Utes are highly versatile and functional vehicles used across Australia for various purposes. Be it for farming, as a towing vehicle or to support your trade, a ute is able to fit into any of these use case scenarios. But what makes utes even more versatile than they are is the use of canopies.

Adding this simple yet practical accessory helps keep items at the back protected from the elements and safe from prying eyes. You can get canopies made of different materials and thus usable with other accessories. Canopies made of metal can be used together with roof racks to build on the functionality they offer.

Types of Roof Racks

Basket

The most usable canopy roof rack when it comes to both driving on and off the road, is a canopy roof basket. This type of roof rack comes with a solid platform and railing that helps ensure your items stay in place even on the most challenging terrain. Basket canopy roof racks for sale allow you to secure your gear and equipment but provide easy access at the same time.

Bars

Roof bars are quite literally two bars on the roof of your canopy placed on each side along the length of the canopy. This is the simplest solution you can get but also the most versatile one in terms of the luggage you can have up top. You just won't have the same level of security as with a canopy roof basket.

Cage

With a roof cage, you get the utmost level of security as you have your gear and equipment protected from not just the sides but also the top of the roof rack. Roof cages are the most expensive of the three but they are also the ones that will make you go through any terrain and vegetation carefree. Just make sure that you get the right size rack that fits your canopy and can be supported by said canopy.

What Matters in a Roof Rack

Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing canopy roof rack systems is their load capacity. The more weight they can withstand the heavier the gear you can place atop your ute but keep in mind that in order for that to be the case, the canopy itself needs to be able to support all that weight plus the weight of the rack.

Size

The size of the canopy determines the size of the roof rack you can get no matter the type you go for. The larger your canopy the larger the roof rack but that doesn't necessarily mean you should go for the largest roof rack as it will probably weigh the most and your canopy may not be able to support it. Make sure to have the strength of the canopy and the weight of the roof rack match, otherwise, you'll make your ute unsafe.

Mounting

The way you mount canopy roof rack systems can vary and thus it's important to be aware of the mounting system your roof rack has. Some can be compatible with the roof of your canopy while others won't. A compatible system is a reliable one and usually one from the same manufacturer fits best.

Material

It's best that you go for roof racks made of either steel or aluminium. Plastic ones do exist but they are not as secure or as durable under heavy loads. Steel is the strongest material and thus makes for roof racks that can bear the most weight but it also makes for heavy roof racks. Aluminium roof racks are lightweight yet strong but not as strong as steel ones, however, they are good for general use.

Benefits of Roof Racks

Space

The most obvious benefit from canopy roof racks for sale is the amount of space they offer that isn't in the way of passengers or your tools and equipment. You get to free up space that would otherwise fill the rear seats or the bed and you still get to bring more gear with you than before. Just make sure that the items you put up top are weatherproof.

Security

With a roof rack, you get an extra level of security with your luggage as not only is it placed higher up, but it can also be secured to the platform with a lock. If you go for roof bars that is still the case but the number of items you can use locks on is quite limited. You also won't have to worry about any of your items falling off as long as you secure them on the rack properly no matter how bumpy the path is.

Convenience

It's just a lot more convenient to store items that won't be affected by the elements in an area that is easily accessible with a canopy on. Roof racks are also simple to install and don't make it cumbersome to find what you need as everything is in view, even if you go for a roof cage.