Roof racks for 80 series

Submitted: Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 20:34

ThreadID: 23831 Views:1598 Replies:7 FollowUps:4

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scottywiper

Hi guys.
Got an 80 series, need a roof rack for it.
It has already got two bars style racks on it, but I want a proper rack.
Options are a Rhino Rack with basket or the other type of roof top heavy duty design that are quite common, available in steel or aluminium.
Any thoughts on what is best?

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Reply By: Member - Kimberly Kruiser (WA) - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:01

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:01

scottywiper

You will get heaps of different opinions on whats best.
I run an steel full length ARB roof rack on mine. They don't rattle, bend or vibrate like some others I have seen. They are heavy and not cheap.
Mine has done heaps of corrigated work etc and still looks like new after a couple of years.

Cheers
Wal

AnswerID: 115593

Reply By: scottywiper - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:04

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:04

Hi Wal,
I have seen a 2nd hand steel one for $350.
My only concern was that they are too heavy. How have you found it?

AnswerID: 115595

Follow Up By: Member - Kimberly Kruiser (WA) - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:54

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:54

scottywiper

Having said that they are heavy doesn't really bother me in the situation that I use mine. It stays on the vehicle all the time and I have never noticed any adverse effects from it being there.
The reasons I went for the ARB in the first place were it is two metres long and will hold an Oztent longways fully contained within the rack frame with a swag bag (three swags) and an extra spare tyre/rim.
The local research I did before hand with various types of racks showed that most of the ally racks (more off the shelf types) tended to bow, buckle and rattle and the lighter standard type steel ones actually crack mounting arms etc when exposed to the continual off road use up here.
I suppose it's horses for courses but I am more than happy with mine.
$350 for a second hand one is good buying as they are around the grand new. If you change vehicles at any time you can change the rack by buying a new leg kit to suit whatever your changing to.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Wal.

FollowupID: 371238

Follow Up By: scottywiper - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 22:12

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 22:12

The one I am looking at has three legs either side, and is 2.6m x 1.25m.
That sound okay? I did read somewhere that you want four legs.
But I don't know that I'll use it a lot.
Few rods on there on trips away and probably a few swags.

FollowupID: 371239

Follow Up By: Member - Kimberly Kruiser (WA) - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 22:33

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 22:33

Your probably better off with bars and a basket if your not going to use/put much on it.

FollowupID: 371243

Reply By: Outnabout David (SA) - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:27

Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 21:27

I have had both and it very much depends on what you are going to carry and whether it is on all the time or not. If yoiu are leaving it on an Arb type one is great but if you regularly want to remove it go the Rhino and basket.

AnswerID: 115604

Reply By: Member - Oskar (Bris) - Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 11:50

Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 11:50

It's best to have a minimum of 3 carry bars/mounting points. I've had the nasty experience, years ago on Fraser, of having a two mount system come loose and slide forward over the humps on the beach.
The same thing happened to one of the vehicles in our group on the Walkers Crossing track last year and damaged the front edge of the roof of the nice new Prado.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Cheers
Oskar

AnswerID: 115681

Reply By: BenSpoon - Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 12:49

Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 12:49

I've got an ali one, and have not had any bad experiences. It is as strong as I need it, havent noticed any cracking/bowing, still sits perfectly in the gutters, doesnt rattle and is easy to put on/take off- its even possible to do it solo. I drive with it on all the time, but it is surprising to see the difference made by even just tying 3 or 4 swags on the roof- trying to drive a chicane is like driving a bouncy castle. The difference in handling with that little extra weight put me off buying a steelie, but that said I have never driven with a steelie installed.
I dont know how they go with rust treating the steel ones, but I know i've scraped my fair share of paint off the ali one thru bashing tent poles and other metal stuff against it and I have no sign of corrosion. Mine is a hammertone finish, and it still looks new.

AnswerID: 115696