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Rola's Heavy Duty roof racks give 4WD-tradies secure package with add-ons
Rola heavy duty gutter mount
roof rack. open end for
HJ 60 Sahara. Part Number
CGM21-2 Max load 100k |
By Garth Morrison Editor GoSeeAustralia.com.au and GoSeeNewZealand.co.nz
Measure twice, cut once. Good practical advice with any job. Use that mind-set with the fit-up of quality engineered product like Rola's heavy duty gutter mounted roof racks and the result is a secure package. It looks good too.
GoSee finds that reliable information comes from the practical use of products after reading the instructions. So with the help of one of our valued sponsors, Rola, we went to Rola's website and shopped through roof rack products and add-ons for the GoSee restored retro Toyota HJ60.
Immediately the measure twice, cut once line of thought comes into play. Get the part identified right Jack!
Rola's product range covers a multitude of needs. In the Hj60's case that goes back 26 years to 1985.
But to meet specifics the right part identification letters and numbers are gold when ordering. That means measure what is needed. For example Rola luggage packs come in a variety of lengths, widths and heights.
To load anything on top of the high-roof of the diesel Toyota GX Sahara is a big step up. GoSee prefers to operate from the lowered tailgate at the back of the big 4WD and through the sunroof. This way standing on the passenger seat gives good access to the front of the roof rack.
The particular pactical advantage of this access is a ladder is not required. But, heads up. Check those length measures twice. Too long and that advantage is barred by the luggage tray. Damn that is annoying!
Check all the bits against the instructions first. |
So GoSee starts this Heavy Duty carry it on top discussion by opening the Rola boxes. It is a lot like Christmas. There are surprises. So please check all the bits against the instructions first.
Because there are so many roof styles rolling around there can be extra adaptors packed in the assembly kit. Depending on the vehicle roof being fitted one set of adaptors will not be needed. The excellent instructions say so.
Take care when unpacking bits like bolts and washers. Sometimes they make a break for freedom, hide and get lost. Look for the unusual. For example why are the pack-bar inserts so long and how do they lock in place?
Well because when the roof cross bars are in place they must be cut to fit the distance between the end supports and they clip in by pressing against one edge as it is slotted home. The other slotted edge snaps in as the inserts are feed in. Tin snips give a clean cut. Measure twice, cut once.
The end supports stand in protective rubber boots. It is a juggle to get the end support locking strap under the roof gutter. Wind back the two nuts which feed into barrel bolts, ease into place and tighten down with the Allen Key supplied for the job. Put the Allen Key in the vehicle when it can be found for regular tension checks and to remove the bars.
Use a tape measure to set up the cross bars. They must be parallel and equally spaced to carry the load. There are four bolts under the cross bars which during set up are loosely locked into slugs which slide into the cross bars.
After checking all is squared away with the tape measure don't forget to tighten them down.
Toyota right-angle socket fits roof rack job. |
This requires a socket (right) which copes with tight right-angle adjustments in a confind space. To finish end caps clip back into the cross bars to complete the neat streamlining. They are removed for the assembly process.
The cross bars are fully adjustable along the length of the track. The Allen Key supplied is needed to remove them, which deters theft. Rolas Heavy Duty and Trade range is designed for 4WD enthusiast and tradies who require large carrying capacity.
The RRP $317, CGM21-2 cross bars GoSee fitted are rated to carry up to 100kg but please check the vehicles Owners Manual for recommended maximums. The maximum roof load can also be limited by the rated capacity of luggage tray ratings which may be lower than that of the pack bars.
Too much weight on a roof rack is not wise. It can have a dangerous affect on handling and stability particularly on tall 4WD vehicles. On no account load more than vehicle warranty ratings allow. Vehicle fuel consumption may rise.
Rola has been part of the Australian sporting and leisure landscape since the early 1980’s, created out of need by a Sydney windsurfer to carry his equipment. Rola has evolved into one of Australia largest roof rack and vehicle accessory equipment companies, with the brand being exported to the US market.
Rola says it believes a roof rack should be strong, light and good-looking. It should fit the widest range of vehicles, and carry loads aerodynamically. Rola Roof Racks are custom designed for each individual vehicle.
End support fitted to crossbar. Allen Key locks gutter clamp. |
Editor note: This is the first in a series of GoSee Information Articles evaluating a range of Rola products in conjunction with the Rola Heavy Duty Gutter Mount (Roof rack open end for Toyota HJ 60 Sahara) Part Number CGM21-2 Max load 100kg.
They include:
Platypus Bag. Part 59100.
Universal Water Craft Carrier. Part WCU (fits Universal Roof Racks).
Luggage net. Part 59200.
Ratchet Tie-down. Part RTD 146.
Baby ToyLok. Part TL 2021.
NV2 Bike Rack. Part 59508.
www.rola.com.au
A byline with a GoSee Information Article indicates opinion.
Please follow this link to continue the series of Information Articles -
Rola roof rack Universal Water Craft Carrier cradles many hull shapes
Time and tape carry weight with GoSee Rola Vortex Luggage Basket fit-up
For more information
contact: Garth Morrison
Editor Go See Australia and Go See New Zealand Directory
Email: garth@contact.com.au
Allen key locks heavy duty end supports. |
Measure from fixed points to place roof rack bars exactly parallel |
Insert cut to fit under bars pops in from one edge |
Essentials for a good finish |
Tighten four roof rack lock nuts. |
Sahara sunroof makes fitting and loading easier. |
Remember the rig is taller. |
Rola heavy duty units assembled with Water Craft Carrier mounts in place. |
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