Van Roof Racks: The Complete UK Buying Guide for Every Van
What Makes a Good Van Roof Rack?
Not all roof racks are equal. The difference between a cheap universal rack and a properly engineered one shows up in noise, weight, rust, and how quickly you want to rip it off and start again.
Here’s what to look for:
- Material — Aluminium beats steel every time. Lighter, rust-proof, and stronger for its weight. Look for 5083 marine-grade aluminium (the same alloy used in boat hulls and aircraft structures).
- Vehicle-specific fitment — Universal racks bodge the fit. A CAD-designed, vehicle-specific rack bolts directly to factory mounting points with zero modification.
- Modular design — Your needs will change. A modular rack lets you add cross bars, deck panels, solar brackets, and awning mounts without replacing the whole thing.
- Weight — Steel racks can weigh 60kg+. A good aluminium rack weighs under 30kg. That matters for fuel economy, payload, and your back.
- Guarantee — If a manufacturer won’t back their rack with a serious guarantee, ask yourself why.
Van Roof Racks by Vehicle
Every van is different. Roof profiles, mounting points, heights, and lengths all vary. That’s why a vehicle-specific rack always outperforms a universal one. Here’s a guide for every major van on UK roads:
VW Crafter Roof Rack
The VW Crafter (2018+) is one of the most popular platforms for camper conversions and commercial builds. It shares a platform with the MAN TGE, meaning the same rack fits both.
YAKKT offers the Crafter in both MWB CORE, LWB CORE, MWB PRO, and LWB PRO configurations.
Read our full VW Crafter Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
MAN TGE Roof Rack
The MAN TGE shares its body and roof with the VW Crafter, so YAKKT’s Crafter racks fit the TGE identically — same mounting points, same dimensions, same rack.
Read our full MAN TGE Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
Mercedes Sprinter Roof Rack
The Mercedes Sprinter (906 and 907) is the go-to for commercial fleets and large camper builds. Both generations share the same roof fitment — YAKKT’s Sprinter rack fits to factory or aftermarket roof rails.
Available in MWB PRO and LWB PRO.
Read our full Mercedes Sprinter Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
Ford Transit Roof Rack
The Ford Transit is the UK’s best-selling van. YAKKT’s Transit rack fits the LWB High Roof model — the most popular configuration for conversions.
Available as the Ford Transit LWB HR PRO.
Read our full Ford Transit Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
Fiat Ducato Roof Rack
The Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroen Relay share the same body (the Sevel platform). One rack design fits all three — YAKKT’s T nut mounting system bolts directly to the factory roof holes.
Available in L2H2 and L3H2 for each: Ducato L2H2, Ducato L3H2.
Read our full Fiat Ducato Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
Peugeot Boxer Roof Rack
Same platform as the Ducato and Relay. Available in L2H2 and L3H2.
Read our full Peugeot Boxer Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
Citroen Relay Roof Rack
Same platform as the Ducato and Boxer. Available in L2H2 and L3H2.
Read our full Citroen Relay Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide.
VW Transporter T5 & T6 Roof Rack
The VW Transporter is a favourite among weekend adventurers and day-van builders. YAKKT is developing a Transporter-specific rack — get in touch to be notified when it launches.
Land Rover Defender Accessories
The new Defender is a serious overlanding platform. YAKKT’s Defender Mounting Plate & Rear Wheel Delete is our first Defender-specific product, with more in development.
Read our Defender Rear Wheel Delete Guide.
Aluminium vs Steel Roof Racks
This is the single most important decision. Here’s the short version:
| Feature | Aluminium | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 30kg | 60kg+ |
| Corrosion | Rust-proof | Rusts (even powder-coated) |
| Wind noise | Low (with fairing) | High |
| Modular | Yes (with right manufacturer) | Rarely |
| Price | From £1,850 | From £750 |
| Lifespan | Lifetime | 5-10 years before rust |
Steel is cheaper upfront. But when you factor in replacement costs, the weight penalty on fuel economy, and the resale value hit of a rusty rack — aluminium wins over any reasonable time horizon.
Read our full comparison: Aluminium vs Steel Roof Racks: Which Is Better for Your Van?
Roof Rack Accessories
A roof rack on its own is a starting point. Here’s what you can add to a YAKKT modular system:
- Cross Bars — Additional cross bars for mounting bikes, kayaks, or load bars
- Deck Panels — Flat aluminium panels for creating a full roof platform
- Solar Brackets — Stainless steel brackets for mounting solar panels flush to the rack
- Awning Brackets — Mount any standard awning to the side of your rack
- Side Ladders — Easy roof access for loading and maintenance
Everything is designed to work together. Start with a base rack and add what you need, when you need it. Use our 3D roof rack configurator to build your setup visually.
How Much Does a Van Roof Rack Cost in the UK?
Prices vary hugely depending on material, brand, and build quality:
- Budget steel racks: £150–300. Cheap, heavy, and rust-prone. You’ll replace them.
- Mid-range aluminium: £400–700. Better material, but check the engineering and fitment quality.
- Premium modular aluminium: From £1,850. CAD-designed, vehicle-specific, modular, with a serious guarantee. A one-time investment.
YAKKT roof racks start from £1,850 with free UK delivery and a lifetime guarantee. Every rack is held in UK stock for fast dispatch.
Why YAKKT?
We’re the only UK company that offers modular aluminium roof racks for every major van platform — VW Crafter, MAN TGE, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay, VW Transporter, and Land Rover Defender.
- 5083 marine-grade aluminium construction
- CAD-designed for exact vehicle-specific fitment
- Fully modular — reconfigure as your build evolves
- All products held in UK stock
- Free delivery across the UK
- Lifetime guarantee on every product
- Designed and manufactured in Scotland
