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Hi all, thinking of getting ARB roof-rack for the GQ. Mainly for 2nd spare wheel and tyre, long handle shovelm maybe a bit of other light stuff, and also for mounting rear light for campsite.
As I tow a Tvan, plan is to cover some pretty remote and no doubt rough outback tracks over the next few years, so want something strong enough to survive. I get that steel can be welded up in the bush, but then it shouldn't have broken, right?
So what do you blokes use? Any suggestions?>
Cheers, Monty
A steel rack weighs +50kgs which is huge!! I have a full length Alloy and have never regretted it.
yep, aluminium all the way
I have a steel one on my GU - it was there when I brought it
meh - it does what it needs to do
holds my side & rear awnings
and I can throw crap on it when camping (fire wood etc)
if I was going to buy one - I would buy the ali one - weight alone makes it a no brainer, and if you damage it while "off the beaten track" well.................
This is my Alloy EBay rack fully loaded for Outback Touring. You just need to pack it smart and don't put all the weight in the middle.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...016/09/202.jpg
Note my 3 jerry cans are in a holder that spans to the edges. Yes I made it out of 19mm pine board. It's crossed the desert a couple of times and will last me a life time!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...016/09/203.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...016/09/204.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...016/09/205.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk cause AB turned it back on!!
Thanks for replies. I take the point about weight. I guess I wanted reassurance that the ali had sufficient strength. I would also hope that I didn't damage any rack, but wondered about bad corrugations etc.
Just need to decide if I really need a rack or not. Problem is fitting 2nd spare wheel/tyre. Not wanting to spend huge sum of money on rear tyre carriers as I have Stone Stomper attached to Tvan and I would rather have rack which gives more options for storage. I understand the overall weight limits and of course higher centre of gravity.
Quick question; how do rack users go about hauling spare wheel etc up an down off rack? Damn heavy stuff some of it.
Cheers
I carry a spare Tyre only in a roof bag. Tyre pliers.Quote:
Originally Posted by monty
You should be setting you TVan up with Nissan hubs and matching wheels then you have 2 spares already and a 3rd tyre on the roof for the win.
I did a tyre on my Madigan Line trip and fortunately used my spare. If I did a second tyre then I'd have swapped. As it was I got into Birdsville on the spare and paid $20 to have the carcass off the roof fitted to the spare rim. Winner.
both are great ideas for long distance remote touringQuote:
Originally Posted by MudRunnerTD
I have changed my Jayco to Nissan wheels for that same reason - extra spare
Hi Monty
I run the rhino platform and find it wery handy the mounting accessories are endless not cheap though
Had a full steel arb rack on my grenade. Took 3 of us with effort to put it up. I fitted up the alloy one on my 4.2, by my self.
So i don't know the weight figures, but i know the alloy one is heck of a lot lighter.
Have had my alloy one loaded up a fair bit with no issues.
Yell out if you need anything made I have heaps of designs to suit a Universal fit on a roof rack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kimbo63
As for a rack I have steel 3/4 chinese rack, not heavy as some make out
Ive chopped it to suit my needs,
If I was to buy new,,,, Id go for the alooy platform style rack
Yeah, it's bloody heavy, a biatch to fit it in. I've managed to fit the heavy thing on my own. I've got no memory on how I managed that. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by MudRunnerTD
Hi MudRunnerTd,
The Tvan has Nissan wheels/hubs as standard. Same size tyres as I'm running too (265/75R16). Have always carried two spares prior to getting Tvan as I always seem to get the odd puncture. So 3 spares now! But if leaving van and taking tent then I still need to carry two on/in car.
Then id be carrying a carcuss only as the 3rd spare.Quote:
Originally Posted by monty
Dont have a Platform but I do have 3 bars and and alloy tray, strong and versatileQuote:
Originally Posted by Kimbo63
maybe i'd better start going to the gym and doing weights.
Thanks for all suggestions. Food for thought.
Cheers
I've got a steel one and if your budget will extend a little would go the Ali one.