Defender 110 gutter flex

Below are a couple of pics of my very basic rack setup.

I've had mixed results with this setup. In the second pic you'll notice the cracking around the top of the A-pillar that has been mentioned. Not sure if this was caused exclusively by the racks as the other side did the same thing shortly after I bought the car in Sep 2011 before anything was attached to the roof. That one was fixed under warranty, the crack in the pic was denied by LR because of the non genuine racks... Whatever...

The basket (home made) and tent are only on there for trips away.

Anyway, I think the best way forward for my setup will be to have rails welded between all the 8 feet to spread the load.

Nothing has rattled loose or moved over all my road trips which have included some bone rattling corrugations.

The only fault was the gutter above the passenger front door deformed downward slightly after a particularly heavy fore/aft pitching incident on Fraser Is. That has since been straightened with success.

As for the body flexing thing at full articulation, I have definitely experienced it. Maybe strengthening the rack might not be the best idea?? What can you do though...

imgur: the simple image sharer
imgur: the simple image sharer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by n plus one

^^^^ this!

I've had a number of problems with Rhino bars working loose - never any issues with Hannibal racks though.

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Ok, so I'm not alone with this. :(

Geez first tank of diesel for the defer this year........now I know why

Whilst I haven't done days of corrugations at a time but the Isuzu rattles everything else loose soon enough. My Rhino bars have never self-loosened off, the only times they have moved are due to rubbing the ends of the bars against a cliff or tree. I have the 5mm spacers between leg and rail, not sure if that adds a measure of flexibility, i'm not one to over tighten things, and the roof top tent doesn't provide all that much rigidity either.
Is it the bars+pod assembly that is too stiff or the roof too flexible?

I'm sorry to say this but if you have to carry stuff on the roof, you're carrying too much!

Lighten your load & your vehicle will be all the better for it. Not just for the damage to the roof but also for handling and general longevity.

M

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Captain_Rightfoot

Ok, so I'm not alone with this. :(

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Nope, I've had two different Hannibal racks and one set of three Rhino bars all on the same vehicle (09 110), all carrying the same load (48kg Maggiolina RTT) - never a minutes trouble with the Hannibal racks, constant issues with the Rhinos. Similar story with the ARB rack on my 03 110.

I think Rhino racks are good gear, but they seem to have issues on some Deefers - suspect it relates to the variation in gutter filler?

Agree with comments re overloading, I can notice my RTT on the roof and have made other choices to offset the effects (increased offset wheels, suspension upgrades, all recovery gear and fuel/water carried as low as possible) - I think you need to be careful not to overload the roof, but keep it for light and bulky things and its fine.

Roof racks are not there to carry tons of gear around, light stuff is ok.

You only have to look at any of the expedition books, all the heavy stuff is carried inside the vehicle, I think A roof tent and boxs of lighter spares is more than enough.

I have carried 2 jerry cans up there, only due to the fact I have not got a long range tank. But the next trip they will be lower down, for pure remote travel when you need spare fuel then I would maybe make a allowance for this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by camel_landy

I'm sorry to say this but if you have to carry stuff on the roof, you're carrying too much!

Lighten your load & your vehicle will be all the better for it. Not just for the damage to the roof but also for handling and general longevity.

M

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Look.. I'm right there with you on that. It would be great, and the centre of gravity would be much lower. Our first Simpson trip we did without a pod, but we only had one very small child so could use most of the back seat. Plus, we were absolutely packed to the gunnels which mean making and breaking camp was very slow and stressful. :o

I've got to carry a fridge, food, 120 litres of diesel, 100litres of water, a tyre caracas, some spares, recovery gear, camping equipment, clothes and bedding.. plus I've got two (or three) kids in the back so I've got limited space in the back seat.

If you can tell me how to fit all that into the back of a 110 I'm all ears! :D:D

Its a valid question, how to get all your stuff in the back of a 110, buy a 130, only kidding, but think about the chaps with the 90's....

Look at what you have now and half it....

Hey steve


My dolium rack just sits on my car for most of the year doing nothing.......it quite light compared to my old one

You are more than welcome to use/borrow it for the trip....

.I have a camper trailer so I could manage if we have a weekend away while you are

Don't worry about weight I must have had close to 200kg on my roof when I crossed the Simpson.....keep in mind my old rack weighed 100+kg

Oh and I'm guessing you guys won't be on the tourist tracks