D-MAX gets a Yakima RuggedLine mounting system

Modifying a new 4x4 during a pandemic has been an exercise in patience.

Getting stock has been an issue, and in some cases a product hasn’t even been developed yet. On the flip side, I’ve been lucky enough to work with many great 4x4 companies and help with feedback on emerging products they have developed. This Yakima roof platform with its RuggedLine mounting system is one such example.

This was the first unit they had available for fitment, so I was like a kid at Christmas when it arrived. I headed down to Advanced Installations in Emu Heights, who kindly donated me some space in their workshop, and I started opening boxes.

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I’m certainly not a mechanic, but I know my way around a left-handed screwdriver. Still, this was a fairly simple installation, definitely helped by the quality instructions supplied in this kit (yes, I read instructions).

The RuggedLine mounting system connected to captive mounts in the roof of the D-MAX, which were covered by paint. So, there’s no need to drill into your shiny new 4x4; simply remove excess paint (at mounting points) after cutting the trim covering these points. That’s probably the hardest part of the install, and again it’s all detailed in the instructions.

Once the RuggedLine was bolted in place, it was a simple affair to attach the platform. I think it looks mint too, and it’s the perfect size for the D-MAX.

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A hot topic at the moment is roof-rack capacity, especially when off-road. This rack is rated to 100kg. As it is a fixed-mount system, the carrying capacity is not reduced when off-road. The weight of the platform and mounting system is 26kg, so by using quick math, we can carry 74kg on the roof of our D-MAX with the rack installed. This will depend on your vehicle, so check out the information easily available on each brand’s website.

All in all, the Yakima roof platform with RuggedLine mounting system has been a winner. It’s fairly easy to install (on the D-MAX), arrived complete with everything we needed, and has more than enough optional accessories for our needs. It even came with a wind-deflector for the front of the platform, which works as the rack is as quiet as a mouse.

AVAILABLE FROM: Yakima.com.au
RRP: $1430