Thread: Defender gutters - cracking

Scallops, on mine I have cracking from the weight of the roof tent, but I think its in the sealer on the gutters and I am not too worried about it on mine.

How muh weight have you had on it.

Defenders have a very low roof weight limit

Thanks Pete.

My roof hasn't seen much weight. The rack is reported to weigh 22kg. My awning is 12kg. My tent is 20kg. My camp chairs are, say 6kg.

So say 60kg max.

There were some hairline cracks at the edge of the roof where it joins the gutters too.

it probably is only the sealant, shouldn't be a worry.

Originally Posted by harry

it probably is only the sealant, shouldn't be a worry.

But I also have cracks in the actual roof just above the junction where it joins the gutters - is there sealant under the roof paint?

geez....i wonder how my gutters are still in place, i don't dare look

Originally Posted by Scallops

I'm starting to think I might remove my roof rack - my gutters have hairline cracks which I think might be due to the rack. LR are fixing it this time - but won't do so when I'm out of warranty.

In saying this, I've seen many Defenders with similar gutters - some without racks.

Anyone else noticed that Defender gutters are pretty weak? Do you think cracking in the paint will lead to corrosion issues?

Even racks or loads under 50kg will cause hairline cracks in the gutter paint. I've had three Defenders, all with expedition full length racks and they all featured minor cracks in the gutter paint. The hairline cracks are inevitable and should'nt cause any serious corrosion.

The gutters are actually very strong and can take a lot more weight than stated in the manual. Most Defenders in Africa are kitted to a certain standard. You seldom see them without expedition roof racks with tents, jerry's and other **** on the roof. Not something I would recommend but if there were issues with gutters not being able to handle those loads ... people would simply stop loading them to the rafters.

hey dan

i was thinking on the way home.....yes apart from wondering if my roof was a bout to cave in that from memory you roof rack attaches in three differant places each side

pretty sure there has been discussion on here about the benifits of a full gutter mount system i.e. a piece of steel running the full length of the gutter to spread the load evenly

just a thought

this is how mine is set up

Originally Posted by Greylandy

Even racks or loads under 50kg will cause hairline cracks in the gutter paint. I've had three Defenders, all with expedition full length racks and they all featured minor cracks in the gutter paint. The hairline cracks are inevitable and should'nt cause any serious corrosion.

The gutters are actually very strong and can take a lot more weight than stated in the manual. Most Defenders in Africa are kitted to a certain standard. You seldom see them without expedition roof racks with tents, jerry's and other **** on the roof. Not something I would recommend but if there were issues with gutters not being able to handle those loads ... people would simply stop loading them to the rafters.

what a great looking picture...is there any 130's in there...can't tell



Mrs ho har