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Post Info TOPIC: Roof Racks
RustyD


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Roof Racks
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Thinking of putting a roof rack on my 2015 4dr Ranger Ute. The lighter version of rack that takes 75-80kg.

Two methods of attaching: Clamp onto door arch or install a track along the space provided. Any pros & cons of either type?

Many brands of legs & bars: Rhino, Prorack, Rola, Thule. Any pros and cons of any one of these brands? So far any comparisons seem to be like arguing Falcon vs Commodore - nothing really stands out.

Will be looking for a lockable system. Some styles is optional, some it's standard.

 



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macka17


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HI.
"I" prefer the clamp on\in Gutter Track THULE ones. with 3 x rails not 2.

Had a Rhino Rack on my 2002 Patrol. with 3.75mtr Quinnie on top
going round Aust for near 10 yrs. Never missed a beat

Rhino Rails probably as good, I just preferred what I bought.
Others I wouldn't comment on.

Have same system on D-Max dual cab roof (2 x rails) with side awning and 2 solar panels on it.

There will be a discussion now on strength of both systems. Gutter V rails slots and bolts.
"Mine is stronger". Brigade.

BOTH do the job. Both lockable. I think, Mine are.


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Ron-D


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We use roof racks for kayak locally , maybe it's just my vehicle but he wind noise they generate would drive me nuts on a long trip...



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RustyD


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Ron-D wrote:

We use roof racks for kayak locally , maybe it's just my vehicle but he wind noise they generate would drive me nuts on a long trip...

My daughter has roof racks on her Skoda that are the style I am looking for. No noise when nothing is loaded. But I am fearful of wind noise. Been looking at the roof boots but I think not. Supercheap has a basket with a wind deflector on the front. Tempted to get one of them. Main concern is security.

My son carries bikes on his Kuga. Only wind noise with or without bikes is wind in the t-channel if he hasn't put the plug-strip in correctly.

Reading reviews today seems as though Rola is the base brand, with Rhino-Rack, Thule & Yakima (includes Prorack & Whispbar brands too) slightly up-market.



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C00P


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We use Rola roof bars- gutter mounted and lockable. The style I bought have an oval cross section (long axis horizontal)with a shaped rubber pad both of which
act to reduce wind noise and drag when they are unloaded. Seems to work- they are less noisy than some round bars that I had on another vehicle.
However, you need to accept that you will lose some fuel economy running around with roof bars on. Especially in a head wind. I've got an awning mounted on one end of the bars, and carry my shovel and maxx tracks on the other side.
Cheers

Coop

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Craig1


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We have Rhino " squashed Oval " style on new cruiser, they are significantly quieter(almost silent), albeit less load rating (80 v 100) than HD Square Rhino ones on Mazda BT509 gone in March 2017). The square ones were riveted into roof channel with stainless strip reo on bt 50, Cruiser attach to factory rails, so more exposed but less noise. cheers Craig

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RustyD


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This has floated to the top of my list www.rhinorack.com.au/products/spares-brackets-components/roof-rack-parts/complete-roof-racks/vortex-2500-rs-black-2-bar-roof-rack_rs321b with www.rhinorack.com.au/products/roof/roof-trays/steel-mesh-baskets/steel-mesh-basket-small_rlbs (or medium) on top. The entire system is removable and will probably only go on when we are caravanning. Although given my Ranger does very little when not towing the van, the rack & basket will probably stay on.

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RustyD


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Bought www.rhinorack.com.au/products/spares-brackets-components/roof-rack-parts/complete-roof-racks/vortex-2500-rs-black-2-bar-roof-rack_rs321b and www.rhinorack.com.au/products/roof/roof-trays/steel-mesh-baskets/steel-mesh-basket-small_rlbs

MotorPro had a fathers day sale of 15% off Rhino roof racks and the basket was $149 instead of $179.

Once set up I can unhitch it all at once.

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macka17


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I have mine set up as a unit. 2 rails. ALLY cross pieces with solar panels mounted. and side roll out on passenger side.

4 x screw hooks and blocks in carport roof.

4 x Sheet blocks. one length of braid to suit.

I Unmount clamps. Pull up to roof of carport and tie off the 2 x ends on saddles bolted to vertical brick columns.

Out of way. safe. weatherproof. and 20 min's to reset.??
Suits me.
Also have a coupla old 40w panels on roof of carport. through reg. to long cable and alligator clips to keep boat battery's topped up.

Actually one now. with an older (13\15yr old) 80w one, replacing the first 35yr old 40w.

GOOD quality panels DO actually last waaaay over the 25 yrs of wty given.

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