Use case
Roof rack for solar panels and an awning on a 4WD
Short answer
Wedgetail platforms take solar via the recessed mount kit or bracket pair and awnings via fixed, adjustable, 270 and Fiamma brackets in the accessory channel. Wedgetail Trade has its own awning bracket set, and Commercial Max and Oval Steel take a flatdeck awning bracket. Each awning bracket has its own load rating on its product page, and the panel, awning and brackets all count against the platform's dynamic rating, which holds 100% off-road.
Specs from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Solar, flush
- Solar panel recessed mount kit
- Solar, on top
- Solar panel bracket pair, panels up to 1 m long per pair
- Awnings
- Fixed, adjustable, 270 and Fiamma brackets
- Load
- Panel, awning and brackets count against the dynamic rating
The shortlist
| Pick | Why | Rating (dynamic) | RRP inc GST | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedgetail Adventure platform | Solar on top, awning on the side, one platform | 100 or 150 kg on most fitments, 100% off-road | $1,525 to $5,905 | 58 models |
| Wedgetail Trade platform | Shade on the job with the Wedgetail Trade awning bracket | 100 or 150 kg, 100% off-road | $1,795 to $2,570 | 23 models |
Top pickWedgetail Adventure platform
The touring platform. Solar panels mount flush with the recessed mount kit or on top with the bracket pair, and awnings mount on fixed, adjustable, 270 or Fiamma brackets in the existing channels. The full rating holds off-road.
- 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
- 58 models, 138 solutions
- Add
- Solar Panel Recessed Mount Kit $540
- Add
- Solar Panel Bracket Pair Suits Up To 1000 Mm In Length $120
- Add
- Awning Bracket Suits 270 Awning X 2 $370
- Add
- Awning Bracket Adjustable X 2 $180
Work vehicleWedgetail Trade platform
The work range for utes and vans, with its own Wedgetail Trade awning bracket set for an awning on the side of the rack.
- Rating
- 100 or 150 kg dynamic (350 or 525 kg static), 100% off-road
- Warranty
- 5 years
- RRP inc GST
- $1,795 to $2,570
- Vehicles
- 23 models, 60 solutions
- Add
- Awning Bracket X3 $145
Solar: recessed kit or bracket pair
| Option | How it mounts | Panel | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar panel recessed mount kit | Brackets bolt through the panel's outer frame and to the platform crossbars with lock nuts; the panel sits flush with the platform | Kit includes the solar bracket pair and the vent hole kit | You want the panel flush, out of the wind and away from branches |
| Solar panel bracket pair | Bolts through the panel's outer frame and to the platform crossbars with lock nuts | Up to 1 m long per pair; a longer panel needs two kits | You want a simple top mount for a fixed panel |
Step by step: how to mount solar panels to your roof rack.
Awnings: which bracket
| Bracket | Suits | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed or fixed kit of 3 | Lighter awnings | 2 or 3 brackets |
| Adjustable or adjustable x 3 | Standard awnings; height adjusts; not for free standing awnings | 2 or 3 brackets |
| 270 awning bracket | Heavier 270 degree and heavy duty awnings; each bracket runs along the crossbar for strength | 2 brackets |
| Fiamma awning bracket | Fiamma awnings; not for the Volkswagen Crafter (use the adjustable x 3) | 3 brackets |
| Wedgetail Trade awning bracket | Awnings on Wedgetail Trade racks | 3 brackets |
| Flatdeck awning bracket | Awnings on Commercial Max and Oval Steel racks | See product page |
Each Wedgetail awning bracket carries its own load rating, shown on its product page. Pick the bracket rated for your awning's weight. Which awnings fit which bracket: awning brackets for a Wedgetail platform.
Solar and an awning on the same platform
- Awning on the side: the awning brackets bolt to the side of the platform, so the deck stays clear for the panel.
- Kerb side: an awning on the passenger side opens onto the kerb, away from traffic.
- Keep the panel clear: leave the panel away from the awning bag, light bars and anything else that would shade it.
- Cable: route the solar cable along the rack and into the vehicle so it cannot chafe or flap.
Count the weight
The panel, awning, brackets and everything else on the rack count against the platform's dynamic rating for your fitment and against your vehicle maker's roof limit; use the lower figure. Every Wedgetail is rated 100% off-road to its full rating, so there is no separate, lower off-road figure to allow for.
Video
Questions people ask
What awning brackets fit a platform roof rack?
On a Wedgetail Adventure platform: fixed, adjustable, 270 and Fiamma awning brackets, which bolt to the existing channels. Wedgetail Trade has its own awning bracket set, and Commercial Max and Oval Steel take the flatdeck awning bracket.
Which bracket for a 270 degree awning?
The Wedgetail 270 awning bracket, made for heavier 270 degree and heavy duty awnings. Check your awning's weight against the bracket's rating on its product page.
Can I mount a solar panel flush with the platform?
Yes, with the solar panel recessed mount kit. It includes the solar bracket pair and the vent hole kit, and the panel sits flush with the Wedgetail platform.
How long a panel does the solar bracket pair suit?
Up to 1 m long. A longer panel needs two solar panel bracket pairs.
Can I run solar and an awning on the same roof rack?
Yes. The panel mounts on the platform crossbars and the awning on brackets at the side. Count the panel, awning and brackets against the platform's dynamic rating and your vehicle's roof limit.
Do the brackets suit a free standing awning?
Not the adjustable bracket: it is not suitable for free standing awnings. For a heavier 270 degree awning, use the 270 awning bracket, and ask a stockist if you are unsure which suits your awning.
Where can I have it fitted?
At any Wedgetail stockist: every stockist sells and fits. See where to buy.