Thread: What do you want in a roof rack?

Originally Posted by Xtreme

I'd like the floor of the rack to consist of three or four full length sections strong enough to be used as sand (or maybe even bridging) ladders which woud serve as the roof rack floor for 99% of the time and could be removed (unbolted) and used as a traction aid on the odd occassion.

A very innovative idea, however you obviously don't put much stuff on your roof! The amount of stuff we have on the roof, I'd rather tie some plastic (light weight) sand ladders on the roof as well. But maybe I'm just really lazy. (I am).

On a similar note to that, I think reasonably priced optional attachments (bolt on?) would be popular. Eg. Gas bottle holder, shovel mount, axe mount, table slide, fishing rods, etc.

Originally Posted by Judo

On a similar note to that, I think reasonably priced optional attachments (bolt on?) would be popular. Eg. Gas bottle holder, shovel mount, axe mount, table slide, fishing rods, etc.

This gets my vote, recently been looking at roof racks and can't believe how much these additional accessories cost!

Originally Posted by Judo

A very innovative idea, however you obviously don't put much stuff on your roof! .................

Correct, and for the short time that I may need to 'borrow' the floor of the rack to traverse a difficult patch I could stuff the gear from the rack inside.
The advantage is that you always have your sand/bridging ladders with you and wouldn't have to remember to load them each time you went out.

On a similar note, I made a rock slider/step a few years ago which can be unbolted and used as a solid tow bar.

I guess I just like things to be multipurpose where possible.

I fell in love with the Baja roof racks... but Hubby said no..

But in answer to your question.. I think that everyone has already put forward what I would have said but I think that when people buy a roof rack they are often also looking for accessories for that rack.. ladders, jerry can holders, mounting brackets for 'stuff' etc.. well I know that I was taking those things into consideration when I was looking.

Originally Posted by Xtreme

Correct, and for the short time that I may need to 'borrow' the floor of the rack to traverse a difficult patch I could stuff the gear from the rack inside.
The advantage is that you always have your sand/bridging ladders with you and wouldn't have to remember to load them each time you went out.

On a similar note, I made a rock slider/step a few years ago which can be unbolted and used as a solid tow bar.

I guess I just like things to be multipurpose where possible.

How about side step sand ladders....?

Originally Posted by Judo

How about side step sand ladders....?

Maybe, but possibly not able to be made wide enough.

What's wrong with the factory Expedition Rack? Asides from the fact that it'll most likely b expensive seeing as it has "Land Rover" stamped on it?

Originally Posted by HardCharger

What's wrong with the factory Expedition Rack? Asides from the fact that it'll most likely b expensive seeing as it has "Land Rover" stamped on it?

If you are referring to the one in the Defender brochure - tubular arrangement that's a mix between a mechano set and an Ikea flatpack the only way to describe it IMO is cheap and nasty without being cheap...

Official Defender Accessories: Winch, Bar, Protection & Styling | Land Rover Australia

Check under "Carrying and Towing" and then roof racks...

This is not to be mistaken with the genuine G4 Expedition Rack, which is a really realy good rack and follows similar design lines.

The tent pole type joints leak enough to let water in, so it'll rust from the inside out and there is no way anyone over 50kg can stand on it without bending the frame.

A few years ago now (quite a few!) the insurance company refused to replace my Front Runner rack (incident with a falling branch) like for like and insisted on a Land Rover OME one. Talk about false advertising calling it an Expedition rack...

Maybe the quality has improved over the years, but knowing Land Rover and their overpriced accessories that is unlikely.

Cheers,

Lou