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Equipment Tests > Opposite Lock Rackmaster Roofrack
Opposite Lock Rackmaster Roofrack
Issue: April 2006
Words and photos by Robert Pepper
A Roof With A View
Opposite Lock's range of Rackmaster roofracks offer plenty of storage and versatility.
The good news about the Rackmaster is that I don't even know it's there. That's because it is very quiet, at least once the optional wind deflector is installed. The other reason is the weight. At only 33kg on my bathroom scales it's pretty light for its 2000x1360mm size (larger sizes are available). Weight is important, as the Defender's roof limit is only 75kg. Strength doesn't appear to be compromised as it looks robust and OL has a reputation to protect. The rack was also subjected to an unorthodox and unintentional test; a large tree fell on my vehicle, hit the rack and glanced off. I got out, recovered my composure, and inspected the damage, expecting to find the worst. Nothing, not even a scratch, but the fallen tree ringbarked itself.
The rack is made up of a base unit and mounting feet, which bolt to the crossmembers. This means the rack can be moved between vehicles just by changing the mounts. The gutter mount unit is comprised of a bolt and a hex nut. Like many racks that's a little fiddly to be ideal. I lost one of the hex nuts but was able to replace it with a normal bolt from my bitzer box. The gutter mounts have a small rubber load spreader, which I'd like to be wider. A bonus of the design is its low profile, with no rails. This means the Defender can sleep in the garage, and it saves weight and cost.
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Like every other rack I've owned, I'll put an anti-slip tape on the rack because having been up there in the rain it can get pretty slippery, and I could do without tools dropping onto the roof.
The really clever bit about this rack is the accessory mounting system. Each crossmember has a slot on top and underneath, into which you can slide captive bolts. This means flexibility for creating your own mounting systems, or you could just use one of the many OL accessories. For example, there's a table which slots underneath the rack, which is a good use of otherwise wasted space. The table is 750x1150mm and weighs 11.5kg. The legs could be more robust for that weight and it does rattle a little, but put it this way - it's always with us when we're out on a trip. Some day I'll get the bitzer box out again and
fix the rattle.
On the top I tried the spare wheel carrier - works fine, although personally I'd be more inclined to ratchet strap my spare in place, cheaper and almost as easy. However, OL have a huge range of other accessories for shapes more difficult to tie down like jerry cans, gas bottles (the list is long) and these are definitely worth investigating. OL also supply little tiedown eyes and you'll need a few of these with your Rackmaster. The tiedowns also need a flat washer to spread the load and a bit of Locktite or similar to ensure they don't work loose. Be careful not to over-torque them as you can damage the rack. You can slide the eyes anywhere along the crossmember, so you get a lot of tiedown flexibility.
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Words and photos by Robert Pepper
A Roof With A View
Opposite Lock's range of Rackmaster roofracks offer plenty of storage and versatility.
The good news about the Rackmaster is that I don't even know it's there. That's because it is very quiet, at least once the optional wind deflector is installed. The other reason is the weight. At only 33kg on my bathroom scales it's pretty light for its 2000x1360mm size (larger sizes are available). Weight is important, as the Defender's roof limit is only 75kg. Strength doesn't appear to be compromised as it looks robust and OL has a reputation to protect. The rack was also subjected to an unorthodox and unintentional test; a large tree fell on my vehicle, hit the rack and glanced off. I got out, recovered my composure, and inspected the damage, expecting to find the worst. Nothing, not even a scratch, but the fallen tree ringbarked itself.
The rack is made up of a base unit and mounting feet, which bolt to the crossmembers. This means the rack can be moved between vehicles just by changing the mounts. The gutter mount unit is comprised of a bolt and a hex nut. Like many racks that's a little fiddly to be ideal. I lost one of the hex nuts but was able to replace it with a normal bolt from my bitzer box. The gutter mounts have a small rubber load spreader, which I'd like to be wider. A bonus of the design is its low profile, with no rails. This means the Defender can sleep in the garage, and it saves weight and cost.
read on below advertisement
Like every other rack I've owned, I'll put an anti-slip tape on the rack because having been up there in the rain it can get pretty slippery, and I could do without tools dropping onto the roof.
The really clever bit about this rack is the accessory mounting system. Each crossmember has a slot on top and underneath, into which you can slide captive bolts. This means flexibility for creating your own mounting systems, or you could just use one of the many OL accessories. For example, there's a table which slots underneath the rack, which is a good use of otherwise wasted space. The table is 750x1150mm and weighs 11.5kg. The legs could be more robust for that weight and it does rattle a little, but put it this way - it's always with us when we're out on a trip. Some day I'll get the bitzer box out again and
fix the rattle.
On the top I tried the spare wheel carrier - works fine, although personally I'd be more inclined to ratchet strap my spare in place, cheaper and almost as easy. However, OL have a huge range of other accessories for shapes more difficult to tie down like jerry cans, gas bottles (the list is long) and these are definitely worth investigating. OL also supply little tiedown eyes and you'll need a few of these with your Rackmaster. The tiedowns also need a flat washer to spread the load and a bit of Locktite or similar to ensure they don't work loose. Be careful not to over-torque them as you can damage the rack. You can slide the eyes anywhere along the crossmember, so you get a lot of tiedown flexibility.
next page »
