A tradie roof rack on your vehicle is essential for transporting tools, equipment and supplies to job sites. Whether you’re a plumber hauling pipes and fittings, an electrician with wire and equipment, or a builder moving lumber, tools and materials, your roof rack lets you easily bring what you need for the job.
However, having a rugged tradie roof rack is only half the battle. It would help if you also secured your cargo properly. No matter how tough or well-designed the roof rack is, unfastened items can shift during driving and potentially fall off if they aren’t attached safely.
This presents risks on the road and could damage the gear you rely on to complete work. Taking some time to choose the right securing methods is worthwhile. With the right approach, tradies can confidently transport everything needed for any job, knowing it will stay locked in place regardless of the road conditions.
Here are five tips to make sure everything stays on your tradie roof rack.
1. Use Heavy-Duty Rope or Straps
The most basic way to secure items on a tradie roof rack is with strong rope or tie-down straps. Nylon straps are a popular choice since they are sturdy yet flexible. Make sure to use straps rated for the weight you need to carry. Loop the straps around items and through mounting points on the tardie roof rack. Crossing the straps can add stability.
When choosing straps, consider the maximum weight they are rated to secure. Heavier-duty straps with higher weight limits will give peace of mind for larger or bulkier loads. Loop the straps around items through dedicated tie-down points on the roof rack. These points are engineered to safely bear significant tension loads without failing. Crossing the straps in an X pattern can help keep items locked in place from multiple directions and resist horizontal movement.
Rather than strapping down individual smaller items, bundling similar goods together first is recommended. This decreases the number of straps needed to fasten cargo securely. Stacking allows utilizing the weight of lower items to compress upper pieces.
2. Invest in a Cargo Bag or Container
Rather than taking the time to individually strap each loose item to the roof rack, consider utilizing heavy-duty cargo bags or containers instead. Not only do these simplify securing loads, but they also provide added protection from the elements.
Furthermore, quality cargo bags are made from durable materials like weather-resistant canvas, tarpaulin or other coated fabrics. Reinforced carry handles and wrap-around straps allow firmly fastening the bag directly to integrated tie-down points on the roof rack’s frame. Look for double-stitched seams and reinforced stress points that can withstand frequent use without tearing. Padding on the bottom and sides prevents scratches and scuffs to items inside.
Rigid plastic storage containers are another excellent option. The best models feature tough rotomolded construction that is resistant to dents, cracks, and UV degradation. Their rigid walls and secure latches keep contents tightly contained. Dedicated reinforced lash points built onto outer surfaces allow efficient lashing of the container down without any contents slipping out.
3. Use Adjustable Tie-Down Straps
Adjustable tie-down straps are incredibly useful for securing irregularly shaped cargo or large items with unusual dimensions. Unlike standard fixed-length straps, adjustable models have durable hooks, buckles or loops spaced periodically along their length.
This unique design allows traders to customize the strap length for each job. Wrap the strap around the item multiple times, then pull it short through the built-in attachment points to remove any slack or excess material. Having this flexibility to fit odd-shaped loads effectively is invaluable for any tradie.
Items like extension ladders, long lumber planks, bundles of metal piping, scaffolding, or scaffolding poles are ideal for adjusting straps. Their ratcheting system forms a perfectly snug customized hold with no wiggle room, even over bumpy roads.
4. Add Protective Padding or Covering
Add padding or a protective covering under or around items carried on your tradie roof rack to prevent scratches or marks from rough surfaces. Self-adhesive furniture pads can grip items while cushioning against the rack. Moleskin fabric pieces are cut and adhered to as needed. Foam pool noodles are another budget-friendly option for padding tubular items like poles or pipes.
Vehicle-specific roof racks are grooved to accept SoftRide mats for padded protection. Mats lay directly over the rack to cushion items and protect your vehicle from scratches. Adding extra padded wrapping or covering offers peace of mind for expensive or easily damaged items.
5. Consider Rack-Mounted Accessories
Some items on a tradie roof rack are best secured using mounting points built directly into the rack itself. Heavy-duty rooftop accessories like the ProTie Down Kit and LadderWrap attach securely to roof racks for snug cargo retention.
Ladder and plank racks free up valuable roof space by containing long items neatly along the rack. Rooftop cargo boxes, baskets and carriers provide rigid protection and security compared to loose strapping or covering. Just be sure load ratings are not exceeded so that gear remains safely affixed during travel.
Key Takeaway
Securing your tools and materials is an important part of being a professional tradie. By using heavy-duty straps, protective covering, and rack-mounted gear, you can be confident that your cargo will stay safely in place no matter the job.
A tradie roof rack provides strength and mounting points for hassle-free transport of everything you need.