Picking up a 2019 jeep compass roof rack is honestly the best thing you can do if you're tired of cramming everything into the back seat every time you head out for the weekend. The Compass is a great little SUV, but let's be real—the cargo space behind the rear seats isn't exactly massive. Once you throw in a cooler and a few bags, you're pretty much tapped out. Adding a rack to the top changes the whole dynamic of the car, turning it from a grocery getter into a proper adventure rig.
Figuring Out What Your Compass Already Has
Before you go out and drop a few hundred bucks on a new setup, you've got to take a good look at your roof. Not all 2019 Compasses were born equal. Depending on the trim level you bought—whether it's the Sport, Latitude, Limited, or Trailhawk—you might be starting from a different place.
Most of the higher trims come with those silver or black side rails that run from the front to the back of the car. If you have those, you're halfway there. You just need the crossbars that clamp onto them. However, if you have a base model Sport, you might have a "naked" roof. That just means there's nothing up there but the metal paint. Don't worry, you can still get a 2019 jeep compass roof rack, but the mounting system is going to be a bit more involved, usually clipping into the door frames.
Why Crossbars Are the Real MVP
The crossbars are the horizontal pieces that actually hold your stuff. You can't really do anything with just the side rails. When you're looking for crossbars, you'll generally see two styles: the old-school square or round bars, and the modern "aero" bars.
I'd almost always suggest going with the aero bars. They're shaped like an airplane wing, which helps them cut through the wind. Why does that matter? Two reasons: noise and gas mileage. Square bars tend to whistle or howl once you hit about 45 mph, and they can catch the wind like a sail, which might ding your MPG. Aero bars are much quieter. If you've ever been on a four-hour road trip with a constant whirring sound right above your head, you'll know why the aero ones are worth the extra cash.
The Big Names vs. Budget Picks
When it comes to brands, you've got the heavy hitters like Thule and Yakima. These guys have been in the game forever. If you buy a Thule setup for your 2019 jeep compass roof rack, you know it's going to fit perfectly, the locks will work, and it won't fly off on the interstate. They're pricey, though. You could easily spend $500 or more just for the bars and the feet.
On the flip side, there are plenty of "no-name" or house brands on sites like Amazon or eBay. Some of these are actually surprisingly decent. If you're only planning on using the rack once or twice a year to bring a Christmas tree home or haul a light ladder, a $150 set of aluminum bars will probably do the trick. Just keep an eye on the weight ratings. Most Jeep Compass setups are rated for about 150 lbs. Don't try to be a hero and put a cast-iron bathtub up there.
The Mopar Factor
Since we're talking about a Jeep, you also have the option of going with Mopar parts. These are the official "factory" accessories. The cool thing about the Mopar 2019 jeep compass roof rack is that it's designed specifically for the car's mounting points. It looks very integrated and "clean." Sometimes aftermarket racks can look a bit like an afterthought, but the Mopar ones look like they belong there. They're usually priced somewhere in the middle—cheaper than high-end Thule gear but more expensive than the budget stuff.
Dealing With Wind Noise and Whistling
I touched on this earlier, but it's worth its own section because it drives people crazy. Any time you put something on the roof of your car, you're messing with the aerodynamics. If your new rack starts whistling like a tea kettle, there are a few tricks you can try.
First, make sure the rubber stripping is installed in the channels of the bars. A lot of people leave these out because they're a pain to trim and fit, but those open slots are exactly what causes the whistling. If it's still loud, you might want to look into a wind fairing. That's the plastic shield that sits at the front of the rack and deflects the air up and over the bars. Plus, it kind of gives the Jeep a rugged, "overland" look that a lot of people dig.
Cargo Baskets vs. Cargo Boxes
Once you have your 2019 jeep compass roof rack installed, you have to decide how you're actually going to carry your gear.
Cargo baskets are great because they're versatile. You can throw dirty camping gear, fuel cans, or a spare tire up there and just strap it down with some bungee cords or a cargo net. They make the Compass look like it's ready for a safari. The downside? Your stuff is exposed to the rain, and baskets are notoriously noisy on the highway.
Cargo boxes (the hard-shell ones) are the way to go if you're doing long-distance traveling. They keep your suitcases dry, they're lockable, and they're usually much more aerodynamic than a basket full of lumpy bags. Just remember that a cargo box adds height. If you have a low garage door or you like to use parking structures, you'll want to measure the total height of your Jeep before you go pulling into a space with 6'2" clearance.
Installation Tips for the DIY Crowd
Installing a 2019 jeep compass roof rack isn't rocket science, but you don't want to rush it. Most kits come with an Allen wrench and some basic instructions.
- Clean your roof first: This is the big one. If there's grit or dirt under the mounting feet, it will vibrate and scratch your paint over time. Give the roof a good scrub and maybe even a quick wax where the rack will sit.
- Check the spacing: Most bars need to be a certain distance apart (usually around 27 to 30 inches) to properly support things like bike racks or kayaks.
- The "Shake Test": Once everything is tightened down, give the rack a literal good shake. The whole car should move, not the rack. If the rack wiggles independently of the car, something isn't tight enough.
- Re-tighten after a week: After you've driven a few miles and things have settled, go back and check the bolts. The vibrations of the road can sometimes loosen things up initially.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
At the end of the day, a 2019 jeep compass roof rack is one of those upgrades that pays for itself in peace of mind. It means you don't have to choose between bringing the dog or bringing the camping stove. It means you can actually see out of your rearview mirror because the back isn't stacked to the ceiling with pillows and sleeping bags.
Whether you go for a high-end aerodynamic setup or a simple pair of budget crossbars, just make sure they're secure and rated for what you're hauling. Once you've got that extra storage space up top, you'll wonder how you ever managed to travel without it. Happy trails!