Nice Rack

THERE IS MORE TO ROOF RACKS THAN JUST A PLACE TO PLONK EXTRA GEAR. THE EXPERTS EXPLAIN…

EXPERIENCED tourers who have explored this wide continent of ours in their 4x4s will be awfully quick to advise that optimising what limited cargo space you have in your vehicle – be it wagon or dual-cab ute – is often one of touring’s greatest challenges. To do it right, every expedition requires a particular, meticulous setup. Going away for a few months? Well, you need to ensure every inch of space in your rig is utilised, and that the weight is evenly distributed.

Roof racks are a great alternative to store excess gear – or gear that won’t fit in the cabin or tray – but adding weight on top of a 4x4 also comes with its challenges.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

CONSTRUCTION quality, fit and finish, and that it meets applicable standards and regulations are the most important attributes to look for when sussing out a new roof rack, according to ARB’s Shannon Diedrich. And with a number of different roof-rack systems on the market, it’s important to find a setup that caters for your intended purpose. In this regard, the mounting legs play an important role; for example, a serious four-wheel driver would benefit from a fixed-mount style rack, whereas a removable-clamp style would suffice for someone whose tyres never leave bitumen.

For the avid tourer, it’s essential to opt for a fixed mounting system of sturdy, durable and robust construction, with a versatile setup that allows for plenty of customisation options to attach all manner of accessories. With a variety of styles available – bars only, platforms (no sides), baskets and trays (sides) – roof racks can be specified to cater for a range of gear including awning brackets, ladder rollers, jerry can holders, bike and kayak carriers, fishing rod carriers and luggage carrier bags and boxes. In fact, your setup can be customised with more than 1000 accessories on the market.