Thread: roof racks

Originally Posted by scoota

I am thinking of purchasing a Rackmaster alloy roof rack (from Opposite Lock)to suit a defender.

Has anyone had experience with these racks? I'm going to be adding a roof top tent so wish to know if this rack can handle it.

These racks don't have a rail that connects each of the support legs along the sides.

Does this affect the rack's ability to spread the load along the roof?Cheers, Scoota

To answer your first question, no I havnt had any dealing with them but in most cases, unless they look really lightly built they should be fine BUT.....

To answer your second question, I prefer to have all the feet linked to have the rack hold itself all together rather than putting all the load on a small area of the gutter, I dont know for sure if it would make a difference but It's just something I prefer.

I did work for a couple of years for Lowline which build canopies and roofracks and for the tradies racks where we could we would do the full length rails, all the Middy's electrical vans used to run Lowline racks that were built that way and galv'd so I'd say there is some merrit in it.

Originally Posted by scoota

I am thinking of purchasing a Rackmaster alloy roof rack (from Opposite Lock)to suit a defender. Has anyone had experience with these racks? I'm going to be adding a roof top tent so wish to know if this rack can handle it. These racks don't have a rail that connects each of the support legs along the sides. Does this affect the rack's ability to spread the load along the roof?
Cheers, Scoota

Hey Scoota,

Although I don't personally own one, the rackmaster roof racks are a quality unit, specifically made for rooftop tents and bolting on other accessories. They are imported from South-Africa (frontrunner.co.za) and have been used for overland trips for many years.

Another option is the racks from Hannibal. They are a similar unit to the racksmater ones (full length aluminium) but they come with removable side and rear rails. I've had mine for three years now, they are the ducks nuts. Untitled Document

The Hannibal racks are slightly dearer so keep that in mind. (Update: Legs on Hannibal racks are linked)

If you are located in Sydney ... Opposite Lock in North and South Sydney can sell you both rackmaster and hannibal racks. Ian Oake at the Northern branch is a good bloke and will look after you.

Henry

On the Hannibal Rack the slats run along the length of the rack, which would make it easier to load. The Frontrunner (Opposite Lock) Rack has the slats running crossways. I considered both racks, but due to financial constraints I had an alloy rack manufactured to my specs. See the following link :

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...roof-rack.html

There was a link somewhere on the frontrunner site linking to some other South African site, where the comment was made that on Full Length Racks, having a load bearing support running under the legs along the gutter, stiffens the rack too much and can reduce roof flexion leading to cracked gutters. The same site also recommended a mesh floor for ease of loading as the slat floors require you to move and lock the mounts to the right spot.

Scoota

They are very good. My brother in law has one which I have used. Looking at getting one myself.

They are light, have a good strong mounting system, have easy to use tie down point and there are a range of acessories for them.

Angus

I have one on the Disco.

The slates going across the width of the truck are very noisey...even with the supplied wind deflector.Other than that I think it's a very practicle rack.

I love the tie down system because you can very quickly change the configuration to suit what loads you are carrying. One week I might be off camping...so I put the roof tent, table, fire wood etc...the next I might be doing rally support so I change everything over to spare wheels, jerry cans, amo boxes etc.

The range of bolt on accessories is amoungst the best available.