The two most common types of van roof bars on the market are steel and aluminium. We have been manufacturing an aluminium van roof bar, the ULTIBar+, for over 10 years. We have just launched a brand-new van roof bar, manufactured from steel, the ULTIBar Trade, which is based on the successful ULTIBar+ profile and inherits many features.

Here’s a look at the main differences between our aluminium and steel roof bars, which you should consider before making your choice.

Key Differences

	ULTIBar+	ULTIBar Trade
Material	Aluminium	Steel
Features	2, 3 or 4 bar set, T-Track, 4 load stops included	2, 3 or 4 bar set, T-Track
Safety	Crash tested to 20G	Crash tested to 20G
Strength	80kg per bar	60kg per bar
Fitting	15 minutes per bar	15 minutes per bar
Durability	1000 hours salt spray tested	300 hours salt spray tested
Warranty	6 years	3 years

Material

The ULTIBar+ is manufactured from Anodised Aluminium, which means it is lightweight but also incredibly strong and durable. The ULTIBar Trade is manufactured from a high-strength structural steel that has been coated with a Magnelis anti-corrosive coating, helping to protect against rust and corrosion.

Features

Both van roof bars are made in Britain and come in 2, 3 or 4 bar sets. The bars are bespoke to your van and there is a set of each for nearly every make and model of van on the marketplace. Both products have the innovative T-Track rail system that allows you to attach accessories for extra tie-down including load stops and eyebolts.

Safety, Strength and Fitting

Both the ULTIBar+ and ULTIBar Trade have been crash tested to 20G. This means that they are able to withstand a heavy impact and handle your cargo safely.

The ULTIBar Trade can carry up to 60kg per bar, whereas the aluminium bar, the ULTIBar+ can carry slightly more at 80kg per bar. Make sure to check your vans carrying capacity before loading your ladders, equipment and tools on your roof.

Both sets of van roof bars take the same time to fit, at approximately 15 minutes per bar. The steel and aluminium bars utilise the same bracketry and use your vehicles existing fixing points.

Durability and Warranty

Both the ULTIBar+ and ULTIBar Trade has undergone salt spray testing, with the ULTIBar+ withstanding 100 hours and the ULTIBar Trade withstanding 300 hours.

For peace of mind, both sets of roof bars come with a warranty, with a 3 year warranty for the steel bar and 6 year warranty for the aluminium bar.

Both bars are anti-corrosive, the ULTIBar+ is made from anodised aluminium, preventing rust, and the ULTIBar Trade is coated with a Magnelis coating which is anti-corrosive.

Accessories

Both the steel roof bar and aluminium roof bar have the innovative T-Track rail system to allow the attachment of accessories such as load stops and eyebolts. The ULTIBar+ comes with 2 pairs of load stops and although the ULTIBar Trade comes without them, they can be purchased separately. Our current rear roller accessory fits both the ULTIBar+ and the ULTIBar Trade.