Smart storage solutions are the key ingredient in the world of 4×4 touring, overlanding, and outdoor adventure. A good roof rack system is one of the additions an ambitious traveler simply can not do without. It is not only to increase the carrying capacity of his/her vehicle, but also to withstand uneasy landscapes and harsh environments.
An established brand in off-road accessories, ARB has a full line of roof rack products to fit all types of vehicles and meet all needs. Based on the data provided by the official site of ARB, this paper discusses the major peculiarities, styles, and the aspects of selecting the appropriate roof rack to your vehicle and the type of adventure.
What Are Roof Racks and Why They Matter
Roof racks are robust frames which are installed on top of a car to transport items that are not accommodated in the cabin or the boot. They come in handy particularly with the heavy items like camping gear, kayaks, rooftop tents, gas bottles and others.
Due to the underutilization of roof spaces, the opportunities of safer and efficient management of loads become a new world, releasing the interior space to the number of passengers and necessary equipment. Roof racks are also useful in allocating weight in a proper and safe way, which is vital in ensuring that the vehicle remains stable as long as it is on the road.
Through the variety of roof racks that ARB offers, outdoor adventurers have the option to select a solution that fits both business and leisure purposes, whether it is the long ladders used in the workplace, or the diverse camping gear that is packed and loaded into the racks on the way to lengthy stay at a destination.
Types of ARB Roof Racks
ARB has a range of roof racks, each type having a particular use:
ARB BASE Rack
Another product introduced by ARB is the BASE Rack, a low-profile roof rack made mostly of extruded aluminium. Its completely welded structure provides high strength without unnecessary weight and due to its dovetail system of mounting, it allows easy attaching of accessories. Modifying accessories such as wind deflectors, jack holders, guard rails, and others fit perfectly into the car, and users are able to customize their installations according to their requirements.
ARB Classic Roof Racks
These older-style racks come in a number of different configurations that can suit a number of different vehicles and applications:
- Deluxe Roof Racks: Designed to fit the full rated top weight and made with heavy mounting equipment.
- Steel Cab Racks: Cab racks are specifically designed to fit two cab pickups in order to provide maximum storage without affecting the profile of the vehicle.
- Flat Roof Racks: The flat roof rack has a flat surface which is perfect in terms of wide cargo or objects that require a uniform surface.
- Touring Racks: These racks are designed with a bottom that allows one to install rooftop tents but has a storage area.
ARB Cross Bars
In the case of vehicles that do not require a full rack platform, ARB cross bars can be used to offer a less complicated approach in the installation of lighter loads like bike carriers or luggage carriers.
Key Features of ARB Roof Racks
ARB roof racks are designed in such a way that adventure and durability are considered. Some of their saliency features which make them stand out among the other alternatives are provided below:
Strong Construction
ARB racks are made of steel and aluminium and designed to take the off-road strain. Steel models have strength of heavy type and aluminium models have the benefit of resistance to rust and lower weight, which is good in reducing the total mass of the vehicle without loss of rigidity.
Flexible Accessory Compatibility
This is due to the dovetail design of the BASE Rack which enables the positioning of accessories in any part of the perimeter. It also implies that you can conveniently fix other accessories such as Hi-Lift jack holders or recovery track carriers in exactly the locations they are most conveniently setting up- without ever disturbing other gear stored.
Noise Reduction Measures
Wind deflectors are also included in the ARB accessories line, which is meant to minimize wind noise which is occasionally linked with roof rack systems. This can significantly change the comfort of the cabin when traveling on the highway.
Corrosion Resistance
Steel racks are provided with zinc rich primers and powder coated surfaces whereas aluminium racks automatically have corrosion resistance qualities, which is crucial to vehicles that experience changes of weather and coastal salt water.
Versatile Guard Rail Systems
ARB also provides guard rail systems in a range of styles (full, 3/4, 1/4 or trade rail styles) so that you have a choice of whether you are transporting bulky camping or other longer work items.
Choosing the Right Rack for Your Vehicle
The correct Arc roof rack is a choice that requires a number of considerations:
Intended Use
- A flat or touring rack may be of interest to touring and camping fans as it provides the opportunity to have rooftop tents or storage boxes.
- The commercial users usually require robust steel racks which are streamlined to carry anything, such as tools, ladders or building materials.
- Sports facilities such as Recreational adventure such as kayaking or cycling may be well served using cross bars and lightweight accessories.
Weight and Load Capacity
Never exceed the maximum weight chart on the roof of your car- this means the structure of the roof can only handle a certain weight whilst you are on the road. ARB racks are made in such a way that they have high capacities to carry heavy loads, but going beyond the point of the manufacturer may influence safety.
Installation Ease
Other racks such as the BASE Rack are flexible in the way they are installed. Examine the attachment locations of your car and decide whether you like a rack that is simple to install and uninstall by yourself or one that may require a professional installation.
Accessories to Enhance Your Roof Rack
A roof rack is not a simple case of bars and beam- AARB has built up an entire package of accessories making it handy:
- Hi-Lift Jack and Recovery Track Mount: Makes necessary off-road equipment readily available.
- Gas and Jerry Can Holders: This is handy in case you are undertaking a lengthy journey with fuel or water.
- Awning Brackets: This enables awning to be firmly fitted to the rack and this provides instant coverage at your camp.
- Roller Kits: This makes loading of long or heavy cargo onto the rack easier.
Tips for Maintaining Your ARB Roof Rack
To guarantee long life and peak performance of your ARB roof rack, it is important to remember that:
- Regular Cleaning: Eliminate mud, dust and salt deposits to avoid corrosion and retain looks.
- Check Mounting Hardware: Bolts and mounts should also be checked every now and then to make sure that nothing becomes loose once it has been driven on uneven ground.
- Reapply Protective Coatings: In case of steel racks, inspect the powder coat, and touch up where needed.
Conclusion
Whether it is the practical roof racks that are made to carry the bulky gear or the ARB BASE Rack that can be customised to suit the owner, ARB has provided solutions to make the most of the carrying capacity of their vehicles. Intended either as an off-road adventure, as a work-trip, or just extra carrying capacity on the weekend, ARB roof-racks will integrate the strength, flexibility and practicability of the real world.
The correct selection of the system- and its proper upkeep- will guarantee that your equipment remains safe and your car will be able to drive responsibly on every of your trips.
