Roof racks buyers' guide

Many four-wheel drivers use roof racks to increase their vehicle's carrying capacity, and there are various types of roof racks available, from traditional steel tube designs to modern alloy bars.

Roof bars can be mounted on vehicles with or without gutters, and crossbars usually have channels for attaching accessories. Legs that attach to the vehicle's roof are designed specifically for each crossbar type and may feature locking mechanisms to prevent theft.

Roof bars are ideal for carrying long items like ladders and lengths of timber - and to carry smaller items, a platform can be attached to the crossbars.

Steel mesh and alloy designs are available, with alloy racks being lighter and corrosion-resistant. Here's a selection of products we reccommend.

Rola Titan Tray

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The Rola Titan Tray is a versatile roof rack system designed to securely transport heavy loads on the roof of a vehicle.

It has a unique modular design that allows users to customize the tray to their specific needs, with various accessories and mounting options available.

The tray is made from lightweight and durable aluminum and has a weight capacity of up to 330 lbs. It is compatible with most roof rack systems and can be easily installed and removed without any tools.

Rola Titan Tray specifications

Rhino-Rack Reconn-Deck

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The Rhino-Rack Reconn-Deck is a versatile and durable rack system designed to help you carry gear and equipment on your ute.

Made from high-quality reinforced aluminium, the Reconn-Deck features a modular design that allows you to customise the rack to your specific needs with a range of accessories. The rack is also compatible with a range of Rhino-Rack accessories including roof racks, awnings and bike racks.

The rack system is designed to be easy to install, with a simple bolt-on design that requires no drilling or cutting. The rack can be mounted directly onto the ute bed or with an aftermarket mounting kit for vehicles without factory mounting points.

Rhino-Rack Reconn-Deck specifications

ARB Base Rack

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The ARB Base Rack is a lightweight and strong roof rack system designed to be used with a variety of vehicles.

It is made from high-quality aluminum and has a weight capacity of up to 330lbs. The rack features a modular design that allows users to add various accessories and mounting options to suit their needs.

The Base Rack is compatible with most roof rack systems and can be easily installed without any drilling or modification required. It also has a low profile design that reduces wind drag and noise while driving.

The ARB Base Rack is a versatile solution for those who need to transport heavy and bulky items on the roof of their vehicle.

ARB Base Rack specifications

OCAM roof racks

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Ocam Industries is an Australian company that offers a range of roof racks for different types of vehicles.

Its roof racks are made from high-quality materials, such as aluminium and steel, and are designed to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain.

The racks are available in different sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences. They can be easily installed and come with all the necessary mounting hardware.

The racks are compatible with various accessories such as awnings, bike racks and cargo boxes, and they have the ability to mount to the vehicle's existing roof rails or gutter mounts.

OCAM roof rack specifications

Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform

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The Rhino Rack Pioneer platform is a sturdy and versatile roof rack system designed for use with various vehicles.

It features a large flat platform with a size of 1528mm x 1236mm that can support up to 264 lbs of weight. The platform is made from durable materials such as aluminium and reinforced nylon, and is resistant to corrosion and UV damage.

It comes with a backbone mounting system that provides additional support and stability, as well as multiple tie-down points for securing cargo.

The Pioneer Platform is compatible with a range of accessories such as roof boxes, bike carriers, and awnings, and is easy to install with no drilling required.

Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform specifications

Yakima LockNLoad

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The LockNLoad Platform is a durable and versatile gear carrier designed for adventure. It features east-west slats with 21mm accessory slots and versatile perimeter channels that allow for flexible mounting of accessories.

The platform is made from powdercoated aluminum with superior e-coating, making it highly resistant to corrosion and ideal for use in tough conditions. Additionally, the latitudinal slats provide even more versatility and support. The LockNLoad Platform is built tough and looks just as rugged, making it a perfect addition to any off-road vehicle or adventure setup.

The platform offers a secure and convenient way to transport gear for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its innovative slats and versatile mounting options.

Yakima LockNLoad platform specifications

Ironman 4x4 Atlas roof racks

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Ironman 4x4's Atlas roof rack systems are available in a range of sizes and are made from high-quality lightweight aluminium. The racks are also treated with a black powdercoating for added durability and to protect against the elements.

The roof racks feature a unique design that allows for easy installation and customisation. The crossbars can be adjusted to fit a wide range of vehicle makes and models, while the integrated tie-down points and side railings provide additional security for your gear. The systems also come with a range of optional accessories such as awnings, cargo boxes and light bars.

Ironman 4x4 is committed to providing high-quality, reliable products that are built to last, and its Atlas roof rack systems are built with a focus on durability, versatility, and ease of use.

Ironman 4x4 Atlas specifications

TrailMax roof racks

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TrailMax is an Australian-based company that specialises in manufacturing high-quality roof rack systems for a variety of vehicles.

The roof racks are made from high-quality materials, including lightweight aluminium and steel, which makes them durable and resistant to wear and tear. The racks are also designed to be aerodynamic, which reduces wind resistance and noise, and they can be easily installed on most vehicle models.

TrailMax offers a range of roof rack systems including gutter mount, track mount and fixed point systems, to fit different vehicle models and requirements. The roof racks come with a range of accessories, including tie-downs, cargo boxes and awnings, to make carrying gear more convenient and secure.

TrailMax roof rack specifications

Front Runner Slimline II

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The Slimline II roof rack from Front Runner is a versatile and durable system designed for a wide range of vehicles. Made from lightweight and strong aluminium, the Slimline II is able to support heavy loads while minimising additional weight on the vehicle.

The roof rack features a modular design, allowing users to customise the rack to their specific needs with a range of accessories. The Slimline II also features an aerodynamic design to reduce wind noise and drag, while its low profile provides a sleek and stylish appearance.

The Slimline II roof rack is designed to be easy to install and comes with detailed instructions to ensure a hassle-free experience. The rack can be mounted directly onto the vehicle's factory mounting points, or with an aftermarket mounting kit for vehicles without factory mounting points.

Front Runner Slimline II specifications

Buyers’ guide to roof racks

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.

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Why use a roof rack?

Utilising the space above your four-wheel drive is the ideal way to clear space inside your vehicle, be it for more people, your furry friends or valuable cargo that needs to be protected from the elements. There are plenty of benefits a roof rack brings, as Paul Epthorp, Rhino-Rack’s national sales manager (Australia and NZ), explained.

“The primary benefit of installing a roof-rack system is to allow for additional cargo and long loads to be carried with you,” he said. “It also provides the ability to transport flammable items such as fuel and gas which cannot be stored inside a vehicle.”

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Yakima Australia’s brand director Chris Lyons reiterated that sentiment, adding that a roof rack provides a solid platform for transporting equipment not easily kept in your vehicle. “(It) allows you to transport gear that is not especially safe or pleasant while stored inside a vehicle (fuel, spare tyres, etc.),” he said.

Roof racks also provide a great deal of convenience in terms of access to the items you have stored. “Packing items in the rear of a vehicle means you generally only have one or two points of access to reach that item without unpacking the car,” Ironman 4x4’s Suspension Product director Kristian Ristell said. “A roof rack gives far greater accessibility from three sides meaning you rarely need to shift other items to gain access.”

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.

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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.

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“You want racks designed with versatility in mind, featuring a channel to easily and quickly add accessories with a variety of different locking solutions available,” Paul Epthorp said.

Common materials used in the construction of roof racks include steel, aluminium and reinforced plastics. Kristian Ristell from Ironman 4x4 advises to utilise steel where high vibrations and load exist, but reinforced mesh aluminium is much lighter and provides equally as much storage space.

“Strength is still considerably higher than what the roof is rated to carry, so aluminium becomes a very viable and attractive option as opposed to steel,” Ristell said. “It does cost more than steel, so the price of an aluminium roof rack is generally always more expensive.

“Crossbars are generally the cheapest form of roof rack available and are also easy to install and remove.”

Driving with a load up top

It is a no-brainer that adding weight on top of a vehicle and raising the height of the centre of gravity will affect how a vehicle performs on- and off-road, as Chris Lyons explains.

“Increasing the height of the centre of gravity will increase body roll and extend stopping distances under heavy braking, due to pitching and the related load transfer to the front,” he said.

Vehicles also require lower speeds when cornering, will use more fuel as a result of the extra kilograms, and may find it harder to reach the most remote campsites due to the extra heft and vehicle profile.

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However, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the impact: distribute weight evenly, stay within a vehicle’s load ratings, and try to maintain a low centre of gravity. Remember to keep heavier items as low and close to the centre as possible.

“The main consideration is keeping within the manufacturer’s specified roof load rating,” Paul Epthorp from Rhino-Rack explained. “By placing light but bulky gear on the roof like swags, tents, camp chairs you save space in the cabin for heavier items such as fridges, while still allowing recovery gear and awnings to be easily accessible on the roof.

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“To a large extent it’s about packing smarter, though it’s important to drive with greater caution and understand your vehicle may take longer to slow down,” Epthorp said. “Lastly, always use good quality, load-rated tie-down straps to secure your items.”

Don’t forget about the added height when you decide to stop off to grab some bread in the undercover supermarket carpark – “be aware of added height of rack and contents, as well as overhanging trees, bridges and garages,” ARB’s Diedrich added.

GVM & GCM

“The fast advancement of technology within vehicles, and the amount of aftermarket accessories available make it very easy to reach the vehicles GVM and GCM limit,” Paul Epthorp explained.

“While the roof load rating is factored into the GVM, if you’ve made other mods which increase the kerb mass weight (KMW), like an extra fuel tank, weight may need to be reduced elsewhere to stay within the GVM. Every gram of weight added to the vehicle must be taken into consideration.”

Suspension

“Suspension systems are getting smarter, so when a system like KDSS is loaded up with extra cargo inside and outside of the vehicle, there is potential that the system may operate differently, changing the dynamics of the vehicle,” Paul Epthorp from Rhino-Rack explained.

Secure the load

Once a load is properly distributed on the roof racks, it’s a legal requirement to ensure all items are adequately secured to the vehicle … the last thing you want is to slam on the brakes and have your kayak slide into the rear window of the car in front of you.

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To do this properly, always use rated securing straps. “Compromising or modifying the restraints may result in a catastrophic failure,” explained Rhino-Rack’s Epthorp.

It’s also a legal requirement – and common sense – to store combustible equipment (gas and fuel bottles) on the outside of a vehicle. For longer objects, like kayaks and canoes, remember to tie down both the front and rear to the roof racks and the front bar if possible.

Installation

Anyone with basic tools and a bit of skill turning spanners will be able to backyard-fit most set of roof racks. However, both Rhino-Rack and Yakima advise professional fitment is required when it comes to some of the more complicated 4x4 setups.

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“Regardless of who installs your roof racks, you should check all bolts and fixtures are tight every 1000km and before every trip,” Paul Epthorp said. “Consider checking more frequently when driving on unsealed surfaces and ensure your cargo is secured.”

Roof load ratings

Before you even begin to throw things on top of the roof racks, it’s critical to be aware of your vehicle’s roof load rating – every vehicle has one, with 4x4s varying from 50kg to 100kg, with some models going higher again (but check your vehicle’s manual to be sure).

A roof load rating is dictated by a vehicle manufacturer, and exceeding the capacity can lead to serious safety issues. Plus, you also run the risk of voiding a warranty.

“Know your vehicle’s roof load rating!” Chris Lyons enforced. “Roof racks can bear a certain load, but if the vehicle’s roof is not of the same load rating equivalent or better, damage to the vehicle can happen.”

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A roof rack will also have a carrying capacity (for example, ARB racks are rated to 150kg), with different styles and designs suited for various weights – so, again, opt for a roof rack that suits your vehicle and intended purpose.

“Often roof racks can withstand greater loads than the vehicle roof,” said Rhino-Rack’s Epthorp. “But, regardless of your racks or tray, the roof of your vehicle is designed to only support a specified weight, and that is a very important thing to be aware of.”

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Overloading a roof rack is a common problem and you’ll often see poorly loaded vehicles on off-road pursuits. As mentioned previously, excess weight on top changes the driving dynamics of a vehicle, but if too much weight is packed on top then the chances of a serious problem striking increases tenfold, as Chris Lyons explained.

“Your vehicle may be damaged (roof crushed), your braking ability can be diminished. Being severely too top heavy and making tight turns at too much speed can really have severe outcomes,” he said.

Paul Epthorp talked us through the best method to avoid overloading a vehicle: “Take the vehicle load rating and subtract the weight of the roof rack, any accessories and your load,” he said. “This will tell you the cargo rating: the safe load to carry on your vehicle.”

Ratings terminology

There are three types of load rating, as well as the cargo rating...
Static Load Rating: When the vehicle is stationary.
On-Road Load Rating: Driving on sealed roads.
Off-Road Load Rating: Driving on dirt, uneven or unsealed roads.
Cargo Rating: Amount of luggage or gear you can put on your racks and roof rack accessories.

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best camping hammers, shovels and axes in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you get a tool that will do the job you need it for and stand the test of time.

When we compared each of the hammers, shovels and axes in the list with hundreds out there, we looked at the durability, useability, size, weight and price. We also searched for additional features that make these camping tools stand out from the rest.

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