Our customers often approach us confused whether they should purchase a mesh floor or not with their next roof rack. Mesh has unique advantages over a standard crossbar setup. We often get questions and concerns from our customers – here are a few answered by the team at Tradesman:

1. Will mesh add unnecessary weight to my roof rack and lower my overall load rating?

Mesh obviously will add weight to the roof rack, but the benefits associated outweigh the lowered overall load rating. On average, steel mesh adds about 15–20kg to the overall weight whereas alloy mesh 10–15kg. There’s not a massive difference in weight but, as we all know, alloy and steel have their differences.

2. Will the mesh make my roof rack noisy?

As a given, by the time the wind has been deflected by the fairing, if one is needed, the majority of the wind has been either disrupted or redirected. There are exceptions, but this takes the form of the rack being fitted incorrectly or extensive customisations to the roof rack.
Additionally, mesh braces the platform often reducing crossbar wind vibration.

3. Does mesh make the rack any stronger?

Yes – definitely. Welding mesh to the base of the roof rack laterally strengthens the rack, especially alloy roof racks. This is one of the greater benefits of mesh as technically, an alloy flatdeck, isn’t strong enough to withstand regular trade use – dropping ladders and planks in the centre of the roof rack as an example.

4. So why should I include mesh?

In short, mesh gives you many more tie down points than just standard crossbars. It increases the surface area of the roof rack in general and enables you to carry smaller items like foldable chairs, gas bottles and firewood easily. The slight increase in weight compared to the added functionality is a no-brainer when it comes to usefulness of your roof rack.

Questions? Give us a call!