FAQ — Roof Baskets & SEYOKO Products
Answers to common questions about fitment, installation, load limits, maintenance, accessories and ordering.
General / Product basics
A roof basket is an open, metal platform mounted on roof crossbars. It’s best for bulky or oddly shaped items (fuel cans, coolers, camping gear, lumber) that don’t need weatherproof protection. A hard cargo box gives better security and weather protection for valuables, while a basket is lighter, cheaper, and better for long/bulky loads.
Standard packages typically include the basket assembly, universal mounting hardware (U-bolts or T-bolts depending on kit), plastic knobs, and a simple wrench or fastener set. Full installation instructions are included; vehicle-specific brackets (if required) may be sold separately. (Always check the product page for exact box contents.)
Many baskets are universal in concept, but fit depends on: (1) your vehicle’s crossbar width/type, (2) crossbar load rating, and (3) roof clearance. SEYOKO provides vehicle-specific bracket options where needed — use our Fitment Guide or send your vehicle details to support for confirmation.
Compatibility & load limits
- Dynamic load = the maximum weight you can carry on the roof while driving.
- Static load = the weight the roof can support while stationary (e.g., rooftop tent + people). Static load is usually several times higher than dynamic. Always design your load around the lowest applicable rating (vehicle dynamic rating or crossbar rating).
Follow the lowest rating among these three: (a) vehicle manufacturer’s dynamic roof-load (owner manual), (b) crossbars’ dynamic rating, (c) roof basket’s dynamic rating. The vehicle manual is the ultimate reference.
No — rooftop tents rely on static loads and specific mounting instructions; they’re installed and used when stationary. Carrying people on a basket while driving is unsafe and not allowed. Check manufacturer specs before adding a tent.
Capacity depends on the model and mounting system. SEYOKO’s published load ratings (on product page/tech sheet) are based on typical crossbar and roof limitations—always check the product’s technical sheet and your vehicle manual before loading.
Mounting & installation
U-bolts fit around round/rectangular crossbars and are common for steel bars; T-bolts (T-track / T-slot) slide into extruded aluminum bars with a channel and are preferred when your crossbars have a track. Use the type compatible with your crossbars; some baskets include adapters or alternative kits.
Some vehicles (vans, certain SUVs) require vehicle-specific brackets to position or clear bodywork. SEYOKO offers universal solutions and vehicle-specific bracket kits where standard U-bolts/T-bolts don’t give a secure fit.
Yes — most installations are straightforward with the included hardware and instructions. Expect 20–30 minutes depending on experience and whether vehicle-specific brackets are needed. For factory-style fitment or complex vehicles, professional installation is recommended.
Tighten to the torque values in the installation guide. Hand-tightening plastic knobs is fine for initial placement, but use the provided wrench to secure hardware to recommended torque before driving. Re-check after first few miles.
Use anti-seize on stainless steel hardware if recommended in the manual (for coastal/wet use). Avoid thread-lockers that prevent later disassembly unless specified. Follow our installation guide.
Best practices for use & packing
Use rated straps or tie-downs (cam-buckle or ratchet straps), secure anchor points, and a cargo net for small items. Ensure no straps rub sharp edges; protect finishes with padding.
There’s no universal speed limit; driving stability is affected by load and center of gravity. Follow local regulations, drive more conservatively when loaded, and avoid high speeds when heavily loaded. Check your vehicle manual for any specified restrictions.
Yes — roof items increase aerodynamic drag and reduce fuel economy. Minimize height/width, pack low and forward, and remove the basket or empty it when not required.
Coatings, materials & maintenance
Clean salt and dirt regularly; inspect seams and welds for chips; treat any exposed metal quickly (touch-up paint or rust converter) and re-coat if needed. Annual inspection and cleaning after winter/coastal trips prolong life.
Special coating is a chemical pre-treatment that improves corrosion protection before powder coating. It’s commonly used on automotive components for consistent corrosion resistance. (Common practice in high-quality metal finishing.)
Customization & accessories
SEYOKO’s design philosophy prefers modular brackets so that once a vehicle-specific bracket is fitted, compatible accessories (steps, racks, carriers) can work with that bracket family. Confirm accessory compatibility on the product page.
Yes — common add-ons (bike carrier, waterproof bag, cargo nets, extension modules) are sold separately. Bundles or packages may be offered seasonally.
Ordering, shipping & returns
SEYOKO’s standard warranty and return terms are on our Policies pages (Warranty / Return Policy). Generally: warranty covers manufacturing defects; returns accepted within the return window if product is in resalable condition. Contact support for case-by-case handling.
Troubleshooting & support
Clean the area, remove rust if present, apply rust converter if needed, and touch up with approved primer/paint. For larger damage, contact support for recommended repair kits or return for evaluation.
Use T-bolts / T-track hardware that slide into the track. SEYOKO provides T-slot adapters or specific kits when required. If unsure, send a photo of your crossbar for exact recommendation.
Contact support with product serial / order number. We supply replacement U-bolts, knobs, rivets and bracket kits. For third-party crossbar components, buy genuine T-bolts / track nuts compatible with your bar.