roofracks - steel vs alloy

Tom
We have an ARB 2 x 1 meter steel roof basket on our pajero. It weighs 45 to 50 kgs, which is my main problem with it. It is awkward to lift onto the car, and in fact the local shop says that the best way is to suspend it from the carport and drive under and lower it down in position. Unfortunately we don't have a carport.

Its very sturdy, but I think I would look at an aluminium one next time around. The more weight you have up high (both gear and the rack) adds to the risk of roll-over. The rack is rated to 150kg, but I dont know about the sills. There is a load spreading bar that the supports sit on that is supposed to minimise damage to the sills.

Regards
Ross

I've used both. Would go for alloy because of weight and durability. Steel racks will eventually rust leaving a mess on your roof.

If you have a choice between the two, alloy would normally be the better, as the weight will be significantly less. This will cause less change in the Centre of Gravity of the vehicle with the rack unloaded and loaded. However, bear in mind that alloy is harder to repair than steel, so if the rack breaks somewhere out the back of beyond, the local roadhouse or other settlement may not have a MIG welder to fix it for you!

Bill

Tom dont know about l/cruiser but l/r disco only has warrenty cover off road to a max 30 kilo of weight carried on roof. .I have alloy rack light and strong no problems
good travelling
tim