Choosing a Roof Tray for Your Vehicle

Roof trays are a good option if you regularly carry bulky gear, work equipment, camping gear or accessories that don’t fit neatly inside the vehicle. Compared with traditional roof racks, Roof trays and platforms give you more loading space and more tie-down flexibility.

At Stoke Equipment Co, we mainly work with Rhino-Rack Pioneer and Thule CapRock systems, with tray options available for many popular NZ utes, SUVs and 4WDs.

Rhino-Rack Pioneer Roof Trays

1 image of a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform roof tray on a ute, mounted with the backbone mounting system.

Rhino-Rack Pioneer 6

  • The Quietest & lightest Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform yet, with significant improvements in aerodynamics.
  • Comprehensive ecosystem of accessories for mounting everything from kayaks to fishing rods.
  • Huge range of load securing options to suit tradies.
  • Higher load rating than a traditional roof rack system.
  • Maximum usable space on the roof.
  • Rhino-Rack Roof Trays are ideal for:

    • Building, Plumbing and Trade Equipment
    • Kayak Racks
    • Rooftop Tents
    • Adventure Accessories
    • Oversized items

    Search our range of Rhino-Rack Pioneer Roof Tray options

    Thule CapRock Roof Trays

    1 image of a Thule CapRock roof tray on a Land Rover Defender 90, mounted with the Thule 710700 Fixpoint Foot Pack and 187122 Fitting kit.

    Thule CapRock

  • Thule's sleek roof platform is perfect for attaching accessories like bike racks, kayak racks or a rooftop tent.
  • East/West mounting channels for maximum accessory mounting options.
  • Higher load rating than a traditional roof rack system.
  • Maximum usable space on your vehicles roof.
  • Low profile design redirects airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy.
  • Easy installation and removal without special tools or equipment.
  • Thule CapRock Roof Trays are ideal for:

    • Bike racks
    • Kayak racks
    • Ski & Snowboard Racks
    • Roof Boxes
    • Rooftop tents
    • Adventure Accessories

    Search our range of Thule CapRock Roof Tray options

    Roof trays vs traditional roof racks

    Roof trays and platforms offer more carrying flexibility than traditional crossbars, especially for oversized gear or loads that need multiple tie-down points. If you mainly carry bikes, skis or a roof box, a traditional crossbar setup is often lighter, quieter and more practical than a full tray.

    Traditional roof racks are usually lighter, quieter and better suited to accessories like roof boxes, ski carriers and bike racks. Roof trays make more sense when carrying camping gear, recovery gear, work equipment or rooftop tents.

    Who should consider a roof tray?

    • Tradies carrying ladders, conduit or bulky gear
    • Camping and touring setups
    • Rooftop tent builds
    • Fishing and watersports gear
    • Vehicles regularly carrying oversized loads

    Final Thoughts

    Adding a Roof Tray to your car, ute or 4wd massively increases storage space and helps keep the inside clutter-free. If you're preparing for a camping trip, transporting work gear, or heading off for a weekend away, a roof tray system makes hauling extra cargo super easy.

    Thule and Rhino-Rack offer roof tray solutions for popular NZ models, and our Vehicle Fitment Guide ensures you can find the perfect fit for your car.

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    Not everyone needs a full roof tray setup. If you mainly carry bikes, skis, kayaks or a roof box, a traditional roof rack system may be lighter, quieter and more practical. Read our guide to choosing the right roof rack for your vehicle.

    Roof Rack Guide