Roof Storage
For people who undertake an offroad
camping trip, a major consideration is how to fit enough
camping gear,
recovery gear, spares, clothing, food and water into your truck. Even in the largest model 4WDs, packing space is at a premium so roof storage becomes the obvious place for storage of additional items that do not fit into the cabin of your vehicle.
But there are some important safety issues to be aware of first, and this will affect what items you can realistically store on your roof, and hence affect your choice of a roof storage system.
Pros & Cons of Roof Storage
Roof Rack luggage systems are great for getting the bulky items out of the cabin of the vehicle. With additional
accessories such as
weather-proof bags and boxes you don't have to worry about exposing items to the elements so you can even store your tent and pillows up on the roof for a quick
camping setup.
The obvious disadvantage is the added height a set of roof racks or luggage tray will add to your vehicle. While this may not pose an obvious problem in the bush you will certainly have to check clearance into the home garage and underground carparks.
However, most importantly, is the safety and handling aspect of increasing the height of a weight load to your vehicle. The vehicle's centre of gravity will be increased by adding a loaded roof rack, which can increase vehicle sway and degrade offroad handling and performance.
In comparison to towing a trailer however, a roof rack system is much cheaper and probably a lot less hassle. In the end, the choice is personal and you will have to consider all the pros and cons yourself.
Roof Rack Limitations
- Always check the load rating on your roof rack and never exceed this. Ideally, pack light items on the roof only. Tip - create a "weight list" of everything you intend to load onto the roof rack and check the total.
- Use your "weight list" to pack items so that the weight load is evenly distributed across both the length and width of the roof rack.
- Minimise the storage of liquids, such as fuel and water since the weight load will shift as the vehicle moves, causing an undesirable lurching of the vehicle when cornering and possibly a delayed but sudden lurch in an emergency situation which could be very difficult for the driver to handle safely.
- If fuel must be carried on the luggage rack to increase fuel carrying capacity for extended driving, ensure that it is transferred at the earliest opportunity to the vehicle's main fuel tank to reduce the above complications.
Handy Hints for Packing
- Consider your ability to pack/unpack items from the roof based on your height and strength and the vehicle's height. You might find it easier to pack only items that you anticipate will be rarely used, rather than used daily or vice versa. This is a personal decision, but over a long trip, many people complain about the time it takes to pack a large load on the luggage rack daily to get everything back in its exact spot.
- Leave some space for packing firewood that you might collect along your way on an outback camping trip.
- Invest in a roof rack storage bag to minimise the effects of weather and to keep everything neatly tied down together. Consider the effects of dust and rain on whatever you pack on the roof but don't rely on the roof bag itself for weather protection, always store items such as pillows, sleeping bags etc in separate bags.
- The roof is an ideal place to store your long-term outback rubbish bag - something sealed like a vinyl-lined laundry bag with drawstrings is ideal and you can simply add individual day's worth of rubbish in smaller, well-tied plastic bags first. We have achieved up to 2 weeks rubbish storage for 2 adults plus one baby in nappies using this rubbish storage system and have not had problems with vermin attacking the bag as no smell can be detected from outside the bag.
Buying Tips
Steel construction is obviously the strongest, but also the heaviest. Ask yourself if you can afford the added weight of steel before adding your load. Also, do you intend to remove the luggage rack from the vehicle when not travelling - remember the height of many 4WD vehicles exceeds the height of many underground carparks. If height is an issue, how easily can you remove the luggage rack?
Some luggage racks come as one complete unit, yet others come as separate roof rack bars with the luggage tray added separately. This feature is obviously of great advantage as you can still benefit from having roof bars for everyday transportation situations, eg. carrying sporting equipment, or large/long items, when the luggage rack is disconnected.
Aluminium construction is lighter than steel and may not be capable of carrying such a heavy load as can be carried by a steel luggage tray.
Either way, check out the roof/gutter anchor point - a luggage rack is only as strong as its anchor points. Also, aluminium will not corrode like steel.
Finally, does the luggage rack have tie-off points, and/or side rails for securing loose items?
Is a luggage storage bag available in the right size to fit inside your luggage rack if desired?
Portable Fridges
The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to consider when comparing brands and models.
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Snorkel
Although significantly different, both petrol and diesel engines require a steady flow of air to operate. If the vehicle is not fitted with a snorkel, they do this by sucking air through the inner guard of the bonnet or just behind the grill. These open airways will also allow water to enter the engine if submerged - with disastrous results!
UHF Radio
If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers, this radio can be a valuable part of your contingency list.
Recovery Gear Needs
The majority of situations that will stop a 4WD from moving are tyre punctures or getting yourself bogged in mud or sand - and these can happen in the simplest of situations, and for no real fault of the driver.
Suspension
There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip. In this article we explain why it is important to consider fitting a new suspension system and what is involved.
Bull Bars, Rails & Steps
A vehicle's bull bar, sides steps and rails are known as its "bar work". Some critics might suggest that bar work is not necessary but for people actually using their vehicles for offroad touring, the bar work provides critical strength and protection and should therefore be considered as essentials.
Accessories
This topic contains detailed articles on the complete list of vehicle accessories and equipment on today's market - includes basic essentials for weekend camping and must-have gear for setting up a 4WD for serious offroad use.
Aftermarket Seats
Unfortunately, car manufacturers don't always expect us to actually take our vehicles offroad - so when it comes to fitting out your vehicle for a major trip you replace your suspension to improve the ride so ... why not replace your seats?
Winches
All travellers should be capable and equipped for winching so in this article we will discuss the various winching methods and equipment on the market. Written in conjunction with one of Australia's most noted experts in winch gear, we will also discuss some important safety issues along with providing some practical tips to suit everyone from traveller to competitor.
HF Radio
HF Radios are a wise consideration if you intend to travel throughout remote regions of Australia. In this article we discuss the usefulness of HF radio in practical situations and explain the many features and services available to enhance your use of the equipment including links to suppliers and manufacturers.
Long Range Fuel Tanks
A large number of outback treks involve long distances between fuel outlets. Jerry cans are dangerous, difficult to store and not as convenient as a long range fuel tank. Fitting a long range fuel tank is a common modification and there are many good manufacturers.
Driving Lights
If you plan to do any night driving in the outback then a strong reliable light source is a must. Bad weather, night driving and the possibility of stray animals all demand the need for a clear view of the road and the standard vehicle high beam is not enough.
Topics Index
Each Topic contains a range of detailed and useful articles on products, services and issues. This section is full of practical tips, ideas, photos and factual information. Each topic has links to relevant Manufacturers, Retailers and Operators that can be found in our Directory; plus links to relevant Posts in our Forum; and links to related Trader listings.
Water Tank
Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source. We suggest a couple of small plastic jerry cans for backup but for the main supply, the best water carrying solution is a stainless steel water tank.
Bike Carriers
Using a recreational vehicle such as a 4WD is all about exploring places and enjoying yourself. Taking a push bike can provide you with the added advantage of exercise and exploring that little further in the nice open air.
HF Radio Installation
In this article, we discuss the procedures for installing a HF radio and the modifications that can be considered for a successful installation. We look at the different options and locations on the vehicle to mount the antenna base and provide some cabling and console tips to give that professional look.
Vehicle Shower
Water is the single most precious commodity you need to carry for your trip. Although heavy, we need to carry it for drinking, cooking and washing. When it comes to personal hygiene during remote travels, we often scrimp on the luxuries and make do with a quick wash of the arm pits and other spots. It's this sort of roughing it that puts off some travel partners, but there is a solution.
Cargo Drawers
This Article looks at gearing up for a 4WD camping trip and the need to find a sturdy, compact storage solution that won't rattle, break or allow loose items to fly around the cabin. We look at cargo drawers and list the features you should look for.
