There are many advantages to fitting a roof rack on any vehicle. Roof racks not only boost the storage capacity of your vehicle but free up space inside for you and your passengers to enjoy. Roof racks are reliable and robust options for transporting heavier-duty or bulky equipment too, making them godsends for 4×4 owners in particular.
By adding a roof rack to your 4×4, you can increase the safety and versatility of your vehicle no-end. But, as you’ll discover when shopping for your roof rack, not all racks were created equal.
Roof racks come in a range of shapes, sizes and designs, which makes selecting the right product for your 4×4 a top priority. Your choice of material makes a huge difference too, with steel, alloy and even zinc popular in the manufacture of modern-day roof racks. An alloy roof rack is an excellent choice for 4x4s, in this blog post, we discover why…
It’s lightweight
One of the main benefits of choosing an alloy rack over other designs is its weight-saving capabilities. As every 4×4 driver knows, the weight of the vehicle matters, with this crucial factor influencing performance and safety.
An alloy roof rack is typically 30 to 50% lighter than a steel rack, and this can unlock several perks as 4×4 Australia details:
“The obvious advantage of alloy over steel is that it is lighter and, when it comes to roof racks, this has a couple of benefits. Firstly, every vehicle will have a rated maximum roof weight limit, so the lighter the roof rack, the more you’ll be able to put on it before you exceed this weight limit. Secondly, if you put too much weight up top, it will affect your vehicle’s centre of gravity.”
It’s environmentally friendly
With this lighter weight also comes lower environmental impact. Alloy racks don’t weigh heavy on the vehicle, which means you’ll experience less wear over time, increased fuel efficiency, and a smaller carbon footprint.
It’s durable
Despite their lightweight, alloy racks are among the strongest and most durable roof racks on the market. With most alloy products using high-density aluminium as their primary material and in some instances double walled channels, alloy racks are made for off-roading.
It’s rust resistant
The longevity of your roof rack is another vital consideration. Investing in a top-quality roof rack isn’t cheap after all – despite the great value offered right here at 4×4 Works – so ensuring your chosen roof rack goes the distance is essential.
An alloy rack offers fantastic corrosion resistance, which means it will not rust and you can enjoy your roof rack much, much longer. Alloy roof racks are built to last, with the powder coating found on premium alloy products like the Front Runner Slimline II Racks offering extra protection against the elements.
It’s low profile
The shape of your roof rack is important. If your roof rack is too bulky, you’ll experience significant drag and struggle to get your vehicle in and out of some pretty tight spots. Thankfully, alloy racks such as the Front Runner Slimsport Rack solve these problems with ease courtesy of their low profiles.
Sleek and form-fitted, this alloy rack is compact, ensures easy access even to lower clearance garages, and complements the wider aesthetics of your 4×4 vehicle. Its Wind Fairing feature also actively works to decrease drag and enhance your 4×4’s aerodynamics.
It’s customisable
Many alloy racks offer modular designs that can be as versatile and multi-functional as you need them to be.
Slats can be added to Front Runner Slimline II Racks for instance to create a complete platform. These can also be easily removed to guarantee an unobstructed view from your 4×4’s sunroof. The Slimsport is another alloy roof rack that can be customised to your exact needs thanks to a selection of gear combinations and accessory configurations.
Ready to realise the benefits of an alloy roof rack for yourself? Explore our range of roof racks today.
