Question 1

Can an awning be mounted to factory-raised roof rails?

Accepted Answer

Can an awning be mounted to factory-raised roof rails?

In most cases, mounting an awning directly to factory-raised roof rails is not recommended. Factory roof rails are primarily designed to accommodate lightweight accessories and often lack the necessary structural strength and the appropriate mounting points to safely support the weight and dynamic forces of an awning and its brackets, especially when driving on uneven terrain or at higher speeds.

Factory roof rails typically aren’t engineered to withstand these forces, which can lead to loosening, bending, or even failure of the rails, brackets, or awning over time.

To ensure proper support and durability, it’s highly recommended to use a purpose-built aftermarket roof rack system. These racks come with strong crossbars designed to distribute the awning’s weight evenly and provide secure attachment points for both the awning and its brackets. Additionally, many aftermarket systems offer compatibility with a range of awning mounting kits and accessories for a tailored fit.

If you’re considering adding an awning, our team can help assess your vehicle’s current setup and recommend the right roof rack and awning combination. This ensures your gear is mounted safely and securely, giving you confidence and peace of mind on every trip.

Question 2

QLD - East Brisbane Superstore Opening Hours and Contact Details

Accepted Answer

Our East Brisbane Superstore is open Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5pm, and Sat 8:30am - 12:30pm. Note that we are closed on Public Holidays. Email: eastbrisbane@roofracksgalore.com.au Call: (07) 3256 3630 Address: 46 Caswell Street, East Brisbane, QLD, 4169, Australia

Question 3

How do I know if a drop rack will fit my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

How do I know if a drop rack will fit my vehicle?

Q: Can an awning be mounted to factory-raised roof rails?

Can an awning be mounted to factory-raised roof rails? In most cases, mounting an awning directly to factory-raised roof rails is not recommended. Factory roof rails are primarily designed to accommodate lightweight accessories and often lack the necessary structural strength and the appropriate mounting points to safely support the weight and dynamic forces of an awning and its brackets, especially when driving on uneven terrain or at higher speeds. Factory roof rails typically aren’t engineered to withstand these forces, which can lead to loosening, bending, or even failure of the rails, brackets, or awning over time. To ensure proper support and durability, it’s highly recommended to use a purpose-built aftermarket roof rack system. These racks come with strong crossbars designed to distribute the awning’s weight evenly and provide secure attachment points for both the awning and its brackets. Additionally, many aftermarket systems offer compatibility with a range of awning mounting kits and accessories for a tailored fit. If you’re considering adding an awning, our team can help assess your vehicle’s current setup and recommend the right roof rack and awning combination. This ensures your gear is mounted safely and securely, giving you confidence and peace of mind on every trip.

Q: Can I attach a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack?

Can I attach a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack? Attaching a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack depends largely on the type of platform you have. If you're using a mesh platform, it won’t accommodate standard carriers, as the mesh doesn't provide the necessary stability or attachment points. The best type of platform for mounting carriers is a slat platform with accessory mounting channels. Within this category, platforms with slats running East to West are ideal. This orientation allows you to mount carriers directly onto the planks, much like how they would attach to crossbars, providing a secure and stable connection for your gear. If your platform has planks running North to South, don't worry, there are solutions available. For example, <a href="https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/rhino-rack-accessory-bar-61021">Rhino Rack’s Accessory Bar</a> can be used to adapt carriers for this type of platform, allowing you to securely attach kayak or SUP carriers to your setup.

Q: What bike carrier suits an e-bike?

What bike carrier suits an e-bike? E-bikes are generally much heavier than standard road or mountain bikes, often weighing anywhere between 20 to 30 kgs or more. This added weight can significantly limit the type of bike racks that are safe and practical for transporting them. For this reason, tow bar or hitch-mounted carriers are widely regarded as the best and most reliable option for <a href="https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/bike-racks/bike-carriers/e-bike-carriers">carrying e-bikes.</a> Platform-style tow bar racks are especially well-suited to e-bikes. They sit at waist height, making it far easier to load and unload a heavy bike without the strain of lifting it overhead. Many of these racks are specifically engineered to handle the extra weight, with reinforced trays, sturdier construction, and higher individual load capacities. Some models, such as the <a href="https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/bike-racks/bike-carriers/e-bike-carriers?pos_brands%5B232%5D=232&bike_rack_vehicle_attachment=32597">Thule EasyFold or VeloSpace</a>, <a href="https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/bike-racks/bike-carriers/e-bike-carriers?pos_brands%5B236%5D=236">Yakima JustClick/Holdup Evo</a>, and <a href="https://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=E-hornet">BuzzRack E-Hornet</a>, also offer integrated or optional loading ramps allowing you to roll the bike into place rather than lift it, which is particularly helpful for older riders or those transporting larger e-bike models. When choosing a rack

Just like all roof racks, the best way to check if a drop rack will fit your vehicle is by using our Vehicle Fit Finder on the front page of our website, or via the below link!

Simply input your vehicle information, and an option of suitable roof rack styles will display. If drop racks appears as an option, then yes, your vehicle can use drop racks.

If you have any questions, or are unsure, feel to reach out to our Customer Service team, either via our live chat, or on 1300 071 264.

Question 4

Can I attach a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack?

Accepted Answer

Can I attach a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack?

Attaching a kayak or SUP carrier to a platform rack depends largely on the type of platform you have. If you're using a mesh platform, it won’t accommodate standard carriers, as the mesh doesn't provide the necessary stability or attachment points.

The best type of platform for mounting carriers is a slat platform with accessory mounting channels. Within this category, platforms with slats running East to West are ideal. This orientation allows you to mount carriers directly onto the planks, much like how they would attach to crossbars, providing a secure and stable connection for your gear.

If your platform has planks running North to South, don't worry, there are solutions available. For example, Rhino Rack’s Accessory Bar can be used to adapt carriers for this type of platform, allowing you to securely attach kayak or SUP carriers to your setup.

Question 5

TAS - Hobart Superstore Opening Hours and Contact Details

Accepted Answer

Our Hobart Superstore is open Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm and Sat 8:30am - 12:30pm. Note that we are closed on Public Holidays. Email: hobart@roofracksgalore.com.au Call: (03) 6273 7555 Address: 134-136 Main Road, Moonah, TAS, 7009, Australia

Question 6

What bike carrier suits an e-bike?

Accepted Answer

What bike carrier suits an e-bike?

E-bikes are generally much heavier than standard road or mountain bikes, often weighing anywhere between 20 to 30 kgs or more. This added weight can significantly limit the type of bike racks that are safe and practical for transporting them. For this reason, tow bar or hitch-mounted carriers are widely regarded as the best and most reliable option for carrying e-bikes.

Platform-style tow bar racks are especially well-suited to e-bikes. They sit at waist height, making it far easier to load and unload a heavy bike without the strain of lifting it overhead. Many of these racks are specifically engineered to handle the extra weight, with reinforced trays, sturdier construction, and higher individual load capacities. Some models, such as the Thule EasyFold or VeloSpace, Yakima JustClick/Holdup Evo, and BuzzRack E-Hornet, also offer integrated or optional loading ramps allowing you to roll the bike into place rather than lift it, which is particularly helpful for older riders or those transporting larger e-bike models.

When choosing a rack

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