Head off the beaten track and you’ll be hard pressed finding a 4WD that doesn’t make the most of the roof area. Necessity, more often than not, dictates how this space is utilised. With large families in tow and a seemingly ever increasing amount of equipment to take away with you it’s wise you use it to your advantage – and that’s where the mighty 4WD roof rack comes into play! This amazing bit of gear instantly and massively upgrades how much you can carry – particularly large, bulky gear like swags, tents and the like.

So what exactly are you waiting for? Start loading the truck up with your newly purchased 4wd roof rack and depart on your next great adventure without any further consideration, right? Well no, not exactly, as there are a number of factors to take into consideration prior to loading the vehicle. Everything from what type of steel roofrack to use, what to load and the weight that your vehicle is capable of handling are just the beginning of the questions you should be asking yourself. It might well be the difference between success and failure on your next big trip so take the time to read this article for a few expert hints and tips that’ll ensure your next adventure isn’t a disaster.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

There’s no doubting there’s an ocean of difference in the carrying capacity of each 4WD. The first consideration when determining what type and how much gear your 4WD’s roof is capable of carrying is to research the rated capacity as set out by the manufacturer using the factory mounting points. Keep in mind the following ratings include the platform roofracks, bars, cages and anything else you have bolted to the roof when the vehicle is in motion, so ensure you factor that into your equation. If your vehicle isn’t listed below, ring the technical support for your manufacturer to determine your specific rating.

WHICH ROOFRACK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The second consideration after determining exactly how much gear you can carry on your 4WD is to determine the type of storage system to attach to your roof. Start by examining the mounting points on your vehicle to fix your rack to. Many vehicles have a gutter system running the length of the vehicle making conventional 4×4 roofracks ideal which can utilise a channel-mounted bracket to fasten to the vehicle. Another option includes a set number of captive nuts to attach a butt-mounted roof bar system.

Once you’ve determined your mounting points, examine each design and plan how you’ll mount your gear to each specific rack. For example roof bars are the perfect solution for your Kayak or swag, however are not ideal for mounting smaller gear such as chairs, tables and swags. Full length cages secure gear up high like no other and are just the ticket for equipment of all sizes, however if at some stage you’re looking to invest in a roof top tent, you’ll need to change to an open cage design in order to mount it. The essential advice to take home is to choose your design carefully, considering both the type of gear as well as the weight to ensure you won’t be exceeding either the 4WD or the roofrack load carrying capacities.

GOLDEN RULES OF ROOF STORAGE

1) Loading gear onto the roof creates a conundrum of sorts for your 4WDs centre of gravity. Weight carried up high has an increased leverage relative to the same weight carried lower in the vehicle. In short, keep the gear up top as light as possible and distributed evenly across the offroad roof rack to reduce to effect on your vehicles handling.

2) Minimising the storage of fuels, water and other liquids helps reduce the weight shift of the gear on the steel roofrack during transit. As the vehicle turns the liquids will exaggerate this inertia and in turn has the capacity to lurch the vehicle. If fuel must be carried, then transfer it into your main tank as soon as possible to minimise weight.

3) Use a list to keep track of the gear that you put up high. Before you head off, do a dry run by packing your intended roof cargo while weighing it as you go. If the total weight exceeds either the full cage roofrack or vehicle capacity then it’s time to rethink your strategy.

4) If you’re heading into corrugation country then a gear bag is a beaut idea to keep your equipment protected from dust. There’s nothing worse than coming into camp with everything coated in a fine dirt powder.

5) Use the platform roofrack to carry gear you wouldn’t like to pack in your vehicle. Things like rubbish, firewood and gas bottles are perfect candidates for this.

ALUMINIUM VS STEEL ROOF RACKS – WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

With the amount of different options on the market today you can be forgiven for being a little confused when it comes time to put down money on your roof rack. The biggest choice you will have to make is the selection between a rack of aluminium or steel construction.

Aluminium racks are best suited where the total roof carrying capacity of the vehicle is low. Vehicles such as the JK Wrangler, with 45Kg of capacity wouldn’t be suited to a steel rack which can carry up to 100Kg and weight 20Kg alone. Steel racks are generally of a tougher construction, can carry more gear and will be more robust on the outback tracks. Though keep in mind there are many products on the market today made of aluminium that have a capacity close to that of steel, like the Adventure Kings Platform Roofracks. Do your research carefully and choose the best option for your application.