Roof storage/carrying options

[gotaflat]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on a few options/possibilities for carrying gear up top of the Disco, and hope there might be some experiences and or ideas out there that might help me out.

Keen to have a roof box on top of the D4 for keeping bags and a bit of gear dry and safe. But also looking to get a bit more bulk gear up top at the same time, as 4 kids takes up pretty much all space in side.

Mainly looking to get at least 2 Jerry cans up top (as I don't really want to go down the path of and auxiliary tank with spare wheel on the back and swing arm), but also swags and or tent.

Anyway I have looked at a few rhino racks and platform racks etc, however the only thing I can see that will fit next to a roof box is a mesh basket or half width mesh platform.

So it's possible that a roof box and mesh platform or basket might work? And carry what I need I.e. Jerry can holder and cans etc? I am also not sure on cross bars required ? Likly 3? Can you fit a roof box with 3 cross rails?

Alternative thoughts are a full size rack or platform and see if a roof box can be fixed to that ? I am sure I have seen this done some where ( but can't seem to find any info) .

Fyi Disco has full length roof rails and 2 LR cross bars, but can be replaced with full length cross bars which I am resigned to

Appreciate any thoughts, ideas experiences.

Cheers

[DiscoWeb]

gotaflat,

Not sure about jerry can storage on the roof and obviously you want to be careful with how much you put up on the roof from a CENTRE OF GRAVITY point of view.

Personally I have thule roof rails and have had a thule roof pod (something like 600 wide and 1800 long) which carried plenty of the soft light stuff such as sleeping gear etc. I have never had any water or dust really get in and it does not add greatly to noise etc. A great way to carry those extra things when the car is full.

I am sure you could find a basket to fit along side for other kit, I personally do not have one but have had 2 bikes on the roof with the thule pod so there is plenty of roof.

Only issue is it is a long way up so loading and unloading can be a pain but if they are mostly chuck able not such an issue.

Regards the Jerry cans I have seen people use say 4 or 5 10 lt poly cans instead of 2 larger jerrycans. The key reasons being they are not as tall so do not swing around and drag as much and if you puncture one you only lose 20% of your fuel not 50%, alternatively there is a product made by BOAB that sits behind the rear seats that can hold 50 - 80 ltrs.

I guess the number of rails is up to you and how much you want to put up top, obviously check the roof load limited.

Hope this helps.

George.

[ososlo]

I have the full length roof rack by windcheater and use the wolf boxes that you can get from the likes of Hannibal and Opposite Lock.

I have the canvas cover for the boxes which ensures everything stays out of the weather and dust...but most importantly out of prying eyes.

They are held down by ratchet straps that hook into the tie down eyes that I got from OL.

Very happy with them..we only have the two boxes but it is sufficient for a his and hers..we just keep our spare clothes up there that are unlikely to be used for a while.

Regards
Graeme

[pm80]

I love the roof top bags made by MSA. You can drive through rain or dust and not get a spec in. When not in use you can roll it up for storage. I think they make different sizes. Put it in either a Rhino basket or Expedition rack or Windcheater rack, etc.

As mentioned above, look Boab up. They also do a flat tank designed to lay flat on a roof rack, easy to tie down and as low as you could get.

[Jamwal]

I have the Landrover luggage box, it's great, you pay a premium, had one on my rangie and now my d4, i kinda find negotiating these things in at purchase works out ok and then you get the vehicle warranty for 5 years on it yes the 4 kids made me migrate to a discovery and I honestly don't miss the range rover ( entirely) : ). Consider a box that opens both sides, it's very easy to put a foot on the rear wheel to get a leg up to load it. Thule make a step. I did buy some Thule bags x4 designed for the boxes, makes loading, unloading quicker and better use of space, I suggest you need some width rather than the narrow sports boxes. Because I have all 4 seats up and no boot space I bought a Thule terrapin box which sits in the toe hitch in a swing away design, very impressive and space ++. And you can still access the rear of the car, just get used to the old timers standing around pondering it once you have pulled up. I havent addressed your fuel carrying capacity I'm afraid. I have the d4 v8 and it has the glass roof, the roof box does 'whistle' somewhat whereas in my vogue with the sunroof blind shut, no noise at all. Hope that helps, hope I dont get in trouble for not introducing myself to the forum. Greetings to all. Jamwal.

[NavyDiver]

I had a look at a few roof top box options. Decided the prices were a joke. Put a full flat rack on the top and brought some sealed tool boxes, have a look at the photo in Full lenght rack (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/134087-full-length-roof-racks-d4.html). mine is the Gold D3 with the kids hanging out the side and trailer out back :D
[/URL]

Two tool boxes from [URL="http://www.techniice.com/2011/jungle_reef/toolbox.asp"]WELCOME TO GLOBAL NATIONAL AUSTRALIA (TECHNI ICE) (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/134087-full-length-roof-racks-d4.html) are tossed on top and hold a tonne (ok under 75kg) or even one or two of the kids- just kidding!:angel:

I think this gives you the option of putting more stuff such as chain saw, lighter camping kit up top gas bottle an jerry if you need to 20kg per jerry allows 2 but not much less. The boxes are a bit of a pain to get on or off but I can by opening the tail gate. Closing the top and standing on the bottom while putting it all up or down. I do it solo but two people would make it easy. Loading while on the roof works for me. At $199 for a BIG box plus a bit for a full lenght rack from Roof Rack - Dolium Pty Ltd (http://www.dolium.com.au/Retail_Catalogue_page/cat/Roof_Rack.html) (mine was fitted by opersite lock mitcham (http://www.oppositelock.com.au/index.php?action=prodcatalogue&form_name=view_product&category_id=50&product_id=427&pageID=10062&sectionID=0)) and cost excluding fitting $1300 or so. No cross bars mean it is very low when nothing is loaded!