b" Insurance ROOF RACKSThe first shall be last more than static loads. So we know that Loadingthe roof of your vehicle can hold a lot Its a good idea to streamline your loadWe all love a good roof rack (well ok, I more than the load rating, because that as best you can. Tapering the loaddo). So they ruin the streamlined shape rating takes into account hitting bumps profile from front to rear is beneficial. Aof your vehicle, increase fuel consump- and other stressful forces that take place wind deflector at the leading edge of thetion and can affect vehicle stability. when driving. This does not mean there rack could improve the aerodynamicsTheres also the fall factor when climbing is room to move when loading up your and a hard or soft cover will also aidup on top to load and unload stuff: more roof rack, for every extra kg added you streamlining as well as offer weatherthan one good man has fallen from a roof could be effectively adding 5-6 kgs of protection.rack. But at the end of the day (generally stress onto your vehicle. You should Its vital that anything in a roof rack isjust before you are about to head off) never exceed the manufacturers roof strapped down so that it cant work loosewhatever you cant fit inside gets load ratings.and fall off. Gas bottles are notoriouslychucked on top! .but heres the thing, It is very important to note that the roof difficult to strap down. They need to sit inits vital you know how much is too much. load rating includes the weight of the mounting rings or chocks, so they cantRoof racks range from the simple cross- rack. Some of the full-length steel racks wander around on the rack floor. Nonbars attached to your roof rails (you do Ive seen exceed many vehicles roof stretch ratchet straps are good forhave roof rails dont you?) to complex loadswithout anything else on them! clamping-down gas bottles. Things likewelded basket structures that bolt If you know the weight of your roof rack folding chairs and tables are easier todirectly to your roof (like my ARB deluxe you simply subtract that amount from the secure if theyre stowed inside canvasaluminium roof rack). roof load rating to get the rack payload bags.What you choose will depend on the figure youre allowed It is also very important that the attach-type of vehicle you have and what you For example, if the rack weighs 40kg ment screws are checked for tension asneed the rack to do. and the roof load rating is 100kg, you they can work loose when driving overThe starting point is your vehicles roof can stow up to 60kg on it. rough or corrugated tracks. Looseload capacity: its listed in most vehicle Racks are ideal for light stuff that won't screws result in damaged threads at besthandbooks. Most 4WD vehicles have have too much effect on your 4WD's and a departed roof rack at worst. very limited roof load capacity and centre of gravity. Swags and tents are If you are considering fitting a roof rackaround 70 kg and up to 100 kg being bulky rather than heavy and rain and to your 4WD or are about to load up yourtypical. These limits are static load dust won't damage a well packed tent on existing one, think carefully about whatweights but are based on dynamic a roof rack. If your roof rack is carrying a you plan to put up there. It might be bestconditionswhilst driving the car. It tent, poles, folding camping chairs and if it is the first thing you load and whattakes into account vehicle handling, table, an unmounted spare tyre, empty cant put up top can go inside. rollover risk and dynamic loading. jerry cans and a couple of small gas Enjoy the journey!Dynamic loads can be significantly bottles, it's probably full.CGUInsurance LimitedABN 27 004 478 37128 MARCH2022 TRACKWATCH"