What are roof racks and what are they used for?
Roof racks are versatile car accessories that can be used for virtually anything, but their main purpose is increasing your storage space. Fitting a roof rack onto your vehicle ads practicality and versatility that no other car accessory does. They’re an economical solution for thousands of Australians including outdoor adventurers, business owners, tradespeople, holidaying families, surfers, bikers and more. Simply put, a roof rack allows you to bring more stuff on your adventures.
How much do they cost? And why are they priced differently?
Roof racks can cost from about $50 to several hundred dollars. There are a number of factors that can impact that cost, the most significant ones being the construction material, the style, type and brand. Steel and aluminium are the most commonly used materials, as they’re durable and reliable.
Will any roof rack fit any car?
No. You can’t just look up roof racks and buy the first one that pops on the screen. Different types of cars use different types of roof racks. For example, I have an Amarok, so I search specifically for Amarok roof racks, in order to ensure a proper fit. There are some roof racks that can fit several different car types, but that will generally be listed in the roof rack’s specifications list. For instance, you might find LandCruiser, HiLux and Amarok roof racks.
Can I fit a roof rack on my own?
Yes you can! Fitting one is a simple DIY task. Here are some tips to ensure the fitting goes as smooth as possible:
- Get someone to help you. It’s not necessary, but it will make the fitting process much easier and it will reduce the odds of damaging or scratching anything.
- Read the instructions! This is directed towards the know-it-all guys. The fitting manual contains key information about the fitting positions and torque settings, so it’s essential to read the instructions carefully.
- Make sure everything is clean. The roof and the rack should be clean in order to prevent scratches from grit and dirt that’s trapped between the mounting points.
- Use lube. A little bit of copper grease on the bolts can ensure that removing the rack in the future will be easy.
- Torque settings. Tightening the roof rack can damage the car or the rack, so pay attention to the manual and make sure the torque settings aren’t too tight.
