Use case
Best roof rack for outback touring and corrugations
Short answer
Corrugations punish derated racks: choose one rated 100% off-road with welded main frame sections, like the Wedgetail Adventure, and keep the load inside the dynamic rating. Every Wedgetail rack holds its full rating off-road, so the figure in the shortlist below is the figure on the corrugations, and the static rating is 3.5 times the dynamic rating. The vehicle maker's roof limit applies too: use the lower of the two, and keep heavy gear low and inside.
Specs from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Top pick
- Wedgetail Adventure platform
- Off-road
- 100% of the rating, no derating
- Construction
- Main frame welded; other parts bolt or click together
- Static
- 3.5 x the dynamic rating
The shortlist
| Pick | Why | Rating (dynamic) | RRP inc GST | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedgetail Adventure platform | Touring platform, full rating off-road | 100 or 150 kg on most fitments, 100% off-road | $1,525 to $5,905 | 57 models |
| Wedgetail Adventure canopy platform | Touring platform on a fitted canopy | 100 or 150 kg, 100% off-road | $2,020 to $2,310 | 4 models |
| Wedgetail Core platform | Same rating rules at a lower price, fewer vehicles | 100 or 150 kg, 100% off-road | $1,400 to $1,695 | 10 models |
| Oval Steel platform | Steel platform, zinc electroplated and powder coated | 100 or 150 kg on most fitments, 100% off-road | $1,590 to $2,675 | 51 models |
Top pickWedgetail Adventure platform
The touring range: powder coated aluminium with glass reinforced nylon, welded main frame sections, the full rating held off-road, and touring accessories for recovery tracks, a shovel, a Hi-Lift jack, an awning and solar. It is also the rooftop tent base.
- Rating
- 100 or 150 kg dynamic (350 or 525 kg static) on most fitments, 100% off-road
- Warranty
- 10 years
- RRP inc GST
- $1,525 to $5,905
- Vehicles
- 57 models, 118 solutions
- Add
- Recovery Wing Tracks Bracket To Sit On Top Of Rack(Suits Maxtrax And New Treds Only), No Pins Included $110
- Add
- Shovel Holder $65
Ute with a canopyWedgetail Adventure canopy platform
The same touring platform made for ute canopies. Wedgetail fits ARB, EGR Gen 2, Maxliner Venture, RSI Evo, Utemaster Centurion and Ascent canopies; a canopy not on the list is not fitted.
- Rating
- 100 or 150 kg dynamic (350 or 525 kg static), 100% off-road
- Warranty
- 10 years
- RRP inc GST
- $2,020 to $2,310
- Vehicles
- 4 models, 10 solutions
- Add
- Recovery Wing Tracks Bracket To Sit On Top Of Rack(Suits Maxtrax And New Treds Only), No Pins Included $110
Lower priceWedgetail Core platform
Listed for fewer vehicles. Same rating rules as Wedgetail Adventure (100% off-road, static 3.5 times dynamic) and the same materials, at a lower price with a shorter warranty.
- Rating
- 100 or 150 kg dynamic (350 or 525 kg static), 100% off-road
- Warranty
- 3 years
- RRP inc GST
- $1,400 to $1,695
- Vehicles
- 10 models, 11 solutions
Steel optionOval Steel platform
The steel sub brand under Wedgetail: zinc electroplated steel, powder coated, on roof and canopy fitments. Same off-road rule: the full rating holds on the corrugations.
- Rating
- 100 or 150 kg dynamic (350 or 525 kg static) on most fitments, 100% off-road
- Warranty
- 5 years (3 years on 6)
- RRP inc GST
- $1,590 to $2,675
- Vehicles
- 51 models, 143 solutions
What corrugations ask of a roof rack
| Check | Why it matters on corrugations | Wedgetail |
|---|---|---|
| Off-road rating | Some brands publish a separate, lower off-road figure, so the bitumen number does not apply on dirt | 100% off-road rated to the full rating on every product, no derating |
| Construction | Constant vibration works at every joint | Main frame sections welded; the other parts bolt or click together, so the rack ships flat-pack |
| Mounting | The mount carries the load into the roof | A vehicle-specific mounting kit per fitment: gutters, a rail on the factory fixtures, factory holes or fixed points |
| Load | Weight high up adds body roll on dunes and stress on the roof | Keep inside the dynamic rating and the vehicle maker's roof limit, whichever is lower |
| Spares | A lost bolt a long way from a shop | Spare fasteners kit |
Why a derated rack is a problem out there
Some brands publish one rating for the bitumen and a lower one for off-road driving. On a Simpson crossing or the corrugated stretches of the Cape, you are driving off-road, so the lower figure is the one that applies and the headline number does not. Every Wedgetail is rated 100% off-road to its full rating: the dynamic rating on the pick card is the one you load to on the corrugations. See why most racks are derated and Wedgetail is not and static vs dynamic ratings.
What to carry on the roof in the Simpson and on the Cape
- Up top: light, bulky gear. Recovery tracks on the recovery tracks bracket, a shovel in the shovel holder, the awning on awning brackets, a swag, a solar panel on the solar panel brackets.
- Low and inside: water, fuel, the fridge, tools and spares. Dense weight on the roof raises the centre of gravity, which matters on dune faces and side slopes.
- Rooftop tent: platforms are the rooftop tent base; the tent goes against the dynamic rating. See the rooftop tent pick.
- Your vehicle's roof limit: check it for your model in the model guides and roof load limits by vehicle.
On the track: checks that keep it tight
- Check every rack and accessory bolt before you leave and at regular stops on corrugated sections, and tighten any that have loosened.
- Look for damage or wear on the mounts and the accessories, and replace damaged parts.
- Carry the spare fasteners kit.
- Re-tension the straps on anything strapped down after the first few kilometres of dirt. See how to load a roof rack safely.
Made in Bayswater, Victoria, and fitted on site at the factory or by any stockist: every stockist sells and fits. See how Wedgetail racks are built.
Video
Questions people ask
Is the Wedgetail rating reduced on corrugations?
No. Every Wedgetail is 100% off-road rated to its full rating; there is no separate, lower off-road figure. The dynamic rating on the pick card applies on the corrugations.
How do I stop a roof rack failing on corrugated roads?
Keep the load inside the dynamic rating and the vehicle maker's roof limit, keep heavy gear off the roof, and check the bolts as you go. On a Wedgetail the main frame sections are welded and the full rating holds off-road.
Can I run a rooftop tent on the Cape or in the Simpson?
Yes, if the tent is inside the platform's dynamic rating and your vehicle's roof limit. Platforms are the rooftop tent base; use the rooftop tent mounting hardware and see the rooftop tent pick.
Aluminium or steel for outback touring?
Either is listed. Wedgetail Adventure and Wedgetail Core are powder coated aluminium with glass reinforced nylon; Oval Steel is zinc electroplated steel, powder coated. See aluminium vs steel roof racks.
What roof racks do overlanders in Australia use?
Mostly flat aluminium platforms on vehicle-specific mounts. Wedgetail Adventure is one, made in Bayswater, Victoria, and rated 100% off-road to its full rating; compare it with Rhino-Rack and Front Runner.
Which Wedgetail fits my vehicle?
Search it on Find My Vehicle, or open the model guide, for example LandCruiser 70 Series, Nissan Patrol or LandCruiser 300.