A ute without roof racks is leaving its best carrying space empty. Ladders end up angled across the tray, conduit rattles around loose, and long timber hangs over the tailgate. The fix is straightforward, but there are 3 different ways to put racks on a ute, and the right choice depends on what you carry and what is already on the back of your vehicle.
This guide walks through the 3 mounting options, how to match the rack to your load, and what to look for if you want racks that survive daily trade use.
The 3 ways to put roof racks on a ute
1. Cab roof racks
Racks mounted to the cab roof are the classic option. The platform is shorter than a van’s, so they suit lighter and shorter loads, and they keep the tray completely free for toolboxes and gear. Because the mounting points differ between models, cab racks should be made for your specific vehicle rather than adapted from a universal frame. KRS builds vehicle-specific racks for popular work utes including the Ford Ranger Wildtrak MY22+, Toyota Hilux dual cab and Nissan Navara NP300.
2. Tray and tub racks
Mounting racks to the tray or tub instead of the cab gives you the strongest, most practical carrying platform on a ute. The load sits lower, which makes it easier to lift up and strap down, and the full length of the tray is available for ladders, conduit and lengths of timber. Our universal ute tub roof racks suit most dual cab utes, and the full range of options is covered on our ute tray roof racks page.
3. Canopy racks
If your ute has a canopy, the canopy can carry its share. Canopy racks put ladders and long loads up top while your tools stay locked below. The mounting needs to respect how a canopy carries load, so use racks designed for the job: our universal canopy roof racks suit most ute canopies, and we make a direct-fit rack for the ARB Classic canopy.
Match the rack to the load
The rack is only half the setup. What you carry decides the rest:
- Ladders: ladder rails and rollers make loading a ladder a 1-person job instead of a 2-person struggle. See our ladder storage range, including the ladder load assist.
- Conduit and pipe: loose pipe on a rack is an accident waiting to happen. A lockable Bazooka conduit carrier keeps conduit secure, dry and impossible to slide out.
- Mixed long loads: tray or tub racks paired with the cab rack give you 2 support points for timber and extrusions that overhang a single platform.
Wind noise: the daily-driving test
A rack you hear at 100 km/h is a rack you will regret. Racks live on the vehicle full-time, so the bar profile matters: KRS bars are streamlined to keep wind noise to a minimum, which you notice most on highway runs between jobs. It is one of the reasons our racks started in the telecommunications industry, where the vehicle is an office and the rack is on it for years.
Australian made, built for Australian trades
Imported universal racks are built to a price, not to your vehicle. Every KRS rack is designed and manufactured in Adelaide, matched to the make and model it mounts to, and engineered for the loads Australian tradies actually carry. If your ute is on the road every working day, that difference shows up quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put roof racks on my ute canopy?
Yes, provided the racks are designed for canopy mounting. Our universal canopy racks suit most ute canopies, and we make a direct-fit option for the ARB Classic.
Do tub racks fit any dual cab ute?
Our universal ute tub roof racks are designed to suit most dual cab utes. If you are not sure about yours, get in touch and we will confirm fitment before you order.
Are roof racks noisy on the highway?
Cheap racks often are. KRS bars are streamlined specifically to keep wind noise to a minimum, so the cabin stays quiet at highway speed.
What is the best way to carry conduit on a ute?
In a lockable conduit carrier mounted to your racks. It keeps pipe secure and dry, stops it sliding out under brakes, and locks it away from wandering hands overnight.
Ready to set your ute up properly? Browse the full roof rack range, or get in touch and we will point you to the right setup for your vehicle and your trade.