Where do you mount a half roof rack ?

Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 20:32

ThreadID: 64356 Views:3105 Replies:7 FollowUps:1

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Roof Racks, Luggage Trays & Boxes

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Member - Lionel A (WA)

Giday all, just scored myself an alloy half rack, wind deflector and all.

Just wondering where to bolt it up, towards the rear, the centre or the front.

Is there a generally accepted practice ?

Cheers.....Lionel.

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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 20:35

Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 20:35

I would have thought more towards the rear as there would be easier access to it from the rear of the vehicle and possibly less wind resistance.

Cheers Kev

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AnswerID: 340165

Reply By: autosparky - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 20:35

Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 20:35

towards the rear so you can stand onrear mounted spare to get things off it. or hang stoaway srep on it

AnswerID: 340166

Reply By: Peter 2 - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 21:07

Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 21:07

Towards the rear for ease of access but towards the front you get the weight further forward and more onto the front axle.
I've seen a few vehicles with half racks and they quite often have the rack at the rear and a couple of roof bars with second spare etc forward.

AnswerID: 340174

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 21:08

Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 21:08

I'd go middle or forward so the weight is forward of the rear axle.

AnswerID: 340175

Reply By: pop2jocem - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 23:35

Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 at 23:35

Hi Lionel

I tend to agree with Phil. I would position it forward of the rear axle keeping in mind that a roof rack is ideal for bulky but less heavy items from a stability and load on gutter point of view.

Cheers Pop

AnswerID: 340196

Reply By: troopyman - Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 08:26

Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 08:26

Put it over your nogin to keep the heat from coming thru the roof .

AnswerID: 340222

Reply By: OzTroopy - Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 09:54

Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 09:54

Forward or Rear ??? .......

1/...Wherever it best evens out the load weights you carry.

AnswerID: 340242

Follow Up By: patrolmann - Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 15:57

Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 at 15:57

Hi
I have a GQ lwb and an alloy half rack as well
i have mine over the rear end with the centre feet of the rack over the support between the back passenger doors and the rear window. Just gives a little extra support i think.
Remember weight loads on roof racks should be kept to a minimum.
Also they look heaps better at the rear than at the front lol
cheers
patrolman

FollowupID: 607909