Steel mesh platform

[cortrud]

I am considering what way to go for roof rack storage.
Is any one using either
Rhino Steel mesh Platform

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/Rhinoweb...0828_15637.jpg

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCategory_Steel-Mesh-Platforms_Page_1_Accessory_Platform-Basket-Medium_329_74.aspx

or
Ridge Ryder equivalent. New in Super Cheap Auto

http://images.lasoomedia1.com.au/imageicon/sca/prod/j00551168/c_001/page_015/ridge_ryder_roof_tray_0073a06a_org.jpg

After thoughts on usability, strength and tie down suitability.

[Bogger]

Mate try and locate an old sliding screen door with the alloy mesh on it and make up your own ............... damn site cheaper. Simply make up a frame for it then bolt to roof bars.

[Lakey]

Mate try and locate an old sliding screen door with the alloy mesh on it and make up your own ............... damn site cheaper. Simply make up a frame for it then bolt to roof bars.

I use an old steel security grill (900 x 1200) for a rack when I need it. It has the exanded mesh rather than the weldmesh type grill in it.

Usually just tie it to the cross bars and it's fine, though I make sure I tie off what ever I'm carrying to the ends of the cross bars also.

Not the prettiest piece of equipment out there (hardly even noticable really) but light, strong and practical and it cost me nothing.

[AndrewF]

G'day,

I have a gal mesh tray a mate made up for me but it doesn't have any steel tubing running around the edge so it's a bit flimsy, I'm tempted to duck out to Supercheap tonight on the way home to check it out...

Dimensions appear to be 1600x1215 (I think)...

Thanks for the heads-up.

Cheers,
Andrew

[GrahameL]

I tried the Rhino mesh tray which I attached to Thule Wing Bars.
Terrible wind noise at 80km +. Ended up on-selling the tray at a loss.

Grahame

[cortrud]

Got the Ridge Ryder platform rack. Almost identical to Rhino brand.
Now fitting to Mitsubishi rhino sportz style cross bars.
Decided to put a 3rd one in the middle, if I can get my hands on another one.
Let you know about wind noise etc. when I have it up there.

[awill4wd]

Got the Ridge Ryder platform rack. Almost identical to Rhino brand.
Now fitting to Mitsubishi rhino sportz style cross bars.
Decided to put a 3rd one in the middle, if I can get my hands on another one.
Let you know about wind noise etc. when I have it up there.

Be aware that if you use 3 cross bars then with the curvature of the factory roof rails you will need to install about an 8mm packer on both the front and rear cross bars.
When I modified my alloy rack off my old GQ I found it was necessary as like you I wanted to run 3 cross bars.
I'm also considering chopping the top section off my rack and the leg mounts to make a flat base as I usually use the rack for carrying bicycles when we go away.
Regards Andrew.

[cortrud]

[QUOTE=awill4wd;331179]Be aware that if you use 3 cross bars then with the curvature of the factory roof rails you will need to install about an 8mm packer on both the front and rear cross bars.
When I modified my alloy rack off my old GQ I found it was necessary as like you I wanted to run 3 cross bars.
I'm also considering chopping the top section off my rack and the leg mounts to make a flat base as I usually use the rack for carrying bicycles when we go away.
Regards Andrew.



OK thanks for that.
So when using spacers is it advisable to space the entire length of the rack or just where the platform is bolted on? Any suggestions as to what to use for spacers?

Has anybody got a MM sportz style cross bar that they want to get rid of? I am keen to find a 3rd one.

[MoreliaMatt]

does anyone know if that ridge ryder platform is still on special? cant find it on the super crap website?

[sharkcaver]

The spacers as mentioned:

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/products/spare-parts/height-spacers/vortex-leg-height-spacers_lhs-a2pair

[Lakey]

The spacers as mentioned:

http://www.rhinorack.com.au/products/spare-parts/height-spacers/vortex-leg-height-spacers_lhs-a2pair

I don't think those spacers will fit the Mitsubishi racks (which are I think actually renamed Rhino SXB? Sportz legs and Aero Bars) unless you just use them between the bar and the actual platform. The Rhino SXB and Aero combination is available as a half set I have been told as I want three eventually also.

Alternately you could see if the Rhino Wing bar fits that leg as it may fit in the middle without any packing, it being much thinner.

[cortrud]

does anyone know if that ridge ryder platform is still on special? cant find it on the super crap website?

No super cheap special finished a couple of weeks ago. Was a pretty good deal.
Thanks for the info on spacers, will dig deeper.

Still looking for 3rd MM rail if anybody has one.

[MoreliaMatt]

No super cheap special finished a couple of weeks ago. Was a pretty good deal.

Thanks, will have to keep an eye out for the next special.

[cortrud]

does anyone know if that ridge ryder platform is still on special? cant find it on the super crap website?

Platform rack is on special again $188.

Fitted mine to 2 MM cross bars after consulting with Roof Rack City.
Spacers not available to suit these bars if I went the 3 bar option.
They thought 3 bars would be an overkill as long as I was staying within MM weight limits.
That sounded fine by me.
The whole set up travels well with very minimal wind noise.
For the record the Ridge Ryder rack is almost identical to Rhino other than slightly smaller diameter outer tubing.

[MoreliaMatt]

Platform rack is on special again $188.

Fitted mine to 2 MM cross bars after consulting with Roof Rack City.
Spacers not available to suit these bars if I went the 3 bar option.
They thought 3 bars would be an overkill as long as I was staying within MM weight limits.
That sounded fine by me.
The whole set up travels well with very minimal wind noise.
For the record the Ridge Ryder rack is almost identical to Rhino other than slightly smaller diameter outer tubing.

Thanks for the heads up! I'll head down today!!! Cheers!

The supercheap website says the ridge ryder platform is 1200 wide, i swear last time i looked at it it said 1100 wide...
Would you be able to measure yours for me? Ive only got 1140 to play with....