Roof racks and roof bars are one of the most versatile accessories you can add to your ute or van. Whether you need to carry ladders, kayaks, camping gear, or a roof-top tent, the right roof rack setup transforms your vehicle into a genuine load-carrier. This guide covers the main types of roof racks available from UniUte and helps you choose the right one for your vehicle.
Roof Rack Types — What's the Difference?
Basket / Platform Roof Racks
A basket or platform roof rack is a full steel or aluminium frame that mounts to your roof gutter or crossbars. It gives you a large flat load area for carrying camping gear, toolboxes, recovery equipment, or anything that needs to be secured up top. UniUte's universal steel mesh basket rack (1.6m) is a popular choice for dual-cabs and vans — it mounts via gutter clamps with no drilling required.
👉 Shop the UniUte Universal Steel Mesh Basket Roof Rack
HiAce Roof Racks and Cross Bars
The Toyota HiAce is one of the most popular vans in Australia for tradies and campers alike. UniUte offers a full aluminium platform roof rack specifically engineered for the HiAce 200 Series (2005–2019) — 2728 x 1465mm, rain gutter mount, no drilling required, low roof fitment. It's powder-coated black for durability in Australian conditions.
We also stock HiAce cross bars and rear ladders — so you can build a complete carry and access system for your HiAce without mixing brands.
👉 Shop the UniUte HiAce 200 Series Roof Rack Platform
Canopy Roof Bars and Rack Systems
If you already have a canopy on your ute, canopy roof bars let you carry additional gear on top without the need for a separate roof rack. UniUte canopy roof bars are designed to sit directly on the canopy roof rail, compatible with most fibreglass and aluminium canopy designs.
👉 Shop UniUte canopy roof bars
What to Look for When Choosing a Roof Rack
- Load rating — check both the rack's rated capacity and your vehicle's roof load limit (usually found in your owner's manual)
- Mounting system — gutter mount, track mount, or flush mount depending on your vehicle's roof design
- Material — steel is heavier but cheaper; aluminium is lighter and corrosion-resistant
- Length and width — match the rack dimensions to what you need to carry
- Accessories compatibility — if you want to add a rooftop tent, ladder, or awning later, check the rack supports these
Popular Vehicles and Fitments
UniUte stocks roof racks and bars for a range of popular Australian vehicles including the Toyota HiAce 200 Series, dual-cab utes with canopies, and universal gutter-mount fitments for older vehicles. If you're unsure what fits your vehicle, contact our team and we'll help you find the right solution.