When you’re preparing your vehicle for remote touring, having the right roof rack setup can make all the difference. A well-designed touring roof rack not only increases cargo capacity but also improves functionality, efficiency and safety on long journeys. Whether you’re heading into the Victorian High Country, tackling the Simpson Desert or simply exploring your local tracks, the right accessories can transform your roof rack into a practical, organised and adventure-ready system.

At Tradesman Roof Racks, we build Australian-made roof racks designed to handle tough touring conditions. Once your rack is installed, it’s time to customise it to suit how you travel. Here are the top roof rack modifications for touring setups that will elevate your next trip.

1. Wind Deflector

A wind deflector (or wind fairing) is one of the most underrated upgrades for tourers. It reduces wind resistance and cabin noise, improving comfort on long drives. Increased aerodynamics can also help improve fuel efficiency, especially when carrying bulky gear like swags, jerry cans and recovery boards.
Tradesman Roof Racks include a wind deflector as standard, ensuring a quieter and more stable touring experience.

2. Rear Rollers for Easy Loading

Loading and unloading heavy touring equipment such as swags, toolboxes or jerry cans can be challenging without the right support. A rear roller makes the process much smoother and safer by reducing friction and providing controlled movement when sliding gear on and off the rack. Tradesman offers single and double roller brackets compatible with most racks for easy access.

3. Awning Brackets

Touring often means setting up shelter quickly in unpredictable weather. Roof-mounted awning brackets allow you to attach a camping awning directly to your rack, giving you instant shade or rain protection while setting up camp or stopping for lunch.

4. Light Mounts & Beacon Plates

Visibility on remote roads is essential. Adding light mounts or beacon plates allows installation of work lights, spotlights or beacons for improved safety and practicality during night-time setups or roadside stops. Tradesman’s beacon plates fit multiple light types and are easy to bolt on.

5. Mesh Flooring

If you’re carrying loose or smaller items, adding a mesh floor provides a stable and secure base, stopping gear from falling through the crossbars. It’s ideal for storing lightweight equipment, firewood, or tarps and helps keep your load organised.

6. Accessory Mounts for Tools

Touring requires easy access to recovery gear. Dedicated mounts for shovels, high-lift jacks, traction boards and gas bottles keep equipment securely locked and ready for use. Quick-release brackets save time when you need tools in a hurry.

Build the Ultimate Touring Setup with Tradesman Roof Racks

Roof rack modifications can dramatically improve the efficiency, safety and enjoyment of your touring adventures. By tailoring your rack to your needs, you’ll spend less time unpacking and reorganising, and more time exploring the great outdoors.

Whether you need a fully customised roof rack or accessories to upgrade your current system, Tradesman Roof Racks provides Australian-made solutions built to last.

Ready to customise your roof rack for touring?

Explore our accessories range or get in touch to build a setup that suits your next adventure.