Thursday 20 October 2016

Take Your Road Trip to the Next Level with Bars-n-racks 4WD Equipment


4WD Equipment

Envious of your friends, you've got yourself a new 4WD Equipment vehicle that you are now proud of. It's got big freakin tyres and chrome plating all over and a super powered engine ticking under the hood. It looks mean and feels powerful so you figure you are now ready to join the big boys in your first offroad adventure right? Not so fast. You need to walk around your all new 4WD vehicle; gawk at it some more if you like but you need to make sure it checks all the right tick boxes in the requirement list to take on the tough offroad terrain and get back in one piece. So let's check her out.

Check box # 1 – Under carriage Skid Plates
Your new 4WD might look like it has ample ground clearance but trust us, at your first attempt to go over a rock the mid portion of your 4WD Accessories belly will scrape on the rock and leave some very ugly scars that you won't like. Worse, if you take your vehicle over a single sharp stone that is jutting a vee bit higher off the ground, it can puncture your tank like it was made of paper. Make sure the bottom of your engine is covered as well. Check this box if you have skid plates including a gas tank skid plate installed.

Check box # 2 – Breakover, Approach and Departure Angles
These are an indicator of the angle your bad boy vehicle can take on without slamming its front bumper (approach angle while climbing) or it rare bumper (departure angle while reversing back) or scrapping your undercarriage as your vehicle crests a sharp rock or hill (breakover angle). You will need to study the terrain of your intended off-road trip to figure out how your vehicle will perform. Check this box if you think your vehicle will do well.

Check box # 3 – Axle Ratio
The ratio of pinion gear teeth to ring gear teeth in the differential is called the Axle ratio. A higher rear axle ratio (something like 3.8 to 4.4: 1) would mean that the ring gear has 3.8 to 4.4 times more teeth than the pinion gear which in turn translates to higher torque. This in turn makes it easier to cross over obstacles and steep slopes. Talk to an off-roading specialist mechanic if your vehicle is under powered in terms of torque output.

Check box # 4 – Off-roading tires (also known as mud terrain tires)
Think big tires with deep treads and tough sidewalls and made from toughened rubber compounds. 33 inch to 35 inch tires are recommended. Deflate your tires when you are ready to leave the tarred road.

Check box # 5 – Locking Differentials – you're going to have to talk to your off-roading specialist mechanic for this one.
The ideal situation is when the tire(s) with the most grip get more power (rather than the other way round which is the factory set default). There are many options available to help reverse this default setting. Which option to select will depend on your vehicle which is why you need to talk to your off-roading specialist mechanic for this one?

The best off-road accessory shop is Bars-n-racks at 6 Chard Road, Brookvale NSW. You can call them on 02 9905 2422

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Bars-N-Racks Roof Storage Systems and Vehicle Accessories at the Right Price


Roof Racks

Bars-n-racks offers top-of-the-line roof storage systems and vehicle accessories at less than the price offered by the competitors – Guaranteed !

Being one of the largest suppliers and retailers of roof storage systems and vehicle accessories has its advantage in terms of negotiating better prices with the manufacturers. In turn Bars-n-racks are able to pass on the lowered prices to its customers so they always get the right roof storage system or vehicle accessories at the right price.

Ranging from light to heavy duty, Bars-n-racks stocks all manner of roof storage systems and customers will find plenty of choices to choose from no matter what their requirement. Their range of roof storage and rack systems meets the needs of everyone from the desert assaulting 4-wheel driver to the ladder-carrying tradesman.

Sports enthusiast who require anything from Boat Loader to Kayak Carrier, Bicycle Carriers and Ski arms will find a huge selection of choices. Then there are locking rod holders, Tie Down Straps, Transport Boxes and Luggage Baskets, Alloy Ladder Straps, Nylon Load Holders, ladder Rollers, Speciality Ladder Systems, Ratchet Grabs and Utility Rack Systems. For each of these you will have a choice of brands, styles and prices – select one that suits your requirement and is the right price for you.

If you find that Custom Roof Racks are not suitable for you, there are other storage options that include Trunk racks, Hitch racks, Spare-tire racks, Truck racks and cargo boxes.

Trunk racks for example, are excellent for bikes and tend to be less expensive; easy to load and access; easily ported so it can be used on multiple vehicles or when not required simply removed and stored away.

Spare tyre racks can easily carry bikes or skis or snowboards. They provide quick access and do not interfere with your access to the trunk / rear door of your vehicle.

Cargo boxes are ideals for skis, snowboards and any loose gear you might require for your trip. A cargo box can be locked and is also great for storing wet or dirty items outside of vehicle interior. It is aerodynamically designed and looks good too.

If you vehicle has a hitch receiver (you can add one) you could mount a hitch rack. The hitch you select would depend on what you need to tow in terms of its weight. Hitches are categorised by their weight towing capacity. The lower capacity (up to 2,000 lbs) are Class I. At the upper end is Class V (18,000 lbs.)

When buying a hitch, talk to the sales manager – he will be able to guide you as to the correct hitch for your vehicle. If your intention is to transport bikes, platform-style hitch racks can anchor bikes on hitch trays. Anchoring minimises bike swaying and bike-to-bike contact during transport.

The best place to shop for roof racks, Rak-A-Van Storage Systems and racks is of course, Bars-n-racks at 6 Chard Road, Brookvale NSW. You can call them on 02 9905 2422.