Roof Rack Advice

[Spencer72]

I got some great info from guys on my general accessory advice thread but now want to get specific with my roof rack decision.

Just picked up my 2013 Defender 110. Looking at racks and options and would love some advice and pics of the following on a 110:
1. Front Runner full length 1/2 cage
2. Hannibal with 1/2 cage
3. Rola roof cage eg. basket
4. Rhino Racks full cage
I want something that is low to the roof, looks moderately rugged and also ladder option.

I like the genuine but heard it does not hold up to standard.

[rar110]

my vote would go to a Hannibal full length with half cage. That's based on looking at their previous design. The roof rack leg design looks like its changed.

Also it makes more sense to me to have the cage at the front of the rack. All the photos on the net I've seen have the half cage at the back. There may be a reason for that.

[carlschmid2002]

Hannibal, no question. I bought the Frontrunner and wish I spent the extra bucks on a Hannibal for the extra strength for attaching awnings etc. If it wasn't for my desire to have the Hannibal self supporting awning now I would be very happy with my Frontrunner.

[kenleyfred]

Another vote for Hannibal. Love mine, very sturdy and price includes the ladder. I took the cage (side rails) off mine. Was better for loading the kayaks, but now have their rooftop tent up there anyway.
Kenley

[weeds]

Hannibal, no question. I bought the Frontrunner and wish I spent the extra bucks on a Hannibal for the extra strength for attaching awnings etc. If it wasn't for my desire to have the Hannibal self supporting awning now I would be very happy with my Frontrunner.

i have an awning on my front runner and the mounting system is very solid.....pretty sure you would be able to mount a hannibal with ease...may need to adapt the bracket

to the OP i am happy with my front runner and believe i got good value for money.....the cross bars to flex when you walk on them........i would go with a straight flat one as i dont see the benefit witht he cage as you have to tie everything down anyway

[Tomo]

Hi Spencer 72,

I have a Patriot rack and ladder, very sturdy and very quiet rack. They are expensive, however they are very well made and I love the ladder. I have posted some potos in 'show us your defender'

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/49826-show-us-your-deefers-post1964952.html?highlight=patriot#post1964952

[bezclez]

Here's a pic of my setup.

imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/Gdz81Rx&KHc4O03#1)

Basically 4 "Load Rail" racks with a home made cage bolted on with U bolts.

The cage is a simple SHS frame with 5 cross braces and 50mm mesh with some side rails forward of the tent

The tent and cage are only on the car for trips away and are normally housed up under the car port above the car. Easily jacked up or lowered down to take on/off.

I find this setup supremely practical in that it doubles nicely as a work or play roof rack.

It's also immensely strong but at the same time allows for typical Defender body flex.

Cheap too, although, it took a little tweaking to get just right.

[chook73]

For me the most important decision was the weight of the rack, from memory the roof is rated to 80kg or 85kg so the full length Hannibal without cage weighing in at 45kg uses over 50% of your total allowance. You now basically get a couple of jerry cans or a tent a little bit of other kit and your at the limit.

I cant find it now however I seem to remember the frontrunner weighing in at 25kg.

The other thing I found was the range of accessories for the front runner way way more extensive, I have the slide under table and it gets used every single day and its awesome. I used to carry a 6th tyre on the roof and the bracket for that was sturdy and easy to fit (two blots for the bracket and one wing nut for the tyre) where as the hannibal uses straps.

Also I have noticed on a couple of vehicles I have been in the hannibal whistles at some speeds where as the front runner didnt.

These are the points that I decided on, I have had the Front runner for 3 years now, have LED bar, Awning, reversing lights, shovel, axe hanging off it and it holds my oztent and two pole tubes as well as surfboards just fine.

[Samblers]

I have full length hannibal with side rails.

I got it because it was low profile, lightweight (def. not 45kg as per the previous poster – maybe we’re talking about different racks?), side rails were removable, comes with a ladder, doesn’t make any noise, I liked the way it had a continuos rail along the gutter to spread the load evenly…. And it looks the business!

[kenleyfred]

From memory, my 2008 110 has a roof limit of 150 kg.

[chook73]

From memory, my 2008 110 has a roof limit of 150 kg.

I thought it was only 80 or 85kg however I cant find it right now in the workshop manual.


I have full length hannibal with side rails.

I got it because it was low profile, lightweight (def. not 45kg as per the previous poster – maybe we’re talking about different racks?), side rails were removable, comes with a ladder, doesn’t make any noise, I liked the way it had a continuos rail along the gutter to spread the load evenly…. And it looks the business!

I did read the wrong line sorry, its 40kg however if you look at the same size a couple of lines down its 45kg. Hannibal Safari Equipment - Roof Racks (http://hannibalsafari.com.au/index.php?page=roof-racks)

[BilboBoggles]

Just a caution, that I hope will help with your decision

Be aware that the ONLY thing holding your roof on, is a few self tapper screws at the windscreen and some thin alloy panels at the rear. Also that even without a roof rack your roof will be prone to pulling out spot welds at the front and separating from the windscreen frame. So Any load you regularly carry in a roof rack including the roof rack itself on a Defender is going to break your roof at some stage.

I actually saw a spectacular issue with a 2009 PUMA, where the rack had been overloaded and after a rough trip they found the entire rear body had been pushed down on to the chassis, had mangled the rear panels.

After having experienced a roof separation and the associated repair after warranty on a Defender it's not a cheap fix.... A non dealer fitted roof rack will guarantee that Land Rover will void warranty on the roof and insist on an expensive roof repair, should you be so unlucky to have a roof issue.


:wasntme:

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Another vote for patriot here.

Their bolted connections make the rack much more 'flexible' and far less likely to cause roof problems.

Having sold hundreds of them in the UK I can also vouch or their second to none customer service.

Have a word with Juddy on here for details as he imports them.

R
J

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[inside]

Another happy Patriot user here. Gave mine a hammering in the desert this year and it spent a solid 10 days loaded with the Defender articulating all day. Interestingly the rack was flexing a lot, it would squash your fingers if you put them between the leg and side of the roof.

Saying that though the group had various racks on our trip including Hannibal, ARB and Rhino and none had any problems. So just get a good one I guess.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/19.jpg
I had about 350L of fuel and water on board here but managed to keep it all off the roof. Patriot also made my legs a bit higher to clear the tropical roof. Their standard height sits much closer.

[rar110]

Here's a photo with the range of racks which survived that trip.



67839

[carlschmid2002]

i have an awning on my front runner and the mounting system is very solid.....pretty sure you would be able to mount a hannibal with ease...may need to adapt the bracket

to the OP i am happy with my front runner and believe i got good value for money.....the cross bars to flex when you walk on them........i would go with a straight flat one as i dont see the benefit witht he cage as you have to tie everything down anyway

I was told by a salesman for the awning that my frontrunner would have to be braced. Good to know thanks.

[Loubrey]

Another happy Patriot user here. Gave mine a hammering in the desert this year and it spent a solid 10 days loaded with the Defender articulating all day. Interestingly the rack was flexing a lot, it would squash your fingers if you put them between the leg and side of the roof.

Saying that though the group had various racks on our trip including Hannibal, ARB and Rhino and none had any problems. So just get a good one I guess.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/19.jpg
I had about 350L of fuel and water on board here but managed to keep it all off the roof. Patriot also made my legs a bit higher to clear the tropical roof. Their standard height sits much closer.

Love the colour coding! Very nice looking rig you've got there.

Cheers,

Lou

[Fraz]

For those that use a Rooftop tent of whatever brand/style, How does this work with the roof load limits others have stated at anywhere between 85-150kg? I always thought my TD5 was rated to 45kg. That seems far too low now but I have nothing on my roof anyway

2 people alone would approach or even beat that, not including the rack, tent, tyres and whatever else goes up there.

As Bilbo has said, there isn't much holding the roof on the pillars..

[chook73]

For those that use a Rooftop tent of whatever brand/style, How does this work with the roof load limits others have stated at anywhere between 85-150kg? I always thought my TD5 was rated to 45kg. That seems far too low now but I have nothing on my roof anyway

2 people alone would approach or even beat that, not including the rack, tent, tyres and whatever else goes up there.

As Bilbo has said, there isn't much holding the roof on the pillars..

I just checked the manual on TopiX and its definitely 150kg for my 2009 Puma.

[rar110]

My roofs held on by about 30 x 6mm bolts.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

From memory, pre-Puma 110's are 75kg with the exception of the 110 TD5 Double Cab which is 150kg. Puma 110's I believe are also 150kg.

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[Spencer72]

The ones Ive been looking at are as follows:

Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform

Rhino Rack - Pioneer Platform - 42104B (http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCategory_Pioneer-Platforms_Page_3_Accessory_Pioneer-Platform_627_68.aspx)

2128 x 1426mm (34kgs) Leg height 210mm: has side rail attachment option.

Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray

Rhino Rack - Pioneer Alloy Platform Tray - 41104 (http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCategory_Pioneer-Trays_Page_1_Accessory_Pioneer-Tray_522_72.aspx)

2000 x 1330 (internal + 100 ext) (39kgs)

Roughly $1200 incl 6 legs which have cut out to fit around roof

[Spencer72]

Hannibal Rack

Hannibal - Land*Rover (http://www.hannibal.co.za/default.asp?pageid=564)

Product code: HR01
Length:2.1m
Width:1.41m
Height:85mm
Weight:38kg

Product code: HR02
Length:2.78m
width:1.41m
Height:85mm
Weight:45kg

Supposedly the above is with the top rail inclusive. Not sure of price only one dealer listed for WA

[Spencer72]

Front Runner

Slimline 2m

This full size Slimline II rack kit contains the Slimline II tray, (6) 220mm/8.66" Gutter Mount Legs, and a Wind Deflector.
Rated to 300kg/660
Leg Height 225mm (Pair)
1 x RRSTJ10 - Slimline II Tray - 1425mm(W) x 1964mm(L)
Slimline II Tray Outside Dimensions:Width 1425mm x Length 1964mm x
Height 50mm

Slimline 2.8m

Leg 225mm (Pair)
Slimline II Tray Outside Dimensions:Width 1425mm x Length 2772mm x Height 50mm

Weight 43kg

Expedition rails sold separately

[ProjectDirector]

I will be getting one that is manufactured here in Melbourne Bayswater called Tradesman Roof Racks.
I dropped into their factory and they showed me the different variations you can get incl steel or alloy, with driving light, side awning, spare wheel etc attachments. They can be made to different lengths as you specify and also with more legs if you need to. They can also have plane bar floor or mesh.

Early next year that will be my next acquisition.

One thing that the owner told me is that try to avoid making it full length as the wind noise will be annoying even with wind deflector.

This is the link : TRADESMAN ROOFRACK TO SUIT LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 (http://www.tradesmanroofracks.com.au/all-products/defender-110.aspx)

Cheers

[3 Lions]

I would like a low profile alloy rack next year, just not sure on which brand and length at this stage, 2 to 2.8 m probably.

Do they all come as a box of parts and you self assemble?

Also does anyone know how the Patriot, Hannibal and Front runner compare to each other in price?

Cheers,

Col.

[Spencer72]

Well Hannibal is out for me. They dont have a state dealer in WA and would cost a fortune to have delivered.

So now out of Rhino and Frontrunner. To throw a spanner in the works, I had a look at the Tracklander 2.2 m one for the 110. Very light and quite like the design.

Re 3 Lions question, I found the Front Runner and Rhino to be very similar in price. Hannibal was heaps more expensive and Trackland seond most expensive. so far.

Anyone have any photos of a 110 with Tracklander rack?

[weeds]

I was told by a salesman for the awning that my frontrunner would have to be braced. Good to know thanks.

Hope I didn't confuse things......I have a super wing awning....I was just assuming with a bit of thought a Hannibal awning could be adapted.

[n plus one]

Hope I didn't confuse things......I have a super wing awning....I was just assuming with a bit of thought a Hannibal awning could be adapted.

The Hannibal awnings can be fitted to other racks but it's a bit of a s$&t show (particularly the rear awning) as the have no legs and place a lot of leverage on the mounts.

As good as the Hannibal awnings are, I would rule them out unless using a Hannibal rack - which is the rack I'd recommend.

Re Rhino vs Fr, I had issues with Rhino feet constantly loosening but heaps of people run them, they have great options and are known to be a good balance of strength vs weight.

Friends have had significant flex and noise issues with their FR racks so I'm a little wary - but theirs aren't on Deefers and I know others on the forum think they're good so maybe it's a model specific issue they're having.

Project D - I've seen one of those Oval Trade racks on a Deefer a couple of months ago - quality and fit looked very good.

[Spencer72]

Im now leaning towards the Tracklander 2.1m length x 1.25m wide. Any thoughts or photos of 110 with Tracklander

[Spencer72]

Well bit the bullet and got the Tracklander for my new 110. Totally stoked with it and the price from Jaram Roof Racks Welsphool was excellent. I rung Barry up in the morning and they got the rack done straight away. Now I just need to work on a ladder.

[Tomo]

Looks good,
I have got a tracklander roofrack on top of the works 76 series Landcruiser that I drive and it is a seems to do a good job.......
You might be able to add a haniball or front runner ladder easy enough....

[Samblers]

Well Hannibal is out for me. They dont have a state dealer in WA and would cost a fortune to have delivered.

I bought mine from Justin at Landybitz (on here)... dont think i paid any delivery to WA??? Same price as over east anyway.

It came flatpacked and i assembled, was pretty simple.

You can also get the hannibal ladder separately - i like it because its one of the most compact ladders and doesnt obscure the license plate area

Cheers, Sam

[juddy]

The Hannibal ladder would fit no problem, and not all that expensive to post out....

[dunnc]

Inside - do you know if any of the other providers offer fitting to a tropical roof or did you settle on patriot as it was the only one?

I've got a Perentie 110 carryall wagon as well and am starting to look at rack options.

Dunny

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Inside - do you know if any of the other providers offer fitting to a tropical roof or did you settle on patriot as it was the only one? I've got a Perentie 110 carryall wagon as well and am starting to look at rack options. Dunny

The Patriot rack doesn't fit on the tropical roof, it still clamps to the gutters, but it does have sufficient space between the underside of the deck and the top of the tropical roof to allow both to live on the same vehicle.

The Hannibal rack may well give you sufficient clearance. From memory the old style Hannibals used to.

Hth
J

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[juddy]

The Patriot Rack sits fine on the Tropical roof, as Australian agent we have now supplied a few of these, but you can spec long leg sets if you require these.

Thats one of the advantages Patriot have over most other brands, you can customise there racks to meet your own requirements.

As for Awnings Hannibal is the way to go, Patriot do some very nice adaptor plates that allow you to fit a Hannibal Awning to a Patriot Rack.

[Spencer72]

I know that 99% of ladders that are on Defenders are at the rear. Is there any issues weight bearing etc with having the full length ladder on the side. Tracklander do there which is connect onto the bottom chasis and bolts onto the roof rack.

Appreciate advice on this matter.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Patriot make a side ladder that bolts to the rack and chassis but it's designed for a 130, not a 110.

To adapt it for a 110 would be possible but you need to fabricate a few stand off plates as the sills are not strong enough without supporting off the chassis.

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[loneranger]

Well bit the bullet and got the Tracklander for my new 110. Totally stoked with it and the price from Jaram Roof Racks Welsphool was excellent. I rung Barry up in the morning and they got the rack done straight away. Now I just need to work on a ladder.

Can you advise how much height the Tracklander adds to the Defender?

[Samblers]

Well Hannibal is out for me. They dont have a state dealer in WA and would cost a fortune to have delivered.

Juddy sent mine over and it didnt cost very much. Ask him

[Samblers]

Oops, just read that youve made the purchase - post pics!

[loneranger]

Can someone advise what is the height from the gutter to the top of the roof? Before I get my defender in June I need to change my garage door and either fit gates or a slimline door to give a higher clearance and in the future a roof rack will be on the purchase list. I understand a rack like the Hannibal will be about 250mm from the gutters but don't know how much that adds to the clearance height.

Thanks

[n plus one]

Can someone advise what is the height from the gutter to the top of the roof? Before I get my defender in June I need to change my garage door and either fit gates or a slimline door to give a higher clearance and in the future a roof rack will be on the purchase list. I understand a rack like the Hannibal will be about 250mm from the gutters but don't know how much that adds to the clearance height.

Thanks

I'll take a look tonight if no one pipes up in the interim - I've got a Hannibal rack so can give you the full spectrum of measurements.

[Cracka]

Loneranger, I have the full length Hannibal on my 90. From the top edge of the gutter to the top of the rack it is 155mm. I don't have any side rails.

2068mm from ground to top of rack but that could be different on a 110 and also variables such as tyres loads etc, but it gives you a ballpark figure.

Mick

[Ian1878]

I would be interested in a full length Hannibal rack for my 110 but $240 delivery to WA on top of $2,200 for the rack has stalled my purchase.

[ProjectDirector]

Previously in this post I mentioned I will be getting the alloy Tradesmans roof rack here in Melbourne and I am now ready for it.
While these racks are great and made in Melbourne, the other day I saw a new 110 with the genuine rack and looked awesome.
I did make some calls to LR parts and quoted me $2200 and disappointingly it is made of steel and not alloy.


I think it is called expedition roof rack.


Any owners out there with this roof rack on their 110 and their thoughts?

[voltron]

I didnt get the rack you are speaking about, I got the older style from Land Rover brand new with my 110 mid last year and it's build quality was terrible. Started rusting and leaking rust all over my roof within 3 months. Powder coat is terrible and they steel is too heavy, the cracks in left in my gutters is ridiculous. I took it off after 8 months and bought an alloy rack. Such a waste of money and LR shouldnt even be able to sell the particular rack I am speaking about.

[Drover]

IMO the best rack on the market, without any doubt, is the "Patriot". Honestly this rack is so far above any of the others it is ridiculous !

All high quality alloy the engineering is absolutely stunning.

Just saving my beans for one now.

Available from LandyBitz (Juddy on this forum) for about $2200 ish for a full length - 2400mm.

Just say'n

[ProjectDirector]

I didnt get the rack you are speaking about, I got the older style from Land Rover brand new with my 110 mid last year and it's build quality was terrible. Started rusting and leaking rust all over my roof within 3 months. Powder coat is terrible and they steel is too heavy, the cracks in left in my gutters is ridiculous. I took it off after 8 months and bought an alloy rack. Such a waste of money and LR shouldnt even be able to sell the particular rack I am speaking about.


I wasn't aware there was an older model, you would assume the new version is better for that level of money
Cheers

[voltron]

I wasn't aware there was an older model, you would assume the new version is better for that level of money
Cheers

They still sell the old style model which to me says LR don't care, and it retails for the same price as the new model. It's just a different style rack not necesarilly an older model.

As the others have said the Patriot is probably the best then go down from there.

[ProjectDirector]

They still sell the old style model which to me says LR don't care, and it retails for the same price as the new model. It's just a different style rack not necesarilly an older model.



As the others have said the Patriot is probably the best then go down from there.


They sent me an extract from their catalogue with part no VPLDR0064 and drawing attached. This looks the same as the one in their brochure. Is that the old one or a more recent? I know they have a different one which is made here in Melbourne but looks very agricultural.7489374894
Cheers

[Landybitz]

The old part number was LR004100.

[ProjectDirector]

The old part number was LR004100.


Do I assume then that this is a new version of the rack?

[Landybitz]

I would say so yes, as its the only one that comes up on our parts system.

Are they offering discounts on these yet?

[Landybitz]

A few pics of the Patriot Racks.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/174.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84310AM_zpsa71bf5e7.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/175.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84342AM_zps13c8b58a.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/176.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84334AM_zps8caf1fd0.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/177.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84409AM_zps83db80ad.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/178.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Screenshot2014-02-24at84419AM_zps06ef3ea2.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/179.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84513AM_zps7daefc5e.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/180.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2013-01-24at72021AM.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/181.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/110rackblack.jpg.html)

[ProjectDirector]

A few pics of the Patriot Racks.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/174.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84310AM_zpsa71bf5e7.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/175.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84342AM_zps13c8b58a.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/176.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84334AM_zps8caf1fd0.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/177.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84409AM_zps83db80ad.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/178.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Screenshot2014-02-24at84419AM_zps06ef3ea2.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/179.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2014-02-24at84513AM_zps7daefc5e.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/180.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/Screenshot2013-01-24at72021AM.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/181.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Patriot%20Products/110rackblack.jpg.html)


They look like tough as nails, impressive indeed.
No sure though about the massive gap at the front between roof and rack.
You have asked a question about discounts on the LR rack, I suspect I can get discount from this dealer, as I have an established relationship. Now that's what I think but when it comes down to business it maybe a different story.

[alan48]

Hi, what do owners of Front Runner racks think of theirs as they are about $13-1500 I think and are alloy as welll?
Thanks.

[Landybitz]

The frontrunnr racks are very good. but once you add the wind deflector that you need as the rack bed runs east to west, the ladder and shipping to your dealer, its more or less the same as a Hannibal in price.

Hannibal is made of a thicker box section also.

Patriot is Aircraft grade aluminium the other 2 just standard grade.

[ozrob]

What type of rear ladder are you guys using?
I have been given a full length steel roof rack that will be mounted on five Rhino racks, I also have a full length alloy rear ladder.
Technically the ladder should not obscure the number plate...but I don't have any other way to fit it.