Mitsubishi Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers: Everything You Need to Know

Cramming too much baggage into your Mitsubishi? When it comes to organizing things, cargo accessories can only take you so far. If you can't hook up a bunch of trailer parts and accessories to tow either -- say, if you're driving a sedan like Mitsubishi Mirage or a sports car like Mitsubishi Eclipse -- then hauling the gear you want gets even tougher.

In short, you could probably use a little more cargo space. But where and how are you supposed to make it, when trunk and backseat area that are already full? (Yes -- sadly, even the cargo space in an SUV like Mitsubishi Outlander fills up eventually.) That's where roof racks, cargo carriers, and cross bar systems come in; they let you lug extras on top of your vehicle's roof.

As easy a solution as they are, though, there's a lot to get to know about them. It's a good thing you came to us; we've got all the info you need -- what a roof rack is, what one does (and why having one's worth it), how one differs from a cargo carrier or a crossbar, how most get installed, and most importantly, which one's best for your Mitsubishi model.

Mitsubishi Roof Racks vs. Roof Carriers vs. Crossbars: What's the Difference?

Roof racks can go by many names -- among them, "luggage racks," "roof rail systems," "roof carriers" (of course), and, in special-use cases, "kayak racks," "bike racks," and "ski and snowmobile racks." The terms substitute for one another, but the meaning of each is a little different.

What's the same these days, however, is that all three are often made of steel, aluminum, or another sturdy, load-bearing metal, versus the wood of the past. Ditto for the main parts of each being no more than towers and feet, most of the time -- conveniently modular, and so, a breeze to install in a snap using an included fitting kit. Some systems even include locks to help prevent theft.

What's different: "roof rack," on the one hand, refers to the rails running the length of the roof of your Mitsubishi -- the bars with a dual use as both basic cargo weight supports and tie-down points for anchoring luggage. "Crossbars," on the other hand, are accessories -- perpendicular rails that help even out how cargo weight's distributed. "Roof carrier," though, is a variation on the roof-rack theme: a platform or "cargo box" for transporting everything from bags and cases to outdoor equipment; the former's an improvement on the vehicle rack concept, while the latter's basically a rail system with a protective enclosure.

So, why is having a roof rack system on your Mitsubishi worth it? It's simple: it's a better situation for hauling (and less damaging to your car body) than strapping gear to a bare roof with bungee cords run through power windows and a prayer.

How Do I Install a Roof Rack on My Mitsubishi?

It's usually as easy as following directions in your owner's documentation. What you'll want to do is clean your vehicle's roof first; it'll help make sure the rack's attachment points can lie flush. Then, it's just a matter of doing the following, generally.

1. Loosen the foot mounts' screws. Do this just enough that the crossbars can fit between them.
2. Slide the crossbars between the mounts.
3. Measure the correct width between the mounts, and tighten them in.
4. Attach the rails' pads to their mounts.
5. Attach the rails' caps to their crossbars.
6. Center the rails on your vehicle's roof.
7. Potion their fronts away from the windshield's top.
8. Lock the front foot mounts on your car doors' rims in place.
9. Use any included clips to tighten the mounts.

Need help with the install? You're welcome to get in touch with a Mitsubishi dealer.

Which Roof Rack is Best for My Mitsubishi?

OEM; it'll be genuine Mitsubishi, meaning not just that the quality will be such that you've come to expect from the brand you love. It also means fit and finish are assured -- i.e., unlike with a lot of aftermarket roof racks, cross rails, and carriers, compatibility with your ride is guaranteed, and the rack will look the part to get attention. It'll even come backed by manufacturer warranty in most cases, not to mention that it won't void your vehicle's factory warranty, like some off-brand parts and accessories can.

Perhaps best of all, you can save some money; OEM Mitsubishi roof racks can be less expensive than aftermarket alternatives from Thule, Yakima, Rhino-Rack, Curt, and other brands. We've got a huge selection, and we'll ship fast, right to your door, anywhere in the States; order now. Have any questions? Feel free to contact us.