5 Tips To Select A Best Bed Rack For Your UTE

Utility vehicles are a fascinating combination of functionality, power, and driving experience. They adhere to the needs of everyday commute and road trip adventures whenever needed. However, when taking a ute on a road trip, the space in the ute bed may not be enough to accommodate all the luggage and cargo. And we are all aware of the dangers of carrying unhooked luggage in the interior seating. 

Safety is not the only reason why a ute must have a sturdy bed rack to carry luggage and camping gear while on adventure trips. Having a ute bed rack is also a matter of comfort as you can attach a rooftop tent to the bed rack and enjoy camping in the wild without the hassle of setting up a tent. However, it’s essential to pick the right one since most of them are expensive. So, here are five tips for selecting the best bed rack for your ute.

Opt for a renowned brand or manufacturer

While buying a ute bed rack, you must keep in mind its quality and the service from the manufacturer. Most people tend to gravitate towards inexpensive car accessories to save some bucks, but that may turn out to be expensive in the long run. So, even if it seems costly, it’s worth investing in the right kind of roof rack accessories from renowned manufacturers. Another benefit of buying from a known brand is the after-sale service you get, including warranty, installation, etc. Usually, big brands and manufacturers offer decent warranty periods and support. So, always buy a ute bed rack from renowned manufacturers.

Choose the type of bed rack that suits you.

Another crucial decision you must make while buying a bed rack for your utility vehicle is its type. Like any other roof rack accessory, even bed racks have variations in size, weight, and functionality. Thus, it’s your lookout to analyze whether you need a bed rack that runs across the roof to accommodate the rooftop tent or simply the one that fits your cargo in the truck bed. That way, you can narrow down your search based on your requirement and then decide which bed rack may be the best buy for you. Truck racks usually comprise the most accessories, so selecting the right type is crucial.

The material of the bed rack is crucial.

Here’s another tip for selecting the best bed rack for your utility vehicle. Roof racks mainly come in two materials- steel and aluminum. Steel roof rack and bed racks are heavy, sturdy, and have been around for a long time. There is also a wide variety in the configuration of steel racks. They can handle heavy loads and are not as expensive as aluminum ones. 

On the contrary, aluminum racks are the latest trend and are lightweight. However, don’t let the lightweight of those aluminum bed racks fool you, as they are sturdy enough, even compared to steel ones in some cases. The only downside is that the aluminum roofs and bed racks may be expensive for some buyers. So, choose by your preferences and budget.

Weight and strength of the bed rack

The strength and weight of the bed rack are something that most people overlook while making the purchase. Some people wrongly assume that heavier bed racks are often the strongest ones. That may not be the case always, especially for aluminum bed racks. As mentioned earlier, they are lighter than steel ones and may also be stronger than steel bed racks in some cases. So, always look for bed racks that hit the right spot in weight and strength, rather than blindly opting for heavy ones for durability. Another downside of having heavier bed racks is that they constitute the maximum weight capacity of the bed of your utility vehicle. That way, you have to limit your cargo and luggage that goes on the bed rack. 

Choose a bed rack with a higher maximum weight capacity than required

All roof racks and bed racks come with a maximum weight capacity they can handle. Exceeding the maximum capacity may result in an accident and also damage the bed rack and utility vehicle. It’s better to analyze the maximum weight you will ideally be carrying with you on your camping expedition. Weigh the entire load together, including any sports equipment that you’d be carrying, like a kayak or a bicycle. That way, you get an idea of how much weight your ute bed rack will have to carry. Doing so may help you pick the ideal one suitable for your needs. In any case, you must avoid overloading your bed rack and roof rack.

Final Thoughts

Those were the five tips for selecting the best bed rack for your utility vehicle. Remember, buying roof rack accessories from renowned sellers plays a crucial role in the longevity of the products. If you are purchasing a bed rack online, look for the reviews and ratings of the products from previous customers to know what to expect. Ratings can be a good yardstick to determine the quality of the bed racks that companies offer. Hopefully, the information helps you pick the best bed rack because you and your ute deserve it.