Big wheels, high ground clearance, a powerful engine and a suspension setup made for challenging terrain is what everyone wants from an off-roading vehicle and what the Hilux offers. Toyota’s toughest vehicle, and probably the world’s as well, is made to go places no other vehicle is able to even dare.
Used in humanitarian missions around the world, the Hilux has proven to be the most determined in making you the king of any hill. But like any ute, Toyota’s rugged version of it also doesn’t get enough space to store your gear, and while there are other ways to increase storage space in your ute, roof racks are the most practical.
Features of Roof Racks
Materials
Aluminium roof racks are the most popular not just because they look more appealing, which they do, but also because they are quite light. This means they don’t add much weight to the roof, making them more secure. An aluminium Toyota Hilux roof rack is also quite strong and corrosion-resistant.
Steel models are the strongest, which means you can put more gear and equipment on them without worry. However, they are quite heavy and aren’t able to stay clear of corrosion as well as aluminium ones are. Steel Hilux roof racks are more affordable, though not as long-lasting as their lightweight counterparts.
Composite options are made of multiple different materials, which means they give you the best all-round solution. They are both extremely strong and light, while being the best option when it comes to not having to deal with corrosion. The only downside is their high cost.
Mounting Points
The way you can mount a roof rack on your Hilux depends on what you have on the roof, along the sides. Different generations and models have different solutions, but you will have either a rail system or one with fixed points. The rail system is found in the form of a flush or raised solution, with the latter being more practical and the former more appealing. If you have fixed points on the roof, you’ll have sliding tabs over them, which allow access to the screws used to secure the rack to the roof.
Weight Limit
The next factor when it comes to ensuring a safe trip with a roof rack atop your Hilux is the weight capacity of the rack. Make sure that it can hold the amount of weight of the gear and equipment that you bring with you most of the time. Keep in mind, though, that the material the rack is made of also affects its weight capacity.
Accessories
There are different types of accessories in the form of adapters and brackets that can help you transport items other than gear and supplies. With the correct hardware, you can have a kayak, bicycles or even a tent on top of your Hilux. You can also add lights and a ladder to your roof rack.
Types of Roof Racks
Basket
A roof rack in the form of a basket has raised railing on all four sides. This makes it ideal when you want to carry heavy equipment without worrying if it will stay on it. You can secure it to the railing and go over any terrain with ease.
Boxes
With roof boxes, you can expect the same at an even greater level. That’s because they’re closed up and while that limits the type size of the items you can put in it, you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged or soaked by the elements.
Full
Full roof racks for Hilux or full-size racks cover the whole roof of your Hilux. This design makes them ideal when you want to hitch a tent on the roof or when you want to have a cooler or recovery gear set up.
Ute Bed
If you want to have a Toyota Hilux roof rack that takes up space on the bed of your ute instead, then you should go for bed racks. They use the space to allow for accessories such as a tent without being so high up. But that’s the only thing ute bed roof racks for Hilux are useful for, as they are installed on a surface already meant for gear and equipment.
Using Roof Racks
Safety
When it comes to loading a roof rack, it’s important to make your journey as safe as possible. This is done by evenly distributing your luggage across the rack and securing each one with ratchet straps, tie-downs or both. When loading up tall items, make sure to keep your vehicle’s height in mind.
Organisation
What makes quite a big difference when loading a roof rack is the way you lay out your gear. Make sure to place heavier and bulkier items first and then smaller and lighter ones higher up. This way, you get better weight distribution and a more stable vehicle while making the most out of your Hilux’s roof.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance goes a long way when it comes to Hilux roof racks, as it helps keep them not only clean free from rust and corrosion. Cleaning and inspecting the racks for damage is key here, as well as checking for loose hardware.
