What Roof Rack Accessories Do I Actually Need?

May 20, 2025

If you’ve already installed a roof rack on your vehicle, you’re halfway to unlocking its full potential. But to truly maximise functionality, safety and convenience, the right accessories can make all the difference. Whether you’re a tradie carrying tools, a weekend camper or a full-time adventurer, the question remains: what roof rack accessories do I actually need?

In this guide, we’ll break down the most essential roof rack accessories and help you decide which ones are worth investing in for your setup.

1. Ladder Rollers

If you’re in the trades and frequently transport ladders, a ladder roller is a must-have. It allows you to safely and easily load and unload ladders from the rear of your roof rack without scratching your vehicle or straining your back.

Best for: Electricians, plumbers, builders and anyone regularly carrying ladders or long equipment.

2. Tie-Down Points & Eye Bolts

Securing your load is essential, and tie-down points or eye bolts give you multiple anchor positions for ratchet straps, ropes, or bungee cords. They add flexibility and peace of mind when transporting bulky or irregular items.

Best for: Anyone carrying gear like timber, piping, camping equipment or rooftop tents.

3. Mesh Floor

A mesh floor can be added to flat-deck or platform-style racks to provide full surface coverage, allowing you to carry smaller items without them slipping through the gaps. It’s also ideal for muddy or wet gear.

Best for: Tradespeople, campers or anyone carrying loose or smaller items.

4. Wind Deflectors

Wind deflectors are often overlooked but incredibly valuable. They help reduce wind noise and drag, making your drive smoother and more fuel-efficient—especially at highway speeds.

At Tradesman Roof Racks, we include wind deflectors as standard on all roof racks – a feature many brands charge extra for.

5. Beacon Plate

If you’re required to use a warning or rotating light for work purposes (like on construction or council jobs), a beacon plate accessory gives you a safe and secure mounting point.

Best for: Work vehicles, fleet vehicles and government contractors.

6. Jerry Can Holders & Spare Wheel Mounts

For long-distance travellers and off-roaders, carrying extra fuel or a spare wheel is critical. Adding a jerry can holder or spare wheel mount to your rack ensures you’re prepared for anything.

Best for: 4WD touring, outback adventures, overlanders.

7. Light Mounts & Work Lights

Whether you’re setting up camp at night or working on a job site after hours, light mounts and LED work lights provide visibility and safety. They’re easy to wire into your vehicle’s existing electrical system and mount securely to your roof rack.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, tradies or anyone working in low-light conditions.

Do You Need Every Accessory?

Not necessarily. The right accessories depend on how you use your roof rack. Here are a few quick suggestions:

Use Case	Must-Have Accessories
Tradie Ute or Van	Ladder roller, tie-down points, beacon plate
4WD Adventurer	Spare wheel mount, jerry can holder, mesh floor
Camper/Tourer	Light mounts, wind deflector, mesh floor
Courier or Delivery	Tie-down points, wind deflector

Quality Accessories for Every Roof Rack

At Tradesman Roof Racks, we design and manufacture a full range of roof rack accessories built for Australian vehicles and conditions. All accessories are compatible with our custom and standard racks, and can be added at the time of purchase or later as your needs evolve.

Need help deciding? Our team is happy to recommend the best accessories based on your vehicle and setup.

Ready to Upgrade Your Roof Rack?

Explore our range of heavy-duty, Australian-made roof rack accessories and take your vehicle’s versatility to the next level. Whether you’re working, travelling or both – we’ve got you covered.