Wedgetail rack from tradesman roof racks
Today, we're diving into the installation of the roof rack on my 76 Series Land Cruiser. I'll walk you through the components, the reasons for my choices, and the installation process.
Why Upgrade from the OCAM Roof Rack
When I first acquired the vehicle, I had an OCAM roof rack. While it served its purpose, there were a few issues:
Damage During Shipping: The roof rack arrived damaged due to the courier company. OCAM offered to replace it, but the remote location made this impractical. I decided to keep it with some paint touch-ups and received a partial refund.
Mesh Design: The mesh design made it impossible to clean the top of the car, which was quite inconvenient.
Cosmetic Issues: Tying items to the rack caused paint chipping, affecting its appearance.
Despite these issues, I sold the rack, and the new owner is still using it. However, I needed a better solution for my needs.
Choosing a New Roof Rack
Why Not Rhino Rack: While Rhino Racks are popular, I noticed several issues:
Load Rating Concerns: The load rating can be misleading, and there have been instances of these racks falling off vehicles.
Mounting Style: Rhino Racks often use rivets, which I found less secure compared to gutter-mount systems.
Why Wedgetail Rack: The Wedgetail rack appealed to me for several reasons:
Load Rating: Rated at 150 kg on and off-road, which suits my needs since I'll be close to this limit with all accessories.
Mounting Style: It uses a gutter mount, providing a more secure and stable setup compared to rivets.
Rack Installation and Accessories
Assembly: The Wedgetail rack arrived in flat packages and required assembly. I laid out all the parts on carpet to avoid scratches, built the base rack, and planned the layout for accessories.
Accessories:
Solar Panel: I wanted to mount a solar panel for continuous power, which was also on my previous rack.
Awning: I opted for a 270-degree awning with walls, and I needed heavy-duty brackets to support it.
Lighting:
Steady 51.5-inch Light Bar: For spreading light to avoid blind spots.
Steady Rock Lights: Two on each side for enhanced visibility around the vehicle.
Mounting and Wiring:
Side Rails: Attached the side rails first, then the rack. I used rags and rubber lining to protect the vehicle’s roof.
Mounting the Rack: With a friend’s help, we lifted the rack onto the side rails, removed heavy items (awning mounts and solar panel) to make it easier.
Wiring: Routed wiring through the vehicle and secured connections using trailer cable. Installed rock lights, LED bars, and connected everything to the house battery. Ensured everything was neat and secure before finishing.
Final Touches and Observations
Post-Installation Checks: After a month, I revisited all bolts and connections. Everything was still tight, reflecting the quality of the Wedgetail rack.
Roof Maintenance: Despite the rack, I can still clean most of the roof surface.
Performance: The rack has proven durable and functional, with no issues of loosening or movement.
Checkout the full video below.