Member - Captain (WA) replied:

Hi Haza,

I have had the RAK bars for 2 years now, mainly for carrying my Kayak and fishing rods. I have also fitted the eyelets that fit into the track so I can easily tie down the kayak.

Previously I had ROLA raks (older style) on my 80 series that were great. But when I fitted them to my GU, 3 of the 4 gutter clips came off in one trip and I had some fun tying the kayak down to keep the Rolas in place till I got home! Thats when I tried the RAKs and they have been fine. But have since found out that new ROLAs have a different gutter clamp, so probably not a fair comparison.

I like the way the RAKs are key locked onto the gutter and are straight along the whole length. Rola's are slightly curved and while that may look better, isn't as good for some items. Bottom line is, I have found them to be good value fpr money and am happy with them.

Cheers

Captain

arofs1 replied:

I have had RAK roof racks for a couple of years now and can't say anything negative about them. When I did my research they were, in my view, the best value for money. I am sure some are stronger and can carry more weight, but safety and legality maxamize the roof load to (I think) 100kg anyway.

Some are made expandable to fit a variety of vehicles, but the ones for my Prado are a specific size and made specifically for the Prado. I have since made a steel frame with mesh floor to clamp onto the roof racks for when I need to carry something that doesn't fit between the racks, like when I took an additional spare tyre for the van and 4wd to Birdsville races.

I agree completely with the previous post and have confidence in recommending them.

Brian DJ

scottp replied:

Have a set of the telescopic rak's on the missus's saab. Been on the car for three years. no complaints.I like that i can take them from one car to the next.
Only use them for carrying snow skis and surf boards, I remember them being a bit cheaper than the competitors and the guys on the phone when ordering them were very helpful.

Member - bushfix replied:

ditto,

I have a 1996 Prado (guttered) and found these to be tremendous value and great for my needs. The Prado bars are actually curved to to the roof of the Prado, don't go for the telescopic ones, the web product selector or a phone call will sort that. I went for the RAKs for various reasons.

1. Needed to be able to quickly remove/install and by myself. (Garage too low)
2. Keen kayaker so needed bars.
3. Keen camper so wanted to be able to use a large mesh tray.
4. Was impressed by the company and their staff.
5. Was very impressed with their product design for the Prado.

These things are so easy to use with their key lock/release. There is no "oh I can't be bothered taking the bars off" and the grab is excellent. If you are in Sydney I recommend you visit them as their service goes beyond just selling you the product. As Captain alluded too (that the word?) there are many options available to cater for the specific purpose you may need them for.

And, they are Australian owned, designed and made; That's the icing on the cake mate.

Gees, I guess I should say I have no connection with the company.