This is the first part of my journey into setting up my new Landcruiser 300:
So – I’m about to take the plunge, getting a rack for my 300 Landcruiser. Thought I’d share my homework.
A few VERY important points to consider. The main one being maximum load weights.
The maximum roof load of most 4WDs is 100kg, a few will carry 150kg. The 200 series Landcruiser roof load rating is 200kg. The new Landcruiser 300 series will only carry 100 kg. Also check to see if your stated roof rack load is “static” or “dynamic” and maybe even “dynamic off-road”. Most stated load ratings are dynamic ie when vehicle is moving. A static load rating refers to when the vehicle is stationary ie when you climb into your roof-top tent. Static load ratings are often 3 times the dynamic rating I.e. a 90kg dynamic rating might equate to a 270kg static rating.
So, your overriding consideration here is that the maximum roof load of the LC 300 is 100 kg. This will be your prime limiting factor. If you allow around 30kg for the weight of your rack and mounting bracket, that leaves you around 70 kg of load you can carry. For me, on an extended camping trip this would equate to: Awing: 10 kg, 3 swags: 40 kg, 4 Maxtrax : 14 kg; Total = 64kg – sliding in just under the load limit
The next factor to consider is maximum clearance height (for car parks). I’ve had a Tracklander rack on my Landcruiser 100 series. I could sneak into car parks where clearance is 2.1 m. I’m figuring the Rhino rack pioneer platform without rails will get me well under that with no problems. The ARB Base Rack seems to have an even lower profile and thus might get my clearance down even a bit further.
Wind noise needs to be considered. The Rhino Rack bars run lengthways and it is claimed that this reduces wind noise. The ARB Base Rack bars run widthways, however they claim the main wind noise comes from the front portion of the rack and that after testing they have found that by adding their wind deflector, the wind noise is significantly reduced.
Rhinorack vs ARB Base Rack
Rhinorack has more accessories and has been an industry-leading brand for 30 years. Their Pioneer rack comes in a range of sizes from 1328 mm to 2728mm. The ARB Base rack sits a bit lower, reducing your overhead clearance. Earlier models may have suffered from wind noise, however the new deflector may remedy this. The mounting bracket seems tidier and less obtrusive than the Rhinorack. The ARB rack is fully welded and their side-mounting dovetail system (as opposed to Rhinorack’s T Slots) along the outside and each edge of the internal beams allows you to connect attachment points anywhere you want along the edge either facing up or down facing below the rack.
https://www.prorack.com.au/load-ratings-explained A good explanation of static, dynamic and off-road roof rack ratings.
Is your ROOF RACK a DISASTER waiting to happen? Tyler Thompson relates the story of losing his roofrack whilst driving on Fraser Island.
I STUFFED UP!! Overloaded my Roof Ronny Dahl discusses the issues involved with roofrack loads.
Anyway – next week I take my Cruiser to Brodie Doughty at ARB Cockburn WA. Along with ARB Baserack, Brodie will be adding the ARB Summit 2 bullbar, lights, UHF, recovery points etc.
Stay tuned for an update and pics
My advice, forget the baserack until they sort the mounting bracket failure issues. Mine have failed 3 times. Fist time front 3 failed due to fatigue , and no it wasn’t overloaded.
Arb redesigned the front pair, which was good idea but why not the rear ones which have now failed on me. The second time was due to the fact they installed the same shitty brackets on the front and not the redesigned set.
Apart from that I like the Baserack in all aspects.
Oh Dear!
I did Steep Point with no failures.
A month later ARB contacted me with a recall – replacing the brackets
Came across this page. Does the 300 sit higher with the base rack or with the standard rails? Thanks Werner
slightly higher, but not by much