Tesla owners are a careful, detail-driven crowd — and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. When you’re driving a Model 3 or Model Y, anything you mount onto that stunning panoramic glass roof needs to complement Tesla’s engineering, not compromise it. That’s why, at RentMyRoofbox, we only use verified Tesla OEM roof racks in our own listings — and we strongly encourage every Tesla owner on the platform to do the same.
This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the practical truth: why Tesla OEM racks matter, how to verify authenticity, what the real part numbers are, and how to rent safely.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is this roof rack safe for my Tesla’s glass roof?” or “How do I know it’s genuine?” — this is your no-nonsense answer.
Why Tesla Roof Racks Need Tesla-Grade Engineering
Most cars have metal roof rails or channels designed to accept a wide range of aftermarket accessories. Tesla does not. Instead, the rack mounts directly into engineered channels integrated into the glass roof structure itself.
That means you need a roof rack engineered for:
- precise clamp geometry
- controlled torque
- consistent pressure distribution
- aerodynamic loading
- stability at motorway speeds
- minimal drag and noise
Only Tesla’s OEM racks are tested for these requirements.
Aftermarket racks try to imitate them — but “almost right” can still stress the glass.
What Counts as a Genuine Tesla OEM Roof Rack?
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer — the real thing Tesla designs, tests, and sells.
Your manuals confirm the real, official, Tesla-issued part numbers.
Here are the official part numbers:
Tesla Model 3 OEM Roof Rack
Part Number: 1498781-00-H
(Example above, earlier/later revisions may exist, e.g., -00-C/D/F/G/H)
Tesla Model Y OEM Roof Rack
Part Number: 1541277-00-B
(Example above, earlier/later revisions may exist, depending on production run)
These are the numbers printed in one of Tesla’s official owner manuals.
These are the numbers that matter.
Why You Won’t Find These Numbers on the Racks Themselves
Tesla does not stamp or etch part numbers onto the crossbars or towers.
This means:
- Renters can’t verify OEM visually
- Owners can’t confirm by checking the bars
- The only reliable proof is documentation
So the correct verification process becomes essential.
How to Verify a Genuine Tesla Roof Rack (Before Renting)
Ask the lister for any of the following:
- A photo of the Tesla roof rack manual
It will clearly show the part number (like ours did). - The Tesla invoice or order confirmation
Tesla may includes the rack name and part number on receipts. - A photo of the original packaging
Not always kept, but extremely helpful when available. - A close-up photo of the footpack design
OEM towers have a uniquely smooth, tapered profile. - A confirmation checkbox for OEM equipment
If a lister can show any of the above, the rack can be confidently marked OEM Verified.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What Tesla Owners Should Know
| Feature | Tesla OEM Roof Rack | Aftermarket Roof Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for Tesla glass roof | ✔ Yes | ✖ Generic geometry |
| Warranty-safe | ✔ Yes | ✖ Risk of dispute |
| Tested by Tesla | ✔ Wind, vibration, torque | ✖ Rarely |
| Aerodynamic testing | ✔ ~1% range impact | ✖ 2–5%+ |
| Noise | ✔ Quiet | ✖ Can whistle/rumble |
| Load rating | ✔ Certified (68kg / 75kg) | ✖ Claims vary |
Tesla’s racks aren’t about marketing — they’re about physics.
And the difference becomes very real once weight meets glass.
Why Most Tesla Roof Racks on RentMyRoofbox Are OEM
We don’t restrict Tesla listings to OEM only, but in practice:
- Tesla owners care deeply about their cars
- OEM racks protect the warranty
- OEM listings attract more bookings
- Renters trust verified Tesla equipment
So although the Rent My Roof Box allows non-OEM listings, most Tesla owners naturally list the genuine ones and we mark them clearly as ✔ OEM Verified when proof is provided.
If we spot a mislabelled or unsafe listing?
We step in. Easy.
Tesla Model 3 Roof Rack: What You Need to Know
- Example Part Number: 1498781-00-H
- Load Rating: 68kg dynamic
Why the Model 3 Needs OEM
The Model 3’s curved glass roof demands perfect clamp alignment and torque control. A universal aftermarket clamp can sit at the wrong angle or exert uneven pressure and that’s how stress cracks begin.
Common Aftermarket Roof Rack Issues on Model 3
- Glass cracking at mounting points
- Clamps slipping under load
- Whistling noise at motorway speeds
- Uneven pressure causing micro-fractures
- Warranty disputes
For the Model 3, OEM isn’t a luxury — it’s the safe, sensible choice.
See our Model 3 roof rack guide for full details.
Tesla Model Y Roof Rack: What You Need to Know
- Example Part Number: 1541277-00-B
- Load Rating: 75kg dynamic
Why the Model Y Needs OEM
The Model Y has the largest glass roof span in the Tesla lineup. Higher surface area means more aero load, more pressure variations, and more potential stress if the rack isn’t engineered for the job.
Common Aftermarket Roof Rack Issues on Model Y
- Stronger buffeting forces
- Increased drag and cabin noise
- Slippage on long motorway drives
- Incorrect pressure points on the glass
If you’re planning on bikes, a roof box, or camping gear, OEM is the only system designed specifically for the Y.
Read our Model Y roof rack guide for the full breakdown.
How OEM Tesla Roof Racks Perform in the Real World
Range Efficiency
OEM racks cut through air with minimal resistance. Real-world impact: around 1%.
Noise Levels
Low-profile aero bar = virtually silent
Safety & Stability
OEM racks lock into the engineered mounting channels with precise tolerances.
No shifting. No slipping. No surprises.
Durability
Renting Tesla Roof Racks on RentMyRoofbox
Whether you’re renting a Model 3 or Model Y setup, look for:
- OEM Verified badge
- Listing photos showing OEM towers/manual
- Part number in the listing
- Full installation kit included
- Clear renter/lister communication
Renters: ask questions.
Listers: provide proof.
Everyone wins.
Final Advice for Tesla Owners
Your Tesla deserves equipment that meet its engineering standards. If you want safety, silence, range
efficiency, and warranty protection:
- Use OEM
- Ask for documentation
- Avoid unverified aftermarket alternatives
Your Model 3 or Model Y — and it’s very expensive glass roof — will thank you.
Find OEM Verified Tesla roof racks near you
List your own OEM rack and start earning
Adventure awaits — safely, quietly, and the way Tesla intended.