thinking of a bak-rak, but want to consider other ways of carrying stuff. Here is a list of the alternatives on the market….

[and why bak-rak is better for almost all uses].

1.Roof rack –
FOR – Cheap, simple, easy to store.
AGAINST – Weight limited [normally 50kg], difficult to load, slow to fit, go rusty, don’t change between cars [except with new fitting kit]. Drag increased so worse consumption and lower speed.Cheaper than bak-rak – but that’s all it’s got going for it.

2. Roof box –
FOR – Secure within limits, out of the way.
AGAINST – Expensive, easily damaged, difficult to load, hideous to store, needs roof rails, slow to fit. Drag increased so worse consumption and lower speed. Load is out of sight, but bak-rak with accessories provides a more convenient, easy to store, lower cost, longer lasting, quicker fitting option.

3. Small trailer –
FOR – Good for heavy or bulky loads.
AGAINST – Bad to store, legal limitations [speed limits/fast lane etc], can be subject to tolls, impossible to reverse. Drag increased so worse consumption and lower speed.If you want to carry very heavy loads then a trailer is your only legal option. bak-rak gives a much more convenient way to carry most normal loads.

4. Bike Rack –
FOR – Cheap, some don’t need a tow ball.
AGAINST – Can be unstable, Can’t open boot/hatch with most, roof types difficult to load. If you only ever want to carry a couple of bikes then this is your cheapest option. Bak-rak will carry up to 125kg of bikes [typically 4 big or more small] as well as most other stuff – a much better option and it will fit any tow ball.