Roof racks

A BASE Rack is ARB's low-profile platform style of roof rack. The wider range also includes steel and aluminium flat racks and cage racks, some with mesh floors, plus racks listed for canopies. Which style suits you depends on what you carry and how your vehicle is set up. Browse the range above, then ask us to narrow it down.

Not always. If everything fits inside the vehicle, a rack may not add much. A rack tends to make sense when you carry bulky or dirty gear you would rather keep outside the cabin, such as recovery equipment, spare wheels, camping gear or work equipment.

There is no single best type. Platform racks, flat racks and cage racks each suit different loads and tastes. Think about what you will carry, how you want to tie it down, and how much height and weight you are happy to add. We can talk through it with you.

Some racks are listed specifically for canopies, such as the MITS Alloy roof racks and a trade-style rack listed for the ARB Ascent canopy. Fitment depends on your canopy and vehicle, so tell us what you have and we will check.

Fitment depends on your make, model, year and roof type. Some racks are sold as kits with the mounting hardware for a set of vehicles, and others need a separate mounting kit. Send us your vehicle details and we will confirm what suits.

Size depends on your roof length and width, the space around accessories such as antennas and lights, and what you want to carry. As an example of the range, ARB roof rack and BASE Rack kits lists BASE Rack sizes from 1255 x 1155mm up to 2995 x 1445mm at the time of writing. Check current listings and confirm with us before you buy.

Some people do, but mounting and torque details matter, and a poorly fitted rack can come loose. If you want it fitted properly, talk to us about fitment. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Guard rails are accessories listed for BASE Racks that add a surround to the platform, which can help hold loads in. Ask us which suits your rack size and what you plan to carry.

There are two limits to respect: the rack's rated load and your vehicle's roof load limit, which is set by the vehicle manufacturer. You need to stay within the lower of the two, and remember that the weight of the rack itself counts. Check your vehicle handbook and the rack's specifications. This is general information, not engineering advice.

Keep heavy items low and as close to the centre of the rack as you can, tie everything down securely, and check the load regularly on long trips. Loads on the roof raise the vehicle's centre of gravity, so drive to suit, especially on rough tracks.

It can. Extra weight up high and extra frontal area can affect handling, wind noise and fuel use, and your overall height changes, so watch for low clearances such as car parks and garages. A low-profile rack and a sensible load keep the effect smaller.

Often, but it depends on the specific rack, the accessory and the load rating, so we do not assume. Tell us what you want to mount and we will check it against the rack you are considering.