Why You Should Think Twice About The OMAC Roof Rack?

Roof racks are a must-have accessory for anyone who loves road trips, outdoor adventures, or simply needs extra space for luggage. If you’re in the market for one, you’ve probably come across the OMAC roof rack.

At first glance, it seems like a solid choice with an aerodynamic design, European-standard quality, and the promise of versatility. But after spending some time with it, I’ve found a few things that may make you reconsider, especially given the mixed bag of customer experiences.

Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer, where it excels, and where it stumbles.

First Impressions of OMAC Roof Rack

I have to admit, when I first opened the box, I was excited. The OMAC roof rack is made of high-quality aluminum, which means it’s both lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

It’s designed with aerodynamics in mind, which should, in theory, reduce wind noise and improve fuel efficiency. The rack claims to fit vehicles with raised rails, providing a universal fit that should work with most cars that have raised side rails.

The installation seemed fairly straightforward, with all the essential parts included. The versatility of the roof rack was also impressive on paper, as it can be used for carrying anything from bikes and snowboards to roof cargo boxes.

But while the potential looked great, I quickly learned that this wasn’t the whole story.

Pros of The OMAC Roof Rack

Before I get into the downsides, let me start with the positives. The OMAC roof rack certainly has a few redeeming qualities:

Lightweight Material: Made from high-quality aluminum, the rack is significantly lighter than steel alternatives. This can be a plus when it comes to installation and removal, as it reduces the amount of effort needed.
Aerodynamic Design: The aerodynamic shape is intended to cut down on wind resistance, potentially keeping your vehicle’s fuel efficiency intact and reducing noise during travel. While I didn’t find it whisper-quiet, the noise level was manageable on most trips.
Versatile Usage: The roof rack can accommodate a variety of cargo. Whether you need a place for your bike or a cargo box for a long journey, the OMAC roof rack is a versatile solution for most scenarios.

The Drawbacks That Made Me Think Twice

But as much as I wanted to love it, several downsides became apparent as I used the OMAC roof rack.

Compatibility Issues: Despite being advertised as having a universal fit, it turns out that the OMAC roof rack is quite selective. I initially purchased it for my Kia SUV, only to find that it didn’t fit properly, even though it claimed to be compatible. After some frustrating trial and error, I found out that the rack’s compatibility depends on very specific rail dimensions—something that wasn’t clearly highlighted in the product description.
Sliding Cross Bars: Another major issue was the cross bars sliding back and forth. I followed the instructions, but the sketch in the manual was confusing, making the installation process more frustrating than it needed to be. Even once I got it installed, I noticed that the bars could still shift around. While I did manage to secure them myself, the fact that this was even an issue was a big red flag for me. If I’m buying something for safety, I expect it to stay in place.
Lack of Support: When I reached out to customer service about the installation issues, they asked for more information instead of providing a straightforward solution. At that point, I decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and figured out a workaround on my own. This lack of support was disappointing, especially when dealing with a product that’s supposed to ensure safety during travel.

How Does The OMAC Roof Rack Compare To Other Brands?

Roof racks are plentiful, and competition is fierce. So how does OMAC stack up against some of the more popular options, like Thule or Yakima?

OMAC vs. Thule: Thule is a well-known brand in the roof rack industry, and for good reason. Their products tend to be more expensive than OMAC’s, but that cost comes with added reliability, easier installation, and an overall better user experience. I found the Thule roof racks to have better instructions and a more secure fit, with none of the sliding issues I experienced with OMAC. Plus, Thule racks are known for being quieter, thanks to their advanced aerodynamic designs. If you’re looking for peace of mind, I’d say Thule is a safer bet.
OMAC vs. Yakima: Yakima is another top-tier brand that competes in the same space. Like Thule, Yakima racks tend to be more expensive but offer a higher level of quality. Yakima roof racks are highly durable and come with great customer support—something I missed with OMAC. Also, Yakima’s versatility and range of available accessories make it a more appealing choice if you’re planning on using your roof rack regularly.
OMAC vs. Rhino-Rack: Rhino-Rack, while slightly more affordable than Thule and Yakima, still outperforms OMAC in several key areas. The build quality is top-notch, and the installation process is intuitive and straightforward. In comparison, OMAC’s ambiguous instructions and finicky fit leave much to be desired.

Pros And Cons Summary

Pros

Lightweight, high-quality aluminum construction.
Aerodynamic design for reduced wind resistance.
Versatile usage for various types of cargo.

Cons

Compatibility issues, especially with some vehicles despite the advertised universal fit.
Cross bars can slide, requiring extra effort to secure properly.
Poor customer support, leaving users to solve installation issues on their own.

Maintenance Tips For The OMAC Roof Rack

If you do decide to go ahead with the OMAC roof rack, here are some maintenance tips to make sure it lasts as long as possible and stays secure on your vehicle:

Regularly Tighten the Screws: Given that the cross bars may slide, it’s crucial to check the tightness of the screws periodically. Road vibrations can loosen them over time, which could lead to safety concerns if left unchecked.
Clean After Exposure: Aluminum is rust-resistant, but it can still become tarnished with prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or road salt. Make sure to clean the roof rack thoroughly after any trips that involve such conditions. A mild soap and water solution should do the trick.
Inspect the Rails Frequently: Make sure that the rails on your vehicle remain undamaged and clean. Any rust or deformation could affect the way the rack attaches to your car, leading to less stability and increased noise.
Lubricate Moving Parts: If your roof rack has any joints or moving parts, applying a small amount of lubricant can help keep everything working smoothly.

Who Is The OMAC Roof Rack For?

Based on my experience, the OMAC roof rack is best suited for those who don’t plan on using it frequently or need it for lighter loads. If you’re just using it for occasional weekend trips and you don’t mind spending extra time securing it properly, it might be a viable option.

However, for those who are looking for a dependable, daily-use roof rack that can be installed easily and won’t move around, I’d recommend spending a bit more for a more established brand like Thule or Yakima.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best brand of roof racks?

From my experience and research, brands like Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack stand out as some of the best options. They offer high-quality materials, reliability, and excellent customer support—all of which are crucial for a good roof rack. Thule and Yakima are particularly known for their durability, ease of installation, and overall performance.

Who makes the quietest roof rack?

Thule is often praised for making some of the quietest roof racks, thanks to their aerodynamic designs. Yakima also offers models that are designed to minimize wind noise, but Thule is generally considered the leader when it comes to quiet performance.

Are aftermarket roof racks better?

Aftermarket roof racks can be better depending on the brand and your specific needs. Brands like Thule and Yakima produce aftermarket roof racks that are often better than many factory options, offering superior versatility and durability. However, some aftermarket options, like the OMAC roof rack, might not always meet expectations in terms of fit and reliability.

Is Thule a good brand for roof racks?

Yes, Thule is a well-established brand that offers some of the best roof racks on the market. They are known for their high-quality materials, ease of installation, and excellent performance. Thule roof racks are generally more expensive, but the reliability and peace of mind they provide make them a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently need extra cargo space.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, the OMAC roof rack presents itself as an affordable, versatile option for those looking for extra storage capacity. On paper, it offers a lot—high-quality aluminum, aerodynamic design, and a universal fit.

But the reality is a bit different. Issues with compatibility, cross bar stability, and lack of adequate customer support make it a tough recommendation, especially compared to other brands that provide a more refined experience.

If you’re someone who likes a challenge and doesn’t mind troubleshooting, you might be able to make the OMAC work. But if, like me, you value reliability, ease of use, and solid customer support, it’s worth looking at more reputable alternatives.

After all, when it comes to traveling with extra cargo, peace of mind is priceless.