1979 GMC C/K Pickup 3500 Roof Racks

Roof Racks

• Roof Rails: Roof rails mount parallel to your truck, SUV, or van’s wheelbase, stretching from the front of the cab to the rear.

• Cross Bars: Cross bars stretch perpendicularly to your vehicle’s wheelbase, extending from the driver's to the passenger’s side of the roof. 

• Platform Racks: Platform racks feature multiple bars, either parallel or perpendicular to your vehicle, creating a platform. Most platform racks require a crossbar or roof rail system for mounting.

Why Install a Roof Rack?

Do you routinely run out of usable cargo space in your pickup, SUV, or van? Take charge of the unused area above the cab with a sleek and practical Roof Rack.

Roof racks consist of sleek, roof-mounted rails, crossbars, and platforms that provide maximum cargo space without significantly diminishing roof clearances or degrading aesthetics. No matter the cargo you plan to carry—like snowboards, luggage, bicycles, or otherwise—roof racks offer a convenient storage location that leaves your bed and cab free for larger objects, passengers, and pets. 

Installing a roof rack is typically a breeze—most require zero cutting, drilling, or other modifications, instead utilizing your vehicle's rain gutters/channels or door jambs for a quick and secure installation. And just as easily as installing a roof rack, you can pull it off in a pinch.

Types of Roof Racks

Roof Rails

Roof rails stretch from the front of the cab to the rear, offering sturdy, low-profile bases upon which to build. These systems typically accept cross bars, baskets, and other gear holders.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Yakima RibCage System

Why we love it: 

• Reinforced rack system with internal support structure

• Robust aluminum construction

• The ultimate addition to any Jeep® Wrangler hardtop 4-door

• Compatible with JK and JL generations

• 330-lb. off-road dynamic | 825-lb. static load rating

• Compatible with Yakima TrackTowers, crossbars, and platforms

• T-slot hardware is accessible without removing caps

• Limited lifetime warranty

Cross Bars

Crossbar systems come in various configurations, ranging from different mounting styles (naked roof, roof rail, or in-channel) to bar styles (round, aero, or square). Cross bars, like roof rails, are typically used as the base structure for other accessories and gear holders, including cargo boxes, bike racks, snowboard racks, roof baskets, and more.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Rhino-Rack StealthBar

Why we love it: 

• Durable alloy construction

• Available in black and silver 

• Ultra-low profile

• Universal design

• 176-lb. weight capacity 

• Includes secure steel locks

• Easily installs and removes in seconds

• VGS strip offers quiet performance 

• 100mm of adjustability

Platform Racks

Platform Racks make loading and unloading all shapes and sizes of cargo a breeze. These practical, low-profile roof rack systems feature wide decks to carry coolers, tools, and oversized cargo. They offer a sturdy base for various oversized accessories, even including tie-down points for quick and easy cargo fastening.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Go Rhino® Ceros Low Profile Roof Rack

Why we love it: 

• Durable aluminum roof rack basket

• Textured black powder coat finish

• Integrates Go Rhino's 4-CORE crossbars

• Low-profile design offers a clean, finished look

• Simple clamp-on assembly

• Rhino clamps included

• Easy to install on cross bars—no drilling needed

• Pre-drilled for auxiliary lights (sold separately)

• Limited 5-year warranty