How do I identify my roof type?

Determining your roof type can be challenging, so we have developed the following guide to help you identify this.

ROOF TYPE - BARE ROOF/FACTORY POINT:

Bare roof models are vehicles that do not have any factory rails, and have a smooth, plain surface. These can often have a ditch trim, which can at times be confused with ‘flush rails’ as they are flush to the roof.

Crossbar systems will attach to a bare roof using vehicle-specific clamps that secure around the door frame.

Clamp-mounted systems are suitable for general, or light load carrying.

We typically do not recommend mounting extremely heavy loads, and always advise that you comply with your vehicle manufacturers load rating.

FACTORY POINT:

While some vehicles may present as having a bare roof, many are equipped with factory mounting points that are concealed beneath removable ditch trims or trim covers.

These can sometimes be difficult to identify however, if this applies to your vehicle - you would find suitable ‘Factory Mounting Point’ fitments in our Vehicle Fit Finder or alternatively, you can enquire with our team for confirmation.

Factory Point systems offer a more sturdy solution for load carrying, and is generally one of the strongest fitment types.  

The following picture is of a factory point that can be found under a trim cover.

Simply pop the cover off, and you can begin mounting your rack. It is important that you keep this cover in case you decide to take your roof racks off. 

Below is a photo of a ditch trim; where factory mounting points could also be concealed.

These strips are normally held on by either plastic tabs or double-sided tape. To check for mounting points, you must be very careful and in most cases, we recommend getting a professional to check this for you. 

ROOF TYPE - RAISED ROOF RAIL:

Raised roof rails are two parallel bars that run along the length of the roof on both sides.  These also have a gap between the roof of the vehicle and the rail itself - usually big enough to fit your hand under.

To determine if your car has roof rails, you can try looking for them visually or by checking the specifications of your car's make and model.

Roof rack systems are mounted by clamping onto the factory rails, or in some cases these factory raised rails can be removed to use factory mounting points underneath, creating a stronger fitment.

Below is an example of a raised roof rail.

ROOF TYPE - FLUSH ROOF RAIL:

Flush Roof Rails are rails that run along the length of the roof on either side and appear to be raised however, the base is flush with the vehicle, as opposed to raised rails - having a gap between the roof and the rail.

Flush rails are typically made of aluminium or steel, and roof rack system designs can either clamp onto the existing rails or alternatively, bolt onto the factory points on the flush rail itself.

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 ROOF TYPE - FACTORY FITTED TRACK:

Factory Fitted Tracks are long metal channels that are mounted on either side of the roof. These are typically an aftermarket part, however do come installed from factory on certain vehicles.

Their defining characteristics are that they are made of metal and have a recessed channel that you can drop/slide bolts or nuts into. These 2 factors are also the easiest way to tell them apart from standard plastic ditch trims that you may find on bare roof vehicles.

Roof racks will mount to the tracks via channel nuts or t-bolts. Once the nuts/bolts have been inserted into the channel, the racks will bolt down to them. The ability to slide the nuts/bolts up and down the channel provides a good amount of adjustability in terms of your required rack placement.

2024 Land Rover Defender 110 with a factory fitted track.

Updated on: 15/09/2025