Roof rack for Lada Vesta: types and fastenings, manufacturers

Each of us has at least once encountered a situation when it was necessary to transport cargo that did not fit in the trunk, then it could be secured to the roof. When it comes to moving, or one-time transportation of oversized items, you can ask a neighbor or friend for help, or pay money to a special service. But if you constantly carry such loads, for example, a bicycle? But the Lada Vesta will not allow you to push an adult bicycle inside due to its dimensions. There is reason to think about installing a roof rack on the Lada Vesta.

Fastening systems can be different. However, the transportation structure should not be made from scrap materials. The safety of all road users depends on the reliability of the fastening of the object being moved. For Vesta, an aerodynamic roof rack and roof baskets are often chosen; read about this in our article and your Vesta will carry bicycles and oversized items.

Classification of trunks

The location of the additional luggage compartment depends on the Lada vesta body type. The trunk is installed on top of the sedan (roof); in the station wagon, the fifth door is used. But the Vesta St. Cross version comes with a trunk. The roof box can be made specifically for a specific Lada Vesta model, or universal for many cars. The structure can be attached to doorways, gutters, and roof rails on top of the Lada Vesta roof. Most roof racks are installed on transverse arches and can be made in the form of closed car boxes, baskets with belt fasteners, or racks for non-motorized vehicles.

Finally, based on the type of application, roof racks are divided into:

• boat transportation designs;
• fastening systems for skis and bicycles;
• covered car boxes.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a luggage rack

It is necessary to choose a trunk taking into account the make and model of the car. Regarding the Lada Vesta, which has several modifications, you need to know that the Vesta SW and SW Cross models are equipped with original roof rails.

On sedans, even in the Vesta Cross and Sport versions, roof rails are not provided. That is, the most convenient and reliable method of installing transverse bars is excluded for other models.

If you have a model with standard roof rails, then you can attach car boxes with a volume of 350 - 700 liters, a cargo basket, and holders for skis and bicycles to the crossbars.

The total weight of the cargo must not exceed 75 kg. The limit is set by the manufacturers, which is related to the stability of the body and safety of operation.

When transporting large cargo, it is necessary to take into account the effect of the height of the package on the location of the center of mass of the vehicle. If the box or box rises more than 1 meter above the roof, you need to be very careful when turning.

But owners of other modifications of Vesta should not despair - there are excellent roof racks for fixing them on a smooth roof, typical of sedans. These are luggage racks with fixation in the doorway. Specially designed roof systems of the following brands are suitable for sedans:

• LUX Air Aero;
• Atlant;
• LUX Standard;
• LUX Travel 82.

For owners of cars with a station wagon body equipped with an integrated roof rail, transverse bars on racks are suitable. This is an almost universal type of fastening, allowing you to transport a wide range of goods, the weight of which should not exceed the established norm of 75 kg.

Among the best models of luggage racks for a station wagon

• Thule Wingbar 753;
• Menabo Lince;
• Inter Aerostar R-54;
• Erkul Wingcarrier V2;
• Atlant brand designs

The arches of these models are made in an aerodynamic profile, which reduces air resistance when moving at all permissible speeds. The effect is felt both when loaded and without luggage.

Original roof rack for Lada Vesta SV Cross

The Lada Vesta SV Cross is equipped from the factory with roof rails, for which AvtoVAZ has conceived an additional accessory. It is made in the form of transverse anodized aluminum arches that are installed on the roof. The system is durable, lightweight, resistant to impacts and corrosion. It is made in such a way that it provides little resistance to passing air masses, reduces the level of extraneous noise in the cabin, and does not impair aerodynamics. “Ladovsky” arches can be adapted to transport boats, skis, bicycles, or a luggage rack.

The original roof rack for the Lada Vesta station wagon can be ordered on the LADA.ru website. Go to the “Accessories” section, enter the article number 99999218107182. Select the “Trunk assembly” item that appears, fill out the delivery field. There is no need to order anything additional, the kit from the manufacturer is complete.

Modern trunk

At the moment, such a device for the Lada Vesta is far from the primitive designs that were used previously. It includes 2 arcs located transversely relative to each other, as well as a set of special adapters and stops necessary for fixing the racks to the car.

One of the options for supports for the roof rack.

In order to prevent damage to paintwork, metal adapters have a special material made on the basis of vinyl acetate. The advantage of such adapters is that they do not “tan” in the cold, and also do not soften in the heat.

Roof rack adapters

In addition, modern trunk arches undergo an anodizing procedure, which guarantees protection from the influence of aggressive environments and ultraviolet radiation on the metal.

Regarding the load capacity, products in the lower price range can withstand up to 50 kg of cargo, and in the middle and high price range - from 50 to 100 kg. But in this case, it is necessary to rely on the characteristics of the Lada Vesta, so as not to overload the roof.

Roof rack pros and cons

Of course, a plus is additional space for things. The downside is a decrease in the dynamics of the Lada. Each device has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Autobox is a closed box with a smooth, carbon-free shape. The luggage in this compartment is completely protected from rain, dust, sun, and wind. And the smooth lines of the luggage compartment body allow oncoming air to glide over the surface, which has virtually no effect on Vesta’s progress and does not produce additional noise. It is expected that such a trunk costs a lot. Another disadvantage is limited space.

A trunk basket, on the contrary, involves the transportation of large objects and costs much less. However, the load in such an open system can be damaged. The machine significantly resists the air, which gets into the sinuses of the transported cargo, and also creates a background sound.

Mounting type for additional luggage compartment

There are two categories of luggage racks - a unified design with fastenings suitable for various models, and individual - it requires special fasteners. The choice of trunk type depends on factors such as the design of the car, the presence of roof rails, and so on.

There are 7 types of roof rack mounts:

1. Installation on a smooth roof. The design is secured with adapters on the doorway; it is only suitable for cars with three doors, when closed the trunk is locked and cannot be removed.
2. Fastening on gutters. This is the most common option for domestically produced cars, since foreign cars do not have drains. How exactly to secure the structure depends on the owner’s imagination.
3. Fixation with magnets. Suitable for transporting light loads only.
4. Installation in standard places provided by the machine manufacturer. The presence of such places should be stated in the vehicle instructions.
5. Using belts in the cabin. An option for inflatable roof racks, however, it may cause some inconvenience to passengers.
6. Installation on rails. The best option for modern cars that have crossbars on the roof.
7. Fastening on a T-shaped profile. In this case, there is no contact between the load and the roof itself, but it will look beautiful only on a large car.

Related link:

How to independently replace brake fluid on a Lada Vesta car

Features of fastening the roof rack

The upper luggage compartment for the Lada Vesta consists of two parallel arches on low racks, which are attached to the car with stops using adapters. Modern adapters are made of material (vinyl acetate) that does not lose its properties either in extreme heat or in severe frost. The arcs themselves are anodized, which protects the aluminum (of which they are composed) from the effects of ultraviolet radiation and corrosion.

Roof mounts may vary. Fasteners depend on the design of the car body. In general, they are either universal or personal.

How to attach and remove the trunk

The mounting method depends on the type of car roof. When purchasing an outdoor luggage system, be sure to check how it is installed.

If there are no roof rails, then some models will not fit. Most luggage rack models are not interchangeable. Please read the instructions carefully before purchasing.

Typical installation instructions look like this:

• Check the complete set of the arc. These are racks, couplers, bolts, adapters for the body configuration. Check the details with the picture.
• Install the racks in the doorways (if there are no roof rails) and securely fix them with bolts.
• Install the crossbars.
• Tighten all bolts to the required torque;
• Install caps and other decorative elements.

When mounted on rails, the action scheme differs slightly. The main thing is that when tightening the bolts securing the struts, there is no play left. But it’s also not recommended to overdo it - it’s very easy to break the thread.

Video: how to install the trunk of a Vesta SV Cross

Criterias of choice:

Probably the first, most important criterion will be the cargo that needs to be transported; its weight and dimensions are important. Knowing these numbers, you need to make a decision about installing the device.

If the size of the luggage allows you to choose, then you should think about where to attach the future assistant on the farm. As already mentioned, there can be three of them for the roof. The most reliable is regular installation in specially designated places.

Next, you will have to think about how much the cargo needs to be protected, where to place it, and how this will affect the dynamic characteristics of the car.

Roof rack is a useful, modern device for the Lada Vesta. In addition to opening up additional capabilities, it gives the car a solid look.

Autobox

An excellent option if you need to increase the useful loading volume of the Lada Vesta. The volume of a standard car box is 350 l, 430 l or 500 l, but you can also buy a 700-liter box.

With such a car box, Vesta will be not only functional, but also stylish.

Such devices are characterized by high strength indicators subject to mechanical stress. In addition, it does not need to be repaired, and over time its performance remains the same. The products are equipped with a central lock, handles and fastening straps.

Advantages and disadvantages of roof rails

For Lada Vesta owners, their car equipped with such a device will have a number of advantages, since the possibilities of transporting belongings will expand significantly, which is especially important in relation to large but light loads. It is the roof rails that will make it possible in the future to fix not only car boxes on them, but also skis, inflatable boats, snowboards, bicycles, baskets, etc.

Carrying a snowboard on the roof will save a lot of useful space in the trunk.

In general, the purchase of roof rails will significantly increase the usable volume of the luggage compartment, but they also have certain disadvantages. This is an increase in background noise due to the whistling wind, an increase in Vesta's windage, which affects handling, the need to lift luggage quite high, an increase in the sedan's appetite (by about 7%), as well as the inability to transport a number of cargo during rain or snow.

Background noise is one of the main problems with this type of fastener.

Factory luggage compartments for Vesta SW Cross

Modern drivers know that the AVTOVAZ plant does not work on creating accessories or parts - all these tasks are performed by partner companies. Therefore, there is no point in looking for a factory trunk. There are many manufacturers that offer various luggage designs for the SW Cross. Information about them is presented in the table above; you can get acquainted with the design in detail by looking at its article number on the Internet.

Related link:

How to remove the dashboard on a Lada Vesta.

Recommendations

We can outline several tips for Lada Vesta owners planning to buy and install roof rails:

— do not forget about the maximum permissible load on the roof of the car;

— remember about possible discomfort in the cabin due to noise;

— before purchasing, check with a consultant regarding the accessory’s resistance to temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation and precipitation;

— if bicycles or other large loads are transported, be sure to measure the height of the car with them. In order to avoid consequences when entering tunnels, covered parking lots, garages, etc.;

Carrying a bicycle on the roof forces you to constantly remember its height.

— from time to time you will have to stop along the way to inspect the strength of the load.

Rates for luggage compartments for SW Cross

There are a large number of accessory manufacturers on the market, each of which has its own pricing policy. In the table you can see the prices for luggage racks from well-known and trusted companies.

*prices are current as of September 26