Today Tesla cars are in high demand. You can even term them as ‘trendy cars.’ The Tesla Model 3 is one such car that has hit the market with a boom. However, Tesla 3 roof rack is non-existent when car first launched.
The fact that it came with a glass roof further complicated the development of a suitable one. However, from research, a significant number of model 3 buyers expressed their desire for additional space for accessories, for example, bikes, roof boxes, et cetera.
The glass roof on model 3 presented a challenge as there was no easy way of attaching a roof rack without compromising safety standards. Tesla had previously successfully developed a roof rack for its model S, which also had a glass roof.
The glass roof presented a challenge as there was no easy way of attaching a Tesla 3 roof rack without compromising safety standards. Tesla had previously successfully developed a roof rack for its model S, which also had a glass roof.
This demonstrated the same could be done for the Model 3. True to expectation, Tesla developed a roof rack for model 3, slightly a year of its launch. After the launch of the rack, sales for skis, boxes and bikes roof racks have posted impressive sales.
Tesla 3 roof rack merges with the car well and is easily installed. It is also easily adjustable to accommodate different applications, such as bikes and roof boxes made possible by the availability of T slots on its aluminum crossbars.
Further, Tesla 3 roof rack was designed not to compromise the car’s range, aerodynamics, and negligible interior noise. It was also made to fit all model 3 vehicles and to accommodate roof boxes for all compatible applications.
Table of Contents
Tesla 3 Roof Rack Overview
YAKIMA - FrontLoader
The YAKIMA – FrontLoader is a top-tier bike mount, purpose-built for rooftop racks on cars, SUVs, and other vehicles. With an impressive 4.6 out of 5-star rating based on 707 ratings, it’s clear that this product offers a winning combination of functionality and user satisfaction.
Key Features:
Versatile Compatibility: The YAKIMA – FrontLoader stands out with its broad bike compatibility, accommodating various bike types, including those with disc brakes, thru-axles, and full suspension. It’s designed to fit wheel sizes ranging from 20″ to 29″ with corresponding tire widths, making it a versatile choice for a range of bicycles.
Effortless Loading: With a design that allows you to load your bike fully assembled with the front wheel on, the YAKIMA – FrontLoader simplifies the loading process. While some fenders may need to be removed, the convenience of keeping your bike intact is a significant advantage.
Secure Roof Mount: This bike mount is specifically designed for roof installation and can be mounted on a variety of crossbar types, including round, square, factory, or aerodynamic crossbars. It requires a crossbar spread between 16″ and 48″, and it comes fully assembled out of the box for a tool-free installation process.
Frame-Friendly Design: The YAKIMA – FrontLoader holds your bike by the front and back wheel, ensuring zero frame contact. This feature is particularly beneficial for protecting carbon fiber bikes and those with custom paint jobs, preventing any damage during transportation.
YAKIMA - ForkLift
The YAKIMA – ForkLift is a top-quality bike carrier designed for roof racks, offering an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating based on 273 ratings. This product is built for those in need of a secure and convenient solution to transport their bikes on the rooftop of their vehicle.
Key Features:
Versatile Compatibility: The YAKIMA – ForkLift is designed to accommodate a wide range of bike types. It’s compatible with bikes that use standard 100 mm x 9 mm quick release front hubs. Additionally, it can be adapted to fit other hub types, such as thru-axles, with the use of adapters. This level of compatibility ensures that it can handle various bike configurations.
Adjustable Length: The sliding wheel tray of the YAKIMA – ForkLift is easy to adjust, allowing for a wide range of bike lengths. Whether you’re transporting a compact road bike or a longer mountain bike, this bike carrier can securely hold bikes up to 35 pounds.
Roof Rack Compatibility: To use the YAKIMA – ForkLift, a roof rack with a crossbar spread is required, with a minimum of 16″ and a maximum of 42″. It’s designed to fit YAKIMA round, square, factory, and aerodynamic bars. The installation and removal process is simple and tool-free, providing convenience for users.
No Frame Contact: The ForkLift holds the bike by the front axle and the rear wheel, ensuring that there’s no contact with the bike’s frame. This design is perfect for safeguarding your bike’s paint and preventing scratches during transportation.
Swagman - STANDARD Fork Mount
The Swagman STANDARD Fork Mount Rooftop Bike Carrier is a reliable choice for those in search of an easy-to-use and cost-effective bike transportation solution. With a solid 4.3 out of 5-star rating based on 624 ratings, this product has gained favor among users for its convenience and performance.
Key Features:
Effortless Assembly: The Swagman STANDARD is designed for user convenience. It’s remarkably easy to assemble, requiring no tools, and sets up in just minutes by following the included instructions. Once assembled, you can quickly load your bike, making it an efficient choice for those on the go.
Versatile Mounting: This rooftop carrier is designed to attach to your roof rack, accommodating various roof rack types, including square, round, and oval bars up to 3″ wide. This versatility ensures that it can be used with a wide range of vehicles.
Secure Fork Mount: Bikes are securely held in place by the fork mount blocks, providing worry-free security during transportation. These blocks include 9mm Quick Release skewers that anchor your bikes to the rack, ensuring they stay in place throughout your journey.
Vehicle Compatibility: The solid and versatile design of the Swagman STANDARD makes it suitable for most vehicle types and sizes. Whether you have a compact car, an SUV, or a different vehicle, this rooftop bike carrier is adaptable and dependable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each of these rooftop bike carriers offers a unique set of features and advantages to cater to the diverse needs of cyclists. Whether you prioritize compatibility, ease of use, or security, there’s an option to suit your preferences.
Your choice of Tesla 3 roof rack will depend on your specific requirements, whether it’s versatility, simplicity, security, or durability. These options cater to a variety of needs, allowing you to confidently transport your bike on your Tesla 3 roof rack. Be sure to consider the key features that align with your preferences when selecting the ideal rooftop bike carrier for your cycling adventures.
Best Tesla Model 3 Roof Boxes
YAKIMA - Rocket Box Pro
This rooftop box is manufactured by Yakima, a renowned brand in the roof box market. At only about thirty-eight pounds of additional weight, it is a good investment considering the extra space that you will have.
The rocket box pro series comes with front mounts, which improves its clearance when installed in any car. It also comes with SKS locks that enhance security. Apart from this, the cargo box is equipped with integrated pushbuttons that ensure the lid is securely fastened to the base.
The secure cover and superior design ensure that whatever the weather, your cargo is safe from the elements. The mounting hardware is a quick release designed for compatibility with Yakima crossbars with twenty-four to forty inches. If you love camping, the Rocket box pro can fit gear of up to two campers.
This roof box is sleek and has an aerodynamic design that reduces drag as much as possible. With such features, you should highly consider this roof box for your Tesla Model 3. Lastly, this cargo box boasts a limited lifetime warranty, which means any damage that Yakima owns liability can quickly be sorted.
Sport Rack Horizon Alpine Cargo Box
This box is a Horizon product made from impact-resistant ABS materials. Its construction is rugged, and it comes with an attachment kit that aids in quick installation and removal.
The sport rack horizon is very compatible and fits in round, square, and most factory gauge roof racks. However, unlike most modern roof boxes, this one only has one side opening (passenger side).
This is not necessarily a downside as it ensures that you are always protected from oncoming traffic whenever you are accessing your cargo, even for the absent-minded traveler. With its dimensions, it can hold up to four snowboards or six skis. At a mere forty-four pounds, the product adds negligible weight to the car.
Those who have experience with this box have given it praise in that it creates minimal noise and vibration, and does not cause the car to wobble at highway speeds, which is a testament to its superior aerodynamic design.
A few complaints have arisen about the locking mechanism being cranky and not being so easy to operate. However, these are minor drawbacks that are easily overshadowed by the positive features of this roof box.
Thule 682 Sidekick
The Thule 682 Sidekick has been in the market for a very long time. Nonetheless, do not let this deter you from purchasing this roof box. As they say, old is gold. This roof box packs excellent features that make it ideal for the Model 3.
The most significant advantage of Thule 682 Sidekick is its design. Since this roof box is not long, it allows for some room to be left on the roof of your vehicle. This makes it very proportional for smaller cars, and the extra space can be used to carry other items.
It also comes with U bolts complete with reinforcement plates, which ensure the box attaches sturdily to the roof rack. These minimize vibration and ensures cargo carried in the box is safe from damage. Thule 682 Sidekick requires a bit of installation skills, but the manufacturer avails the installation instructions and vehicle fit guide.
Due to its compact design and extra rack room, it is popular with cycling enthusiasts. It also opens on the passenger side for easy loading and safety away from traffic. Lastly, this roof box is very affordable. Thus if you are on a budget, I highly recommend you consider it.
Go plus Cargo Box
Go Plus designed this roof box with heavy use and security in mind. It spots metal reinforcement in the lid, which makes it more stable and secure, topped up with double lock design.
Installation is easy as it has four anchors and super latch systems for securing the lid. The Go plus Cargo Box is compatible with most car types and will easily fit most roof rack designs.
For the durability and protection of cargo from the elements, this box is made of high-quality ABS and PC material. With fourteen cubic feet of space, Go plus Cargo Box is an excellent option for increasing carrying capacity without compromising passenger comfort. It is also compatible with a wide range of car types, and it will surely fit seamlessly on your Model 3 rack.