Buying guide
How to choose a roof rack or canopy
Roof racks, canopies and roller lids carry the gear that won't fit inside. How much they can carry depends on both your vehicle and the rack, so check the numbers before you load up.
- The lower limit applies
Your load limit is the lower of the vehicle maker's roof rating and the rack's rating, and the rack's own weight counts. Adding more bars doesn't raise the roof's limit (Rhino-Rack).
- Driving vs parked
The dynamic rating applies when you're driving; the higher static rating applies when parked, for example with a rooftop tent in use.
- Off-road needs headroom
Rhino-Rack recommends a 1.5 safety factor off-road, so carry less than the on-road limit on rough tracks.
- Cab and canopy are separate
On a ute, the cab and the canopy move independently, so don't fix one load across both. Canopy racks must stay within the canopy's own rating.
Choosing a Ute Canopy
Fitment comes first. Canopies are built for a specific make, model, year range and tub size, so a canopy made for one generation of a ute will not necessarily suit the next. Confirm your exact build date and tub style before ordering, and think about colour matching to your paint at the same time.
Then consider how you will use it. Look at door and window configuration for access, whether you want central locking compatibility, and what you might carry on top. If you plan to add racks to the canopy or fit drawers underneath it later, mention that when you order so the whole setup works together.
Related categories
Common questions
How much weight can I put on my roof?
The lower of your vehicle maker's roof load rating and the rack's rating, minus the weight of the rack itself. Check your owner's manual for the vehicle figure.
What's the difference between static and dynamic load?
Dynamic is the limit while driving. Static is the limit when the vehicle is parked, which is what matters for a rooftop tent with people in it.
Do I carry less off-road?
Yes. Rhino-Rack recommends a 1.5 safety factor off-road, because bumps multiply the forces on the roof.
Can one rack span the cab and the canopy?
No. The cab and canopy move separately, so they need separate racks, each within its own rating.
