Roof bars for rooftop tent

**steveG** · 8th April 2011, 04:09 PM

Having recently bought a rooftop tent, I now have to sort out some roof bars to mount it on.
The manufacturer recommends using 3 of the Rhino heavy duty roof bars, but they are pretty exxy new and the correct height ones dont seem to be around second hand.

Since I dont need the adjustability of the Rhino system, I'm considering just making some. Probably out of steel RHS and flat for the legs.

Has anyone made their own? If you have, would you recommend doing it or was it just not worth the hassle and you wished you'd bought some commercial ones.

Alternatively any other commercial bars that you've used that are good quality but hopefully a bit less pricey than the Rhino ones.

Any pointers on a good design for the legs/clamps would also be appreciated.

Steve

**isuzutoo-eh** · 8th April 2011, 05:07 PM

Hi Steve, if you have a County or Series, this thread of my experience with Rhino bars might be worth keeping in mind:
Ribbed 110 vs smooth Defender roof vs Rhino bars

**steveG** · 9th April 2011, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by isuzutoo-eh

Hi Steve, if you have a County or Series, this thread of my experience with Rhino bars might be worth keeping in mind:
Ribbed 110 vs smooth Defender roof vs Rhino bars

Thanks Mark. Yes, some good info in there.

Steve

**Camper** · 9th April 2011, 05:57 PM

Hi StevG,

I am also about to install a roof top tent on my 110. I am looking to use the recommended Rhino bars. I note on the Rhino web site the following.
RL210DS8 is a specially modified leg to suit this vehicle. Leg will not fit over window.
I take this to mean the RL210 leg on the standard bars. If you have info on this I would appreciate or I will let you know the out come when I try to put the puzzle together.

**steveG** · 9th April 2011, 07:28 PM

Sorry Camper - I don't have any more info than you at this stage.
I interpreted the statement differently though, thinking that the modified leg fits the landy, but you cant put it where the alpine window is as the seal will interfere.

Definitely let us know what you discover with yours.

Steve

**rar110** · 10th April 2011, 06:17 AM

I would make your own in the form of a rack. You could even use fairly light rhs if it was well braced. I have a few different clamp set ups I can photograph. PM me you email add and will send them through.

Steel also gives you the option of customizing it eg for attaching an awning, shovel/jack holder etc.

**Camper** · 10th April 2011, 08:42 AM

Hi SteveG,

I will post pics of the set up when done and let you know of any issues. All should be done by the end of April i hope.
Hugh.

**isuzutoo-eh** · 10th April 2011, 10:00 AM

Steve is correct, the RL210DS8 leg is suited to the Defender/110/Series but the alpine windows have thick rubber seals that the legs don't clear. Some people have ground some plastic off the legs to make them fit.
The bars themselves are just generic Rhino bars, I cut around 100mm off each bar to have the ends in line with the legs, after the bar ends scraped a cliff...

**Rimmer** · 10th April 2011, 01:59 PM

Did this to my Rhino bar legs back in 2003. Haven't incurred any issues to date.

The chop was to clear the glass, wasn't an issue with the glass rubber though.

Cheers,
Tod.

**numpty** · 10th April 2011, 02:39 PM

The proper Defender Rhino legs are already scalloped out to suit the radius on the roof.

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