If you have ever tried to squeeze a ladder or a mountain bike into a bakkie load bin, you already know the frustration. Load bars for bakkies give you a proper carrying platform on top of the cover instead, and Securi-Lid has a rack system built specifically around that need. Most South African bakkie owners run their vehicles for work and leisure at the same time. Load bars make that far more practical without a full reorganisation every time your plans change.
Here is what to think about before you buy a set.
What Load Bars Actually Do
A set of load bars sits on the side rails of your roller cover and creates a raised platform above the load bin. This opens up carrying space for longer or bulkier items that would not fit inside the bin without awkward stacking or hanging over the tailgate.
The bars are built to handle real weight. A quality set will take on bikes, canoes, rooftop tents, and work materials like guttering or timber without shifting on rough roads.
Why Build Quality Matters More Than Price
- Material strength — Load bars made from stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminium hold their shape under load and resist corrosion from outdoor use and rain. Cheaper options flex under pressure, which becomes a genuine safety concern at highway speeds.
- Mounting system — How the bars attach to your roller cover matters just as much as the bars themselves. Look for a system that slots into the cover’s side rail channel directly rather than clamping over it, which puts less stress on the cover over time.
How They Work With a Roller CoverHow They Work With a Roller Cover
Not all load bars are compatible with all roller covers, and this catches a lot of bakkie owners off guard. If you already have a Securi-Lid fitted, the Cari-On rack system slots directly into the cover’s integrated side rail with no drilling involved.
The setup works well because the load bin stays fully accessible underneath. You can roll the cover open to reach the gear inside while everything strapped to the bars above stays exactly where you left it.
Is It Worth Adding Load Bars to Your Bakkie
Load bars are easily one of the best and most practical additions you can make to a bakkie when you have to consistently carry gear that does not fit inside the bin. You can find specific systems designed to work with your existing cover from reliable service providers like Securi-Lid. Therefore, relieving you of the fitment guesswork and gives you a setup that feels properly thought through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will load bars fit my existing roller cover?
It depends on the cover. Bars designed for a specific system, like the Cari-On for Securi-Lid, fit directly into the side rail channel. Generic bars may need adapters or may not be compatible at all, so checking before you buy is a good idea.
Can I leave load bars fitted permanently?
Yes, most load bar systems are designed to stay on the vehicle. They sit low enough not to affect general driving, and leaving them fitted means your bakkie is ready whenever you need to carry something larger.
