Black Sheep Innovations is a Swiss design and development company with local manufacturing. Previously, the company built its reputation for high quality accessories designed for vehilces including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and VW Amarok.
Recently, Thomas Grütter, founder and ceo, explained to me that he has spent the last couple of years developing a new range of products especially for the INEOS Grenadier – a 4×4 he is convinced will make a considerable impact on the off-road and overlanding markets.
This is the first of a short series of articles aimed to shed light on Black Sheep’s new accessories for the Grenadier.
ROOF RACK / PLATFORM
Compared to the factory supplied roof rack, Black Sheep’s modular roof platform mounts directly to the lashing rails set along each side of the roof and only adds a mere 30 mm to the overall vehicle height. Manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel, the platform is sturdy enough to walk on.
A single element comprises the mounting legs and a panel fitted with airline rails around its parameter. The airline rails are identical to those mounted at the factory so that you can use the same fixtures on the whole car.
A single panel measures 63 x 160 cm, weighs 12 kg and has a static load bearing of 250 kg.
By using two elements and the optional filler, you can create a closed platform measuring 160 x 189 cm, ideal as a raised viewpoint for hunters as well as for photography and video work. A range of fixings are available to securely mount equipment such as Maxtrax, awnigs and roof top tents.
The design takes the safari roof windows into account so that they can still be used when the full-size platform is in place.