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Aftermarket roof racks may not be the Ford Ranger’s most exciting accessories, but they’re guaranteed to be among the smartest investments a Ranger owner can make when it comes to maximising carrying space. That’s because in spite of a Ranger’s base cargo bed space of 1.50 m³ and interior space of 2.7 m³, an owner can still find themselves facing a capacity deficit, especially if they’re thinking about going off road.
The fact is, it only takes a weekend worth of camping, hiking, or surfing gear to run out of cargo space with a Ranger. Fortunately, with an impressive GVWR of 2744 kg, Rangers aren’t as limited by weight as they are by space. That makes looking into a roof rack a move that makes perfect sense.
Roof Racks Eliminate the Ford Ranger’s Cargo Carrying Deficit
Let’s be honest: it doesn’t matter how a Ranger is used, there’s a chance that the owner has lamented their lack of carrying space at least once. That’s why the demand for top quality aftermarket Ford Ranger roof racks continues to pick up momentum. Whether it’s transporting building materials to a job site or party materials out to a campsite, roof racks are a sensible solution for moderate but appreciable increases in cargo capacity.
They allow Ranger owners to tap into unused storage space, but without resorting to a costly tray and canopy combination that’s nearly impossible to maximise. Roof racks have evolved beyond the heavyweight steel, and steel/wood crossbar-style accessories they’re historically associated with. Instead of being just accessories, today’s aftermarket Ford Ranger roof racks are recognised as extensions of a vehicle’s aerodynamic and performance profile. That’s why new Ford Ranger roof rack systems are measured by a range of functional characteristics that include:
- Superior strength. Unlike old school steel racks, modern aluminium roof rigs won’t rust, and are durable enough to endure the kinds of heavy loads that Rangers are more than capable of hauling.
- Light weight. Boasting tubing diameters up to 32 mm, an aluminium Ford Ranger rack typically weighs 30 -50% less than a steel rig, making it the perfect complement to a Ranger’s 80 kg dynamic, and 350 kg static roof load limit.
- Full-sized capacity. With dual and extra cab Ranger racks measuring up to 1250 mm x 1350 mm, they combine large cargo capacities with the ability to easily centre a load for optimal stability.
- Increased cost efficiency. Aftermarket roof racks typically cost 50% less than factory racks, with the added benefit that their lower weight and profile helps reduce engine wear and fuel consumption.
- Uncommon flexibility. A solidly constructed and mounted aftermarket roof rack makes an ideal base for a range of bolt-on accessories like cargo pods and luggage racks, as well as lightbars and antenna brackets.
Ideally, with a low profile Ranger roof rack owners have a framework that’s just as effective as a camper bed platform as it is a tradie cargo carrier. No matter what, owners never need to be at a deficit on carrying space. And when it comes to completeness, rigs for Rangers are also some of the most comprehensive racks systems on the market.
Comprehensive Ranger Roof Kits Help Simplify Mounting
Unlike previous generations of aftermarket roof racks, today’s premium quality Ford Ranger roof rack kits include everything an owner needs to get their rig professionally assembled and mounted. It’s an indication of how well engineered these turnkey rack systems are, even when compared with factory roof rack and rail systems. Regardless of whether they’re flat platform, tradesman-type, or cage-type rigs, superior designed aluminium Ford Ranger roof racks for sale leave nothing to chance, and consist of a core of components that include:
- 25 mm – 32 mm diameter tubing with 2 mm wall and plate thicknesses;
- Reinforced dual mounting crossbars with multiple internal crossbars;
- Zinc-plated and high grade powder-coated steel mounting brackets; and,
- 60 mm x 60 mm aluminium mesh flooring with 6 mm thicknesses.
And when it comes to the aerodynamic advantages offered by an aftermarket roof rack, Ford Ranger roof rigs with sidewalls and wind deflectors are integral to the big vehicle’s stability. No matter if the rack is fully loaded or empty, the improved airflow of a deflected roof rack helps reduce flexing and increase driver comfort.
The Importance of Weight When Loading Roof Racks
While roof racks can add a whole new dimension of carriage and performance to the Ranger’s capabilities, there are a few key aspects of cargo loading that need to be followed to get the fullest benefit of what they have to offer. This is especially true in Australia where, even though roof racks are legal, the rules on loading and cargo securing need to be considered. Even when it comes to roof rack for Ford Ranger dual and extra cabs, weight is arguably the biggest concern. That’s why owners always need to be sure that they’re adhering to the basics of rooftop cargo loading, including:
- Ensuring that the weight of the cargo is within the rack’s specified limit;
- Ensuring that the combined weight of the cargo and the rack are within the Ranger’s roof limit; and,
- Ensuring that the weight in the rack is properly centred to maintain the Ranger’s balance.
Spreading the cargo out evenly across the rack, along with keeping it within the boundaries of the rig, is crucial to safe roof rack transport. And as the leading edge of the cargo essentially forms the roof’s streamline, cargo fastening and securement are also vital to preventing sudden cargo shifting and weight imbalances.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, Ranger owners don’t have to be at a cargo capacity deficit. Their heavyweight carrying capacity means that they have an easy, built-in option that’s directly above an owner’s head. Top quality aftermarket Ranger racks offer every advantage an owner needs to increase their capacity, without undertaking a costly tray conversion. It’s an investment that pays an instant dividend.
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