ROOF RACKS - the GREAT, the ORDINARY and the AWFUL. How to select the right one

Roof rack designs are more complex than one might think. In this video I discuss various brands of roof rack and rack accessories by manufacturers such as Eezi Awn, Front Runner, Tracklander and Rhino-Rack.

These are my opinions based on year of experience, and should not be taken at face value. To find the best rack for your needs, ask questions and talk to owners. Its always the best way to find the best product for your needs.

We are independent reviewers of 4wd and overland accessories and equipment. We are not sponsored by any rack maker, accessory retailer or motor vehicle company. We do not accept paid advertorial, and so what you can expect is unbiased, valuable advice on matters 4wd.

4xOverland is one of the world's largest global adventure motoring channels. It is hosted by well known explorer and filmmaker, Andrew St Pierre White.

[malcolmsutton]

In August 2018, equipped with our Front Runner roof rack and accessories, my partner and I set off in our 2005 Land Cruiser Prado for the Ais Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and Southern Namibia. Noise from the roof rack was minimal and vehicle handling was okay despite strong head and cross winds. On the whole. the road conditions getting to the Northern Cape were excellent, so no test for the off-road capability of the gear.

However, this changed on our approach to Sendelingsdrift from Alexander Bay - the gravel road became very corrugated. Suddenly there was an unbelievable and unbearable noise. We immediately stopped and checked for the source. It took some time to identify where it was coming from but eventually I discovered that the roof rack had failed. Where the foot rail had been bent to provide a base for the tray to be attached and a gusset added to provide strength, the weld along the gusset had failed and the bend had cracked through.This occurred on both sides of the second to last connection at the rear of the vehicle. I removed the 45 litre water container and moved the spare wheel forward and we were able to complete our trip (regularly inspecting for signs of other failures). For a month we had to put up with terrible noises and the worry of further failures, but we managed to complete our month-long expedition.


Front Runner provided new foot rails but did not provide any assurance that the same thing would not happen again. I fitted the new foot rails and for this year's expedition to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans we had a rooftop tent. On the road across the park from Mabuasehube to Nossob the new foot rail failed in the same place as last year. This time I fitted a bracket by drilling into the side of the foot rail and this kept it together and prevented any noise. When I contacted Front Runner on our return they admitted that the welding of the gusset had not been to standard and have sent me replacement foot rails from a new batch.


My dilemma now is that I have the rack and numerous accessories but I do not trust the foot rails. Perhaps I will add brackets to reinforce the structure, just to be safe...

[tt]

He is the David Attenborough of off road adventures

[thedesertexplorer]

Been there and suffered from a very unprofessional job done to fixing a roof rack on my Patrol. Slipped all the way to the front landing on my bonnet (crossing a sand dune)! You are doing a great favour to those wishing to fix one on their 4x4. Good job buddy

[evanmiris]

You were 2 years ahead of time with this issue Andrew, the 4x4 YouTubers are all making videos on racks failing because of cheap mounting hardware or not understanding the difference between static and dynamic loads .

[damianmcdonagh]

Andrew's videos have changed everything for me. I've travelled all over the world but I'm planning on doing my first self drive this year.

[alexanderweaver]

Well, after watching this video, mounting my roof rack is out of the question. I will seek professional help with the installation. Thank you, Mr. White, for sharing such valuable information.

[VideosOffRoad]

Hi Andrew. Thank you so much for the great video! I've learned so much from you. You do the entire 4-wheeling community such a great service. The "chat" videos are good, but these educational/demonstration videos are my favorite. :-)

[WendiandGio]

One of the other issues with modular roof racks is that you need to adhere to the 'Righty tight, Lefty loosey' rule. When you strap something onto the left side of an eyelet, it will eventually loosen. So you need to plan ahead when strapping your gear on there.

[zmanfresno]

Very informative. Thank you for breaking it down. I’m in the market of buying my first rack system and your unbiased video just made the selection process easier. Two thumbs up!!

[Zapo]

I totally agree with the mesh idea, I have a modular front runner, and I am always struggling to tie things down. Can't really put firewood on there as it falls through the gaps, and then damages the roof. Would love to swap mine out for a mesh system.

[Mark-ksjj]

Brilliant, informative and unbiased information back by decades of experience

[jeremyolney]

This is all well and good except for the fact I paid a small fortune for my rhino rack roof rack which was specific to my vehicle. There was no offroad rating for the rack at the time of purchase in 2015.. now there is and my roof rack is completely useless now off road due to the new offroad rating.. some high price doesnt necessarily equal high quality.

[GregMcDavid]

This video couldn't have come at a better time... I'm currently evaluating different roofrack options to fit to my alu canopy... the FrontRunner has been my preferred choice, but seeing how fiddly the accessories are, makes me doubt the choice.
Thanks for the info... loads of food for thought

[hunterluxton]

Great advice. I'm going to buy a front runnervfor my 1971 VW T2. Not quite overlanding, but for camp accessories and a RTT. Thanks!👍

[ANasCarBoi]

As someone who works at front runner, we are actually redesigning the jerry can holders to be more beefy. And the straps to be less flimsy.

[jorisderoeck]

Good point about the flexing capability. I have a 110 Defender with an older Hannibal roof rack: the type which is completely welded and has feet as long as the rack itself. It probably is too stiff since I have recurring issues in the upper corner of both A posts. There's a bracket well hidden in the roof structure, which is kept in place by two rivets and a pz3 screw. Both the factory brackets and its rivets have broken, as if the roof is being pulled upwards from the window frame. It's a fiddle to repair and to replace the bracket with a DIY piece, but neglecting the issue can result in longitudinal cracks in the roof. Apparently it is better to cut the rack's feet.

[MitchDenham]

This is why I love my basic aluminium fence-gate style flat rack from OCAM. Throw whatever I want wherever I want, and tie it down however I want. No fiddly nonsense.

[ZoubirKabir]

Impeccable analysis and brutally frank opinion based upon hard-won experience in the field.
Also, probably one of the best ever pieces of advice about gear, brands, and retailers: he only retailers to trust are those who offer more than one brand of any piece of kit.

[johnshuler]

Great video Andrew, I love the idea of the mesh for a base to increase your bungee attachment options. Very thorough video with a ton of knowledge based on experience! Thank You!,

[Trekkies]

I have had problems with Frontrunner feet once but must add that the racks as well as all parts and accessories have lifetime warrantees so they immediately replaced it for free. The rack was loaded quite heavy must admit and was doing the Khutse to Central Kalahari trail which was quite bad at the time. Not sure what warrantees other manufacturers have and if they keep to it. Regarding the mesh it is very nice also so that pieces of wood not partly fall through and scratch your roof. Nice independant review and love the channel.