Roof Rack Accessories: Choose, Mount and Maintain Like a Pro

Roof rack accessories are essential for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle's storage capacity, especially in the context of off-road adventures, camping trips, or trade work. Limited cargo space can lead to gear being scattered inside the cabin, raising safety concerns and reducing comfort. Roof rack accessories are specialised add-ons that expand storage, enhance safety, and adapt a vehicle for off-road, camping, or trade tasks. This blog will provide specific product-selection advice and a purchase checklist, focusing on awning brackets, jerry can holder roof racks, shovel mounts, and hi-lift jack mounts.

Quick Benefits & ROI of Upgrading

• Maximise cargo volume.

• Keep hazardous items outside the cabin.

• Enable faster campsite setup.

• Protect the vehicle's interior.

• Increase resale value.

According to a study by Car & Driver, cargo boxes alone have seen a considerable sales growth over recent years, highlighting the trend towards maximising vehicle utility with roof rack accessories.

Core Categories of Roof Rack Accessories

2.1 Cargo Management

Cargo management accessories like baskets, cargo boxes, and load panels help to maximise storage space for all your luggage and gear, ensuring everything fits securely and safely on your vehicle's roof. This setup is ideal for carrying coolers, luggage, and items of unusual shapes.

2.2 Equipment/Tool Mounts

For transporting specific equipment such as bikes, kayaks, or professional gear like ladders, equipment/tool mounts provide secure attachment points. These mounts ensure that your equipment is stable and protected throughout the journey.

2.3 Off-Road & Recovery Gear

Off-road enthusiasts will benefit from mounting critical recovery gear like hi-lift jack mounts, shovel mounts, and recovery boards. These accessories ensure that you're prepared for any challenges that off-road environments may throw your way.

2.4 Camping Gear

Camping gear mounts, such as awning brackets and rooftop tents, simplify campsite setups while creating additional shelter and sleeping space, making outdoor adventures more comfortable and enjoyable.

Awning Brackets Deep-Dive

3.1 What are awning brackets?

Awning brackets are accessories used to mount awnings onto your vehicle's roof rack, providing instant shade and shelter at campsites or pit stops. They are a popular choice for enhancing the usability of your outdoor space.

3.2 Material & Corrosion Resistance

Choose awning brackets made of powder-coated steel or aluminium for optimal corrosion resistance and durability in various weather conditions.

3.3 Load Rating & Wind-Load Calculation

Ensure your chosen awning brackets can support the awning's weight, using the formula: Awning weight × 1.5 = minimum bracket static rating.

3.4 Compatibility Checklist

When selecting awning brackets, confirm compatibility with the rack's channel spacing, accessory slots, and slot nut sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

3.5 Quick-Comparison Table

Fixed vs Pivoting Brackets:
Fixed: Stable, simple design, but limited flexibility.
Pivoting: Offers versatile positioning but may require additional components for stability.

Jerry Can Holder Roof Rack Options

4.1 Why carry extra fuel/water?

Carrying extra fuel or water is crucial for extending your vehicle's range for long-distance travel and ensuring preparedness for emergencies during off-road adventures.

4.2 Horizontal vs Vertical Mounts

Select between horizontal and vertical jerry can holder roof rack mounts based on your vehicle's setup and space requirements. Single or dual can cages are available for different carrying needs.

4.3 Security Features

Look for jerry can holders with security features like locking straps, padlock tabs, and anti-rattle rubber buffers to prevent theft and movement during transit.

4.4 Safe Weight Distribution

For optimal balance, keep the weight on the roof rack at or below 15 kg per side and mount the can holders low and centred.

4.5 Legal Considerations

Familiarise yourself with fuel carriage regulations in your area, as outlined by the DOT guidelines, to ensure compliance and safety when transporting extra fuel.

Shovel Mount Best Practices

5.1 Reasons to Carry a Shovel

A full-size shovel is indispensable for self-recovery from sand, mud, or snow, ensuring fire safety, and undertaking campsite chores efficiently.

5.2 Types of Shovel Mounts

Select from quick-fist rubber clamps, locking sleeves, or multi-tool combo brackets, depending on your storage and access needs.

5.3 Installation Walk-Through

Install the shovel near the edge of the roof rack for easy accessibility, securing it with M8 bolts tightened to 18 Nm torque for stability.

5.4 Noise & Aero Tips

To reduce wind noise, install a low-profile fairing or foam spacer alongside the shovel mount.

Hi-Lift Jack Mount Essentials

6.1 Role of a Hi-Lift Jack

Hi-lift jacks are versatile tools used for lifting, winching, and clamping in off-road recovery scenarios, proving invaluable in tricky situations.

6.2 Mount Types

Consider options such as side-rail clamps, top-rack plates, or swing-away mounts to secure your hi-lift jack effectively.

6.3 Safety Checklist

Implement a pin-through handle design, secondary tie-downs, and a red flag on the exposed end for safety during transport.

6.4 Rapid-Deployment Design

Opt for mount designs that enable rapid deployment with thumb-screw or wing-nut releases in under 10 seconds.

6.5 Maintenance

Conduct monthly rust inspections and lubricate hinge pins to maintain your hi-lift jack mount's performance and longevity.

How to Choose Quality Roof Rack Accessories

7.1 Material Comparison Chart

Aluminium: Lightweight, highly resistant to corrosion, but less robust than steel.
Stainless Steel: Durable and corrosion-resistant but heavier and more expensive.
Mild Steel: Economical and strong, though it requires proper maintenance to prevent rust.

7.2 Match Accessory Weight to Rack Dynamic Load Rating

Understand the distinction between dynamic and static load ratings, as dynamic loads apply during vehicle movement, affecting accessory safety and durability.

7.3 Corrosion Protection

Consider anodising, powder-coating, or galvanising to extent the lifespan of your accessories, especially in harsh Australian conditions.

7.4 Brand Vetting

Evaluate brands based on ISO 9001 manufacturing standards, lifetime warranties, and user reviews to ensure product reliability.

7.5 Budgeting Tip

Allocate 15–20% of your vehicle's accessory budget to mounting hardware for a secure, long-lasting setup.

Installation & Safety Protocols

Follow a step-by-step universal installation procedure, including bolt size selection, torque settings, and the application of Loctite to prevent loosening. Regularly check the torque settings every 1,000 km to maintain secure mounts. Use tie-down strap angles between 45–60 degrees for optimal load security. Be mindful of driving dynamics due to the increased centre of gravity, which necessitates reducing speed by 10% on corners. Additionally, adhere to legal height restrictions of 13 ft 6 in in the US and 4 m in the EU.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care

Conduct monthly inspections using a checklist to ensure all components are present and functioning. Clean your accessories with a mild detergent and fresh-water rinse after beach trips to remove salt and debris. Annually re-apply anti-seize on stainless bolts to prevent corrosion. During off-season storage, remove fabric awnings and coat steel brackets with lanolin spray for protection.

FAQs

Can I mix aluminium and steel roof rack accessories? Mixing aluminium and steel accessories is possible; however, it requires appropriate isolation to prevent galvanic corrosion, ensuring long-term durability and performance.

What is the max weight for a jerry can holder roof rack? The maximum weight for a jerry can holder on a roof rack typically depends on the vehicle's specific rack dynamic load rating. Always keep the jerry can and holder's combined weight within this limit to ensure safety.

How do I stop my shovel mount from rattling? To prevent rattling, ensure a snug fit and consider adding rubber padding or foam spacers to absorb vibrations during travel, effectively reducing noise.

Are hi-lift jack mounts universal? Hi-lift jack mounts vary in design and not all are universal. Always verify compatibility with your rack system to ensure a secure and safe fit during operation.

Can I install roof rack accessories myself? Installing roof rack accessories can be a DIY task if you follow manufacturer instructions carefully. However, professional installation is recommended for complex setups to ensure safety and proper fitting.

Do roof rack accessories affect fuel efficiency? Yes, roof rack accessories can increase wind resistance and drag, potentially reducing fuel efficiency. Minimising usage when not needed and selecting low-profile designs can help mitigate these effects.

Conclusion

Investing in premium roof rack accessories significantly improves your vehicle's utility and safety for various tasks, whether embarking on off-road adventures, camping, or trade work. Thoughtful selection of awnings, jerry can holders, shovel mounts, and hi-lift jack mounts will enhance your travel and work experiences, ensuring you are well-equipped for all situations. By understanding your needs and vehicle capabilities, you can create a versatile and efficient setup tailored to your lifestyle pursuits.