Steel Vs Aluminum Roof Rack

Another advantage of using steel for a truck rack is its magnetism.

Steel vs aluminum roof rack.

The aluminum come with 1 4 aluminum side rails and the aluminum crossbars but do include two stainless steel crossbars. With the market for roof racks ever increasing we can give you a few pointers to help you decide on your next roof rack material. One of aluminums biggest advantages is that it s lighter than steel. This could make an aluminum rack a little easier to handle while installing it and perhaps offer a tiny tiny advantage in gas mileage but that s about it.

Aluminum typically will not have a coating and therefore will be either metallic in appearance or they will be painted. Because steel can rust steel racks must be coated. At backrack we use a high quality powder coating that prevents the rack from rusting and keeps it looking great for many years. The aluminium or steel debate has existed in the roof rack industry since the beginning.

An aluminum truck rack is comparable in price to a steel rack but it is significantly lighter weight. Hardcore weekend warriors swear by steel s strength and reliability and the touring community point to the reduced weight and long term rust resistance of aluminium. In 2017 aluminum racks are the clear winner when compared to steel. While aluminum might score a point on weight we think the advantages of steel still outweigh it.

50 pounds vs 80 pounds.