A roof rack is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to an off-road SUV. It expands cargo capacity, enables rooftop tent camping, and fundamentally changes how you use your vehicle. But not all roof racks are created equal — especially for the new generation of Chinese SUVs.
At RIGX MOD, we design and manufacture roof racks specifically for the TANK 300/500, Jetour T2/T1/G700, iCAR 03/V27, and BYD Formula Leopard series. This guide will help you choose the perfect system for your build.
1. Understand Your Load Requirements
The first question is: what will you carry? Different payloads demand different rack specifications:
- Light cargo (0-50 kg): Crossbars and cargo baskets. Suitable for luggage, camping chairs, and small equipment.
- Medium cargo (50-120 kg): Full-length aluminum platforms with integrated rails. Ideal for rooftop tents, kayaks, and recovery boards.
- Heavy cargo (120-400 kg): Reinforced expedition platforms with structural cross-members. Required for large rooftop tents, multiple fuel cans, and expedition gear.
2. Material Matters
Roof racks are typically made from steel or aluminum:
- Steel: Stronger and cheaper, but heavy. A steel platform can add 40-60 kg to your roof — reducing payload capacity and increasing fuel consumption.
- Aluminum: 60% lighter than steel with comparable strength. Our aluminum platforms weigh 18-28 kg depending on size. The premium cost pays for itself in fuel savings and increased usable payload.
All RIGX MOD roof racks use aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with stainless steel hardware.
3. Aerodynamics & Range Impact
For electric SUVs like the iCAR 03, aerodynamic drag directly affects range. Our wind-tunnel-tested designs feature:
- Teardrop-shaped crossbars that reduce drag coefficient by 35% compared to square bars
- Integrated front fairings that smooth airflow transition
- Flush-mounted accessory rails that eliminate protrusions
Real-world result: only 5-8% range reduction at 120 km/h for iCAR 03 owners.
4. Vehicle-Specific Fitment
Chinese SUVs have unique roof geometries that differ from global brands:
- TANK 300: Factory roof rails with hidden mounting channels. Our racks clamp directly to these channels with no drilling.
- Jetour T2: Flush roof rails that require our proprietary adapter kit. Installation takes 45 minutes.
- iCAR 03: No factory rails. Our system includes door-jamb clamps that grip the roof seam without damaging paint.
- Jetour G700: Heavy-duty roof rails designed for 400 kg loads. Our expedition platform bolts directly to these reinforced rails.
5. Installation Complexity
All RIGX MOD roof racks are designed for DIY installation:
- Basic crossbar systems: 15-20 minutes
- Full platforms: 30-45 minutes
- Expedition systems with ladder: 60-90 minutes
Every kit includes torque-limited wrenches to prevent over-tightening.
Conclusion
The right roof rack transforms your SUV from a daily driver to an adventure platform. Consider your payload needs, material preferences, and vehicle fitment before making your choice.
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