2 or 3 bars for Rhino system

[Ashes]

My other thread seems to have meandered off track so thought this might be a useful question to pose by itself instead of burying it in the original thread.

What are peoples opinions on installing just 2 bars on the high roof section of the D3 vs having 3 bars where the 3rd bar mounts on the lower front section of the D3 roof.

The Rhino kit number is TD3-3B and sells for around $717 (bars, tracks, legs and spacers) vs around $430 for the 2 bar setup.

We have 3 kids and just can't fit all the camping gear in the back of the D3 and I'd like to avoid towing the trailer where possible.

What have you got and why?

[gps-au]

What have you got and why?

I have 2 bars.

why ?

Well simply :
1) thats what was only available @ TJM in Townsville at the time I was there and need to put tyres on the roof.

Really, why don't you measure out an area of ground for a rack, board or whatever for a 2 bar system and then see by example if its big enough for you ? if it isn't work out the size of a 3 bar system and see again if its big enough ? You might find with the amount of stuff you and xyl plus the 3 additions have, it just might be a whole lot easier to fill a trailer ;)

Oh, don't forget the future, when the additions want their bigger toys taken etc.... you might need to think of a rack for the trailer as well..... :angel:

[Dingmark Jim]

I don't have this particular rack, but would suggest that 2 bars is okay. The reason is that the allowable load limit (75kg by memory) is very low and therefore don't think that the 4 point loading with 2 bars is the design limit.
Does anyone know what the constraint on the weight is -- stability control? Scandinavian moose test? side-slope angle limit? roof support strength? Surely the back row a/c is heavy enough that it should be part of the "high load" consideration?

[wyperfield]

I have only 2 x bars.
Why - because I leave them on all the time and they are low enough not to get in the way in carparks and my garage.
I drilled into the roof to fit the pop rivets at the rear end of the Rhino roof rack gutters as mine did not have factory fitted ones - its very easy and only done as a safety precaution for overhanging load.
With 2 bars I can fit a roof rack (light Rola Roof rack on Rhino Bars) that is easily removed and stored when I don't use it. 3 bars could mean a larger roof rack that's harder to remove or stays on all the time.
Very happy with the outcome.
Hope this helps

[rmp]

I don't have this particular rack, but would suggest that 2 bars is okay. The reason is that the allowable load limit (75kg by memory) is very low and therefore don't think that the 4 point loading with 2 bars is the design limit.
Does anyone know what the constraint on the weight is -- stability control? Scandinavian moose test? side-slope angle limit? roof support strength? Surely the back row a/c is heavy enough that it should be part of the "high load" consideration?

It's swerve tests and the like. Land Rover themselves put more than 75kg up there on the G4 cars and certainly Defenders which also have a 75kg limit are well known for carrying much more, even on their weak roof. Toyota used to have a 200kg limit but have cut that in recent times to 100kg.

Ashes -- two bars + mesh frame or tray so the bulky gear fits on.

[Mal_W]

I have 3 Rhino bars which cost $800 for supply and installation of the tracks and the 3 bars. The front bar has higher legs so they are all the same height. I chose 3 because I mount a solar panel between the front of the roof basket (which mounts to the rear 2 bars) and the front bar. I found the front bar noisier, so I normally leave it off, but is only a couple of minutes to install.

Mal