Which is the least fugly roof rack for D4

[samandfee]

Now i am only listening to opinions here but.........some i have seen would look cool on a Lada, and even cooler on a Trabant......
But our D4 needs an aesthetically pleasing one that is also functional.......so please fire away.
There are so many on the market..
Cheers
Sam

[Canaussie]

I personally use the baja rack. Distributed by wolf 4x4. Like the way it's profile follows the roof line of the discovery, I find it functional for my needs.
72291

Apparently the new model does not require roof rails

[ADMIRAL]

Having come from a LR Expedition rack, I think you need to be careful the form doesn't override the function. I didn't mind the look of the Expedition, but it was next to useless as a roofrack, and noisy to boot.

I think the Cheetah slimline roofrack from Dolium is good looking ( for a roofrack ) very practical, and infinitely adjustable.

Check out this thread. http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/179513-frontrunner-slimline2.html

[captcam68]

I have had rhino racks on both the D3 and D4, the current D4 being fitted with a pioneer tray. Looked at lots of options and for me the rhino pioneer tray looks great, has plenty of space, is anodised black and has heaps of accessories for holding all sorts of things. It fits my 2m Oz tent too. It is quiet on the road (until i fitted a 40" rigid light bar across the front) and with the LR factory ladder dead easy to hop up the top and walk around to load etc.. I got the biggest i could possibly get and will be fitting a hanibal roof top shortly still leaving me heaps of room for other gear. The LR expedition rack looks the part but has half the weight carrying capacity of the pioneer tray.

[SimmAus]

I'm currently looking at a rack from the UK, from Prospeed; looks the stuff, and reviews have been good on disco3uk; but shipping, GST and duty make it expensive to say the least.
Hope image attaches ok....

[SimmAus]

Apparently the new model does not require roof rails

I've been doing a bit of research into racks of late aswell.....was also under this impression; Bajarack seems to have been through a "reorganisation" of distributors of late, and the last distributor "sold" me on the "non roof rail" version that was in development. (Saves about $400-$500 - if buying LR rails).
Bajarack currently distributed by Mitchell Bros (of hitch fame)...they have stock, but you still need short rails.
Bajarack apparently developing a "rail kit" which may be cheaper than LR ones.

Like the look of them, prefer the Prospeed in above post, and the height makes a difference for my garage door!!!!

[Redback]

We have a Rhino Platform on our D4, works well, looks fine to me, made in Australia and much cheaper than those other over priced mechano sets.

Pioneer Platform | Rhino-Rack (http://www.rhinorack.com.au/products/luggage-carriers/pioneer-platforms)

Baz.

[4evershiva]

my D3 with the rhino rack...

Hi captcam68, wanna have a led strip installed like yours, what $$ am I looking at to get that done?

[jon3950]

+1 for the Pioneer Platform.

I went for a narrower one than Rhino recommend - lose a bit of space but sits more neatly on the roof. Also went for shorter legs.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/02/1100.jpg

Was going to get the Wind Cheetah, which is also a nice rack, but the Rhino was a lot cheaper.

Cheers,
Jon

[BMKal]

Dolium Windcheater ...............

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/02/1095.jpg

[stewmair]

Dolium wind cheater again. Strong, just enough side rail for restraining and unloaded it gets into the city carparks and has minimal wind resistance.
If you buy on I have an unused Featherlite rooftop tent which is made for it for sale, cheap. This is not the motive for recommending it.

[kingo]

I too have been interested in this thread. Have just upgraded to a RRS and want a roof rack for it.

What are people using on their Sports?

I was thinking the Rhino, but are there other options?

[LiamO]

Pioneer Platform Roof Rack


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[JAC515]

I think you need to decide what it's purpose will be ie long canoes, heavy packing or just to tie the extra suitcase on - or do like us and never put a roof rack on in case we scratched the beautiful paint and trade it in for a Defender!! lol

[AnD3rew]

Another one for the Pioneer platform with the short legs. With everything off it it sits low and minimizes clearance problems with parking etc, but there are lots of accessories for it and when you are going away it is very versatile. I have the shovel holders like LiamO, I have a Foxwing which bolts straight on and is easy to put in and take off, I have a spare wheel strap a half width rhino bag and a 4kg gas bottle holder.

[jammers]

Anybody recommend the longer rhino pioneer platform? I have the longer rails and want the biggest space for things like maxtrax gas bottles etc. What dimensions did you get?

[dukemasterpro]

Pioneer Platform Roof Rack


http://imageshack.com/a/img839/2894/tzw9.jpg

Snap! Have the same rack with shovel holder, Jerry can holder, tyre strap and there is also space for the max trax. All accessories easy to take on and off ( 30 mins ) :-) Question?! How is your aerial mounted & what type? Trying to decide on what to buy to give good outback coverage without mounting on a bull bar and that isn't too high( have 16cm rack to garage door whilst lowered and 25cm roof to garage door to play with )

[LiamO]

I used the Rhino Platform Spot Lamp bracket to mount a GME AE4018 with 2 Antenna's - 850mm for long runs and a smaller 150mm (AEE4001) for around town. Fantastic reception, but too tall for underground car parks even with the smaller antenna fitted but parking my D4 away from the mad crowds and shopping trollers is a good thing ;)
http://imageshack.com/a/img802/118/6dp5.jpg

[AGRO]

Hi Jammers,

I've installed a long Rhino Platform with 4 sets of legs over long standard LR tracks. I had to "trim" the seating brackets height to allow for track curvature.
The standard Rhino Long Platform install is 3 legs with height spacers.

I've also have a Foxwing that is removable in a few minutes using the standard Rhino eyebolts and brackets. Using the brackets inverted the Foxwing sits neat and close.

I've reversed the shovel clamps to sit inboard so the shovel lays over the rack rather than out board.

I use the rack for Maxtax, an extra spare wheel, shovel, ocasional Foxwing use, a sandflag mount and radio mount as per previous post

Appears there are so many great racks to choose from. Each to their own.

[jammers]

Looks just like what I had in mind. I assume you just got the recommended size as indicated on the rhino site?

[LGM]

LiamO,

Your rack looks the goods to me.:angel:

I don't want to know much but,,,,
Is is a welded or assembled type?
if its an assembled type how do you think it would handle bone jarring corrugations?
What did it set you back?
How did you get you route your antenna cable into the D4 cab?

any info would be much appreciated:)

LGM

[AGRO]

Hi Jammers,

I used a narrower version platform to minimise out board overhang beyond the roof line.

I'll measure the rack and reply tonight tonight

Hi Liamo,

Not welded but bolted and rivetted and based on the Rhino heavy duty rails.

I used the rack loaded as described below and always under LR recommended load for months on outback corrugated roads with no drama or failure.

[samandfee]

Will go the Agro version i think.......looks good and appears very functional.
Cheers
Sam

[LiamO]

Hi LGM,

As Agro said it's not welded but bolted and riveted based on the Rhino heavy duty rails. It was professionally fitted by Rhino and has never moved since no matter what the terrain. Cost wise I actually picked up the Rack really cheaply on their eBay site and all up including fitting I think it cost around $700 :)

Regarding fitting the GME to the roof this Disco3 UK site describes it all with the only variation there was no track end cap on my rails, so just punched a small hole at the end of the rails to feed the cable through to the tailgate. I can take a few photos if you like

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Alternative route for aerial cable (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic40474.html?highlight=antenna)

[simoncs]

Here's my rack. Very happy with it, and you hardly notice it is even there.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/159230-d4-build-begins.html

[AGRO]

The platform is 1928mm x 1236mm which is slightly narrower than Rhino Website. The legs fit Ok with enough clearance. See photo on previous post.

Cost, fittings and other dimensions/options on Rhino Website

[LGM]

Thanks Liamo the D3 website covers it!

[Graeme]

Not welded but bolted and rivetted and based on the Rhino heavy duty rails.Does this mean that the rail spacing could therefore be altered, albeit leaving unused holes, to align with the roof bolts for use with bespoke feet for vehicles without rails?

[AGRO]

Hi Graeme,

I guess anything is possible.

The dimensions of existing bolt holes and "suggested" layout and spacing of the rails is found on the vehicle installation guides found on the Rhino Website.

[MitchellBros4x4]

I've been doing a bit of research into racks of late aswell.....was also under this impression; Bajarack seems to have been through a "reorganisation" of distributors of late, and the last distributor "sold" me on the "non roof rail" version that was in development. (Saves about $400-$500 - if buying LR rails).
Bajarack currently distributed by Mitchell Bros (of hitch fame)...they have stock, but you still need short rails.
Bajarack apparently developing a "rail kit" which may be cheaper than LR ones.

Like the look of them, prefer the Prospeed in above post, and the height makes a difference for my garage door!!!!

Thanks for the reference,

Bajarack are a unique adventure racking system and leaders in the market of adventure touring. There's a solution to your problem within our range.

Here are some pics of the various racks we do.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[D4Kimber]

I fitted a Bajarack from Mitchell Bros in Sydney. Could not be happier! The rack is very sturdy, and follows the profile of the roof.

[MitchellBros4x4]

I fitted a Bajarack from Mitchell Bros in Sydney. Could not be happier! The rack is very sturdy, and follows the profile of the roof.

Thanks for your kind words D4Kimber.

Is there any other features that you find valuable to you?

Aaron Mitchell

[Hoppy11]

Rhino Rack
74425

[josh.huber]

Tradesmen rack is what I have had recommended to me by land rover spares Mackay upon investigation looks great no rails needed uses standard studs found in all roofs, available in powder coated steel and alloy. I can't remember price but around 1200 delivered rings a bell

[josh.huber]

http://www.tradesmanroofracks.com.au/all-products/discovery-3-4.aspx

[MY14D4]

I'm currently looking at a rack from the UK, from Prospeed; looks the stuff, and reviews have been good on disco3uk; but shipping, GST and duty make it expensive to say the least.
Hope image attaches ok....

I am trying to do the same at the moment, their racks certainly look very professional and solid, at only 47mm high, 24kg in weight, and capable of holding 250kg.

Please let me know how you go getting onto them and what they quote for shipping etc.

[lpj]

I have the tradesman rack, in aluminium and I'm very happy (bought second hand from this Forum)

I wont say its the best looking although its not bad. I would prefer that it sat a little lower but as I only have it on for trips, its OK. Also, when I drop my Llams to access and minus 20mm, it just fits into my parking garage at work, which means I don't have to do the whole set up/pack for camping procedure on the one day

I'm thinking a roof ladder might make things easier and getting the boxes up top requires 2 people (fortunately my wife is strong!)

[SimmAus]

I am trying to do the same at the moment, their racks certainly look very professional and solid, at only 47mm high, 24kg in weight, and capable of holding 250kg. Please let me know how you go getting onto them and what they quote for shipping etc.
Not cheap....
I'm also not sure of the new rack floor, it doesn't look like it covers much (the previous rack had a composite floor)

Anyway costs;
£750 for rack
£600 for air freight to door
So, including GST and duty you'd be up for around $3100

I looked into sea freight, could save around $400. (Group buying could make it slightly cheaper - the freight is dominated by certain "minimum" charges)
Either way, the rack is approx $1700 without shipping...

I've now turned my attention to a rhino tray. Only adds 85m on top of existing LR short rails (at last visit to very helpful rhino installer);
Cost approx $1500 fitted.

Cheers

[~Rich~]

Just a question?
Who else thinks the Baja Rack one is plain fugly?

[ADMIRAL]

Just a question?
Who else thinks the Baja Rack one is plain fugly?

Got that right. I agree. However if it is practical......whatever rocks your boat.

[MY14D4]

General Consensus: How many people with roof racks are still able to fit their Discovery in their standard garage?

[~Rich~]

Hehe, first off I gave my existing garage door a body lift ;) to get me D3 to fit with its roof cage on at access height -20 with LLAMS. Then it was time for a new door so I was very specific that they maximized my clearance.
Now I don't need the -20 as well.

[Canaussie]

Yes I can fit mine in at std, but lower to access just to be on safe side

[scarry]

Had my carport built 2.4m clearance,the garage is now an office.

D4 fits in normal height with rack loaded,as does a Puma with a loaded rack and a 40mm lift:D

Oh,i have the long Rhino rack,suits our needs.

[Drizzle]

+1 for the Rhino Pioneer Platform. Mine is low profile with no problems encountered so far in covered car parks.

Looking at getting some TraxRax to hold the MaxTrax. They seem to be the only solution to mount MaxTrax to a Pioneer Platform using the MaxTrax mounting pin kit without drilling holes everywhere. The TraxRax also double as a shovel holder when a set of Quick Fists are mounted to them.

TraxRax (MaxTrax mounting brackets for Rhino roof racks with Cage/basket) (http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?24564-TraxRax-(MaxTrax-mounting-brackets-for-Rhino-roof-racks-with-Cage-basket))

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TraxRax/370433883012318

Boab "Quick Fists" - 4WD Chat - Australia4WD Forum (http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?/topic/17203-boab-quick-fists/)

Original Quick Fist Clamp Rubber Clamp | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ORIGINAL-QUICK-FIST-CLAMP-RUBBER-CLAMP-/321349389433?pt=AU_Fasteners&hash=item4ad1ea8c79)

[phl]

Had my carport built 2.4m clearance,the garage is now an office.

D4 fits in normal height with rack loaded,as does a Puma with a loaded rack and a 40mm lift:D


Same, and for the same reason. I can load my rack and drive in and out at normal height, as well as any bicycles on my wife's roof rack will still fit under. Our previous carport was a PITA as we had to drive out to load up, and you cannot forget to unload before driving in...

[josh.huber]

How much height added fit Baja rack. I like their tent model

[DoctorJ]

In relation to those with Maxtrax where are they carrying them? I have an awning on one side of the roofrack and a shovel on the other I am currently resorting to carrying them on top of the roofrack and am in the process of having a fabricator look at putting them at the rear of my rwc. Very interested to see and hear what others are doing.

Cheers
Julian

[WhiteD3]

When I do have the Rhino rack on, I tie a big red sign to the lowest panel of the garage door. It serves as a reminder that I need to lower the car to enter the garage. It's hanging right in front of me once the door is up.

Basic (and a bit of idiot-proofing) I know, but it has saved me (well, the door) a few times.

[jon3950]

In relation to those with Maxtrax where are they carrying them? I have an awning on one side of the roofrack and a shovel on the other I am currently resorting to carrying them on top of the roofrack and am in the process of having a fabricator look at putting them at the rear of my rwc. Very interested to see and hear what others are doing.

Cheers
Julian

I have a pioneer platform with an awning and shovel on the sides and just carry them on the rack. I stop them sliding around with a couple of eyebolts which sit in the hand holes on the side and then tie them down through the eyebolts with a couple of straps. You can just see the straps in the photo below. Bit of a pain getting them on and off but having a rear ladder helps. Works for me.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/349.jpg

Cheers,
Jon

[pwillo]

Frontrunner Slimline II here.
Only have an awning fitted so far but planning to fit a roof top tent.

Regards

[Canaussie]

7486174862

Here are a couple with Baja rack on. Pronounced bah hah. Lol

[scottywu]

I personally use the baja rack. Distributed by wolf 4x4. Like the way it's profile follows the roof line of the discovery, I find it functional for my needs.
72291

Apparently the new model does not require roof rails

Have had the Baja Rack for a couple of years on my D3, much better looking than most on the market as it followsthe contours of the stepped roof line.