Expedition roof rack For contractor

[DamosDefender]

Hello

I have ordered my new 110 defender 15MY which is due at the end of the month, the anticipation is killing me...

But my questions is, I am eventually going to travel the world in my 110 and build it expedition ready. I can't get my head around the roof rack systems for some reason, I'm looking at a roof rack which can mount a roof tent ( suggestions welcome) the tent also needs to be fairly easy to take on off due to the fact I need it so I can use it for work and put ladders and equipment on during the mean time

Thank you for your time

Damian

[Summiitt]

I had an ARB tradesman rack on my 110puma and it was great for work and long distance touring..I too are in the market for a roof top tent and am keen on the fiberglass hard shells..James baroud?

[DamosDefender]

Thank you for the reply

I will look into it thank you, just out of curiosity what was the reason for getting rid of it?

Thank you summiitt

[Summiitt]

I sold it with the 110 and now have a 130 hcpu

[Damo89]

James baroud?

I did take a look at these, both my partner and I preferred the Wild Earth 4x4 that Daniel Mulgo sells. More bang for buck in my opinion, although that fan on top does seem handy!!!

[100inch]

I used 3 Rino bars for my Maggolina roof tent for a few years before getting an external cage. Never had an issue. It is also a very quick way to swap or change. m

[Michael2]

For around the world travel, one of the reported priorities for travellers is to be able to sleep inside the vehicle, this for both security and versatility in setting up.


You may like to consider one of the Mulgo Conversions

Pop Top Roofs | Mulgo Expedition Vehicles (http://www.mulgo.com.au/conversions/pop-top-roofs/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2jOTqZfLEk

The beauty of this is that you can have a roof rack on and enjoy the full capacity of the rack, without the weight / height and size of the roof top tent.

An alloy rack will help reduce your weight (1) the roof can't take too much and (2) a higher centre of gravity will affect handling.

South Africa seems to be the home of good alloy racks. I was at Opposite Lock the other day and was told that they will soon be the importers for Frontrunner products (including racks), but they were unable to say how the change in importer might affect pricing.

There's a discussion on 110 racks on this link http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/168506-110-roof-rack.html

At the bottom of the first page you'll see a rack that I designed after a bit of research. It weighs in at 23kg, which is about 10kg lighter than the Frontrunner racks.

The slat feature on many racks makes it easy to bolt things down on the rack, but the mesh floor and round edges on mine make it easier and faster to tie things down. I read of one guy with a slat rack to offered to take his mate (and bike) home in the rain, by the time he set up the anchors for securing the bike, he was drenched. A mesh allows quick multi point securing using okky straps for lighter loads / smooth terrain.

If I could change one thing about the rack I made, I'd make it slightly taller with 2 U sections welded parallel under it, so that I could slide a table under the rack, but still allow some clearance for tying onto the mesh. On a trip it would mean I wouldn't have to unload the car to get a table out for lunch.

[Deelerock]

I had an ARB tradesman rack on my 110puma and it was great for work and long distance touring..I too are in the market for a roof top tent and am keen on the fiberglass hard shells..James baroud?


roof tent?

you've changed.

[Deelerock]

I am getting a custum jobby for the 130 here in the act from Mark. He also works at the local LR dealer.

He has made his own for his 110 which is brilliant. 30mm steel outers with slats as mentioned above. Sturdy and light enough. Mono rail down the gutter. the old front runner slim job I had (bought from opposite lock) did not have this and when carrying timbers once I could not open the rear doors. Also too much flex so no good for work.

The new unit for the 130 is in two peices. The front contours with the roof line. The rear rplaces the hoops, keeps the original tarp and has spiggots through to take a rack.

Both prices are aligned in height and width. I have asked for the rear to take a parcel shelf behind the sliding window to take recovery gear and a 33" wheel, freeing up mu cargo space.

Good solution for long timbers too.

Ill post some pics when ready.

[Deelerock]

here is the design

[DamosDefender]

hayea

sorry on the late reply, i really appreciate the feedback it has given me great food for thought.

i have seen the pop top setup in my research and never understood the true advantage, but the safety factor is pinnacle at the end of the day as i can now see. thank you for the advice Michael 2 thats exactly the answer i was looking for, i now have to go back to the drawing boards

[David Hawes]

Rhino racks full length platform, versatile and bomb proof:) I carry everything from expedition loads to sea kayaks. Not cheap but they work.
Dave

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Have you had a look at the Patriot Roofracks? Patriotproducts.co.uk

Landybitz sell them in Australia and you will not find a better rack.

I'm not affiliated with them, experience has tought me the hard way how good and reliable the racks and their customer service is.