ROOF RACKS - the GREAT, the ORDINARY and the AWFUL. How to select the right one
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- Опубликовано: 2 апр 2018
- Roof rack designs are more complex than one might think. In this video I discuss various brands of roof rack and rack accessories by manufacturers such as Eezi Awn, Front Runner, Tracklander and Rhino-Rack.
These are my opinions based on year of experience, and should not be taken at face value. To find the best rack for your needs, ask questions and talk to owners. Its always the best way to find the best product for your needs.
We are independent reviewers of 4wd and overland accessories and equipment. We are not sponsored by any rack maker, accessory retailer or motor vehicle company. We do not accept paid advertorial, and so what you can expect is unbiased, valuable advice on matters 4wd.
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He is the David Attenborough of off road adventures
I love David Attenborough!
Huyen T
Hahah sure is! 😹😹
I was just going to post that!!!! His tone is totally engaging!
High praise but well deserved.
David Attenborough is the Andrew St Pierre White of nature documentaries.
In August 2018, equipped with our Front Runner roof rack and accessories, my partner and I set off in our 2005 Land Cruiser Prado for the Ais Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and Southern Namibia. Noise from the roof rack was minimal and vehicle handling was okay despite strong head and cross winds. On the whole. the road conditions getting to the Northern Cape were excellent, so no test for the off-road capability of the gear.
However, this changed on our approach to Sendelingsdrift from Alexander Bay - the gravel road became very corrugated. Suddenly there was an unbelievable and unbearable noise. We immediately stopped and checked for the source. It took some time to identify where it was coming from but eventually I discovered that the roof rack had failed. Where the foot rail had been bent to provide a base for the tray to be attached and a gusset added to provide strength, the weld along the gusset had failed and the bend had cracked through.This occurred on both sides of the second to last connection at the rear of the vehicle. I removed the 45 litre water container and moved the spare wheel forward and we were able to complete our trip (regularly inspecting for signs of other failures). For a month we had to put up with terrible noises and the worry of further failures, but we managed to complete our month-long expedition.
Front Runner provided new foot rails but did not provide any assurance that the same thing would not happen again. I fitted the new foot rails and for this year's expedition to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans we had a rooftop tent. On the road across the park from Mabuasehube to Nossob the new foot rail failed in the same place as last year. This time I fitted a bracket by drilling into the side of the foot rail and this kept it together and prevented any noise. When I contacted Front Runner on our return they admitted that the welding of the gusset had not been to standard and have sent me replacement foot rails from a new batch.
My dilemma now is that I have the rack and numerous accessories but I do not trust the foot rails. Perhaps I will add brackets to reinforce the structure, just to be safe...
You were 2 years ahead of time with this issue Andrew , the 4x4 RUclipsrs are all making videos on racks failing because of cheap mounting hardware or not understanding the difference between static and dynamic loads .
Hi Andrew. Thank you so much for the great video! I've learned so much from you. You do the entire 4-wheeling community such a great service. The "chat" videos are good, but these educational/demonstration videos are my favorite. :-)
Very informative. Thank you for breaking it down. I’m in the market of buying my first rack system and your unbiased video just made the selection process easier. Two thumbs up!!
Andrew's videos have changed everything for me. I've travelled all over the world but I'm planning on doing my first self drive this year.
Been there and suffered from a very unprofessional job done to fixing a roof rack on my Patrol. Slipped all the way to the front landing on my bonnet (crossing a sand dune)! You are doing a great favour to those wishing to fix one on their 4x4. Good job buddy
One of the other issues with modular roof racks is that you need to adhere to the 'Righty tight, Lefty loosey' rule. When you strap something onto the left side of an eyelet, it will eventually loosen. So you need to plan ahead when strapping your gear on there.
As someone who works at front runner, we are actually redesigning the jerry can holders to be more beefy. And the straps to be less flimsy.
Do you still work there at FR?
Ronnie should have watched this.
And Tyler.......and Rhino Rack.....
@@MsandMrspinact was just thinking about that. Now we know why ASPW didn't do anything on racks. He already had xD
Classic Millennials you tuber influencers.98% are full of shit and have no idea, There only protection in likes and followers digital platform. Even though Andrew get things wrong , he actually has a good argument as well.
@@jase6827 Did you just call Ronny Dahl a "millennial you tube influencer"? Dude's spent more time off road than you ever will, and he puts out smart, safe information.
@@USN1985dos he is and he’s sometimes does
This is all well and good except for the fact I paid a small fortune for my rhino rack roof rack which was specific to my vehicle. There was no offroad rating for the rack at the time of purchase in 2015.. now there is and my roof rack is completely useless now off road due to the new offroad rating.. some high price doesnt necessarily equal high quality.
Great video Andrew,I love the idea of the mesh for a base to increase your bungee attachment options. Very thorough video with a ton of knowledge based on experience! Thank You!,
This was extremely helpful, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
I’m keeping watching this rapidly, great job 👍🏼
Thank you Andrew a very overlooked item just in the process of getting a new rack myself but still very unsure of what the optimal one for me only been thinking about for 2 yrs when I go to bed but this vid helped thankyou
I totally agree with the mesh idea, I have a modular front runner, and I am always struggling to tie things down. Can't really put firewood on there as it falls through the gaps, and then damages the roof. Would love to swap mine out for a mesh system.
Thank you, Andrew. I found this packed with particularly valuable information.
This video couldn't have come at a better time... I'm currently evaluating different roofrack options to fit to my alu canopy... the FrontRunner has been my preferred choice, but seeing how fiddly the accessories are, makes me doubt the choice.
Thanks for the info... loads of food for thought
Sir, Amazing information has been shared here! Thank you!
Impeccable analysis and brutally frank opinion based upon hard-won experience in the field.
Also, probably one of the best ever pieces of advice about gear, brands, and retailers: he only retailers to trust are those who offer more than one brand of any piece of kit.
Well, after watching this video, mounting my roof rack is out of the question. I will seek professional help with the installation. Thank you, Mr. White, for sharing such valuable information.
Awesome informative video. I agree with everything you have said! I too have decide to go down the track lander route and stepping away from my front runner rack. Also the pioneer platform systems tent to sqeeck over time as the bolts become looses over coragations.
Heya Andrew Been fitting my old Isuzu trooper for overland here in the states, i was about to do the front runner thing but this video really helped me understand the design differences between rack styles now im doing more research into the grated style racks as an option thanks for the education.
Great video Andrew :)
Thank you very much for this video! While I was in the market for a roof rack for my Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee, I watched this twice. It pushed me away from the Front Runner rack and to a GOBI rack, which uses the steel mesh floor.
Good info thanks for sharing been looking at the frontrunner
Very useful review. I agree on all points. I own a Rhino Rack Pioneer platform and it requires planning ahead of loading your gear. Otherwise, any significant modification requires you have to start over -- at least on a portion of the platform.
Really good video I learnt a lot thanks.
Great video very informative!
Great video, I have been looking at roof racks for my RAM-AEV build and Rhino Rack's Pioneer Platform is my 1st choice followed by Expedition One.
great video andrew, thanks for the info
Lot of excellent information. Very good video.
Views on this are going to blow up!
Or rather they should blow up, this vid is full of excellent information and highlights what I thought after watching Tyler and Ronny’s videos, a big weakness is the mounts / feet
good info.
Thank you!
Great review
Lot to thing about when fitting a rack and what to fit on it
wow awesome, one of the best review I’ve ever listen to, tks
The best thing about having a Land Rover Defender and being able to use an angle grinder and a welder, I can make my rack myself. It really isn't hard to make a rack that is light, strong and very cheap if you have skills. Remembering I am not really wanting to carry much more than 250Lbs total on the roof. A roof top tent and a couple of Jerry cans and a bit of fire wood tops. I love my Defender.. lol
Totally agree regarding ease of strapping with mesh. It is the way to go! I have an XXL Rhino Basket on top of 2 load bars mounted to the standard rails on my NW Pajero. It is 2.1mx1.1m and although heavy at 27kg it leaves me 70kgs useful load for bulky (not heavy) items such as queen mattress, shovel, maxtrax, gazebo, etc...... Never come close to 50kgs as I load heavy items in the vehicle low down. Also, when empty for the odd overnighter or even when out on an extended trip it is sturdy and big enough to make a great viewing deck / sleeping platform for nights under stars. Simple, effective, fit for purpose and the whole lot with roof load bars cost me $300 for the pre-loved basket and new roof bars.
Andrew what is your opinion regarding Frontrunner (and also Rhino Racks) that have the legs that run across the length of the body and bolt directly (in most cases) into existing mounts on the body rather than individual legs as attachments? I'm talking Disco 3/4 in case you don't understand what I'm talking about.
phantastic video mate!
Brilliant, informative and unbiased information back by decades of experience
I have a Hannibal roof rack on my 80 series, have had it on for many years now and I am still very pleased and impressed with it.
Great advice. I'm going to buy a front runnervfor my 1971 VW T2. Not quite overlanding, but for camp accessories and a RTT. Thanks!👍
I think Rock Solid Industries have just taken roof racks to the next level with their innovative RSI Smartrack. Designed and built in South Africa they are now also represented in Australia. Not sure about North America.
You can spend a fortune on roof racks, but don’t. I have found a Rhino steel mesh platform on top of 3 Rhino bars on my Prado works fine. You can tie down anything you want anywhere on the rack, and even simply make your own mounts as Andrew stated. I’ve crossed the Simpson Desert and traversed many rough tracks with this setup with no issues. It’s also a relatively low profile so doesn’t add too much height or wind resistance when empty. Don’t get sucked into these expensive over engineered solutions that lock you into over priced accessories. As Andrew points out, one of his best racks ever was the simple mesh rack on his Range Rover.
As rookie who just got my 1st 4x4, looking for a r rack. Thanks for the great video
Phase 2 looks like it's coming along nicely. I really like the rear bumper/tire carrier.
This is why I love my basic aluminium fence-gate style flat rack from OCAM. Throw whatever I want wherever I want, and tie it down however I want. No fiddly nonsense.
Good point about the flexing capability. I have a 110 Defender with an older Hannibal roof rack: the type which is completely welded and has feet as long as the rack itself. It probably is too stiff since I have recurring issues in the upper corner of both A posts. There's a bracket well hidden in the roof structure, which is kept in place by two rivets and a pz3 screw. Both the factory brackets and its rivets have broken, as if the roof is being pulled upwards from the window frame. It's a fiddle to repair and to replace the bracket with a DIY piece, but neglecting the issue can result in longitudinal cracks in the roof. Apparently it is better to cut the rack's feet.
Hi, Ford Everest if i choose the 1.4 RTT and need some space to put some bag or some box. Which size do you prefer?
Great video! I would like to draw attention to one point. Many of us have daily cars and use the roof racks in a daily basis, for example with bikes. And sometime in your life you could hit something above (a shopping garage, a bridge, etc) with your bike. Good aluminium bike carriers, are made to absorb the impact leaving your car without damage or small damage.
By far & away the biggest failure reason for any roof rack is poor fitting & zero attention given to checking/re-tightening the nuts & bolts during a trip. I've had the cheapest rack available in Oz on my vehicle for 2 years now, carrying all sorts of loads with zero issues as I replaced all the standard nuts & spring washers with nyloc nuts & shakeproof washers. Doesn't matter if you buy a Tracklander, ARB or Kings, the most important thing is making sure every nut & bolt is secure as even the slightest movement will lead to failure.
(For the record, I will be getting a custom made aluminium Tracklander for my next build as that will be a global overland vehicle, rather than a weekend bush basher with occasional long trips)
more great info thanks Andrew. the nuts on the first rack you showed are "channel nuts" they are unistrut or ezy-strut and are common and cheap. they fit lots of things. I have an ironman steel rack, good and solid but noisy. the mesh makes tying stuff on very easy.
Been looking at the new aluminum ARB flat mesh rack because of your explanation. I like the idea of being able to hook to anyplace on the rack. The new module aluminum rack are nice and sleek but I like how you explained you have to get connectors for everything.
I like your selection. Nice and simple. Don't need special accessories to attach things, just a strap or some rope
Are the genuine Mercedes roof racks for the G wagen 300 professional any good? I am considering changing mine to the front runner slim line 2 as they have so many convenient attachments. My Mercedes rack is the mesh model that is used by the Australian military g wagen, would you recommend me changing to Front Runner?
Absolutely fantastic video. I love this channel.
My biggest concern with certain racks for my vehicle (Toyota 4Runner) is water intrusion into the roof itself. I just don’t think there’s a great way to completely eliminate water getting into the bolt holes. I wish there was a better answer for those trucks
Thank you for you input/I’m just as fascinated about off road vehicles one day I will own a Unimog.
Couldnt agree more when it comes to Front Runner.
Excellent video! I’ve got a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform on my expedition trailer and mostly like it. Your point about the eyelets is well taken. Unfortunately here in the States, most of our racks look like milk crates and howl like banshees on the highway.
How does the Pioneer go on the highway?
Great review now I am trying to decide between flat and rack alum mesh ARB rack for my Fj Cruiser.
I have had problems with Frontrunner feet once but must add that the racks as well as all parts and accessories have lifetime warrantees so they immediately replaced it for free. The rack was loaded quite heavy must admit and was doing the Khutse to Central Kalahari trail which was quite bad at the time. Not sure what warrantees other manufacturers have and if they keep to it. Regarding the mesh it is very nice also so that pieces of wood not partly fall through and scratch your roof. Nice independant review and love the channel.
Malan Van Der Merwe I do work for front runner USA and I do have their rack on my Jeep. I keep bugging them about accessories that would be nice, redesigning the discontinued support truss and mesh. But then again you can add slats to make it a platform but I don’t want the extra weight on my roof. It’s funny working with all the front Runner parts because I get to see what seems silly and what actually works well.
Totally agree, being able to ratchet, bungie strap anything is so important!
My BJ60 came with a roof "rack". A square frame bolted to the roof with longitudinal "runners" attached to the roof corrugations. I used it to haul a mattress once.
Get away from the feet, get a Gobi and attach to the frame. A gobi (though limited to certain models of vehicles) will allow you to disconnect the front of the rack and flip the rack to the rear to gain access to your accessories on the ground.
I’ve been looking for something real strong/secured and well built, I also feel very hesitant to put anything on top of my fiberglass camper/not that I will be loading it with extreme heavy equipment but I truly don’t trust much anything still to hold a rack!!
For both my Tacoma’s 1997 xtracab/2006doublecab, both 4x4s, can’t find a distributor here in the USA?
Fantastic tutorial! I prefer the steel mesh on the aluminum frame myself. Have you considered the aircraft cargo tie-down rails? They're very low profile and incredibly secure.
I use them inside.
I got 2 rhino rack , flat platforms on my double cab Toyota Tundra , the longest one is on my reinforced fibreglass canopy and the second one is on the cabin, both flash with each other . Big head turner everywhere I go
I run a Front Runner rack on my D40 Navara and love it. Currently I am running their 45L water tank and an awning from opposite lock.
Just brought an universal roof rack at Car Mart Plus for $129.99 for 2020 RRS. Cross bar was $79.99! Took 3+ hours to install but it works so far.
Tracklander are really good, the guys there are really helpful and know their stuff.
any suggestions as to what roof racks fit on sprinter 170 EXT? I'm thinking of getting 2 Rhino racks. .
I 100% agree with you on the mesh racks! They're by far the most practical racks for 4wding and touring. I've had the modular systems before and hated them, I rarely had a hook in right place!
Last year I found a similar rack company to your Tracklander with the mesh and now I'm happy! These were also the lowest profile rack I could find for my vehicle. For those that are looking for quality mesh style racks like the Tracklander, also check out the Australian, Melbourne based company called Tradesmen roof racks. Also, I found that these smaller companies are far better to deal with than the larger companies like Rhino racks ect. 😉
I'd be interested in seeing if / how people might have retrofitted a mesh base to an existing roof rack. I have a RhinoRack Xtray that I'd love to somehow incorporate a mesh base into. Other than having something custom made, I haven't found any mesh that would be strong enough that I'd feel comfortable using.
great information from a guy with experience
I'm living in New South Wales and have been looking at the dual cab mahindra what do you think about these vehicles and apart from the suspension what else do I need and who do I get to fit out my vehicle
very good points made there. weight weight weight. people just forget about that and put heavy large roof racks on suv's without thinking.
I have a 2.5 metre Rhino Pioneer rack on my Defender 110, after ordering the first it arrived damaged in transit and was supplied a second one a week or so later. The damaged one was returned but I kept the spare cross rails that were meant to be positioned to fit the particular vehicle and riveted to the rack before final fitting. The spare cross rails allowed me to fit these in addition to the intended number supplied and allowed a much stronger arrangement. It is a pity the manufactures do not supply these aluminium extrusions as an accessory as it allows the owner to customize and strengthen to a particular need. I am very happy with the quality of the Pioneer rack but do wonder if the plastic corners deteriorate will I be able to get replacement parts from the manufacturer or will I have to make replacements myself.
You won't believe what I carried on top of my car roof rack. The car is 1992 toyota Sprinter with gutters and Thule cross bars. It was an adjustable metal bed frame which needed 2 adults to lift up. Many said the roof won't hold it but guess what it did... I guess it is about 90 Kg's and the roof rack got 4 feet... Amazing toyota quality back then!
Very very nice , looking forward to seeing it installed , also I see you now have twin wheel holders
Interesting video... I have a Frontrunner Windcheater, that was fitted to the Nissan I bought a few years ago, and I often wondered if the feet were strong enough... I've never had a problem, but I don't load it with heavy gear, just a bit of fishing tackle, ladders and wood etc.. For a work vehicle, rather than expedition, it is very good...and way stronger than general commercial racks. A mesh under it like the one you fitted would have been a big plus. I generally use click straps to secure stuff to the roof rather than bungies.
I do like the eye system though. I, as you say, have several on each slat. The main advantage of these is that the eyes and M8 bolts it uses, can be purchased in any hardware store, as they are not a proprietary system.
It also means by just sliding in bolts of different lengths you can mount anything easily to the rack. Only problem is the bolt either oxidize (due to contact with ally rings) or rust, unless you can find stainless ones.
I have now transferred the rack to my latest vehicles and it's still a very useful accessory.
I've hung onto this rack as they are all hugely expensive in France, as most are imported from South Africa or Oz.
Thank you for another great video. I'm looking to buy a roof rack for my LR Discovery 4, and I'm struggling to choose. Been looking at Rhino's, FrontRunner, and ProSpeed rack for my D4, and find it almost impossible to choose. Main reason for rack is rooftoptent, and a 270° awning. Feel free to comment with advise for a good rack for those things on a D4 😊 Keep up with you're good videos, and stay safe on/off road!
THANKS, GREAT VIDEO AS SHOW LOT OF ROOF RACK DETAIL WHY LOOK AT CARE WHAT GO TO USE AND WHERE IT PUT ON TOP OF 4X4
Excellent video!
Hi Andrew, have you had a chance to look at the ARB Base Rack with the dovetail mounts? What are your thoughts?
David giving me overland tips ? instant subscribe lol
As always, learned a great deal. Thank you. I very much look forward to your reviews of vehicles and products in the U. S. I would truly love to hear your opinion of the 4Runner as an overland vehicle in the U. S.... Grateful
4Runner is great, but MPG is abysmal.
Any idea if you can find Tracklander products in the UK please? Thank you very much! Keep up the amazing videos.
great vid but can you fit a roof tent to a pick up ( standard one from dealer mitsubishi / toyota ) is it strong enough to hold when used maybe you could do a vid shown how to do and the pit falls keep up the great vids
Best video to learn about roof racks!
The points he brings up are the main reasons I went with a Gobi rack instead of rail system racks. Especially helpful is the smaller mesh holes so I can still attach eyelets like in this video, just using a large washer as a back plate. Of course the only real disadvantage is the weight, being steel construction. Unfortunately this only really applies to the North American market...
Thanks for making this video. I was skeptical it would have any real value, but I think I actually learned quite a lot.
all Andrews videos have value. He is like google for 4WD and camping
I don't agree. Sometime his information is biased. Not saying he is dishonest or anything, but when you are interacting with manufacturers and companies business to business not to mention when they are giving you any sort of discount, early release, or free product not to mention preferential treatment you can not be impartial and I don't value that information. This video on the other hand was free of such biases (to my knowledge).
Have a Brownchurch on mine with 5 feet each side (on an 88" Land Rover) and additional support legs to the bulkhead and the rear body structure. It's not massively heavy at 35kg, but it's not the lightest either. However, it is considerably over-engineered and because of the way they designed it, the guttering doesn't take all of the load, the vehicle structure does.
I have one too. I have had it for 18 years and have given it a lot of abuse on occasions. Incredibly strong, nothing fancy and it does the job. However it isn't expensive and wouldn't have the profit margin to pay for the smart salesmen in the 4x4 centre, unlike the modular racks.
I have a jeep wrangler 2022 and i want a roof rack mainly to carry kayaks however on camping days id like to keep fishing poles up there as well as fire wood any recommendations
Love your watch! I have the explorer, I beat the hell out of it and it just keeps on ticking!
I'm looking at an Ocam aluminum 1350mm long rack without mesh for a new Jimny. Has 4 legs.
Will only be used to pick up light but large items from bunnings etc. Eg pvc pipe, MDF sheet etc. May be a bicycle or a surf board. As the Jimny has a roof load limit of 30kg, I need a light weight rack and this is 16kg. It's only $550.
Any thoughts on this rack for my needs?
ARB do mesh racks too, just sayin :) I bought and ARB delux 3/4 length rack with mesh floor, I love it. I was turned off the modular racks purely for the reason u say, unlike a mesh floor you can't just tie down anything anywhere. Nice video :)
Interesting video, I do like the idea of the mesh rack where items can be strapped down, poor mans solution is to find a old mesh alloy screen door and bolt it down to a set of good quality roof racks.
As always, a scholar and a gentleman.
Well that just saved me a fortune!!