Preparing your 4WD for a serious Western Australian adventure requires meticulous planning and the right equipment. From deep sand tracks at Esperance to the harsh corrugations of the Gibb River Road to just a weekend camping trip down the coast, interior space for vehicles decreases rapidly. For a pleasant travel experience, it is important to move swags, recovery boards, solar panels and awnings to rooftops.
However, bolting cheap, low-quality crossbars to your vehicle is a recipe for disaster in the outback. The extreme vibrations of off-road touring can easily vibrate modular bolts loose, causing catastrophic structural failures. When comparing cargo solutions, you will require a solution which is strong enough but lightweight enough that you do not take up too much of your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Also, you have to have an aerodynamically efficient shape that will not blow your mind out on the long highway runs away from Perth.
To help you build the ultimate off-road touring rig, we have evaluated the top brands heavily trusted by local four-wheel drivers. Here are the best roof racks for overlanding that are guaranteed to survive the harshest Australian conditions.
1. Tracklander
When you are outfitting your 4WD for the brutal realities of the Western Australian outback, Tracklander sets the absolute gold standard for premium overlanding gear. Their design philosophy is built upon a very specific DNA: producing carriers that are stronger, quieter, lower, and lighter than the competition. For serious tourers who don't want any compromises, who want to know that they have absolute peace of mind, they are the best option available for you when you are hundreds of kilometres away from mobile coverage.
- Fully Welded Construction: Tracklander DNA dictates an always fully welded rack. They are infinitely stiff since they are welded in one piece (as opposed to modular systems that use dozens of bolts that can loosen under excessive corrugations).
- No Off-Road Derating: when your tires get off the pavement, most major brands take a drastic cut into their official weight capacity. With Tracklander, there is absolutely no reduction in load rating when going off-road, allowing you to carry your heavy gear into the bush safely.
- Aero-Dynamic and Quiet: They are always aiming for quietness. The racks are carefully designed to deflect the wind for maximum efficiency, reducing the wind howl that many traditional heavy-duty racks have.
- Versatile Ute Solutions: They offer a range of cabin fit solutions which go beyond the standard, including exceptionally high quality canopy roof racks that are engineered and fitted to maximise the storage space for your entire vehicle, which is perfect for any modern 4WD or Ute canopy.
2. Rhino-Rack
Rhino-Rack is one of the most recognizable names in the Australian 4WD accessory market, famous for popularizing the flat-deck modular platform. They make a great choice for recreational campers and weekend warriors who want a very flexible system, and a huge, readily accessible network of bolt-on accessories.
- Pioneer Platform: Their flagship modular Pioneer Platform allows you to slide accessories into built-in channels, making it incredibly easy to attach shovel holders, high-lift jacks, and recovery boards exactly where you want them.
- Vortex Bars: If you're only looking for basic crossbars, their Vortex line has specially designed rubber generating strips to specifically break the air flow and decrease wind drag.
- Dynamic Load Ratings: Note that their on-road and off-road load capacities should be carefully calculated – when you move off sealed roads to rough off-road conditions, you adjust their dynamic capacity.
- Lightweight Aluminum: Completely rust free and constructed from strong non-corrosive aluminum, the rack will not become heavy after years of driving on the coast.
3. ARB
ARB is a legendary powerhouse in the Australian 4WD industry, providing everything from bull bars to suspension upgrades. Their roof systems are much loved by those who specialize in outback touring and appreciate having everything from their vehicle fitted by a single reputable and popular brand.
- BASE Rack System: They have just added another new feature, the ultra-sleek, super-low mounting profile of the BASE Rack, which is extremely close to the roofline to significantly decrease wind resistance and increase the garage clearance.
- Dovetail Mounting: Abolishes all of the old sliding T-slots and replaces them with a new external dovetail extrusion. This enables to clamp loads and accessories quickly on the outside edge of the rack without sliding them down a track.
- Welded Crossbeams: To avoid flexing or bowing that is typical of bolted modular platforms, Welded Crossbeams run horizontally across the frame of the BASE Rack.
- Bed Rack Options: Provides specialized and very integrated carrying solutions to the tub of modern utilities, maximizing the vertical space over the tray.
4. Tradesman Roof Racks
Tradesman Roof Racks is a proudly Australian-made manufacturer known for building heavy-duty, highly utilitarian gear. As their name implies, these are perfect for tradespeople, fleet vehicles and hardcore tourers who don't need the flashy modern styling of a vehicle, but want to be able to lug heavy equipment around.
- Wedge-Tail Series: Innovative wedge at the front of the rack naturally diffracts the air over the load, thus minimizing noise on the highway.
- Welded Alloy and Steel: Fully welded frames in heavy-duty steel or oval alloy are both available for custom-built frames and offer maximum durability and lightness overall.
- Custom Fitments: Well-known for their capability to develop custom solutions for unique canopy dimensions, older cars, and business-specific vans.
- Mesh Floors: Traditional mesh floor options available with easy throwing of heavy items onto the roof and tie-down anywhere, such as swags, firewood, and jerry cans.
5. Yakima
Yakima originally built its massive reputation in the outdoor sports market, creating premium racks for kayaks, mountain bikes, and skis. Since then they've been aggressively moving onto the 4WD market with very rugged, stylishly aggressive platforms, designed specifically for modern dual cab utes and touring wagons.
- LockNLoad Platform: Features a heavy-duty, highly ruggedized platform with an aggressive, industrial design that looks fantastic on modern, angular 4WDs.
- East-West Slats: These slats run east-west and work just like the traditional crossbars making traditional sporting accessories such as bike racks and rooftop tents a breeze to mount.
- Corner Tie-Downs: Built in, heavy-duty tie-down points added to the corners of platform frame, instant anchor points for ratchet straps.
- Integrated Bottle Openers: In true outdoor lifestyle fashion, their heavy-duty corner caps often feature integrated bottle openers for ultimate convenience at the campsite.
What to Look for When Choosing a Roof Rack for Overlanding
The right choice of a cargo system will determine the safety and comfort of your vehicle in the Outback. When evaluating different brands, keep these highly critical technical factors in mind:
- Welded vs. Modular Construction: Modular racks offer great shipping convenience and flexibility, but they rely on dozens of bolts. Rough, bumpy dirt roads will eventually loosen bolts and will need to be regularly inspected and tightened throughout the journey. A fully welded rack can provide much greater long term structural reliability, and completely eliminates this failure point.
- Static vs. Dynamic Load Ratings: Never look at a single weight number. The "Static Rating" is the load that the rack can carry when standing still (important for heavy rooftop tents with occupants on board). The "Dynamic Rating" is the amount that it can move safely. Notably, many brands cut their dynamic ratings in half or more once you venture off of sealed roads. If you are heading into the bush, prioritize brands that do not derate their capacity for off-road use.
- Weight of the Rack: Every kilogram your roof rack weighs is a kilogram you cannot use for actual gear. A lot of your vehicle's legal payload can go into heavy steel racks. Never use light, low-strength materials such as steel or copper.
- Wind Noise: A bulky, poorly designed rack will whistle and howl at 110km/h, completely ruining the cabin experience on long highway drives. Check for brands that actively work to design the frame to run through the wind efficiently, with the lowest profile possible, as this will help to save energy.
Conclusion
When it comes to Western Australia, no modification is more essential to your 4WD than a high-quality roof rack. The equipment you select needs to withstand heavy amounts of UV heat, red dust and constant physical vibration when you're on the state's notorious dirt roads.
The key to having a successful overlanding build is to just get stuff which is going to actually help to solve problems that are not gonna make more problems. By prioritizing lightweight, low-profile designs that minimize wind noise, and insisting on robust, fully welded constructions that maintain their maximum load ratings regardless of the terrain, you ensure your cargo remains absolutely secure. With a top dollar, well designed roof rack, you can haul up your equipment, get out of the city, and head to the most remote and rewarding trails in the land.
