Cabin roof racks for 2008 dual cab

[poitr]

I'm looking to fit a tradie roof rack to the cab (not the canopy) of our 2008 dual cab Hilux and would appreciate any advice about the best rack in terms of the roof's load bearing capability.

ARB tells me it neccessary to remove the internal roof lining to fit internal roof strengthening bars that enable the cab roof to support the weight of the rack which will have an 80kg load carrying capacity.

However, other suppiers such as the Roofrack Superstore who recommend a Rhino Pioneer Tradie with a claimed load arrying capacity of 80kg, and Tradesman Roof Racks who's rack has a claimed load carrying cappacity of 100kg, say that its simply a matter of fitting the rack to the existing external roof channels and that no other additional strengthening of the roof is required.

This all seems a bit contradictory. Does the roof need the strengthening in order to carry an 80kg load or a 100kg load, or is it OK to simply fit a rack to the roof channels without additional strengthening?

Thanks

Poitr

[GC_AUS]

this question is a little more complex that first seems...

ARB makes good stuff, its well Designed, Engineered & tested & in my experience they stand by their claims - I have been buying from them for 30 years.

I think you need to ask yourself just how will you treat the vehicle? 80Kg on the average suburban street is quite different to bouncing across the Simpson...

I would say exercise a little patience & see what other tradie utes have on the cabin part of the roof - go ask them what they think of their purchase & I have no question they will tell you if they are not happy.

can you not have a couple of hoops in the tray or over the canopy if there is one to take the brunt of the load? - the roof panel is way too soft of course & the channels area is the strong point but remember Toyota probably doesn't offer any substantial load carrying option for that application & would rather the load is carried by the tray or a dedicated rack system

replacing a roof or associated structure could be a tad costly if you get this wrong

[Manxman]

Don't forget what carrying that weight so high will do to your ballance either. It takes some getting used to if your a quick driver. Roof strength is prob legal minimum they can sell-I would give fair thought to strengthening if any doubt or harsh conditions.

[poitr]

Thanks GC and Manx. You've confirmed my thoughts that for any off road work, the ARB approach is needed.

Cheers

Poitr