The Triton Tradie is one of the most versatile models by the Mitsubishi brand.
With a superior payload capacity, the Tradie can serve as a workhorse for your weekday errands and convert it into a leisure vehicle on weekends. The truck also boasts a spacious bed that can accommodate potentially more items than its fiercest rivals, such as the Toyota Hilux.
It’s even more exciting to know that you can install a roof rack on your Tradie to maximize storage capacity and enjoy uninterrupted road adventures.
However, a roof rack’s efficiency largely depends on proper maintenance. An ill-maintained rack can present serious safety hazards to you and other road users.
In this post, we examine the seven tips to maintain your Tradie roof rack for optimal performance.
1. Study Your Roof Rack
Roof racks come in varied shapes and sizes. Even before getting to the maintenance part, an in-depth study of your preferred rack system is paramount.
Whether you’re looking for a cross-bar Rivian roof rack or a modular rack for your Triton Tradie, ensure the platform is tailored for each vehicle’s model. Pay particular attention to removable and replacement parts, which tend to wear out much faster.
It’s also prudent to thoroughly research the material that your Tradie roof rack is made of. Mostly, you’ll have to pick between steel and aluminum.
Steel is beloved for its superior robustness, whereas aluminum stands out for its weight-to-weight ratio.
2. Undertake Preventive Maintenance
Roof rack repair costs can quickly increase if the platform lasts months between inspections. Therefore, preventive maintenance is the surest way to minimize those expenses and optimize your Tradie roof rack’s efficiency.
Start by probing the framework for visible signs of wear, such as dents and cracks.
Despite the scope of damage uncovered, get the platform repaired immediately.
Be sure to inspect the moving components regularly. Rusted, chipped, or stiff bolts are all signs of a roof rack that requires urgent servicing.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Not every roof rack problem requires whisking the platform to a metal fabricator. By following the user manual and investing in online tutorials, you can quickly lubricate your Tradie roof rack and restore the moving components to full functionality.
Slightly loosen the bolts, knobs, and washers. Then, a silicone-based lubricant will be applied to these components.
Wipe off any excess grease to keep dust off the treated parts. Now, gently tighten back the components.
While there’s no general rule on how frequently to lubricate a roof rack, greasing the moving parts once a month may do the trick.
4. Clean the Rack Regularly
Dirt on your Tradie roof rack isn’t just an eyesore. It can also impact the platform’s performance and longevity.
First, you’ll need to gather proper cleaning items. Plain water, mild detergent, a towel, and a soft-bristled brush will do the trick. Do not clean your roof rack with harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes.
Next, dismount the framework and give it a thorough clean, working from the top down. When done, clean your Tradie’s roof before reinstalling the roof rack.
Due to the harsh chemicals used in car washes, it’s best to manually clean your Tradie roof rack. Avoid automatic car washes at all costs.
5. Don’t Overload Your Roof Rack
Packing excess luggage on your Tradie roof rack can hamper the framework’s efficiency and the truck’s roof. Note that the term “excess,” as used in this context, is bisemous.
The first connotation is transporting heavy gear. Besides accelerating wear, carrying bulky items on your Tradie’s roof rack can reduce the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and overall stability. Always factor in your Tradie’s payload capacity while loading its roof rack.
Excessively loading a roof rack could also connote packing the framework tight, even if the items aren’t necessarily heavy. The biggest concern here is increased aerodynamic drag, which may also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
6. Mind Your Roof Rack’s Height
A taller roof rack may appear desirable if you’re planning to transport items that must remain vertically oriented, such as bicycles. However, an overly tall roof rack can block your access through low-hanging bridges, tunnels, and other roadway barriers.
Driving forcefully through low-hanging barriers can cause severe damage to your Tradie’s roof rack and the vehicle’s roof. Your best bet is to get a low-profile roof rack.
Besides minimizing damage by roadway barriers, a low-profile roof rack can boost your Tradie’s stability by lowering its center of gravity (CoG).
7. Store the Rack When Not In Use
One exciting thing about roof racks is that you can mount and dismount them as required.
If you don’t intend to run errands or hit the roads in your Tradie anytime soon, it’s best to remove the roof rack and store it in the garage. This reduces undue exposure to the elements, which could accelerate wear.
More importantly, store your Tradie roof rack in a cool and dry place. Remember to inspect the rack thoroughly and repair any damages before storage.
Wrap Up
Following the above maintenance tips can improve the efficiency of your Tradie roof rack and enhance your safety as well as that of other motorists. However, these strategies will only work if you invest in the best roof rack and have it properly installed.
While shopping for a Tradie roof rack, pay attention to critical aspects like the vehicle’s payload capacity and the rack’s size and material. Then, enlist professional assistance to mount the platform on your truck safely.