Technical answer
Can you carry a gas bottle on a roof rack?
Short answer
Yes: the Wedgetail Adventure gas bottle holder secures a gas bottle on a Wedgetail platform, and it takes both common Australian LPG bottle sizes, 4.5 kg and the standard 8.5 kg. It fixes to the platform crossbar channels with locknuts, so it can be taken off when you do not need it. The bottle and holder count against the platform's rating (100 or 150 kg dynamic on most Wedgetail platforms) and the vehicle maker's roof limit, and every Wedgetail is rated 100% off-road to its full rating.
Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Bottle size
- 4.5 to 8.5 kg, per the product name
- Mounting
- Platform crossbar channels, with locknuts; removable
- Load
- Bottle plus holder within the platform rating and the vehicle roof limit
| Accessory | Range | SKU | RRP inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Bottle Holder Suitable For 4.5 to 8.5kg Bottles | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-GBH | $180 |
Which racks it suits
The holder is a Wedgetail Adventure accessory and the product page describes it as securing to a Wedgetail platform roof rack, using the platform crossbar channels. It is made of zinc electroplated, powder coated steel. The accessories for Wedgetail Adventure guide lists what else fits the same channels.
No gas bottle holder is listed under Wedgetail Core, Wedgetail Trade, Commercial Max or Oval Steel. If your rack is one of those, ask a stockist before you order.
Carrying a gas bottle safely
- Carry the bottle upright, with the valve at the top and turned off.
- Secure it fully in the holder so it cannot move or turn, and check it at each stop.
- Carry it on the outside of the vehicle, not in the cabin.
- Keep the bottle clear of lights, wiring and anything hot, and do not refill it while it is on the roof.
- Follow the bottle maker's instructions and any rules that apply where you travel.
Weight on the roof
A gas bottle is a dense load. Count the full bottle and the holder against the platform's dynamic rating while driving, together with everything else on the roof, and stay within the vehicle maker's roof limit as well. The load safely guide shows how to add it up, and the family camping guide and recovery gear guide cover what else usually goes up top.
Every Wedgetail is rated 100% off-road to its full rating, with no derating. Static = 3.5 x dynamic, so most platforms hold 350 or 525 kg static parked.
Questions people ask
Can you carry a gas bottle on a roof rack?
Yes, in a holder made for the rack. The Wedgetail Adventure gas bottle holder secures a bottle to a Wedgetail platform's crossbar channels with locknuts.
What size gas bottle does the Wedgetail holder take?
4.5 kg or 8.5 kg, the two common Australian LPG bottle sizes; 8.5 kg is the standard one.
Do I need a platform, or will crossbars do?
The holder is described for a Wedgetail platform roof rack and fixes to the platform crossbar channels. For other Wedgetail racks, ask a stockist before you order.
Should a gas bottle be carried upright?
Yes. Carry it upright with the valve at the top and closed, fully secured so it cannot move, and outside the cabin.
Can I take the gas bottle holder off?
Yes. It fixes to the platform crossbar channels with locknuts, so it can be removed when you do not need it.
Does a gas bottle count against the roof load rating?
Yes. The full bottle and holder count against the platform's rating (100 or 150 kg dynamic on most Wedgetail platforms) and the vehicle maker's roof limit.
Can I carry jerry cans and a gas bottle on the same rack?
Yes, as long as the total stays within the platform rating and the vehicle roof limit. Heavy liquids are better carried low where you can; the recovery gear guide covers jerry cans.