There’s no doubt Aussies love to travel, often loading their vehicles to the brim without much thought about available space. It’s a familiar sight: squeezing in every necessity into the car boot, occasionally leaving behind something crucial. That’s where the need for extra storage space arises, especially for longer trips and camping adventures. But what’s the solution? For those hesitant about towing a trailer, roof racks provide a more convenient and secure alternative, regardless of the size of your vehicle, offering passengers some much-needed breathing room.

Choosing Between a Platform or Basket Style Rack

Roof racks come in two primary configurations: flat platforms and roof baskets. They come in various sizes, accommodating a wide range of vehicles, from substantial 4WDs like the 300 Series LandCruiser to compact SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny. If you’re in the market for your first roof rack and find yourself torn between a platform and a basket, let’s explore the differences…

Platform Roof Racks

Platforms sit flush on the crossbars, seamlessly blending with the vehicle’s roof. They are perfect for carrying elongated items like canoes or kayaks without interference from additional rails. Roof platforms excel in safely securing bulkier objects such as extended ladders, shovels, hi-lift jacks, or anything weighty. These items are tethered down to mounting tracks running the length of the platform. The longer the platform, the more anchoring points it provides, assuring your cargo remains steadfast regardless of your speed or location. Platforms also offer a lower profile, reducing wind resistance and facilitating smoother city driving, especially when navigating low-roofed car parks.

Basket Style Roof Racks

Roof baskets are designed to transport smaller items such as gas bottles, swags or anything prone to shifting during transit if not adequately secured. Baskets come with added side rails, enabling efficient organisation of smaller cargo without the risk of items slipping off the sides. Baskets cater to both tradies and campers, with the side rails accommodating accessories like awnings, tents, screens and lights.

It’s worth noting that roof baskets or cages may add some height to your vehicle, which is essential to consider if your vehicle is particularly tall. You might experience slightly more wind noise at higher speeds, but most baskets like the Tradesman and Wedgetail range are equipped with front wind deflectors to mitigate this issue. Just be cautious of those overhead safety bars when loading up on supplies before your journey.

Tradesman roof racks can be customised to suit your needs. Basket, platform or even tent style, we offer them all. Contact our sales team to order yours today.