Roof racks

[02-SR5]

Looking at alternatives to my current roof rack setup.

I currently have have the heavy duty Rhino cross bars and the mesh base bolted down. It fits in the garage, but, Christ it is noisy and you can see the fuel gauge working overtime.

The other option is replacing with their new series where they use alloy planks held together by plastic. The feet are attached to alloy cross bars, but the cross bars are attached using pop rivets.

I have attached a picture of the second option. I am a big fan of the current set up of cross bars ant the mesh rack, just not the noise or additional fuel economy.

[old Jack]

Hi Rob,
I have fitted a Wincheater rack 1320mm long x 1165mm wide with 6 grab-feet and no spacers to OE rails. Difficult to fit due to grab-feet require access from underside to insert and tighten bolts, needed a 1/4 drive 10mm socket held in a pair of small vise grips (can not use a ring spanner or a normal ratchet due to lack of clearance) or a slimline flex handle 1/4 drive ratchet (Snap-On), piece of cardboard to protect roof, lots of dexterity and patience. Am I happy with it ? Yes, considering the cost $900! I was going to build a custom alloy rack myself but it was going to cost more by the time I brought components, alloy extrusion and paid for welding. Rack only carries 4 x Maxtrax's, spare tyre (no rim), 2 x camp chairs, tent canvas & groundsheets and a shovel, to keep to my 60kg self imposed total limit including the 12kg rack.
I have had no issues, the rack has been used loaded as above for about 25,000km and about half is off road.

There are these threads;
http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...etah+roof+rack
http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...of+rack&page=4






cheers, old Jack.

[wasarangie]

I am also a fan of the basket setup. At highway speed with the heavy duty rhino bars the noise would drown out the MTZ tyres. I have since changed to the Pro Rack Wisp bars. There is a large difference in the noise level. Now the tyres are the main noise, but I can live with that. The fact that my Challenger is not a daily drive helps.

[old Jack]

Some more photos of the Windcheater rack

Side view, roof narrows at rear so you are limited how wide a rack you can fit.


Front set back, rear is the same distance.


Rear "Quick Fist" with locator bolt that goes through the steel ferrule of the shovel blade to stop it from rotating.


Forward "Quick Fist" grip for shovel handle.

[Tombo89]

I just picked up a rhino xtray in the large size. The wind noise with this tray is next to nothing and I have it fitted with genuine mm cross bars. However i am thinking about changing to something along the lines of the prorack whispbars to keep it lower, making access to the many underground carparks in my area a little easier. The rack itself seems sturdy and is very light for its size.

[Tombo89]

[garycromp]

Hello old jack I was just wondering where you got your rack from, I like the racks you have and I live in Adelaide and would like to take a closer look at them, I am a bit restricted for height under my carport and think this might be a better option. What did they cost? Cheers gary

[TheWall]

I have the 1800 rhino platform and rate it for noise but it has added some drag so I pay for it at the bowser. Very easy to fit accessories such as shovel holder, awning, fuel and tyre carriers etc. it is also light so I hang it from the garage ceiling when not in use (just above the car so easy to put back on ha ha). I have some pics somewhere....

[mr gus]

hi old Jack,

Hope this isn't going off topic or hijacking the thread,

Given the difficulty in putting the windcheetah rack on I assume it is left up there permanently?

Do you notice much wind noise or an increase in fuel consumption?,
The rack certainly looks neat and functional.

cheers

gus

[garycromp]

Can the basket be mounted directly to the roof rails or do you need the roof bars? Without the roof bars it would save me 2inches in height, so that could mean a 2inch lift and the overall height of the vehicle wouldn't change.

[Coleman]

Has anybody got the arb roof rack. I am interested in any thoughts you guys have or any recommendations

[Tombo89]

Can the basket be mounted directly to the roof rails or do you need the roof bars? Without the roof bars it would save me 2inches in height, so that could mean a 2inch lift and the overall height of the vehicle wouldn't change.

Gary, if you are referring to the x tray no it has to be mounted to cross bars. But i am looking at a set of these (see below) as it will sit flush with the roof rails.

See option 1
http://www.whispbar.com.au/findmycar

[Kingbrown]

I have the ARB rack with a full surround, but it's not yet installed due to the need to remove the roof lining

Once the honeymoon period has worn off (whenever that may be ), I'll mount the rack - only for carrying bulky stuff on extended trips.

[BMChallenger]

Gary, if you are referring to the x tray no it has to be mounted to cross bars. But i am looking at a set of these (see below) as it will sit flush with the roof rails.

See option 1
http://www.whispbar.com.au/findmycar

I have 3 whispbar HD cross bars on their way, just have the tech measuring to see if we can put T17 instead of T16 that are a bit longer!

Mounted on this will be a ProRack rook basket with extension...

also getting some accessories to hold bits and pieces.

The whispbar are really strong and great product would recommend to anyone. my brother runs a pair on his hilux too.

[Tombo89]

I have 3 whispbar HD cross bars on their way, just have the tech measuring to see if we can put T17 instead of T16 that are a bit longer!

Mounted on this will be a ProRack rook basket with extension...

also getting some accessories to hold bits and pieces.

The whispbar are really strong and great product would recommend to anyone. my brother runs a pair on his hilux too.

Thanks BM im pretty sure i will go with the whispbars. How will the HD whispbar be fitted. Is it using the flush mount which clips onto the rails and has the crossbar sitting level with them or will it mount across the top of the rails raising the overall height of the car slightly?

Any pics you could post up when you have them fitted would be really helpful in deciding what to go for.

Cheers
Tom