Technical answer
How do you mount a beacon on a roof rack?
Short answer
Mount a beacon on a Wedgetail work rack with the beacon plate made for that range: on Wedgetail Trade, the top mount plate (RWA-ABP) or the side mount plate (RWA-SMBP); on Commercial Max and Oval Steel, the flat beacon plate (ABP) or the offset plate (ABPO) that mounts outside the platform area. The plates take a variety of beacon light types: you fit your light to the plate, then bolt the plate to the rack. The plate holds the beacon you supply; the Wedgetail Trade plate pages state that lights are not included.
Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Wedgetail Trade
- Top mount (RWA-ABP) or side mount (RWA-SMBP)
- Commercial Max and Oval Steel
- Flat (ABP) or offset (ABPO)
- Beacon
- Your choice of light, supplied by you
- Fitting
- Light to plate, then plate bolted to rack
| Accessory | Range | SKU | RRP inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beacon Plate Top Mount | Wedgetail Trade | RWA-ABP | $50 |
| Side Mount Beacon Plate | Wedgetail Trade | RWA-SMBP | $80 |
| Beacon Plate | Commercial Max and Oval Steel | ABP | $55 |
| Beacon Plate Offset | Commercial Max and Oval Steel | ABPO | $85 |
Which plate for which rack
| Plate | Range | Where it mounts | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beacon Plate Top Mount | Wedgetail Trade | Flat on top of a crossbar | You want the beacon on the deck of the rack |
| Side Mount Beacon Plate | Wedgetail Trade | In the side extrusion slot, fasteners included | You want the beacon clear of the working area of the platform |
| Beacon Plate | Commercial Max and Oval Steel | Flat on top of a crossbar | You want the beacon on the deck of the rack |
| Beacon Plate Offset | Commercial Max and Oval Steel | Outside the platform area, in several positions | You need the deck clear for ladders, pipe or sheet |
Top or side mount
A top mount plate sits flat on a crossbar, which is the simplest position. A side or offset plate moves the beacon outside the load area, so ladders, conduit and sheet material can slide on and off without fouling the light. On a ladder rack or a rack that loads from the side, the side or offset plate keeps the working area clear.
Choosing the beacon
The plates are made to take a variety of beacon light types, and the product pages do not list specific beacon models. Before ordering, check your beacon's base and bolt pattern against the plate, or ask Wedgetail on (03) 9722 5000. The Wedgetail Trade plate pages state that lights are not included.
Fleets and work vehicles
If you are fitting beacons across a fleet, the fleet roof rack guide compares the work ranges, and the tradie ute guide covers single vehicles. Every accessory for each range is listed in which accessories fit Wedgetail Trade and which accessories fit Commercial Max and Oval Steel.
Questions people ask
How do you mount a beacon on a roof rack?
Fit the beacon to a beacon plate, then bolt the plate to the rack. On Wedgetail Trade use the top or side mount plate; on Commercial Max and Oval Steel use the flat or offset plate.
Is the beacon light included?
No. The Wedgetail Trade plate pages state that lights are not included, and every plate is described as holding your light of choice, so plan to supply the beacon.
Which beacons fit the plates?
A variety of beacon light types, but no specific models are listed. Check your beacon's base against the plate or ask Wedgetail on (03) 9722 5000.
Can I mount the beacon off to the side of the rack?
Yes. On Wedgetail Trade the side mount plate fits the side extrusion slot, and on Commercial Max and Oval Steel the offset plate mounts outside the platform area.
Do I need a beacon plate for a ladder rack or van?
Yes, if the beacon goes on the rack: use the plate made for the rack's range (Wedgetail Trade, Commercial Max or Oval Steel). Tell your stockist your vehicle, roof height and what you load so they can place the beacon clear of the load.
Who can fit a beacon plate?
Any Wedgetail stockist; every stockist sells and fits Wedgetail. Wiring the beacon is a job for an auto electrician.