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Updated on Feb 2, 2024
We’ve all been there: you’re loading up your pickup for a trip, and before you know it, the bed’s filled to the brim with camping supplies, luggage, and whatever else! With the cab packed with family, friends, and pets, you’re out of space. But what if there were a solution? One that doesn't involve hitching up a cargo trailer or gear carrier? Fortunately, we have just the product: a premium roof rack system!
While roof racks typically get installed on SUVs and sedans, pickups aren’t excluded. Modern pickup cabs are often larger than their short 5.5–6.5-foot beds, so why not take advantage of the dead space overhead? In this guide, we’re covering roof rack systems for RAM pickups, including their benefits and our expert’s top products.
Read on to transform your RAM’s cab into usable cargo space!
So, why install a roof rack on your RAM over any other cargo management system, like a bed rack or bed extender?
While both of the above-referenced cargo solutions are effective, they still confine cargo to your RAM’s bed. Once the bed fills up, you’re out of options! Alternatively, roof racks take advantage of the unused area above the roof. Considering the trend of auto manufacturers shortening pickup beds and lengthening cabs, driven by the vehicle class' shift from utility rigs to family haulers, modern pickups have tons of unused real estate above the cab.
So, why not utilize this space? Roof racks do just that, bolstering cargo capacity for light-duty cargo like gear mounts and luggage. But that’s not all; several roof rack systems also feature built-in accessory mounts, accepting auxiliary lights, recovery equipment, t-slot accessories, and more!
So, the real question isn’t why should you install a roof rack on your RAM, but why wouldn’t you?
Here at RealTruck, we offer a massive selection of roof racks, ranging from easy-to-install crossbar systems to beefy plate steel roof baskets. Which setup is right for you? Check out our expert’s top five roof rack recommendations. While price points and form factors may differ, each product on this list offers exceptional quality.
If you’re stuck between a roof basket and a crossbar system, consider the Black Horse Roof Rack System for the best of both worlds! This premium roof rack system includes a pair of high-strength, anodized aluminum crossbars offering a simple, clamp-on installation. Black Horse includes all necessary hardware and instructions, making mounting a breeze!
The Black Horse Roof Rack System offers not only a useful cargo area but also pre-drilled light mounts, allowing you to install auxiliary lights, like LED pods or an LED light bar! This roof rack also features integrated lock cylinders, preventing thieves from stealing it off your RAM.
The Black Horse Roof Rack System features a simple clamp-on installation. All clamps, hardware, and instructions are included. Black Horse backs this product with a 3-year finish / limited lifetime structural warranty.
Features:
The complete roof rack system includes a 52-inch aluminum basket and crossbars
Made with high-strength anodized aluminum
Available in black and silver
Rail clamps feature integrated lock cylinders for security
Secure, easy-to-use roof rack
Designed for smooth-roof applications
Simple, clamp-on installation
3-year finish / limited lifetime structural warranty
When light-duty rack systems just won’t cut it, consider the industry-leading weight capacity of the Yakima HD Bar Roof Rack System, withstanding up to 500 pounds per crossbar!
This system features a durable aluminum construction, withstanding heavy loads without adding unnecessary weight. All alloy components receive a stealthy black powder coat finish, bolstering aesthetics and corrosion resistance.
Unlike conventional crossbar systems, the Yakima HD features T-slot compatible rails, which accept most T-slot accessories and gear mounts. Each rail also features two heavy-duty tie-down anchors, making strapping down cargo a breeze!
Yakima backs the HD Bar Roof Rack System with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features:
Includes two crossbars, HD Bar SL Adapter, and four mounting towers (w/ clips if necessary)
Stealthy black powder coat finish
500-pound weight limit per bar on-road; 300-pound weight limit per bar off-road
T- slot compatible
Built-in tie-down end caps
Limited lifetime warranty
If you’re looking for a rugged, top-of-the-line roof rack system for an off-road-inspired Ram, check out the Fab Fours Roof Rack! This all-steel roof rack system features 12-gauge plate steel construction and a matte-black powder coat finish, offering exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
Aside from hauling cargo, the Fab Fours Roof Rack also features various light mounts, accepting four 2-inch by 2-inch LED cubes and dual 50-inch LED light bars (sold separately). Each rack also features built-in tie-downs, securely affixing cargo to your RAM’s roof.
Unlike the other options on this list, installing the Fab Fours Modular Roof Rack requires modifications, including drilling eight holes into your RAM’s cab for mounting. However, all hardware, gaskets, and seals are included for a secure, leak-free installation.
Fab Fours backs this product with a limited lifetime structural and 2-year finish warranty.
Features:
Available in 48", 60", and 72" configurations
All lighting is sold separately
Accommodates 4 2” x 2” square lights
Can house dual 50" light bars in the front and back plates
Optional recessed lighting-compatible roof rack faceplate available
Provides tie-downs
Durable 12-gauge steel construction
Matte black powder-coat finish
Limited lifetime structural / 2-year finish warranty
It’s tough to beat the off-road styling and rugged durability of the Go Rhino Ceros, a low-profile roof rack that attaches to your RAM’s bare roof or existing crossbars! This product features a rugged aluminum construction, including a plate aluminum frame, integrated fairing, and Go Rhino’s innovative, T-slot-compatible 4-CORE crossbars. The Go Rhino Ceros is also pre-drilled for auxiliary lights.
This product features a simple, clamp-on design, requiring no modifications and leaving no lasting holes or marks in your RAM’s roof. Each order includes vehicle-specific clamps, instructions, and hardware, making installation a breeze!
Go Rhino is a RealTruck brand. When you order a Ceros Low Profile Roof Rack or any other Go Rhino product from us, you’re dealing directly with the manufacturer. We back each Go Rhino Ceros with a limited lifetime structural and 5-year finish warranty.
Features:
Aluminum roof rack basket
Textured matte black powder coat finish
Utilizes Go Rhino's 4-CORE crossbars
Low-profile design offers a clean, finished look
Clamp-on assembly
Rhino clamps included
Simple, no-drill installation
Pre-drilled for auxiliary lights (sold separately)
Limited lifetime structural / 5-year limited warranty
Nothing beats a basic crossbar system for utility and hassle-free installation/removal. We offer several crossbar kits on RealTruck, including the Complete Vortex Crossbars Kit from Australian manufacturer Rhino Rack!
This high-end rack system features a rugged all-aluminum construction for superior strength and minimal weight. Though light and aerodynamic, this rack also packs a punch, withstanding up to 165 pounds–plenty of capacity for luggage, skis, snowboards, and other light-duty cargo. The rack’s sleek, black finish is both stylish and corrosion-resistant, ensuring years of rust-free service.
The Rhino Rack Vortex Crossbars system features a simple clamp-on installation using the included clamps, brackets, and instructions. Installation takes under an hour and requires no specialty tools or modifications!
Rhino Rack backs the Vortex Crossbars system with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features:
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Engineered for use on gutterless vehicles
Holds up to 165 lbs.
Vehicle-specific design for easy installation
Simple, clamp-on mounting
Ideal for transporting luggage, skis, snowboards, and other light-duty cargo
Limited lifetime warranty
RealTruck is your home for the best products to outfit your build for unforgettable adventures.
Dodge RAM Exterior Accessories | Racks & Carriers | Roof Racks | Roof Cargo Baskets | Ski & Snowboard Racks
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