Question: roof racks now, roof top tent later...

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Hi brains trust,

I need a set of roof racks now(ish) and want to make sure what I get doesn't mean I pay again for basically the same thing if / when I get a roof top tent.

And now for the questions: :angel:

My current plan is get a set (3 or 4) Rhino racks as I have had them on previous vehicles so have some bolt ons already, but the Rhino website seems to indicate the legs can't be mounted where the roof window is (see Vortex RL210 Roof Rack | Rhino-Rack (http://www.rhinorack.com.au/products/roof-racks/vortex/vortex-rl210-black-2-bar-roof-rack_ja2737) ). This means I can't mount over the top of the C pillar. Can anyone confirm if this is the case?

If I went down the path of a bar setup as opposed to a platform, does that still work with a roof top tent? Do most tents come with integrated hard floors or alternatively I assume marine ply between the racks and the tent will do the trick?

Thanks in advance,
FWD

[Doc130]

Roof top will suit rhino hd bars, mounting channels that come with roof top can be put on either way to suit weather your tent will fold out the side or out the back

[Dorian]

I have 3 of those racks and can get the middle one over my alpine windows but there is only about 5 mm between the inside of the rack upright and the window rubbers. You have to get the mounting of the supports to the bar just right though, it took me about an hour of "adjusting" to get them to fit.

Don't know if it's enough clearance if you tie them together with the tent and start to flex the body though. I use mine for Kayak transporting, so mine move independently of each other.

Cheers Glen

[rijidij]

I have a roof top tent on Rhino racks. With the leg that's over the alpine window, I used a die grinder to remove some of the plastic so it cleared. I didn't need to remove much, and I've never had any problems.

Cheers, Murray

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Thanks - looks like I am off shopping on the weekend for some new roof racks :D

[lmurko]

i say get a roof cage, you can get them suited for roof top tents or do what ive done and just get a flat rack, ill get some pictures of it tomorrow if youre interested, just make sure you request high mount brackets when you order. pm me for a company that sells them cheap, i dont want to overstep advertising boundaries as i do some work for them now and then. and im sure they will be cheaper then rhino racks

cheers,
lachlan

[noogie]

I just bought a full length Rhino Pioneer platform.
I also got the 4 pairs of legs and they fit over the window no problems.

It is a little tight over the alpine window so I'll need to be careful not to hit anything. The other legs sit about 1.5cm clear of the roof.

This is the platform I bought from Happy Tiger in Melbourne.
Great guys to deal with and all up it cost me $1267 for a full length aluminium platform. 2725mm X 1465mm. The rack actually comes assembled in the box and they attached the legs and other cross bars to the underside of the platform.

It is a very sturdy platform and very well built. I can also drive it into the garage with an inch and a half to spare. It can carry a rooftop tent no problems. They have a lot of excellent accessories that attach to it, but I guess you can get equivalent cheaper products which would adapt easily.

Oh and it looks shmick too.
I put a post up on the AULRO facebook page.
I'll try and attach some photos here once I get to my PC.

Rhino 42105B Pioneer Platform,Roof basket,cargo basket,gear basket/tray/platform (http://www.happytiger.com.au/car/Rhino-42105B-Pioneer-Platform.html)

Cheers
Mick

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Sigh. Just when I though I had worked out what I was doing... lol

Given the price and weight difference between racks and a platform I was going to go for the racks, but then again a platform gives better options for carrying especially for touring etc.

Back to the drawing board. :angel:

[noogie]

Sigh. Just when I though I had worked out what I was doing... lol

Given the price and weight difference between racks and a platform I was going to go for the racks, but then again a platform gives better options for carrying especially for touring etc.

Back to the drawing board. :angel:

IMO the platform is the way to go.
I previously used a large steel basket on three cross bars (1800 x 1200).
It was always a pain to put on and take off and weighs twice as much as the full length Rhino platform I just bought. Most importantly the basket doesn't provide much versatility.

I'd be careful with some of the cheaper imported racks. IMO the build quality isn't great and from the research I've done they don't cut it in the rough stuff like corrugated touring.

Good luck with the search

[lmurko]

this is the flat rack that i mounted to my perentie, its a bit high at the front, but im looking at mounting a light bar under there so you wont even notice it, plenty of room up there for a tent and more.

cheers,
lachlan