Roof platform or roof bars: which suits your 4WD?
Bars suit boards, bikes, kayaks and ladders. A platform suits a rooftop tent, an awning and gear you strap down.
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By the Opposite Lock Gold Coast team, Miami. Published 26/10/2026
The short answer: bars suit boards, bikes, kayaks and ladders. A platform suits a rooftop tent, an awning and gear you strap down. If you will carry a tent, go straight to a platform.
Roof bars
Two or three crossbars on your roof or rails. They are light, quiet and cost less. Bars work best when the load sits in its own mount, like a bike carrier or a kayak cradle. We stock 471 roof bar kits, made for each vehicle's roof.
Roof platforms
A flat tray across the whole roof, with room for a tent, an awning, jerry can holders, a shovel and recovery board mounts. We stock 402 platforms from Rhino-Rack, Yakima and TrailMax.
Three things to check first
- Your roof's load rating. It is in the owner's manual. The driving (dynamic) rating has to cover the rack and everything on it. If you plan a rooftop tent, the parked (static) rating has to cover the tent and the people sleeping in it.
- What is on the roof now. A bare roof, roof rails and factory tracks each take a different fitting kit, so tell us which you have.
- Height. A platform adds height. Check your garage, carport and any car parks you use.
On a ute with a canopy?
A canopy or tub rack can carry the tent instead of the roof, which keeps weight off the cab. See the tub and canopy racks on our roof racks page.
Tell us your vehicle and what you will carry, and we will send a fitted price. Get your fitted price.
Questions
Can I put a rooftop tent on roof bars?
Some tents can go on heavy duty bars, but a platform spreads the load and gives you room for the ladder and an awning. Check the tent maker's mounting rules and your roof rating first.
Will a platform fit if my vehicle has roof rails?
Usually, with the right leg or mount kit. Rails, tracks and bare roofs each use different fittings, so we check your exact model before ordering.
Do roof bars make wind noise?
Aero shaped bars are quiet at highway speed. Platforms can add some noise, and a wind fairing helps.