If you have too many things and it seems like your motorhome will be running out of space to store your gear, you shouldn’t think twice about getting one of the best roof racks for camper shells. By adding a roof rack, you’ll constantly have extra storage to keep your outdoor gear. Plus, it allows you to bring big items that normally don’t fit inside your campervan. Yep, we’re talking about tents, surfboards, and even bikes. Lucky for you, the options are endless. But this also means finding the right one can be a little tricky. To help you out, we’ve handpicked some of the best options available on the market. They’ll give you that additional storage you’ve been wanting! So, without further ado, let’s take a look at them!
Table of contents
- ECOTRIC Universal Roof Rack
- CAR DRESS Roof Rack Cargo Basket
- Racketon Large Roof Basket
- 7BLACKSMITHS Roof Rack Cargo Basket
- Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket
- AVENN Skinny Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- YAKIMA LockNLoad Roof Rack Platform
- CURT Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
- MPH Production Universal Roof Rack
- Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform
- Leader Accessories Roof Rack
- MaxxHaul Roof Rack
- ARKSEN 64×39-inch Universal Roof Rack
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Roof Racks for Camper Shells
- Can you put a roof rack on an RV?
- What is a roof rack?
- Are roof racks worth it?
ECOTRIC Universal Roof Rack
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Kicking off our list is the ECOTRIC Universal Roof Rack! This roof rack is your life savior when you need extra space for your luggage, cargo bags, and other equipment. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this rack is a piece of cake to install, thanks to the universal U-bolts. Don’t worry; it also comes with a clear instructions manual! Many people have bought and used this roof rack, and the majority of them have nothing but good things to say. Most of them praise its ease of use and durability. Another thing that we love is the fact that it can hold up to 250 lbs. However, it would be best if you never overloaded this roof rack. Though durable, it can break and damage your roof!
Pros
- This roof rack has the perfect balance of price and quality.
- It can hold up to 250 lbs.
- It’s easy to install and comes with a clear manual.
Cons
- The paint around the tubes may be a little bit too light.
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CAR DRESS Roof Rack Cargo Basket
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The second item on this list is the CAR DRESS Roof Rack Cargo Basket. This big roof rack is a nice addition to your RV accessories collections, especially if you think there is way too much stuff inside. It’s perfect for your outdoor equipment and can also be used as a luggage rack. Plus, it can securely hold up to 150 lbs of weight! Furthermore, this roof rack has an adjustable fit. You can easily mount this rack with the universal U-bolts using your camper’s crossbars. Apart from that, it’s also easy to remove. Though there’s noticeable road noise, it’s nothing too serious. And considering its price, you truly can’t go wrong with this item.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty steel, it’s extremely sturdy.
- It’s easy to install and remove.
- This roof rack can withstand the elements and scratches.
Cons
- It’s not a well-known product.
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Racketon Large Roof Basket
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Sometimes, big is better. And if you need a big roof rack for your camper, consider getting the Racketon Large Roof Basket! Now, unlike other roof racks, this one probably has the tallest walls! It’s 10 inches tall, so all of your camping gear, bag, and even small stuff will be kept securely. Plus, this means you’ll have more storage space! On top of that, this heavy-duty roof rack can hold a lot of weight. When we say a lot, we truly mean it! That’s because it can hold up to 400 lbs of weight! In addition to that, this fantastic roof basket is rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about its longevity.
Pros
- It’s the perfect option for those who need a big roof rack.
- The walls are taller than most.
- There’s a tail reflection panel that increases visibility at night.
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive considering it’s not from a big brand.
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7BLACKSMITHS Roof Rack Cargo Basket
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With its heavy-duty construction and amazing load capacity, the 7BLACKSMITHS Roof Rack Cargo Basket is easily one of the best available options. Thanks to the metal bars at the bottom and the side rails, all of your gear will be kept in place! Plus, they also provide many tie-down spots. If most roof racks have a load capacity of 150 lbs, you’ll be surprised to know that this one can hold up to 250 lbs! Pretty amazing, isn’t it? Apart from that, this rack can also be mounted to almost all crossbars. Aside from your RV, it can also be installed on an SUV, BMW, and other vehicles.
Pros
- This roof rack offers a big load capacity without costing you more money.
- It’s a breeze to install and use.
- It offers many tie-down points to keep your stuff secure.
Cons
- The instruction sheet isn’t clear enough.
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Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket
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Best Brand. In addition to car camping tents and RV kayak racks, Thule also produces some of the most amazing roof racks! Enter the Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket. We think we can all agree that this rack looks stunning! However, it has more to offer than that. This roof rack for RV fits most vehicles easily since it comes with very versatile mounting hardware as well as T-Track. Like other options out there, this cargo basket also comes with wind fairing, which is a must! Though not the biggest, we appreciate the fact that it has a maximum load capacity of 150 lbs, which is more than enough for most people. And thanks to the tapered sidewalls, you’ll be able to load and unload your stuff easily.
Pros
- One of the most stylish options on the market.
- It’s produced by Thule, which is known for its durability.
- It allows you to load and unload your stuff effortlessly.
Cons
- Some people might find it expensive.
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AVENN Skinny Rooftop Cargo Carrier
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When you need a rooftop rack to make more space inside your RV, you can always rely on AVENN Skinny Rooftop Cargo Carrier. One of the things we love the most about this item is its tall walls, which are 6 inches tall! This means it can keep smaller items secure. Though it isn’t the biggest rack, we love that it’s also available in packages where cargo bags and nets are included. As with many of its competitors, this roof rack is coated with black powder, making it weather-resistant. In addition, it can hold up to 150 lbs of weight, which is cool! Even better, it comes with all the mounting hardware needed for effortless installation. There’s truly no reason to ignore this item!
Pros
- This versatile rack can carry your camping gear, cooler, and other stuff for your next adventure.
- It attaches easily to most roof racks.
- You can also get this rack with an additional cargo bag and net.
Cons
- It’s a little bit time-consuming to install.
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YAKIMA LockNLoad Roof Rack Platform
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Just like YAKIMA’s bike racks for campers, the YAKIMA LockNLoad Roof Rack Platform‘s hefty price tag can scare some people. However, no one can deny how amazing its performance is. This roof rack comes with T-slots in each of its slats and outer frame. Thus, it can safely secure your gear, and you can drive without worrying about the stuff up there.
Depending on your RV’s roof type, this roof rack can handle weights of 165 lbs up to 330 lbs. Of course, this is all possible because of its durable aluminum construction. Plus, this high-end roof rack is backed by a limited lifetime warranty! Also, don’t forget to watch the Wasting Time in the Woods review!
Pros
- This roof rack is available in several different sizes.
- The installation process is quick and straightforward.
- It’s one of the sturdiest options on the market right now.
Cons
- You should note that it doesn’t come with universal mounting brackets.
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CURT Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
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Best Compact. Not everyone needs huge roof racks for camper shells. If you’ve been searching for a compact option, look no further than the CURT Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier! This roof rack is the perfect option for those wanting to add extra storage for their smaller items, be it a pop-up tent or other camping gear.
As the name suggests, this roof rack has a universal fit. It can easily attach to almost all roof rack rails using universal brackets. Installing it is also a breeze since it comes with the needed installation hardware. Though small, this roof rack is surprisingly durable. It can last for years and is rust-resistant. For its full specs, check out its official product page!
Pros
- This is a small but reliable rack that doesn’t cost a lot.
- It has a universal fit, meaning it fits most roof rack rails.
- The 4-inch walls help to keep your items secure.
Cons
- It’s not the best option for larger gear.
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MPH Production Universal Roof Rack
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Up next is the MPH Production Universal Roof Rack, one of the strongest roof racks for camper tops. This roof rack has a maximum load of 350 lbs, which is higher than most options currently available out there. In addition to that, its 48-inch size is also big enough for most people, making it an ideal option for your cargo bags, luggage, and other stuff.
When it comes to durability, there’s nothing you should worry about. This roof rack is coated with black powder, allowing it to last for years and resist corrosion. Additionally, there’s also steel wind fairing to reduce noise and withstand strong winds. Best of all, this amazing item is affordable!
Pros
- Aside from campervans, this roof rack can also be used for trucks.
- It’s relatively lightweight.
- It has a big maximum load capacity.
Cons
- Its performance is good, but other more expensive options offer a better one.
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Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform
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Best Premium. Got plenty of money, honey? Then you should try investing in something more premium, like the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform! One of the biggest selling points of this roof rack for camper tops is its weight. Weighing 58 lbs, it’s one of the more lightweight options out there, adding minimum weight to your RV. This also means it won’t drastically change your fuel economy when not carrying anything.
When it comes to material, this low-profile roof rack is made from a mix of glass-filled nylon and aluminum. It’s super strong and allows the rack to carry plenty of weight. Plus, it’s non-corrosive! So you’ll never have to deal with rust! If you have the money, this rack will make your upcoming trip easier!
Pros
- It’s compatible with other accessories from Rhino Rack.
- As seen on the official website, there are several sizes to choose from.
- The aerodynamic design can help minimize wind drag.
Cons
- The hefty price tag means it’s not for everyone.
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Leader Accessories Roof Rack
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Those who need a large roof rack can always rely on the Leader Accessories Roof Rack. This 64-inch roof rack is perfect for holding extra huge luggage, camping equipment, and others. With this item, you can safely free up the space in your RV and move them on top of the roof! And if you’re wondering, it can hold up to 150 lbs of weight.
Though not the most premium option, this roof rack isn’t lacking any amazing features. For one, it has amazing wind resistance. In addition, it’s also rust-resistant! Pretty amazing, isn’t it? On top of that, it’s also available in packages where you’ll also get a cargo bag and cargo net.
Pros
- Those who need a huge roof rack will love this item.
- Assembling this roof rack is easy.
- It has a sturdy and durable construction.
Cons
- Like some options out there, there’ll be some noise.
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MaxxHaul Roof Rack
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Best Bang for the Buck. The MaxxHaul Roof Rack is another highly recommended option that won’t let you down. This is an all-steel roof rack that can stand the test of time when taken care of properly. It’s sturdy, durable, and can carry up to 150 lbs of weight. Those needing additional gear space can always rely on this product.
In addition to that, this roof rack for RV is easy to assemble! And unlike some of its competitors, this one comes complete with mounting hardware like U-bolts, rubber caps, and others. That way, you don’t have to spend extra money! Better yet, it attaches to most RV cross bars. Finally, you’ll be surprised by how cheap it is compared to others!
Pros
- This roof rack has been bought and reviewed by countless people, making it one of the best sellers.
- Though affordable, it doesn’t skimp on quality.
- Weighing only 25 lbs, it’s also lightweight.
Cons
- Sadly, this roof rack isn’t rust-resistant.
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ARKSEN 64×39-inch Universal Roof Rack
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Best Overall. Who says you have to spend everything to have a high-quality roof rack for a camper shell? Just take a look at the ARKSEN 64×39-inch Universal Roof Rack! This affordable option has everything you need and possibly more. For one, this rack is available in three different sizes. Aside from the 64-inch variant, it’s also available in the smaller 43-inch option and the bigger 84-inch model.
Installing this roof rack is also a breeze as long as your campervan has crossbars. Meanwhile, its steel construction is extremely durable, and a black powder coating also helps resist corrosion. So, how much weight can this sturdy rack hold up? Well, we’re happy to tell you that it can hold up to 150 lbs! So impressive for its price, isn’t it?
Pros
- You can use this versatile roof rack to hold your camping supplies, luggage, and even other travel gear.
- Despite its top-notch quality, it won’t break your wallet.
- It’s a bit taller than many of its competitors, keeping your stuff more secure.
Cons
- The instructions manual is a bit confusing for some people.
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Our Verdict!
All of the roof racks above are durable, easy to use, and provide plenty of space for your gear! When it comes to the perfect balance of price and features, we think the ARKSEN 64×39-inch Universal Roof Rack is the best option. However, it doesn’t mean the rest are not as good. Here are some of the standouts according to the following categories:
- Best Bang for the Buck: MaxxHaul Roof Rack
- Best Premium: Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform
- Best Compact: CURT Universal Roof Rack Cargo Carrier
- Best Brand: Thule Canyon XT Cargo Basket
How To Choose The Best Roof Racks for Camper Shells
Before making the final decision, we want to let you know some of the key features to consider. They include:
Durability
As you can see from our picks, even affordable roof racks can be expensive for some people. So, we always recommend investing in something durable so you don’t have to get a new one after just a year. An all-metal roof rack for the camper top is usually more durable than one made of a mix of metal and plastic.
Weight
In addition to that, you should consider the weight of the rack, too. Lighter weight means you’ll have a better fuel economy, which helps you save more money and the environment. Apart from that, you should also consider the roof rack’s maximum weight limit! You should choose something that can carry all of your items safely.
Price
Some roof racks are way more expensive than others, and that’s mostly because they offer better quality and additional features. However, it would be best if you didn’t ignore the more affordable options. Sometimes, they may be cheaper because they’re not as popular, not because they’re not as good.
Can you put a roof rack on an RV?
Of course! By installing a roof rack on your RV, you’ll have extra storage to keep your cargo bags and even smaller camping gear.
What is a roof rack?
A roof rack is normally a set of bars or a basket secured to your camper’s roof to carry extra items like bikes, luggage, and other gear.
Are roof racks worth it?
Duh! Though some people might think it’s expensive, having a roof rack will make your adventure much easier! You no longer have to spend hours trying to fit your bulky accessories or items.
