Which Style of Roof Rack Will Suit Me Best?

If you’ve ever searched for roof racks online, then chances are you’ve probably come across a few prefabricated racks set at prices that seem way too good to be true. Now, we know how hard it may be to resist a bargain; heck, we love those penny pincher menu deals at Maccas. But trust us on this one- when it comes to roof racks, the reality is that those unbelievable buys found online are generally flimsy, short lived, and unsuitable for use in the harsh Australian conditions. Not only that, but they also fail to accommodate for the different needs of every customer. After all, roof racks are never a one-size-fits-all solution, and you can’t expect tradies, surfers, campers, kayakers, cyclists and fishers to all have the exact same needs when it comes to getting the ideal rack.

Now, if you want real value, then your best bet would be to call up a manufacturer who can design you the perfect custom rack to suit your unique needs. But before getting into all that, it’s a good idea to find out what those needs actually are. Ask yourself, what do you really need to be carrying? How often are you going to be using it? And finally, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s owner manual to find out what your maximum capacity is. Basically, the better idea you have of your needs, the better your roof rack will turn out to be. Also, keep in mind that the roof design on your vehicle has will also have a say in what roof rack style you’re able to have installed.

Know What You Need? Take a Look at the Different Styles Available to You

So, you’ve got a clear idea of your needs- next comes the part where you’ll compare and contrast what you need to what’s available. Below, we’ve given you the low-down on a few different roof rack styles, so that you can gain a better understanding of what to ask for when the time comes to meet with your manufacturer:

Open Ends

Similar to the open rear, an open-end roof rack has both ends open instead of just the one, so they’re a bang on solution for tradies wanting to carry long loads or sheets of material safely and securely. On the other hand, if you’re a surfer or you’re after a dinghy and kayak roof rack, you can easily secure surfboards and vessels across the length of it as well.

Basket-Style

If you love heading out on camping trips or other off-road adventures on the weekend, then a basket-style roof rack may be exactly what you need. The best bit about this particular roof rack style is that you’re able to carry all sorts of differently sized items on top, no matter whether they’re small, large and bulky or awkwardly shaped. They’re great for storing firewood, spare tyres, foldable chairs, tents, sleeping bags, cargo bags, plus a range of other camping accessories and more.

Tent-Style

Tent-style racks are most commonly used by campers, but can also be used to store various items in addition to functioning as a tent. Their design is similar to that of an open-rear roof rack, only that a tent is custom-designed to fit around the rack. With something like this installed, you can definitely expect any future camping trips to be a blast.

Flat-Deck

Flat deck roof racks have no walls, so they’re not only lighter and lower, but also more aerodynamic. They’re a great solution for tradies or travellers who have to carry around loads on top of their vehicle in built up areas, where they may have to face bridges or carparks featuring low clearance. Just remember that although you aren’t restricted by walls on the rack, you still have to ensure that you’re following the correct rules for load restraint, specifically by restraining the load so that it doesn’t stick out from your vehicle.

Now, we don’t want to sound like we’re exaggerating, but getting the perfect rack can really turn your life around. Whether it’s for work, free time, or a mixture of both, a rack that’s made to measure can save you time, inject convenience, and just make you a whole lot more satisfied overall. So, if you’re interested in getting the ideal rack for your specific needs, contact Great Racks today, and let’s get started on putting together the perfect design to suit you and your vehicle!