BLOG POST

PART 1

STEPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOF RACK

We need to talk about the roof rack. If you’ve been anywhere in 4X4 land over the last five years you’d spot more cheap roof racks than you could shake a product recall notice at. And hey, we’re not hating, they make a lot of sense. They offer up a heap more storage space no doubt, but they’re not without their downsides. These roof racks raise your centre of gravity making you more likely to roll. Plus they can potentially rust your roof in a matter of months causing thousands of dollars of damage. In addition, they increase your fuel consumption due to a reduction in aerodynamic efficiency.

We’ve taken a closer look at roof racks, what you can put on them, choosing the right material, how they mount, and to be honest, whether you need one at all.

DO YOU NEED A ROOF RACK?

A roof rack can be a useful addition to a 4x4 vehicle, depending on your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Storage:
If you need extra storage space for gear, a roof rack can be a great option. It allows you to carry bulky or oversized items like camping gear, kayaks, skis, or bicycles without taking up valuable interior space.

Weight capacity:
Most roof racks have a weight limit, so it's important to make sure that the rack can handle the weight of the items you plan to carry. Overloading a roof rack can be dangerous and can damage your vehicle.

Terrain:
If you plan to take your 4x4 on rough terrain or off-road, a roof rack can affect your vehicle's center of gravity and handling. It's important to choose a roof rack that is sturdy and secure, and to make sure that the weight is distributed evenly.

Cost:
Roof racks can be expensive, especially if you opt for a high-quality one that can handle heavy loads and rough terrain. If you don't anticipate needing extra storage space often, it may not be worth the investment.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a roof rack for your 4x4 depends on your specific needs and intended use of the vehicle. If you frequently carry bulky or oversized items, and you have a need for extra storage space, a roof rack can be a useful addition.

HOW THEY MOUNT?

The mounting of a 4x4 roof rack may vary depending on the specific make and model of the roof rack, as well as the type of vehicle it is being mounted on.

However, in general, there are a few common ways that 4x4 roof racks can be mounted:

Rain Gutter Mounts:
Some roof racks come with rain gutter mounts, which attach to the gutters on the top of a vehicle's roof. This type of mounting is typically used on older 4x4 vehicles that have rain gutters built into the roof.

Track Mounts:
Some roof racks use track mounts, which attach to a set of tracks that are installed on the roof of the vehicle. The tracks provide a secure and adjustable mounting point for the roof rack.

Fixed Point Mounts:
Some vehicles come with fixed mounting points on the roof, which can be used to attach a roof rack. These mounting points are typically located under a set of covers on the roof.

Clamping Mounts:
Some roof racks use clamps to attach to the roof of the vehicle. These clamps attach to the edges of the roof and provide a secure mounting point for the roof rack.

It is important to carefully read the installation instructions that come with your specific roof rack to ensure that it is mounted correctly and securely on your vehicle. Additionally, it is recommended to have a professional install the roof rack if you are not confident in your ability to do so yourself.

WHAT'S IT MADE OUT OF?

Roof racks for 4x4 vehicles can be made out of various materials, depending on the manufacturer and the specific model. Some common materials used to make roof racks for 4x4 vehicles include:

Aluminum:
This is a popular material for roof racks due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. It can also be easily shaped and molded to fit specific vehicle models.

Steel:
Steel is a strong and durable material that can support heavier loads than aluminum. However, it is also heavier, which can impact fuel efficiency and vehicle handling.

In general, the choice of material for a roof rack will depend on factors such as the intended use, the weight of the items to be carried, and the vehicle's load capacity.

WHAT STYLE RACK?

By now you should know if you need a rack, how it’s getting mounted, and what it’s going to be made of. The next step is picking what style you want. There are a multitude of different rack designs. Some act as a basket allowing you to load them up with small gear. Others are a more open design providing room for larger or bulkier items like roof top tents.

If you know exactly what you’re planning on running upstairs and will never waver from it then the choice is pretty straightforward. If, like a lot of us, you need a more versatile system, then it’s a bit of a no brainer that modular systems are a better fit. They’re not exactly cheap. However, they allow the bolt-on fitment of accessories such as bike holders, jerry can mounts, shovel mounts, even straps for kayaks.

WHAT CAN YOU PUT ON THEM?

Depending on the vehicle, most 4X4s will have a maximum roof carrying capacity of around the 100-200kg mark. This includes the roof rack. Considering a completely empty steel rack can eat up 50kg of that weight, it’s important to minimise what’s on the roof.

The general rule is if there is anywhere else something should go, that’s where it should go. Spare tyres should be on a carrier, or inside if need be. Water can be stored inside, and high-lift jacks and shovels can be mounted to bar work as well. Leave the roof racks free for bulky items that physically can’t fit anywhere else such as tents and swags. A weather-proof roof bag is the perfect solution to get bulky but lightweight items such as clothing up there, leaving room inside the vehicle for heavier items. It’ll minimise the chance of damage to your roof and keep your centre of gravity lower as well.

As you can see, there might be a little bit more to the whole roof rack situation than looking for one that comes with a free stubby cooler.