Thread: Defender 110 gutter flex

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.

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

Originally Posted by Captain_Rightfoot

Ok, so I'm not alone with this.

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.

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

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.

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!

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....