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How to Buy Universal Roof Crossbars Without Overpaying

How to · Auto

How to Buy Universal Roof Crossbars Without Overpaying

Get your car ready for gear season and spread out the cost without falling into debt traps.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $22.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A car is already a heavy lift on your monthly budget between gas, insurance, and maintenance. Adding gear like universal roof crossbars and locking towers means you want to time your purchase right so you are not bleeding cash. Springtime outdoor equipment promotions are the sweet spot for these accessories because retailers are pushing inventory for the upcoming camping and road trip season.

When you are looking at the price tag, keep negotiations for the hardware separate from how you plan to pay for it. A financing window is just a tool to smooth out the cash flow, not a discount on the retail price itself.

That intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the card when the 18 months are up, regular interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the spring sales

    Wait for springtime outdoor equipment promotions to hit before you pull the trigger. Retailers drop prices on roof racks and cargo gear as people start prepping for road trips. Shop around online and in specialty shops to find the best baseline price.

  2. 02

    Measure twice

    Universal crossbars fit a lot of vehicles, but you still need to check your specific roof type and span. Make sure the locking towers match your factory rails or naked roof setup. Getting the right fit the first time saves you return shipping headaches.

  3. 03

    Line up your payment window

    If you want to stretch out the cost of the $400 setup, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to about $22.22 per month if you spread the total across that 18-month window. It lets you keep cash in your checking account for fuel and other gear.

  4. 04

    Factor in installation

    Decide if you are putting the crossbars on yourself or paying a shop to do it. Most universal kits come with the hex keys you need, but taking an extra twenty minutes in the driveway beats a rack sliding off at highway speeds.

  5. 05

    Keep the receipts

    Save your purchase confirmation and the warranty information in your glove box or a digital folder. Roof accessories take a beating from wind and rain, and knowing you have manufacturer backing is worth keeping track of the paperwork.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will universal crossbars fit any car?

They fit most cars with raised rails, flush rails, or fixed points, but always check the manufacturer fit guide first. Naked roofs require specific clip kits that match your exact make and model.

Do I really need locking towers?

Yes, unless you want to pull your entire rack off every time you park in a public lot. Locking towers secure the feet to your vehicle so someone cannot walk away with your setup.

How much weight can universal crossbars hold?

Most sets hold between 150 and 220 pounds while driving, but your actual limit depends on what your car's roof can handle. Check your vehicle manual before strapping on heavy kayaks or roof top tents.

Does 0% interest mean the crossbars are cheaper?

No, 0% interest just means you are not paying extra to borrow the money over time. The price of the crossbars stays the same, you are just breaking the total into smaller chunks.