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The new VW Amarok has just hit Australian shores. With solid underpinnings, familiar engines, and a completely reworked interior, it promises to take on its Ford Ranger stablemate on which it’s based, and bestsellers like the Toyota Hilux in the hotly contested ute segment. The car is a whole new package, bigger in every dimension, and better in every way than the predecessor. There’s more safety tech, refined road manners, and improved comfort. And unique options not available anywhere else, such as the same 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine ripped directly from a Ford Mustang if you’re intent on burning some rubber. All the good parts are still there, such as the class-leading tub, frugal yet pokey engines, and that distinguishable VW styling.
Both the old and new cars benefit from practical niceties like Amarok roof racks if you’re filling the ute to the brim on your next bush or beach getaway, or packing it with necessities for work. The parts are readily available, easy to install, reasonably inexpensive and almost double the available space. Roof racks are offered for all Amarok cab styles, in quite a few designs to fit items of different sizes, and durable materials that last in bad weather. And they won’t put a blemish on the car’s good looks, fitting seamlessly with the neat design.
Why Have a Roof Rack on Your Amarok?
The Amarok does have some of the biggest tubs (fitting a Euro or standard pallet easily), but there’s just so much you can fit in a ute tub. Bigger items, ranging from bulky sporting gear like kayaks and surfboards or building materials and accessories such as timber planks or plasterboard will have a hard time fitting, or not juggling around at every speed bump. Racks then do two basic things – they carry bigger and longer gear and secure it so there’s no damage or potential accidents.
This also plays into related purposes of roof racks. Having items of varying shapes and weights organised between tubs and roof racks not only means you can carry more gear, but you can also reduce safety risks. There’s no compromised visibility out the back, and the optimised weight distribution means equal traction in all tyres, even on looser surfaces. Moreover, racks are often used for items with sharp edges or awkward shapes that would likely scrape boot liners or dirty and damage the interior, mostly the seats and door trims. Lastly, having equipment sitting atop a decent VW Amarok roof rack makes access to necessary items (spare tyres, jerry cans, ladders, tools etc) quicker and simpler.
Which Type Suits Your Needs
There are subtle but important differences between rack designs and how they fit your ute. Generally utes like the Amarok benefit from higher carrying capacity with roof rails running along the roof with mounting hardware securing them against door jambs or integrated rain channels. The other option is using crossbars sitting across the cab roof and securing an attached rack.
With mounting systems sorted, another factor is the different designs and sizes. Popular options are basket-style racks with a mesh or solid base in an open layout and raised sidebars, much like a basket or cage. These are good for various items of medium sizes, from spare tyres, camping gear, tools boxes or sporting equipment. They use lower channel mounting systems to ensure gear stays put at higher speeds, and there’s reduced wind resistance. Similar in mounting are flat platform racks with integrated crossbars for heavier loads. These are meant for extra-long items and are often paired with tub mounts and transform into longer tradesmen variants.
Other options are aero racks, with lower profiles sitting closer to the roofline and minimising drag and resultant noise, and canopy racks welded directly onto canopy roofs. The latter have some of the highest loading capacities but do need a decently-appointed canopy.
What to Look For
Choosing suitable Amarok roof racks means taking into account several factors. Consider your cab type to ensure rack sizes (dual cab types round out at 1350mm long and 1250mm wide), the weight and size of what you’ll usually be carrying, and where you’ll be using the ute. Besides sizes, also consider:
- Maximum loading capacity – well-built metal racks comfortably outpace the Amarok’s 100-kilo roof loading. That’s not to say you can carry items heavier than this without the risk of the roof caving in. Calculate the weight of the gear and that of the rack to ensure safety at all times. Again, all racks are capable of 100+ kilo loads, just be mindful of what you throw on top.
- Build and materials – clean welds, thick tubing and plates and neat designs warrant a rack that should outlast the ute. Also, consider whether steel or aluminium is the better choice for you. Steel is tougher, and resists wear and impact, but is also considerably heavier and requires coatings to keep its sheen in inclement weather. Aluminium is lighter, so doesn’t eat into safe roof carrying capacity as much, and is also corrosion-resistant. This is an all-weather option if done right.
- Mounting hardware and installation – look for supplied hardware (and supplied tools) for DIY installation. Larger and more complex designs may require additional gear and professional installation, so factor in possible labour costs.
- Accessories and features – ensure that the rack you buy is compatible with add-ons like bike racks, kayak carriers, or cargo boxes. Also, look for simple locking systems for peace of mind. Additional goodies are paint protectors, wind deflectors and tie-down points.
Wrapping Up
Both the current and previous Amarok utes are value-packed buys with a ton of gear even in entry trims. Where they excel is the available space. If you’re like most tradies or off-roading enthusiasts, more space can be had with a well-built aluminium or steel roof rack designed for the loads you usually carry. Choose a design that best suits your needs and shop for your next VW Amarok roof rack from specialised ute part builders and retailers.