A roof top rack is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a ute or van. Whether you're a tradie needing to carry ladders and pipes, a camper loading up for a week away, or a 4WD enthusiast adding a rooftop tent to the mix, the right roof rack setup makes a genuine difference to how you use your vehicle every day.
This guide explains the key types of roof top racks available, what to look for, and which UniUte products are worth considering for Australian utes and vans.
Platform vs Basket Roof Racks
The two most common roof top rack styles are platform racks and basket racks.
A platform rack has a flat, solid deck — aluminium or steel — that gives you a defined load area. It's the cleaner-looking option and works well for rooftop tents, flat cargo, and anything that benefits from a solid surface. UniUte's aluminium flat platform rack for the Toyota HiAce 200 Series is a good example — it sits flush on the roof with a 2728 x 1465mm load area, mounts to rain gutters with no drilling, and is powder coated black for durability.
A basket or mesh rack has a steel or aluminium frame with a mesh floor. It's slightly heavier but allows airflow underneath your cargo, which can be useful in Australian heat. UniUte's universal 1.6m steel mesh basket rack is a popular choice for dual-cabs and vans, mounting via gutter clamps.
👉 Shop the UniUte HiAce Roof Rack Platform
👉 Shop the UniUte Universal Steel Mesh Basket Rack
Mounting — Gutter Mount vs Track Mount
Gutter mount systems clamp onto the rain gutters that run along the roofline of your vehicle. They require no drilling and are the most common fitment for older utes, vans, and work vehicles. Most Toyota HiAce, older dual-cabs, and many commercial vans use gutter mount racks.
Track mount and flush fit systems are common on newer utes with factory flush roof rails. If your ute came with integrated roof rails from the factory, you'll need a track-compatible crossbar system that clips into those rails.
Load Rating — What You Actually Need to Know
Roof rack load ratings are only one part of the equation. Your vehicle's roof also has a maximum dynamic load limit — typically 50–100 kg for most dual-cabs and vans when moving. This is separate from the rack's own rated capacity. Always check your owner's manual for the roof load limit before loading up.
For static loads (rooftop tents, for example), vehicles are usually rated significantly higher — but again, check your specific vehicle.
Accessories That Work with Roof Racks
Once your roof rack is fitted, a range of accessories expand what you can carry:
- Rooftop tents — mount directly to most platform and basket racks via standard T-slot channels
- Rear ladders — allow easy roof access for loading and unloading; UniUte stocks a rear ladder specific to the Toyota HiAce 200 Series
- Awnings — most awnings clamp to the side of a roof rack and deploy for instant shade at camp
- Kayak and bike carriers — attach to crossbars for specialised sport cargo
👉 Browse the full UniUte roof rack and bars range
Not Sure What Fits Your Vehicle?
Roof rack fitment can be specific — especially for newer vehicles with integrated rails or flush rooflines. If you're not sure what will work on your ute or van, contact the UniUte team in Moorabbin, VIC. We can help you identify the right fitment and get you the correct rack for your vehicle. We ship Australia-wide.