Why anodised aluminium is the best choice for your van
As a tradesman, your van is more than a vehicle... it's your workplace on wheels. The accessories on your van need to perform every day: in rain, frost, salty sea air and summer heat. The choice of material for those accessories matters, it determines how long they last. At mobietec, we deliberately choose anodised aluminium, and in this article we explain exactly why it's the smartest investment you can make.
What is anodised aluminium?
Aluminium is naturally a light and strong material. Anodised aluminium goes one step further. During the anodising process, the aluminium receives a controlled oxide layer that protects against UV radiation, frost, salt air, snow, rain, ... as well as against friction, wear and rust.
The key difference from spray paint or powder coating? With those techniques, a protective layer is applied on top of the aluminium. With anodising, something fundamentally different happens: the aluminium is transformed into a harder structure to a controlled depth. The protection is in the metal itself, not on top of it. That means it cannot peel or flake, no matter how intensively it is used.
At mobietec, all roof racks, glass racks, ladders and other accessories are made from anodised aluminium. Available in natural or black anodised finish. Already convinced? Use our product finder and request a free quote.
The advantages of anodised aluminium
1. Resistant to all weather conditions
The oxide layer provides optimal protection against UV radiation, salt air, snow, rain, friction, wear and rust. Cheaper alternatives with a painted finish discolour, flake or corrode over time. With anodised aluminium, the oxide layer barely wears and can last for decades. Not convinced? Check out Thiery’s testimonial.
2. Lightweight, yet strong in use
An aluminium roof rack can be up to 30 to 40% lighter than a steel one. You feel that when mounting it and while driving. And you don't have to make any concessions: aluminium offers the same rigidity as steel.
3. Minimal maintenance, maximum lifespan
Steel demands attention: treating rust spots, restoring coatings, repainting. Aluminium roof racks are completely maintenance-free. With normal use, their lifespan even exceeds that of your van. In the long run, that's far more cost-effective than choosing steel. Want to learn more about maintaining aluminum roof racks? Read our article with maintenance tips.
4. Sustainable and recyclable
Anodised aluminium is fully recyclable and its lower weight also means less fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions during transport. A conscious choice for your van and for the environment.
Different mobietec roof racks
Closed roof rack (Series 1)
The roof rack with closed, upright side panels is the most popular choice, ideal for tradesmen who transport materials daily such as ladders, beams or pipes. The upright edges provide extra safety when securing the load.
- Profile height: 91mm (excl. rails and supports)
Open roof rack (Series 2)
The roof rack with open, raised sides offers the most flexibility for securing cargo. Thanks to the openings, you can easily load and unload materials through the sides. The raised edges provide extra security when securing the cargo.
- Profile height of 124 mm (excl. rails and supports).
- Profile height of 153 mm (excl. rails and supports) with optional extension kit.
Flat roof rack (Series 3)
The flat roof rack has no raised edges, keeping the total height of your van as low as possible. Ideal for those who regularly park in garages or drive in locations with limited clearance. This is also the most popular option for campervans.
- Profile height of 38 mm (excl. rails and supports).
Black anodized roof racks
All roof racks are also available in black anodized aluminum. The black color is not paint or a coating, but the result of the anodization process itself. The color is incorporated into the material, so it cannot peel or fade, and the racks are protected against various weather conditions and wear.
Conclusion
Anodized aluminum is an investment in reliability, safety, and efficiency. At mobietec, all roof racks, glass carriers, ladders, and numerous other accessories are manufactured from anodized aluminum. Our products are 100% Belgian-made, fully certified, and custom-made.
Want to learn more about the difference between steel roof racks and aluminum roof racks? Read our blog post here and download the overview.
Request a free quote today from an authorized mobietec dealer near you.
Unfortunately, mobietec does not sell its products directly to consumers. As a manufacturer, we supply exclusively through a network of garages and vehicle converters. Use our dealer locator to find the nearest dealer in your area.
At mobietec, sustainability translates into concrete, day-to-day choices. Our approach covers several areas:
- Choice of materials: We deliberately opt for anodised aluminium. It is 100% recyclable, rust-proof and requires no paint coating.
- Longer service life: Our products are designed for intensive professional use. This means fewer replacements, less waste and lower consumption of raw materials.
- Lower fuel consumption: Aluminium is significantly lighter than steel, which translates into lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions for the user.
- Circular approach: Residual material is sorted and recycled. Where possible, old parts are given a second life.
- Energy: At our production site, we generate energy via solar panels and provide charging points for electric vehicles.
Step by step, we are building an approach that goes beyond the product itself.
Before purchasing a roof rack, it is important to ask yourself a few questions:
- How often will you use the roof rack?
- What materials will you be transporting?
- What is the size of your vehicle?
- Where will you park?
With our easy-to-use, online roof rack guide, you can quickly and efficiently choose the right roof rack.
All mobietec products are developed and manufactured entirely in-house at our facility in Spiere-Helkijn, Belgium. Our production process is carried out step by step:
- Cutting the profiles
- Assembling the products
- Shipping to you 😉
Every stage, from design to finishing, takes place under one roof. Thanks to this local and careful production process, we can guarantee consistent quality and fast delivery.
👉 Curious about our behind-the-scenes processes? Watch this video.
A universal roof rack that fits every van does not exist. Every vehicle is unique, and each user has different usage and transport needs. That’s why at Mobietec we only make custom roof racks. For example, we offer:
- Roof racks for an Iveco Daily
- Roof racks for a Renault Master
- Roof racks for a Mercedes Sprinter
- Roof racks for a Ford Transit
- Roof racks for a KIA PV5
- …
With our user-friendly product finder, you can quickly discover which types of roof racks are suitable for your vehicle.
mobietec roof racks are available from numerous garages and vehicle converters in Europe. Request a quote online from your nearest dealer of choice. Or search directly for a dealer in your area and drop by.
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