportRack Vista Cargo box. This roof carrier helps maximize your interior space with roof storage that also covers your luggage for enhanced safety. It's also easy to install and load with an optimal capacity of 110 lbs. Furthermore, this aerodynamic rack can be installed on most aftermarket crossbars with its quick-release and lock mounting hardware.
Another quality of this SportRack rooftop carrier is its high-quality ABS plastic for high tolerance to the sun and additional durability. Regarding its opening, it has a rear opening to ease loading and offloading securely away from traffic. It further has a lock to secure its contents with an advanced system to prevent theft of your gear. Eventually, customers are free to return any rack with defective quality and material due to a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.
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What are The Different Types of Roof Racks?
1. Luggage Racks
These are roof cargo racks that can be used to carry ordinary family luggage. Under this roof rack system, there are three different subtypes that you can install on your Sedan, which include cargo bags, cargo boxes, and cargo baskets. Subsequently, you have to know the suitability of each of these types of luggage racks to know which best suits your traveling needs.
When it comes to cargo bags, they are the best alternative for getting more roof storage at an affordable price. On another hand, cargo baskets are ideal for off-road traveling, considering they can withstand tough conditions. Lastly, cargo boxes are most applicable when you need to store and keep your cargo dry.
2. Bike Racks
If you wish to carry your bicycle on long journeys, you are well catered for by racks for mounting bikes on your Honda Accord. Additionally, bike racks come in different mounting forms, including a hitch, trunk, spare tire, pick-up bed, and roof. Eventually, even in this context of roof racks, it is still possible to get a bike roof rack for your sedan.
3. Sport Racks
Another type of roof racks you can install on your Honda Accord are those that can carry kayaks, skis, snowboard, and canoes. Considerably, a kayak or a canoe is usually long and cannot be folded for easier transportation. However, you need not stress over the inadequate cargo room of your Accord because you can easily install a kayak or canoe rack and carry it on the rooftop of your sedan.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Roof Rack for Honda Accord
1. Weight a Rack can Hold
Primarily, it is important to consider the weight specification of the different rack brands to determine the most suitable one for your traveling needs. The consideration of weight is important because a roof rack holds onto a car's roof on few contact points and needs to be firm and secure. On this account, different racks come with different weight capacities they should carry.
When you match a roof rack to its intended bearing weight, you will be guaranteed that your rack can withstand stress caused by wind. Eventually, the perfect Honda Accord roof rack will help you evenly place weight on the car's roof for smooth and safe drives.
2. Rack Material
Most appropriately, it is recommended that you always go for roof racks that are lightweight yet strong structures. A roof rack should be light to help you carry the maximum weight your vehicle can handle. Moreover, a roof rack should be strong to guarantee the safety of your cargo and a safe drive. Therefore, quality roof carriers usually have an aluminum construction for lightness, while some are made with lightweight but heavy-duty alloy steel durability. Furthermore, the roof racks made of cloth materials such as bags are made with abrasion-resistant materials for durability.
Fundamentally, any complete rack system and its feet are made to endure the exterior conditions while moving for a longer utility life. Some roof racks, such as boxes and bags, also feature waterproof materials to protect your cargo against wet conditions. In the end, it is expected that racks with quality materials will be expensive.
3. Base Roof Rack Systems
A base roof rack system determines the most appropriate roof rack for your car. Based on a simpler perspective, the pre-existing framework on your car's roof that you attach a rack to is the base roof rack system. Therefore, the roof rack system of your Sedan will determine the size of the rack you will get for even distribution of cargo on your car's roof. In addition, a good rack system will ensure that your cargo and rack are safely held while in motion.
4. Aerodynamics
Without a roof rack, a Sedan and specifically the Honda Accord is made in a streamlined shape that helps it counter the wind resistance while in motion. As a result, when you install a roof rack and load it, it is expected that it will add lag to your car due to wind resistance. With this in mind, different brands of roof carriers are made with aero dynamism to avoid adding lag to your car, which results in increased fuel consumption.
As a customer, it is recommended that you get a roof rack that will allow for air to pass over and under evenly. Therefore, this means that the best roof rack for Honda Accord should be made with quality aero dynamism for reduced lag and minimal increases in fuel consumption. Quality aerodynamics also prevent a vehicle from been lifted by its roof load while in motion.
5. Safety Features
Indeed, any cargo you decide to carry on your car's roof is valuable, and you will need to secure it. Security and safety, in this case, means the protection of your load from falling off the car or from been stolen. Some of the most secure roof racks include cargo boxes, whose construction features anti-theft locks. Additionally, cargo bags come with zips for keeping your load intact and safe.
When it comes to deterring theft and vandalism, features like locks, zips, and straps can deter someone from tampering with your luggage, but they are not adequate. You will also want to consider where you pack and how long you leave your car to avoid the risk of your cargo been stolen.
6. Ease of Mounting and Assembly
Also, while shopping for the best roof rack for Honda Accord, you will need to consider its ease of installation. Even as we discuss the use of roof racks on Honda Accords, we have considered that it might either be yours or rented. Consequently, a good roof rack should be easy to install and assemble.
Considering that different roof racks have custom installation processes, manufacturers ensure they provide complete written assembling and mounting guides. Therefore, it would be best to check for these manuals before buying the roof rack of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Roof Rack for Honda Accord
1. Can you put a roof rack on a Honda Accord?
Yes, you can load your Honda Accord with a roof rack and conveniently carry bulky gear such as snowboards, skis, kayaks, and even bikes. All you will need to do is identify the appropriate rack systems for your car, depending on your intended use.