#10 Best Roof Racks for Cars Without Rails 2023

Get these best roof racks for cars without rails! From the strap-on, tower-mounted, even clamp-on roof racks are ready to carry the heavy luggage on your car roof without rails!

👤 Written by: L. W. R. Ulla
⏳ Updated on:
📋 List: 10 items
👀 Reader: 24 views

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So, your car has no roof rails, and you need it to carry the heavy luggage for Overlanding? Well, you do not need to worry since there are the best roof racks for cars without rails that you can find on the market. Any car without a roof rail can still load any big and heavy luggage like a kayak, car box, etc., to support your activity like Overlanding, tailgating, or RVing.

Even much better, with the best roof racks for cars without rails, you can save a lot of costs rather than buying a new car with a roof rail. However, finding the best roof racks for a railless car can be tricky if you have never had them before. Below, we have the recommended products and buying guide for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How many types of car racks are available in this list?

For the best roof racks for cars without rails, we have provided two types of roof racks that you can attach to the roof of your car without rails: strap-on and clamp-on. These two types are believed to be the best among other car racks for strapping, harnessing, and keeping your belongings while driving.

  • Strap-on
    This type usually consists of a foam pad, strap, and buckle. Two foam pads connected by straps will be tied to the roof of your car. Then it is locked with a buckle. Usually, to be more secure, you can buy an extra strap purchase.
  • Clamp-on
    Clamp-on has two clamps that will attach to the door frame. They are also very easy to install. Although this type is clamped on, you still need a strap.

Which one is better, strap-on or clamp-on?

Both of these car roof racks are equally good. You can choose based on the one that suits your needs and financial situation. Strap-on types are usually smaller and easier to store. However, it is not suitable for lifting a tall kayak vertically. At the same time, the clamp-on has a pair of clamps that can attach you to the car door frame. It is easy to install but a bit tricky to remove.

What are the things to look out for when buying the best roof racks for cars without rails?

  • Type: choose what type of roof rack is suitable for your car.
  • Weight capacity: pay attention to the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Material: materials made from quality materials will make your roof rack more durable.

What are the most important additional features in the best roof racks for cars without rails?

Among the best roof racks for cars without rails, there are additional features you need to check to get the best purchase;

  • Waterproof: roof rack materials (especially strap-ons) are usually very susceptible to rain. So when driving in the rain, these straps absorb water and make it rain inside your car.
  • Extra strap: even if your roof rack does not provide an extra strap, you can buy one yourself. Extra straps help you tie your luggage more securely.
  • Locking mechanism: one side (or both sides) of the car roof rack has a lock to make it easier for drivers to leave the car and luggage without worry.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars HandiRack
HandiRack
Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars
#1 Amazon Handiworld.com eBay
Roof Rack Cross Bar Rail  MOSTPLUS
MOSTPLUS
Roof Rack Cross Bar Rail
#2 Amazon Shopabunda.com eBay
Universal Soft Roof Rack HeyTrip
HeyTrip
Universal Soft Roof Rack
#3 Amazon Poshmark.com eBay
Universal Roof Rack SEAH HARDWARE
SEAH HARDWARE
Universal Roof Rack
#4 Amazon Shopabunda.com eBay
Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads MeeFar
MeeFar
Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads
#5 Amazon Meefar.com eBay
Auto Air Inflatable Roof Rack TIROL
TIROL
Auto Air Inflatable Roof Rack
#6 Amazon Sears.com eBay
Complete Roof Rack System SportRack
SportRack
Complete Roof Rack System
#7 Amazon Sportrack.com eBay
INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier INNO
INNO
INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier
#8 Amazon Usa.innoracks.com eBay
VersaRail Universal Cross Bars Malone
Malone
VersaRail Universal Cross Bars
#9 Amazon Maloneautoracks.com eBay
Soft Roof Rack with Straps Orion Motor
Orion Motor
Soft Roof Rack with Straps
#10 Amazon Orionmotortech.com eBay

10 List of Best Roof Racks for Cars Without Rails

  • HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars
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    with this product?
    #1

    HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars

    Best Durable Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Traveling with your family will require you to transport a lot of items. If your car doesn’t have a rail, you don’t have to worry because you can install an inflatable roof rack from HandiRack. This rack for cars without rails has a total strap of 340 cm (along with fittings and dimensions of inflatable sections) to keep your belongings safe. In addition, the material is made of 400 very strong denier nylon. You don’t need to worry about traveling during summer or winter because this material is not only heavy-duty but also resistant to the rigors of the weather.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Premium quality
    No tools required
    Pre-assembled factory

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Wet when raining

    What other experts liked

    The HandiRack is a clever idea that does light work of transporting those awkward items which won’t easily fit inside the car.
    Wheel World Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    The only downside is water leaks into the car when raining due to the straps.
    Traction Life
  • MOSTPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bar Rail
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    with this product?
    #2

    MOSTPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bar Rail

    Best Minimal Wind Noise Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    One thing that is annoying when you drive with a car rack loaded with goods is the wind noise. However, if you use the MOSTPLUS Roof Rack Cross Bar Rail as your car roof rack without rail, you can reduce the wind noise pressure on the car. This is because it uses soft roof rack pads technology. Also, its aero design reduces vibrations and wind noise. It is a clamp-on type roof rack car among the best roof racks for cars without rails.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Aerodynamic nature
    Thoughtful design
    Easy installation

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Heavyweight

    What other experts liked

    The noise factor is minimal once installed. Good value.
    tim kraynak

    What other experts didn't like

    They are fairly difficult to install and I had to buy a 90-degree screwdriver and extended bits to be able to install them.
    Tanya & Evan Schantz
  • HeyTrip Universal Soft Roof Rack
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    with this product?
    #3

    HeyTrip Universal Soft Roof Rack

    Best Heavy Duty Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    You don’t have to worry about hauling anything on top of your rail-less car because HEYTRIP’s Universal Soft Roof Rack can carry up to 80kg in one go. On top of your railless car rack, you can lift surfboarding, kayaking, supping, and canoeing. More interestingly, it uses a top-grade EVA foam pad. The foam pad is the best quality to put on your railless car roof. It will gently carry your stuff on top of the car without any scary noises or vibrations. Lastly, this set comes complete, so you can easily assemble it on your own.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Durable roof rack
    Competitive price
    Adjustable roof rack

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Feel a bit flimsy

    What other experts liked

    I’m no handyman and I and a friend managed to install these within minutes. But, now I can do it myself.
    Miss Louise Ely

    What other experts didn't like

    Doesn’t feel very safe. I put a kayak on it, and didn’t feel very sturdy.
    Amazon Customer
  • SEAH HARDWARE Universal Roof Rack
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    with this product?
    #4

    SEAH HARDWARE Universal Roof Rack

    Best Waterproof Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Universal Roof Rack Cross-Bars from SEAH HARDWARE is one that has a waterproof feature for the strap. You can easily install this car roof rack without rail in four steps, unlike other items that will make your car wet from rainwater. The straps from this brand will not allow rainwater to seep through the straps. Additionally, it is a crossbar-type car roof rack. The material uses heavy-duty steel tubes. Hence it is very strong to carry up to 170 lbs. Also, this car roof rack has several color options, from metallic, black, grey, and orange.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Least expensive
    Factory assembled
    Moderate weight capacity

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    May leave a color stain

    What other experts liked

    It's very solid, easy to install easy to use. Lovely ratchet assembly, not flimsy.

    What other experts didn't like

    The only downside is that the straps left black marks on my white car where they were tightened.
    Chelsey H
  • MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads
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    with this product?
    #5

    MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads

    Best Innovative Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    When driving a car without rails, one rule you should know is that the tighter the strap, the better and safer your cargo will be. This Universal Car Soft Roof Rack from MeeFar has 2 tie-down ropes, 2 heavy-duty tie-down straps, and quick loop straps that can do just that for your car without rails. Even better, this brand innovated by using a mat that will prevent the load from slipping or sliding. For so, you can drive your luggage in your car without trails with no worry since the noise and sliding will not happen.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Provide anti-slip mat
    Heavy-duty strap
    Lengthy rope and strap

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Take time to load down luggage

    What other experts liked

    I really liked the simplicity of this product. It looks good, and the buckles have claws which really helps.
    Bruce Hollywood

    What other experts didn't like

    It takes some time to tighten the kayak down.
    Reader from New England
  • TIROL Auto Air Inflatable Roof Rack
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    with this product?
    #6

    TIROL Auto Air Inflatable Roof Rack

    Best Installation Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    For your car roof that doesn’t have a rail, you don’t have to worry because the Auto Air Inflatable Roof Rack from TIROL can make you transport all the necessities on top of your car without a doubt. Moreover, your overland trip will not be interrupted as it has a resistance capacity of up to 80 kg.

    Suitcases, large bags, or any necessities wrapped together can be loaded safely. Moreover, the installation is also very easy. There is a valve on the inflatable pad for you to screw and unscrew. It is a versatile, small, and easy-to-store car roof rack without rail!

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Easy to store
    80 kg load bearing
    Mostly suitable for any car model

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not waterproof

    What other experts liked

    This inflatable rack was very easy to use. Simply blow up the unit and strap it to the car through the doors.
    S. Breeden

    What other experts didn't like

    This inflatable roof rack is that when it rains, my seats and or I get wet because it leaves a gap in my door.
    Osvaldo Acevedo
  • SportRack Complete Roof Rack System
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #7

    SportRack Complete Roof Rack System

    Best Clamps-On Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Traveling isn’t an all-time occurrence, or even if it is, it doesn’t always require a lot of cargo. Therefore, a car roof rack without rails that is easy to remove and install is the perfect choice for your needs. One of them is this SportRack Roof Rack System. It is a clamps-on type roof rack that is easy to install and remove. Even when it arrives, it comes ready to install with pre-assembled feet, hooks, bars, and locks. With no drilling required, you can install it right away.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Pre-assembled installation
    Easy to install
    80 kg load bearing

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Heavy wind noise

    What other experts liked

    It was pretty easy to install. I've been checking it every other day to ensure it stays secure.
    David J. Adams Jr.

    What other experts didn't like

    The rubber stand comes off easily and is difficult to put back.
    Choong L.
  • INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier
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    with this product?
    #8

    INNO INA446 Surf-Wind-Long Board Locking Roof Carrier

    Best Safety Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    When traveling in your car without a rail, you don’t have to worry about leaving your vehicle and luggage for lunch. This is because INA446 from INNO is a roof rack car with a decent locking mechanism. You can lock your luggage securely. In addition, they use a universal mounting system design that will fit all factory bar models from round, square, and aero. The material also uses stainless steel, which is safe and durable.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Locking mechanism
    Decent length
    Durable construction materials

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Your car has to have crossbars

    What other experts liked

    The locking mechanism is nice if you need to leave your boards on the car and want to run into the store or wherever.
    Lifterofthings

    What other experts didn't like

    Sadly after the first use, the rack shifted slightly with 2 boards. This, in turn, caused the adhesive rubber pads to come off.
  • Malone VersaRail Universal Cross Bars
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    Malone VersaRail Universal Cross Bars

    Best Versatile Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Transform the roof of your car that has no rails into a more functional and versatile one by using the VersaRail from Malone. The shape of this car roof rack without rail is square, which will fit any kind of vehicle model. You can easily transport bikes, canoes, and all sorts of things on top of your car. More interestingly, it has 2 types of lengths that you can choose from, 50″ and 58″. You also get a twin-cup vacuum, 1.5″ attachment straps, and a five-year warranty.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Optional length choices
    135 lb. load capacity
    Easy to install

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A little bit flimsy
    Not waterproof

    What other experts liked

    The straps and metal buckles are very strong. The straps do not vibrate or cause noise as you speed along the road.

    What other experts didn't like

    There were a few drops of water on the seats from overnight rain.
    jncowan
  • Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack with Straps
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    with this product?
    #10

    Orion Motor Soft Roof Rack with Straps

    Best High-Quality Car Roof Rack Without Rail

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    One thing that makes the Universal Car Soft Roof Rack attractive is the foam pad, strap, and buckle quality. It will easily transform your car’s plain roof into something more useful. The car roof rack without rail from Orion Motor is superb.

    First, the foam pad is made of EPE core that can withstand up to 165lbs of weight. The foam pad then uses a 600D Nylon fabric wrap that is heat and water-resistant in all weather conditions. Secondly, the buckle uses a strong aircraft-like material that keeps your belongings, such as bags, luggage, etc., secure and firmly attached.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Universal mounting design
    High-quality material
    1-year warranty

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Slight windy noise

    What other experts liked

    Easy to get the kayak on & off - probably more accessible than on a rack because I’m short and don’t have much strength lifting over my head.
    Jody E. Tracy

    What other experts didn't like

    Very little noise, but on the return, when I wasn't as careful about twisting all the straps, I did have a little more singing from the straps.
    Christa G

Conclusion: Best Roof Racks for Cars Without Rails

If you think having a naked roof car means you can’t go out with your bike, kayak, canoe, or even boat, that’s not true. You can get the best roof racks for cars without rails. On this page, we have selected the best products to turn your bare roof car into a more useful and functional one. You can choose between straps or clamps or for your roof car without rails!

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