Frontrunner Rear Wheel Carrier Install

[g5k]

Hi guys think I'm going to have to bite the bullet on a rear wheel carrier. I toyed with the idea of carrying it on the rack for trips and no spare for daily drive but at 38kgs not sure on the roof is a great option. There is no way I'm ever getting my spare into the undercar stow (Compomotives with 275/65R18s). I do reckon if the towbar wasn't in the way I would have got it in deflated and maybe removing the shielding at the back but guessing that's a heat shield and rather important given the whole rubber heat melting thing.

Soooo, do those who have one of these recommend this carrier? There doesn't seem to be a lot of options (Kaymar seems like next step up).

Then is it a viable DIY install or only for the brave? I did see you need to take the angle grinder to the rear steel which sounds pretty serious.

Priced up install is around $450.

Land Rover Discovery LR3/LR4 Spare Wheel Carrier - by Front Runner (https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/au/front-runner-spare-wheel-carrier-land-rover-discovery-lr3-lr4.html)

[Tombie]

Easy DIY job.
The grinder is just taking the end off a bar (no structural impact to enable the frame to bolt up.

[DiscoMick]

Can't comment on the Frontrunner on a Disco, but the Mantec on our Defender was easy, even for me. Rear wheel carriers are a great idea.

[mr_squiggle]

I have one on mine. It went on ok, but was a bit fiddley to get the striker plate in exactly the right spot to make the lock/unlock work happily.
About the only thing that's a PITA is the position of the release tab, you have to reach under or around the spare tyre. I'm looking at how to make an extension for it to make life a bit easier & reduce the complaints from the wife.

[g5k]

I have one on mine. It went on ok, but was a bit fiddley to get the striker plate in exactly the right spot to make the lock/unlock work happily.
About the only thing that's a PITA is the position of the release tab, you have to reach under or around the spare tyre. I'm looking at how to make an extension for it to make life a bit easier & reduce the complaints from the wife.

Bugger that's the bit I was worried about since it's wife's daily drive. Wonder if there is a better carrier option?

[mr_squiggle]

Bugger that's the bit I was worried about since it's wife's daily drive. Wonder if there is a better carrier option?

Too late for me, I'm not changing it for another one now. The others like Kaymar were all bumper replacements.
We run our dogs once or twice a day & it's our family car too. The complaints started after the first shopping trip, but to be fair they were directed at swinging wheel carriers in general.
I'll be making up an adapter to make the unlocking easier.

[Mungus]

Bugger that's the bit I was worried about since it's wife's daily drive. Wonder if there is a better carrier option?

I'm looking into one (now that the roof rack load is over the top), possibly FR, but will be inquiring about the Rijidij one.

[DiscoJeffster]

I'm looking at the FR one, but would take it off between trips as it would only be used as the 6th spare for me as I don't have a LR tank. That way I could avoid the shopping trip inconvenience

[Tombie]

PM BMKal. He has a different but similar unit

[DiscoMick]

That's one advantage of a side-opening rear door as on our Defender - the Mantec carrier opens with the door.

[ATH]

I've got a Rijidij on the Defender and will be going for their D4 model as soon as it's fully sorted. Nicely finished equipment and far better than what I previously got from the UK.
AlanH.

[g5k]

I've got a Rijidij on the Defender and will be going for their D4 model as soon as it's fully sorted. Nicely finished equipment and far better than what I previously got from the UK.
AlanH.

Cheers, it didn't look like there was a D4 version on the website but I spoke with another member who has one so might check in with them tomorrow. Was planning to order the Frontrunner this week as need it soon.

[BMKal]

Outback Accessories do a single and a double. I have the single.

Wheel Carriers | Outback Accessories (http://www.outbackaccessories.com.au/wheel-carriers/)

The additional tail light assembly that they supply is not the best looking addition - particularly on a D4. I replaced it with a circular LED unit from LED Industries in Queensland. [wink11]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/257.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/b99k8gpt9/)

[mr_squiggle]

Outback Accessories do a single and a double. I have the single.

Wheel Carriers | Outback Accessories (http://www.outbackaccessories.com.au/wheel-carriers/)

The additional tail light assembly that they supply is not the best looking addition - particularly on a D4. I replaced it with a circular LED unit from LED Industries in Queensland. [wink11]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/257.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/b99k8gpt9/)

How is that different to the Front Runner one? Don't you still need to reach around/under the tyre to get to the catch?

[ScottyD]

Morning,

Are you running the 275/65R18s as a daily driver tyre?
Is so how do you find them for fuel/ratios/long trips?
I run a 265/65r18 currently, everywhere and am temtped by more clearance :)

Thanks,
Scott

[Tombie]

I doubt the benefit of 6mm is worth the rubbing [emoji6]

[g5k]

Morning,

Are you running the 275/65R18s as a daily driver tyre?
Is so how do you find them for fuel/ratios/long trips?
I run a 265/65r18 currently, everywhere and am temtped by more clearance :)

Thanks,
Scott

Hey Scott, yep I'm using them as daily at the moment and really now that I've accustom to the noise difference will probably leave them on. I inherited the tyres when buying the wheels, picked them up as a set almost brand new a couple of months ago. Haven't noticed any drastic difference in fuel but have our first long trip coming up so will see how the numbers compare to last time. Mechanic also updated tyre size in system.

I've had zero rubbing but also installed rods at same time. Mind you in access mode at full lock (and the rods) still no rub.

We did a track a few weeks ago and the extra clearance was awesome all the other cars got stuck at various points and we glided though with no scrapes or getting stuck or bogged.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/253.jpg

[BMKal]

How is that different to the Front Runner one? Don't you still need to reach around/under the tyre to get to the catch?

I have yet to see a rear wheel carrier on a Disco 4 where you DON'T have to reach down beneath the wheel to release the locking mechanism. [wink11]

[mr_squiggle]

I have yet to see a rear wheel carrier on a Disco 4 where you DON'T have to reach down beneath the wheel to release the locking mechanism. [wink11]

That's what I was getting at too.

[Tombie]

It's more about how easy to reach / use [emoji41]

[BMKal]

It's more about how easy to reach / use [emoji41]

Yep - must admit I've never used any other brand RWC on a D4 so have had no opportunity to compare - but neither SWMBO nor myself have ever had any problem locking / unlocking the latch on mine. [wink11]

I have been known to drive off without locking the latch a couple of times though. The gas strut will generally hold the wheel in the "closed" position, until you go round a sharp corner. [bigwhistle]

[g5k]

I went to order the Frontrunner carrier today but the guy at OL started steering me to the outback accessories saying the latch mech on the FR had been an issue for him on previous installs. He hasn't done one for 3 years though so not sure if design has changed. The outback one obscures lights so you have to wire in some lights that come with and look a bit ordinary as flagged.

Has anyone with the FR one had any issues with their latch and do they wish it had a gas strut?

[DiscoMick]

I wonder if OL makes more profit on the Outback then the FR ones?

[ATH]

I know someone who had OL fit a carrier to his D4 and it hung backwards from the vehicle instead of being upright. Apparently it was fixed by being shimmed (does that mean bodged?) to correct it but I personally wouldn't be too pleased at that having to be done on something that expensive. Maybe the jigs used during assembly in Thailand (or elsewhere in Asia) weren't good enough and allowed the bottom bracket to be welded at the wrong angle, I don't know but it's not good enough.
It's not as if the RWC was any cheaper than a quality item made in Oz like those from Rijidij.
That's what I personally will be going for.
AlanH.

[mr_squiggle]

I went to order the Frontrunner carrier today but the guy at OL started steering me to the outback accessories saying the latch mech on the FR had been an issue for him on previous installs. He hasn't done one for 3 years though so not sure if design has changed. The outback one obscures lights so you have to wire in some lights that come with and look a bit ordinary as flagged.

Has anyone with the FR one had any issues with their latch and do they wish it had a gas strut?

I have a FR one and the latch works fine if it's aligned correctly in the first place. Mine worked its way loose after the original install (not done by me) and I put it down to lack of loctite. So I removed and reinstalled the catch plate bolts with loctite and a small shim on one corner. Works fine now.
Mine also has a gas strut and better still it doesn't obscure any lights.

[Mungus]

I wonder if OL makes more profit on the Outback then the FR ones?

Possibly, I know that OL Darwin sells FR gear at the same price as advertised by FR.

[Tombie]

The outback one has the benefit of not impeding as much vision to the rear.

[g5k]

I have a FR one and the latch works fine if it's aligned correctly in the first place. Mine worked its way loose after the original install (not done by me) and I put it down to lack of loctite. So I removed and reinstalled the catch plate bolts with loctite and a small shim on one corner. Works fine now.
Mine also has a gas strut and better still it doesn't obscure any lights.

I plan to install myself, did you add the strut or was it an option they offered?

[mr_squiggle]

I plan to install myself, did you add the strut or was it an option they offered?

It came with it. I just assumed it was standard.
Instructions are here and they show the gas strut:
https://dealers.frontrunner.co.za/getResource/FittingInstructions/RBLD007'download=false

[g5k]

Installed over the weekend and all went swimmingly. Not for the faint hearted so if the idea of taking an angle grinder to your D4 is unsettling might be best to outsource the install. Can confirm came with gas strut and striker plate aligned well and catches well without any fiddling. Just got to rivet on the flashing. Thanks to all who provided input.

Not sure I'd stand on it to access roof rack, has anyone confirmed if it can take the weight?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/753.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/754.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/755.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/756.jpg

[BMKal]

Looks the goods - I like seeing jobs like this where owners have completed the install themselves. [wink11]

It should have no problems holding your weight if you use it to climb up to the roof rack - I did it many times on my Outback Accessories carrier without problem. Until one day when it was raining and the top of the wheel was a bit slippery (I have one of Dave's spare wheel covers fitted) - I went arse over tit and landed on the ground on my butt (to the great amusement of SWMBO). :Thump:

I have since purchased and installed a FrontRunner rear ladder. :thumbsup:

[mr_squiggle]

Looks great! Good to see you have it fitted up on a black Disco, which is the best looking colour to have it of course.....

[BMKal]

Looks great! Good to see you have it fitted up on a black Disco, which is the best looking colour to have it of course.....

Unless you are lucky enough to have a white one ...................... :tease::tease::tease:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/720.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e5bn3r6wz/)

[mr_squiggle]

Unless you are lucky enough to have a white one ...................... :tease::tease::tease:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/04/720.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/e5bn3r6wz/)

Black or white, everything else is just a shade of grey........
Nice white fridge by the way.

[g5k]

Has anyone tweaked the position of the reversing camera so you don't lose as much of the view from the tyre?

[mr_squiggle]

Has anyone tweaked the position of the reversing camera so you don't lose as much of the view from the tyre?

No, but I'd be interested to see how you could do it.

[g5k]

No, but I'd be interested to see how you could do it.

Haven't investigated but I'm sure I'm not the first person to think it. Will have a look when I get a chance.

[g5k]

Something I have just realised is the instructions mention to remove the reverse sensor directly below the wheel so I disconnected that one and taped up the plug and connector. I noticed just now that the sensors aren't working, do they need to be all connected to operate? Hoping there is a solution that doesn't require bumper removal....eeek

[mr_squiggle]

Something I have just realised is the instructions mention to remove the reverse sensor directly below the wheel so I disconnected that one and taped up the plug and connector. I noticed just now that the sensors aren't working, do they need to be all connected to operate? Hoping there is a solution that doesn't require bumper removal....eeek

Unfortunately they do all need to be connected to work. I handled it by removing the one near the rear wheel, taping it up and tucking it inside the bumper. Depending on the size of your hands it can be done with the bumper on, but you'll be practicing your swearing.

[BMKal]

The sensor that was where the latch now sits has been removed from mine, and the rest work fine. [wink11]

Not sure what was done with the wiring, but the sensor is definitely not there - and you can see from the "display" on the touch screen that there is one sensor missing - but the system has worked without problem from the day the wheel carrier was installed.

One thing I have noticed though is that when reversing up to a vertical wall, the warning "beeps" change to a long solid "beeeeeeep" just as the spare wheel hits the wall. [bigsmile]

[g5k]

The sensor that was where the latch now sits has been removed from mine, and the rest work fine. [wink11]

Not sure what was done with the wiring, but the sensor is definitely not there - and you can see from the "display" on the touch screen that there is one sensor missing - but the system has worked without problem from the day the wheel carrier was installed.

One thing I have noticed though is that when reversing up to a vertical wall, the warning "beeps" change to a long solid "beeeeeeep" just as the spare wheel hits the wall. [bigsmile]

Maybe I need to check the main connection point too then, perhaps that sensor is still connected and tucked inside bumper but then taped up inside so it doesn't activate.

[mr_squiggle]

The sensor that was where the latch now sits has been removed from mine, and the rest work fine. [wink11]

Not sure what was done with the wiring, but the sensor is definitely not there - and you can see from the "display" on the touch screen that there is one sensor missing - but the system has worked without problem from the day the wheel carrier was installed.

One thing I have noticed though is that when reversing up to a vertical wall, the warning "beeps" change to a long solid "beeeeeeep" just as the spare wheel hits the wall. [bigsmile]

That's interesting, how do you mean "missing". On mine the sensor is tucked inside the bumper and it seems to be missing from the display also, but only because there's no detection of anything. So I can see the other sensors registering on the display, just not the one tucked away.
Is this the same for you?

[letherm]

Just out of curiosity. If you can put it inside the bumper still connected and it's ok, couldn't you simply tape over it in situ?

Martin

[GregMilner]

My Offroad Accessories RWC came with a neat bracket that holds the parking sensor displaced by the new carrier. Seems to work fine, but as noted above, the spare wheel itself seems to be a more accurate 'touch indicator' of proximity to hard vertical surfaces.

121774

[BMKal]

That's interesting, how do you mean "missing". On mine the sensor is tucked inside the bumper and it seems to be missing from the display also, but only because there's no detection of anything. So I can see the other sensors registering on the display, just not the one tucked away.
Is this the same for you?

That sounds similar to what I am seeing on mine - but I'm pretty sure it is not "tucked away" behind the bumper. I certainly can't see any sign of it (just went out and had a good look / feel) and I was told by the people who installed my RWC and long range tank that they had removed the sensor.

[BMKal]

My Offroad Accessories RWC came with a neat bracket that holds the parking sensor displaced by the new carrier. Seems to work fine, but as noted above, the spare wheel itself seems to be a more accurate 'touch indicator' of proximity to hard vertical surfaces.

121774

That looks good - I wasn't even offered that as an option. Who did your install in Perth ???

[mr_squiggle]

Just out of curiosity. If you can put it inside the bumper still connected and it's ok, couldn't you simply tape over it in situ?

Martin

Yes, you could as long it was thick enough tape/foam pad.

[GregMilner]

That looks good - I wasn't even offered that as an option. Who did your install in Perth ???

Adrian at Opposite Lock in Balcatta. I thought it would have been a standard OA fitting? Obviously not, or maybe a late addition to their design?

[BMKal]

Adrian at Opposite Lock in Balcatta. I thought it would have been a standard OA fitting? Obviously not, or maybe a late addition to their design?

I would think a late addition - I've never seen it before. Mine was supplied & installed by Steve at Lifestyle 4WD and I am pretty sure that he would have fitted that option had it been available. [wink11]

[cjc_td5]

That looks good - I wasn't even offered that as an option. Who did your install in Perth ???
Looks like a candidate for a printed plastic housing 🤔🤔.
C

[LandyAndy]

Looks like a candidate for a printed plastic housing 🤔🤔.
C
You are becoming an even very handyier bloke to know!!!!!!
Andrew

[goofyr]

Outback Accessories do a single and a double. I have the single.

Wheel Carriers | Outback Accessories (http://www.outbackaccessories.com.au/wheel-carriers/)

The additional tail light assembly that they supply is not the best looking addition - particularly on a D4. I replaced it with a circular LED unit from LED Industries in Queensland. [wink11]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/257.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/b99k8gpt9/)

Hi BMKal,

Would you by any chance have a link to that light? My searches aren’t coming up with anything as good.

Thanks,
Randy

[BMKal]

Hi BMKal,

Would you by any chance have a link to that light? My searches aren’t coming up with anything as good.

Thanks,
Randy

Maxilamp Single - LED Autolamps (http://www.ledautolamps.com/combination-lamps/176-maxilamp-single.html)

They have even more choices available now than when I bought mine. [wink11]

[goofyr]

Awesome thanks

[ATH]

I'm not sure I'll need an extra light at the back as the Rigidij RWC doesn't cover the lights/indicators at all. I know there is some sort of rule about them having to be seen from different angles but what are they? I've been followed a few times by cops but as I wasn't speeding I didn't get pulled over....
Back to the RWC.... I fitted mine and found the Rigidij instructions first class and although it took me longer than their estimate I put that down to it being my first attempt.
Certainly it didn't need the work to make it fit as it should that I've heard from 2 independent workshops that RWCs from a well known chain require.
AlanH.

[goofyr]

I’ve opted for the OA RWC as it would obscure my reversing camera less as well as have better rear window visibility and the bracket for the sensor would solve that issue. The rijidij RWC does look good though.