AERO-RACK PRODUCTS

AERO RACK a new generation in roof racks

While travelling the Canning Stock Route a few years ago, Darryl Althorpe realised the importance of reliable four wheel drive accessories. After passing through some of Australia's most rugged terrain he noticed remnants of various after market accessories littering the track.

The percentage of roof rack failure was much higher than other accessories. He witnessed first hand the difficulty others were experiencing due to inadequate roof rack equipment.

After the trip Mr. Althorpe of Adept Engineering set about designing a roof rack which meets both the practical aspects and provides the durability required for modern travel. The AERO RACK PRODUCTS roof-rack is the final result. It utilises a beam construction for full length support which gives high strength but maintains diagonal flexibility. The aerodynamic profile and the curved frontal shape eliminate wind noise and reduces the possibility of vegetation snagging whilst travelling off road.

The roof-rack can be made in either steel or aluminium and is available in a wide range of powder coated colours. Steel is a stronger material and is recommended for off road travel and is only 12 to l5kg heavier than the aluminium models, which is relatively insignificant on a vehicle which weighs 1900kg. Steel models have a very high load capability beyond normal loads required of roof racks. The rack panels are cut by a computer controlled laser cutting machine and the aerodynamic shape is pressed into the panels before fabrication.

For every vehicle there are two models of racks available. The CARGO model is a conventional fully boxed construction with four sides enclosing the rack grid. This model retails at $889 in powder coated steel. The COMMERCIAL model has cut away panels at the float and rear of the rack enabling longer loads such as ladders, surf boards and dinghies. Innovative design and modern manufacturing techniques have ensured that the price of these roof-racks is very competitive.

The main selling feature of this rack is its aerodynamic shape which drastically reduces wind noise and assists fuel economy. Mr Althorpe said "I tried to eliminate all present shortcomings of current racks in the market place by taking a flesh look at the design".

Strength and durability have been improved by substantially reducing the products component count and hence the number of weld zones. This innovative design has been approved for design registration by IP Australia.

AERO RACK PRODUCTS, 195 Bank Street, East Victoria Park WA 6101
PH: (08) 9470 3099, FAX: (08) 9470 3041

 These pages were last updated on 30th July 1999.
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