HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ROOF RACK
A quality roof rack is the best way to create a large amount of external gear storage space on your vehicle. They may come at different prices, sizes, lengths, and designs. Still, they all serve one purpose: to counteract the lack of packing space within a vehicle, especially for those heading off overlanding, off-roading, holidaying, or participating in their owner’s favorite outdoor pursuit.
There comes a time when a vehicle owner must decide if a roof rack is the best way to solve their vehicle’s lack of gear-carrying capacity. If you currently find yourself in that position or already have a rack but don’t feel you’re utilizing its full potential, read on. We’ve drawn up a list of 6 important considerations before buying or setting up your roof rack.
What will you be doing with your vehicle?
Who are you going with, and how far away? Decide what you plan on doing with your vehicle and what gear to take; this will help determine if you need a rack!
Know the law
Your vehicle's manufacturer will state the maximum weight you can carry on its roof. So, if you plan on installing a roof rack, pick a vehicle with a suitable weight rating for the gear you want to carry on that rack and roof.
Dynamic vs. Static
You must also understand the difference between dynamic and static roof weight restrictions. Your dynamic weight roof weight restrictions apply only when your vehicle is moving, and the static weight is when your vehicle is not moving and parked up on a campsite or beside the river. Therefore, dynamic weight restrictions are much lower than static ones. These are all important considerations when planning your dream build. And, of course, when driving with a loaded roof rack.
When setting up a vehicle for carrying gear, how you mount accessories on your rack is essential. A roof rack's accessibility makes it the perfect place to store additional water and fuel reserves. Regular-sized water and fuel cans such as the 20l Jerry Can and Pro Water Can (20l or 42l) can easily be stored on your roof rack.
When putting gear onto your rack, the weight must be spread evenly over the whole rack. This is the fun part of preparing for your next adventure, as your dream rack setup becomes a reality. Just remember to put only some of the heavy bits of gear in one corner of the rack.
Use logic when placing gear on the rack.
There are a few ways to access your rack: a ladder, rack grab handles, or standing on the side steps. Think about when you will have to use the items on your rack. Put the fuel-filled jerry cans above the filler cap so that lifting and carrying are minimal. The gear you will use the most should be the closest to the rack access ladder or other rack access points.
Driving conditions will impact your rack.
Severely corrugated roads will pressure your rack mounts, so if you’re driving hundreds of miles on this type of road surface, you might want to add more feet to your rack.
If you have a modular roof rack like the Slimline II, consider carrying the Front Runner 4-piece tool kit to check the rack and accessories occasionally. A top-heavy vehicle doesn’t like it when you suddenly change direction, so keep this in mind if your rack is packed.
There’s much to consider when buying and placing gear on your roof rack. Get it right, and you’ll have a gear-carrying comrade that won’t disappoint you.
