Unlocking Your Hilux’s Potential: High-Quality Roof Racks for Every Need

As impressive as Toyota’s mighty Hiluxes are, roof racks give them a new level of functionality. Trays are useful additions, but they don’t offer the cargo-carrying volume or flexibility that a premium-grade roof rack can, especially when you’re transporting long, or irregular items.

For busy tradies and craftsmen, a roof rack is added capacity for DWV pipes, lengthy cuts of timber, or a ladder; and for active off-roaders and campers, it’s the ideal storage platform for a spare tyre, a surfboard, or a kayak. The fact is, there may just be times when you don’t want the inconvenience of sharing valuable cabin or canopy space with excess cargo: these are the moments when roof racks really demonstrate their value.

Hilux Roof Racks Make Overhead Transport Practical

Let’s face it: when you consider all the accessories that are available for Toyota’s most distinguished lineup of all-terrain torchbearers, roof racks for Hilux 4x4s are not only one of the most common, but they’re also one of the most useful. Whether it’s transporting plywood for a DIY project, or boxes of cable conduit to the job site, roof racks provide a sensible overhead transportation alternative when cargo space is at a premium. Roof racks don’t create more space, but they allow you to take full advantage of the free overhead space that you already have; and that’s an option you don’t want to miss out on, especially if a trailer or other long bed solutions aren’t practical.

Aluminium Roof Racks Give You the Overhead Advantage for Any Occasion

Although you’re not likely to see dramatic differences between the various types of aftermarket Hilux roof racks, you need to be aware that not all racks are made from the same material. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium tubing paired with steel mounting brackets is preferred over all-steel racks for a number of reasons, including:

• Strength. Aluminium racks are durable enough to withstand heavy tradie workloads, as well as the jarring bumps and flexing that they’d receive on tough off-road adventures.
• Weight. Aluminium Toyota Hilux roof racks can weigh as much as 30 – 50% less than their steel counterparts, giving them a clear advantage when you’re accounting for the Hilux’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), and its 75 – 100kg roof load limit.
• Capacity. With some of the largest Toyota Hilux roof rack platforms measuring 1350mm x 1250mm, an aluminium unit not only makes managing the Hilux’s overhead weight distribution easier, it also allows you to fine-tune your centre of gravity.

With their combination of strength and low profile styling, a properly fitted and bolted-on roof rack is an accessory that you can take advantage of, no matter how you use your Hilux. It’ll serve you just as well on the urban front as it will in the outback, and a matching set of Hilux side steps will help make loading and unloading your rack an effortless endeavour.

Rigid Construction Makes the Perfect Platform for Cargo, and More

The Hilux’s “unbreakable” reputation doesn’t leave any question as to just how sturdy their aftermarket accessories are expected to be. That means materials are only the beginning when it comes to high-quality Hilux roof rack construction.

Starting with either 25mm or 32mm diameter tubing, and boasting no less than 2mm wall and plate thicknesses, heavy-duty Toyota Hilux roof racks for sale are permanently bolted into position using reinforced under-roof mounting plates, and feature:

• Multiple internal crossbar tube supports;
• Doubled crossbars to mounting plates for added rigidity; and,
• Combination tube, and 6mm aluminium mesh flooring.

These rugged Hilux roof platform racks also come in either flat, Tray-type configurations, or in Tradesman-type configurations with sidewalls and wind deflectors. Both offer the same firm stability though, and are sturdy enough to support a wide range of permanent, and semi-permanent 4×4 accessories, including:

• Light bars and spotlights;
• Cargo pods and luggage boxes; and,
• Awning, and tent brackets.

Crossbar Brackets Offer a Clamp-on, Roof Rack Alternative

While the platform-style roof racks for Toyota Hilux are their most popular overhead carrying choice, aluminium roof crossbar brackets are another option that shouldn’t be overlooked. These ultra-lightweight crossbar sections are sold in pairs, extend lengthwise across the Hilux’s roof, and are clamped firmly between the door jamb and roof channels.

Unlike permanently installed roof racks, Hilux crossbars don’t require any drilling and are key-locked into position once they’re mounted to prevent theft or inadvertent slippage. There’s no risk of water leaks or structural damage with crossbar brackets as a result of either load stress or body flexing, and they’re easy to remove when not in use.

Understanding the Rules When It Comes to Safe Overhead Loading

Regardless of the style of rack system you prefer, it’s important to remember that not only does your roof rack need to comply with the safety standards specified by Australia Standards (AS) 1235-2000 for Roof Load Carriers, but also with state regulations for allowable load dimensions, overhang, and securement. Nets, tie-down straps, and even tarps are essential for preventing the slippage or dislodgement of cargo that isn’t directly attached to the rack; but there’s one safety factor that’s more important than the others: weight.

Weight, and more specifically, weight distribution, is critical for maintaining your Hilux’s centre of gravity; in addition to making sure that your cargo is properly positioned on the platform, you also need to:

• Verify that your cargo’s weight is within the rack manufacturer’s limit;
• Ensure that the combined weight of your cargo and rack don’t exceed the Hilux’s roof limit; and,
• Confirm that the combined loaded carrier weight doesn’t affect your Hilux’s GVM.

You also want to take into account that carrying cargo on a roof rack also has an effect on your Hilux’s aerodynamics. That’s why along with placing heavier cargo at the bottom of the rack, you also want to position smaller items of cargo towards the front: this will help preserve the Hilux’s aerodynamic envelope as well as ensure its stability at all times.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, while no ute owner ever expects to find themselves facing a cargo capacity deficit, it can still happen. Fortunately, however, your Hilux has an entire overhead cargo area that Toyota has already calculated to be used, but it has to be done safely.

High-quality roof racks for Hilux utes give you the ability to put your excess cargo space to valuable use anytime you need it. It’s the perfect cargo-carrying solution for either on or off-road usage, and it’s just as unbreakable as your Hilux is.