Technical answer
How do you carry recovery tracks on a roof rack?
Short answer
On a Wedgetail platform, carry recovery tracks on the Recovery Wing Tracks Bracket, which comes in a version that sits on top of the rack (WTA-TBW) and a version that sits on the side of the rack (WTA-TBSW). Both suit Maxtrax and current generation Treds with keyhole mounts, and neither includes the mounting pins, which you buy from Maxtrax or Treds. The top version holds the boards low and flat; the side version keeps the platform deck free for other gear.
Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Top of rack
- WTA-TBW, boards low and flat, either direction
- Side of rack
- WTA-TBSW, driver or passenger side
- Tracks it suits
- Maxtrax and current Treds with keyhole mounts
- Not included
- Mounting pins (buy from Maxtrax or Treds)
| Accessory | Range | SKU | RRP inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Wing Tracks Bracket To Sit On Top Of Rack(Suits Maxtrax And New Treds Only), No Pins Included | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-TBW | $110 |
| Recovery Wing Tracks Bracket To Sit On Side Of Rack(Suits Maxtrax And New Treds Only), No Pins Included | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-TBSW | $215 |
Top or side: which bracket to choose
| Top of rack (WTA-TBW) | Side of rack (WTA-TBSW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the boards sit | On the platform deck | Off the driver or passenger side of the platform |
| Board direction | North-south or east-west | Along the side of the rack |
| Best when | You want the boards low and flat to keep overall height and wind drag down | You need the deck for a tent, awning gear or cargo |
| Tracks | Maxtrax and current Treds with keyhole mounts | Maxtrax and current Treds with keyhole mounts |
| Pins | Not included | Not included |
Both brackets are in the Wedgetail Adventure accessory range and are made of zinc electroplated, powder coated steel. Each has fitting instructions on its product page.
Which tracks fit
The product pages name Maxtrax and current generation Treds that have keyhole mounts. Older Treds without keyhole mounts are not covered. The pins that lock the boards to the bracket are made for each board brand, so buy them from Maxtrax or Treds to suit your boards.
Planning the rest of the load
Tracks are light but bulky, so they suit the roof well. Heavy items such as water, jerry cans and spares need more planning: see the jerry can, spare wheel and recovery gear guide. For long corrugated trips, the outback touring guide covers which Wedgetail platforms to start with. Every other Adventure accessory is listed in which accessories fit Wedgetail Adventure.
Video
Questions people ask
Which recovery tracks fit the Wedgetail bracket?
Maxtrax and current generation Treds with keyhole mounts. Older Treds without keyhole mounts are not covered.
Are the mounting pins included?
No. Both brackets are sold without pins; buy the pins from Maxtrax or Treds to suit your boards.
Should I mount the tracks on top or on the side?
Top if you want the boards low and flat with the least height and wind drag; side if you need the platform deck for a rooftop tent or other gear.
Can I carry tracks and a rooftop tent on the same rack?
Yes, with the side bracket, which holds the boards off the side of the platform so the deck stays free. Check the total load against your rack's rating: Wedgetail platforms are rated 100 or 150 kg dynamic.
Which way can the boards sit on the top bracket?
Either north-south or east-west on the platform, as the product page describes.
Who can fit it?
Any Wedgetail stockist sells and fits Wedgetail accessories, or you can fit it yourself using the fitting instructions on the product page.