5 Min
Sometimes there is not enough space in the vehicle, especially when long objects such as pipes, sectional beams or ladders have to be transported. In this article you can read why metal worker Andreas Schwabauer from Bubesheim in Swabia swears by Sortimo's TopSystem roof rack.
Andreas Schwabauer from Bubesheim in Germany couldn’t imagine life without it anymore: the roof rack on his Ford Transit.
It is particularly practical when it’s necessary to transport long and heavy items such as awnings of up to six meters in length and beams weighing up to 110 kg, used to build stylish patio canopies that exceed the capacity of the cargo space. Up to now, Andreas always had to use a large tandem trailer, which caused difficulties when it came to parking and manoeuvring. Since June 2020 he has been using the TopSystem ProSafe from Sortimo.
The robust roof rack not only offers him additional storage space on the vehicle roof, the TopSystem also guarantees him an absolutely safe transport of his load. He is more flexible and quick on the road, thus saving the trailer. This is now only used when he has to bring complete roofs to the customer. A trailer is also sufficient for a small vehicle fleet. For the transport of awnings, repairs or even the return transport of individual damaged parts to the workshop, the TopSystem is now in use.
Fast and reliable load securing is a top priority for the metalworker. This was also the main reason Andreas Schwabauer opted for a TopSystem roof rack. The ProSafe load securing system is already integrated as standard. “I didn’t find this with any other roof rack system on the market. Also, coated sections that must not be scratched are well protected thanks to the built-in protective rubber strips.“
The ProSafe load securing system is integrated into the roof rack throughout the entire length of the cross profile. This means that the lashing straps can be hooked in quickly and easily with just one movement and the long profiles are fixed to the vehicle roof in the best possible way.
The ProSafe system can not only be used on the roof, it can also be used in the van’s entire cargo area as it is compatible with the vehicle manufacturers’ original lashing points and of course with Sortimo’s van racking systems.
This means Andreas benefits from an integrated load securing system for the entire vehicle.
“With ProSafe I now have a belt system that fits everywhere. I had a few more belts, but I replaced them now.”
The modular design of the TopSystem offers the right variant for every type of transporter. Whether large or small vans, high or normal roof, two, three or four cross beams – the TopSystem adapts flexibly to the load requirements of the craftsman.
The Schwabauer company decided on a configuration with a total of six cross beams due to the increased stability and the extended loading area.
In addition to the ProSafe lashing straps, Andreas also chose a loading roller as one of the accessories. This is bolted to the side walls of the roof rack and thus behind the rear of the vehicle, leaving space for the attached rear view camera. The loading roller allows convenient loading and unloading of the roof rack and at the same time prevents damage to the bodywork, as the materials do not touch the edge of the vehicle.
Andreas Schwabauer does not need any further accessories such as charge limiters or warning lights for the time being. “If I need something here, I can easily retrofit it at any time. “
To guarantee the durability of the roof rack, the components of the Sortimo TopSystem are all made of stainless steel and aluminium and are therefore resistant to weathering and corrosion. So rust is no longer an issue, which makes the roof rack very durable and solid. So when you change vehicles, it can be easily converted to the new vehicle and reused – as long as it’s the same vehicle model.
When asked if there are any disturbing wind noises while driving, Andreas is very clear: “Of course you can hear during the ride that a roof rack is mounted. But it is also not really louder than the driving noises.”
All in all he is very satisfied with the vehicle and the roof rack, only the motorization of the vehicle he will choose higher in the future: “Especially with a full load 170 hp instead of 130 hp would really do good”.
The way to the Sortimo TopSystem
Andreas Schwabauer purchased his TopSystem in the traditional way through his sales consultant at the Sortimo branch in Zusmarshausen. Of course, it is also possible to order the roof rack online. Prospective customers can find ready-configured sets in different variants for all van types on mySortimo.co.uk.
Individualists can also configure the roof rack themselves online. Using the SR5 van racking configurator, you can customise the TopSystem without van racking and add appropriate accessories. The price for the installation service is already included in the total.
The created configuration is also permanently stored in your mySortimo account so that it can be accessed again and again for new vehicles.
Update November 2021:
Aluminium transport tube
With the aluminium loading tube, even long loads can be stowed dry and safely: The city crash test with a maximum load of 50 kg was passed!
Thanks to the return baffle device, the load can be conveniently removed from the loading tube if it has moved forwards during the journey. The aluminium loading tube with lockable cover is available in the useful lengths 3 m, 4 m, 5 m and 6 m.
Rear ladder
The rear ladder enables comfortable, safe access to the roof area and the load stowed on it. Despite its low weight, it is made of high-quality materials, which ensures high stability with a load capacity of up to 120 kg. It is easy to mount without drilling holes in the vehicle body, so there are no permanent residues.
