Roof Top Mounted Accessories
The roof is a storage area that is a little touchy.
So many ratings, recommendations and roadworthy conditions leave the waters a little muddy.
So here’s a quick rundown.
Roof Ratings
A roof capacity is generally around 100 kgs for utes and 4wds.
Add a set of racks and that is part of the 100 kgs.
100kgs (roof capacity) – 25 Kg (Platform rack) = 75Kg usable weight capacity.
Going off road? Take 75% of the original capacity.
So 75kg (usable capacity) x 0.75 = 56 Kg of usable capacity.
Keep this in mind when loading gear on the roof.
With that aside, let’s get into roof storage.
Roof top tent
The Ironman Swift 1400 roof top tent is bolted to the roof racks of the canopy.
I have also attached it to the rhino rack roof rack above the cabin as added security.
There are spacers to level the tent and limit noises from flexing.
The Rhino Rack platform mount is 15mm hardwood, painted black and wrapped in marine carpet.
This creates a makeshift rack to attach the tent, while protecting the platform.
Solar and roof racks
The roof top tent roof racks are used to mount solar full time.
The solar panel is mounted below the roof racks, maintaining full roof rack usage.
Kings solar panel mounts are attached to the underside the roof rack.
Solar wiring runs between the cabin and canopy.
It enters via a factory hole in the rear wall of the tub.
3 things I wish I knew before my canopy build
Plan your setup properly, once.
270 Awning
The Deltawing XTR 143 is the style of 270 degree awning I run.
This bolts to the channels on the passenger side of the roof top tent.
I can keep the awning partially open for access into the roof top tent.
Shovel and MaxTrax
The shovel utilises a shovel mount that slots into the channels of the roof top tent.
This is kept secure with an adjustable chain lock.
The MaxTrax sit in front of tent and act as a partial windbreaker.
They are also fixed using the adjustable chain lock.
