ThePADDLER
14
REVIEWS
A summer of increasingly long days on the water in 2021 led us to conclude that there had to be an easier way than pushing through post-paddle fatigue to get two kayaks on top of a van . Initially in denial about needing a little dynamic assistance , we came to the reluctant conclusion that was precisely what we needed . The search led us to Dropracks , a Norwegian company that specialises in one product , an elevating roof rack . It uses the extreme conditions of Nordic winters as its testing ground for the product .
WAIST-HEIGHT PLATFORM It ’ s a straightforward system that replaces standard roof bars with a rack that allows you to bring the roof loading space down to a horizontal waistheight platform . Once the load is securely in place , a few turns of a crank returns the platform to the top of the vehicle , and the video on the company website demonstrates this with compelling ease .
Created to be used in conjunction with cars or vans , it can be configured for work or leisure use . It will carry up to 80kg depending on size and meets the international standard DIN 75302 for roof racks .
Set up is simple ; the Droprack works with your existing vehicle fittings to attach to the roof and then whatever accessories are used to customise the space for the load ; bike rack , kayak cradle , roof box ; even a roof tent , fit as they would to regular bars . We use Thule-Hull-a-Port Aero racks and just moved them from our existing bars and tested both the spacing adapter ( that allows straps to pass underneath ) and eyelet option for securing .
Our recommendation is to have all the parts ready in front of you and make use of the fitting video before assembling the rack . Even though it is designed to be used by one person , set-up is infinitely easier with two . The rack is sturdy , which makes it on the heavy side to fit . However , the process is easy and uses only a single Allen key . A final piece of advice is to get the rack in position before making the last adjustments and tighten it because it needs to be set square for smooth running .
We have a long wheelbase T5 that morphs between work and leisure use , and for weekend warrior activities , it regularly carries bikes , sea kayaks or a mix