-By Bill Semion, MT Senior Editor -

Innovative Michigan Company Designs Systems to Make Roof Racks More Functional

The ubiquitous roof-mounted luggage rack on top of the roof of your SUV or mini-van, is the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive accessory world. It just doesn’t get any respect.

Sure it’s always there to cart the occasional suitcase or Christmas tree, but other than that, what’s it good for, other than just to dress up the exterior, right?

Well, a Michigan-based company that’s the world’s leading manufacturer of roof racks wants to change your opinion of, and the way you may be using, their products forever.

Founded in 1967, JAC Products designs and builds roof racks for more than 32 makes of cars worldwide.  JAC Products of Madison Heights has been quietly re-engineering the roof rack, designing more usefulness than ever into the accessory that’s on just about every SUV, minivan and crossover sold.

So what’s the big deal about a roof rack? Plenty. As vehicles get smaller and engineers try to squeeze more miles per gallon into less space, luggage carrying capacity becomes a bigger and bigger issue for the typical American family. Exterior racks for both the roof and pickup truck bed will become more and more of an important tool for their owners, especially for a family going on vacation. If they know how to use them.

Some of JAC’s unique designs that are transforming the way people will be thinking of roof racks have quietly been on the street for a few years now. The rack system on Ford’s “No Boundaries” edition Escape is only one example.

Instead of two bars running the length of the roof line, this unit is an expandable system capable of carrying twice the 100-pound load roof racks are often limited to. With a simple twist of a handle at the vehicle’s rear, it transforms into a second cargo rack that flips over the tailgate, locking into the rear bumper. By snapping on one of the available accessories, the vehicle can carry two bicycles, leaving the upper rack still free to transport other packables.

When extended, the system can carry up to 200 pounds of cargo or equipment. Other accessories for the roof can also carry skis, kayaks and other equipment. A removable air dam on the front of the roof provides smoother air flow over roof cargo, reducing mileage- robbing drag. And, it’s easy for women to handle.

Other JAC innovations include swing-out crossbars not only for roof racks but for pickups as well. The GMC Denali debuted at the 2003 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association show that doubles as a cargo manager in the bed, and with optional equipment, becomes a bicycle rack. JAC also designed a rack for the cab roof of the Nissan Frontier pickup, and a bed system for the Toyota Tacoma. It also produces easy mount bike holders for sedan roof racks through its Mont Blanc subsidiary.

On the Hyundai Santa Fe and now on other vehicles is a rack with swing-out crossbars. When not in use, they hide in the roof rails, reducing wind noise and giving the vehicle a cleaner look.

JAC also is branching out into cargo area and trunk organizers to make sure your groceries and other items no longer get tossed around the rear of your vehicle, as well as other new products designed to make your future smaller vehicle more efficient. For more on JAC products, go to www.jac.com.

We welcome your comments, suggestions and interest. Please contact us anytime. Thank you for your interest in MichiganToday.net!