ARB Flat Mesh Rack Installed (1 Viewer)

[BrownDog09]

So, I returned the Base Rack, and bought the Aluminum series mesh rack. I may see what the thoughts are on the Base Rack once they sort out the issues.

The ARB mesh rack does not seem to be a popular rack on this forum, so I took a gamble.

I liked the limitless tie down options and how bombproof this rack feels however.

Looks decent on the truck I think. The quality is top notch and equally a PITA to install.

 

[mcgaskins]

I really like the mesh rack personally and thought about it myself. In reality though, I only carry Maxtrax on the roof, so I don't really need anything beyond the stock rack and Maxtrax pins. Did you notice any increased noise with the mesh rack? It seems it would be fairly quiet, but I could see it going either way.

 

[BrownDog09]

I really like the mesh rack personally and thought about it myself. In reality though, I only carry Maxtrax on the roof, so I don't really need anything beyond the stock rack and Maxtrax pins. Did you notice any increased noise with the mesh rack? It seems it would be fairly quiet, but I could see it going either way.

So, interesting question - I initially, I had the supplied fairing installed on the rack and it was unacceptably loud and whistled. Removed the fairing and it is very quiet to my ears. Odd.

You would think the wind fairing would have been worked out in R&D....

 

[WCDAVE]

Cool looking rack. I think people just expect a fairing so they offer one. I would definitely go with what works from the sound aspect as the turbulence above and below the mesh will likely not be greatly reduced by the fairing. In race cars sometimes they add texture to solve aero issues - not saying that is the case here, but it could be that it just works better without it. If you can stand it, I would run half a tank with and half a tank without and see if there is any real MPG difference.

 

[nwfl4runner]

So, interesting question - I initially, I had the supplied fairing installed on the rack and it was unacceptably loud and whistled. Removed the fairing and it is very quiet to my ears. Odd.

You would think the wind fairing would have been worked out in R&D....

Mine was so bad it made the sunroof wobble. Trashed it, no problems since.

 

[1world1love]

So, I returned the Base Rack, and bought the Aluminum series mesh rack. I may see what the thoughts are on the Base Rack once they sort out the issues.

The ARB mesh rack does not seem to be a popular rack on this forum, so I took a gamble.

I liked the limitless tie down options and how bombproof this rack feels however.

Looks decent on the truck I think. The quality is top notch and equally a PITA to install.

View attachment 2610640
View attachment 2610641
View attachment 2610642
View attachment 2610643

It definitely looks good on your truck. I wonder about the construction though. Can it support you if you stand on the mesh (ie for loading and unloading or potentially as a sleeping platform)? Also, can it support an awning or RTT? Lights? Just curious as I have never seen this rack before.

Also, I can imagine that it would be quieter without a fairing. It looks like the frame is low profile and air should flow over and around it pretty easily without much resistance.

 

[jglc2013]

I think that looks great!

 

[BrownDog09]

It definitely looks good on your truck. I wonder about the construction though. Can it support you if you stand on the mesh (ie for loading and unloading or potentially as a sleeping platform)? Also, can it support an awning or RTT? Lights? Just curious as I have never seen this rack before.

Also, I can imagine that it would be quieter without a fairing. It looks like the frame is low profile and air should flow over and around it pretty easily without much resistance.

I have stood on it and it feels solid like no other rack I have felt. Everything is welded, heavy duty, and the mesh is extremely thick with little perceived give when standing on it. I plan to use it like I would a pickup truck with lumber, or any other crap I can fit up there. ARB really did a fine job with the design as I can see so far. That's why I am surprised that I have not seen this rack represented with this group.

 

[grinchy]

It's just not expo enough without a bunch of $$$ accessories and T nut channels. I mean, how would you put a RTT on that?

 

[1world1love]

I have stood on it and it feels solid like no other rack I have felt. Everything is welded, heavy duty, and the mesh is extremely thick with little perceived give when standing on it. I plan to use it like I would a pickup truck with lumber, or any other crap I can fit up there. ARB really did a fine job with the design as I can see so far. That's why I am surprised that I have not seen this rack represented with this group.

Yeah, it seems like a great design. Being able to essentially attach anywhere across the entire platform is very useful. You may choose not to use it for this, but since it supports your weight, the mesh would make a great sleeping platform. Throw a sleeping pad and bag up there and it'd be great for a night under the stars.

 

[BrownDog09]

Yeah, it seems like a great design. Being able to essentially attach anywhere across the entire platform is very useful. You may choose not to use it for this, but since it supports your weight, the mesh would make a great sleeping platform. Throw a sleeping pad and bag up there and it'd be great for a night under the stars.

I like the idea of sleeping up there a lot. OK this may be a silly question - how do you make sure you don’t roll off?

For those interested pictures of the cross bars.

 

[raoulduke101]

I have the 3/4 length steel flat rack (not mesh) and have been really happy with it. It holds my RTT and lots of gear no problem. Very sturdy rack. I stand on it all the time to tie down boxes.

 

[1world1love]

I like the idea of sleeping up there a lot. OK this may be a silly question - how do you make sure you don’t roll off?

For those interested pictures of the cross bars.

Definitely not a silly question. Falling in the middle of the night from that height would be no joke. I don't think there is a single good answer, but I guess the easiest answer is - the same way you keep from falling out of bed every night, and I suppose that it takes practice.

That is sort of a cheeky answer, but it does make some sense. On the other hand, if you are prone to moving around in your sleep (rolling a lot or even walking) then that may need a better solution. People who are prone to sleepwalking often will wear mittens and use a mummy sleeping bag. This makes it a bit difficult to get up without waking up. That might not be what you want on top of a truck though.

I guess I haven't really thought about it that much. I'd be interested to hear what other's experiences are though as it is an interesting question. I guess you could strap yourself in loosely with a compression strap.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Steel or aluminium?

My only concern with so many weld points is their potential to start dripping rust on the roof in no time at all. Hope ARB's finish is very good!

 

[BrownDog09]

Steel or aluminium?

My only concern with so many weld points is their potential to start dripping rust on the roof in no time at all. Hope ARB's finish is very good!

All aluminum construction, I am with you though. Wouldn’t have considered it otherwise.

 

[BrownDog09]

I have the 3/4 length steel flat rack (not mesh) and have been really happy with it. It holds my RTT and lots of gear no problem. Very sturdy rack. I stand on it all the time to tie down boxes.

View attachment 2610864

Such good looking vehicles...

I have had sports cars that I didn’t enjoy looking at and modify as much as these. People are going to really appreciate these when they are gone.

 

[dubyahard]

I would have gone with the exact rack you chose had it not been for price. I was able to get the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform for less and I liked the looks nearly as much as the ARB mesh rack you have. Good choice. It looks great!

 

[BrownDog09]

I would have gone with the exact rack you chose had it not been for price. I was able to get the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform for less and I liked the looks nearly as much as the ARB mesh rack you have. Good choice. It looks great!

I actually was very close to going with the Rhino Rack too. I think it looks very similar the base rack. Ed Martin had a build with that rack on YouTube and it almost sold me.

I feel like I ‘need’ a light bar and I don’t see a good solution for the mesh rack. Much more options with your rack.

 

[Powell Runner]

Does it hinge or swing up for washing the roof? I can picture a nice thick layer of pink Southern UT dirt that could be difficult to wash off. Cool looking rack...I like the mesh

 

[nwfl4runner]

Does it hinge or swing up for washing the roof? I can picture a nice thick layer of pink Southern UT dirt that could be difficult to wash off. Cool looking rack...I like the mesh

nope and it’s low too. I use a long handled flat brush