Roof Rack Recommendations

[discomaniac]

Hi All D3ers,
I know Roof racks for the D3 have been discussed in various places over the last two years, but there seems to be plenty of suitable racks on the market now. I have also seen more D3's with racks, both on the road and in photos on this forum recently.

I'm not just after bars, but a mid sized flat rack, preferable as low a profile as possible. Interested in the Rackmaster from Opposite Lock at the moment. Not cheap, but seems good for the price. Any comments or any other recommendations/reviews of suitable racks would be much appreciated.

[stevo68]

Interested in this topic as well, but moreso a half rack, gotta be able to still use the sun roof :D, I think Rhino may do one, anyone know, thanks,

Regards

Stevo

[discomaniac]

This link below is the one I am looking at. Looks good, just want confirmation that it is a good, reliable product.

http://www.oppositelock.com.au/redesign/department/productDetails.aspx'deptID=1&catID=35&itemID=RMRLDIS3-16

They do have a longer full length rack, but I think this one would be long enough for my needs.

Thanks.

[PCH]

I've got a Tradesman Engineering full length rack which mounts the Howling Moon roof top tent. The rack weighs around 35kg and needs another person to put on or I lift it on with a roof mounted hand winch.

I think I'd go with a Opposite lock Rack Master in future because they have flexible mounting points in the rack's channels.

One other point that I've seen on another brand (I think it was a Hannibal rack) is that they have the main braces running lengthwise which would help to cut wind noise.

I reckon they are all priced around the same $'s which is around the $1200 mark for a full length one or slightly cheaper for a 3/4 one.

BTW they do affect fuel consumption by around 1-1.5 lt/100km and are noisey. I take mine of for this reason.

Chris

[WhiteD3]

This link below is the one I am looking at. Looks good, just want confirmation that it is a good, reliable product.

http://www.oppositelock.com.au/redesign/department/productDetails.aspx'deptID=1&catID=35&itemID=RMRLDIS3-16

They do have a longer full length rack, but I think this one would be long enough for my needs.

Thanks.

I'd be interested in the noise it makes. One thing I love about the D3 is how quiet it is.

[gghaggis]

Interested in this topic as well, but moreso a half rack, gotta be able to still use the sun roof :D, I think Rhino may do one, anyone know, thanks,

Regards

Stevo

Stevo,

I got the Vortex half-rack from Rola - nice looking rack (see for instance, my "Harvey_27_07_07" album in the gallery) and pretty quiet.

Price is under $300, + $150 or so for the bars, but they wanted a King's ransom for the rails (which didn't come as fitted on my vehicle). I ended up buying their std rail ($30/m) and some aluminium channel to fit over the ridge in the roof channel, and mounted it that way.

Cheers,

Gordon

[PCH]

I'd be interested in the noise it makes. One thing I love about the D3 is how quiet it is.

With a head or cross wind you have quite a roar on the roof which is much more noticable than the STT's. There isn't much sound deadening between the roof and the cabin so the rook rack noise is easily noticed.

I found the Hannibal link. http://www.hannibal.co.za/default.asp?pageid=537 If you look at the design you can see the rails running front to back. A guy at work has a Defender and the Hannbal rack and he says it is very quite. I haven't been in his Defender to compare it but I'd say it would be quiter than my Tradesman Oval design. I don't know if they fit a D3 though.

Chris

[WhiteD3]

Just a question re the rails: I priced some Rhino racks at ARB today and they tell me that the installation of the rails involves drilling into the roof of the D3!

Is this right? I've always assumed that underneath the cover strip was some mounting points.

[stevo68]

Just a question re the rails: I priced some Rhino racks at ARB today and they tell me that the installation of the rails involves drilling into the roof of the D3!

Is this right? I've always assumed that underneath the cover strip was some mounting points.
Hey mate, was that for full rack or half rack, and what sort of $$$. Now that I have one more and the last on the way, I will either have to get rails or take my trailer if we want to go away even on a non-4wd trip as all 7 seats are now full....well will be from April onwards,

Regards

Stevo

[WhiteD3]

Hey mate, was that for full rack or half rack, and what sort of $$$. Now that I have one more and the last on the way, I will either have to get rails or take my trailer if we want to go away even on a non-4wd trip as all 7 seats are now full....well will be from April onwards,

Regards

Stevo

2 Rhino aero racks + rails = $530

I just need them for fishing rods at this stage.

[Xtreme]

2 Rhino aero racks + rails = $530

I just need them for fishing rods at this stage.

Expensive fish!!

[WhiteD3]

Expensive fish!!

My thoughts exactly!

[JND72]

Hi

I'm just new here, having taken delivery of the 08 TDV6 SE last week. So far very happy, and spent lots of times on these forums before proceeding.

I'm in the same position as you, and am looking to buy a set of racks in Brissy. From my understanding of the Rhino option, their tracks get fitted to the Disco roof using the existing mount holes under the weather strip, with the exception that a single hole needs to be drilled in the very rear of the channel if you plan to put the cross bars at the very back, and behind the last factory mount hole.

I haven't yet pulled up my weather strips to check where this would be and whether it's necessary for 99% of the things I'd want to carry.

The OL Rackmaster goes directly into the factory holes, so no tracks required. Haven't yet seen one, but I think a traditional bars will suit me better as I already have a pod.

Group buy time? I'd fit it myself and save the $120 ARB want to charge to fit, assuming there was no drilling required. Has anyone fitted these themselves and can confirm?

Justin

[WhiteD3]

Justin,

The Rhino Aero 2 bar with tracks is $530 fitted. I'll probably go with these just from a noise perspective. On the Rhino site the price is $446 + delivery.

Both Rola and Rhino do a 2 rack system for $305 and $249 respectively which bolts directly into the channel.

A set of LR racks + tracks is $1100:o
The tracks alone are $600:o

What's the OL Rackmaster worth?

Cheers.

[JND72]

I was quoted $1230 for the 1.6m rackmaster, and $1395 for the 2.2m version.

There's also a 3 bar rhino rack kit, where they mount a short track on the lower part over the front area, and some taller legs. Was quoted $683, but seems everywhere uses list prices.

[peterpam]

I just had a roofrack fitted by ARB in Newcastle for $480 including the tracks. This is just for carrying a kayak (up to 100kgs) but I think they also have the type you are after.
Peter

[paulos00]

Hi WhiteD3

Did you end up going with the Rhino Aero 2 bar with tracks? if so are you happy with them and who did the fitment. I need to pick some up in the next couple of weeks and these look the goods at the moment.

I priced the 1500x1200 Rhino Alloy Tray $900 odd dollars :o, I had to ask the lady to take off her balaclava...
Does anyone else have any recommendation for a roof tray?

Cheers

Paul

[WhiteD3]

Hi WhiteD3

Did you end up going with the Rhino Aero 2 bar with tracks?

Alas.......no:(

Still on the shopping list, other non-4wd expenses have taken precedence.

[Will]

I had TJM Nerang fit the Rhino 3 bar Aero system to the D3 late last year. I also went for the Platform Roof Rack - 2 metre, which basically covers the whole roof area. Easy to climb up the back, using the spare tyre as a stepping stone.

It is very quiet, with basically no discernible noise and has had very little affect on fuel consumption, which was the main reason for going the platform option. It is very easy to remove and also easy to store with hangers from the ceiling in the garage. The bars are also very easy to remove and replace, as long as you remember to mark them for refitting.

Options for the system are relatively easy to make using flat alloy to copy the originals and bolts easy to obtain from TJM.

[paulos00]

Bugger WhiteD3

Thanks Will, do you remember what the cost was for the racks fitted?

[Will]

Fitted price came in within a few dollars shy of $1180. Expensive but the quality of the Rhino gear means that it will last forever if looked after. The bars and rack are also able to be transferred to any vehicle.

[Tote]

Thought I'd ressurect this topic as I'm after a rack. I'm looking at the Windcheetah/ Opposite lock rack or the Hannibal which I like but it is over $2000 by the time you fit the factory rails to mount it.:o
Anyone had experiences with either brand?

Regards,
Tote

[CaverD3]

The OEM LR roof rails are $700 :o plus the bars.
Rhino is a much better deal.
Rhino rails use the LR points but they recommend that they put rivet through the rail base into the rearmost frame member if you are going to put a roof bar right at the rear. The steel tends to work harden so needs to be done slowly and some silicone onto the rivet before it goes in.

[discomaniac]

After working out what I really needed the racks for, finally went for just a set of Rhino racks. Quiet and they do what I need.

Discomaniac

[David King]

Its bound to be pricey but this low profile rail system is used on European models Part no. LR006442
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/11/715.jpg

[Tote]

I ended up ordering the short Windcheetah/Opposite lock rack with a tyre mount and a rear step to mount on the back door, about $1500.00. Should be here next week, I'll post pictures once it's fitted.
Regards,
Tote

[Tote]

Some photos of my Opposite lock rack. The rails come as part of the rack and they mount by drilling approx 15 mm holes in the cover strip that is there and dropping a piece of aluminum tube in the hole, the rail then screws down using the factory screw points.
Noise is increased but I's not unbearable, I'll be pulling it off after Christmas though.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/D3%20Cage/IMG_2238.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/D3%20Cage/IMG_2240.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/D3%20Cage/IMG_2241.jpg

Regards,
Tote

[Roger]

Hi Folks, The LR D3 hand book says the maximum load for a roof rack is 75kg :o. Can anyone tell me why that is. I am sure the roof is not that weak, other wise a big wind on a bad day would bend it, and it would just collapse totally on a roll over and I am sure that would not be the case. I want to carry spare fuel in 2 x 40 litre jerry cans, and one may be 2 spare wheels up on a roof rack. I have looked at lots of roof rack out there that could carry that load, Hannibal, Rhino, Rola , plus others so I am confused as to why LR say 75kg. That weight limit also rules out a roof tent which was also an option I like for the future. Thanks

[CaverD3]

LR are covering their butts. It is not whether the roof can take the load but high loads on the roof lifting the centre of gravity and increasing the risk of a rollover. Folks often put a lot on their roof racks and adust their driving accordingly. But f something enexpected happens then a rollover is likely.

[Guss]

Nice racks Tote, they look good.

Any affect on fuel economy??

Why are they coming off at Christmas?

[Tote]

Nice racks Tote, they look good.

Any affect on fuel economy??

Why are they coming off at Christmas?

Did Fraser at Christmas, no need for it now, they do add maybe .5 lt/100Km to fuel consumption. It's a pretty easy job to remove it, 6 bolts and it's off.
They do make a bit of wind noise, although not intolerable.
Regards,
Tote

[BrewMonkey]

Tote, I have a question for you about the Front Runner tracks you installed.

Do you know the relative 'size' of the track compared to the standard LR3 tracks? The reason I'm interested is that I want to get the FR rack and use their supplied tracks, then fit some Yakima landing pads and control towers to the tracks. I then want to attach these with appropriate clamps to the FR rack to effectively make a quick release system (like nwoods did on his LR3 with some Thule towers). I've tried to get the info from Front Runner themselves, but no luck yet. Yakima do an LR3 system, but I don't know if the track width is compatible. Any info you could provide would be most appreciated.

Cheers. :thumbsup:

[Desert Traveller]

Do the Rhino tracks bolt down in the 6 LR points? I have a roof rack with the rear mounting position above the LR point. I don't want to rivet anything to the roof.
Does anyone have a part No for the Rhino tracks (RTS502?).

[Tote]

Tote, I have a question for you about the Front Runner tracks you installed.

Do you know the relative 'size' of the track compared to the standard LR3 tracks? The reason I'm interested is that I want to get the FR rack and use their supplied tracks, then fit some Yakima landing pads and control towers to the tracks. I then want to attach these with appropriate clamps to the FR rack to effectively make a quick release system (like nwoods did on his LR3 with some Thule towers). I've tried to get the info from Front Runner themselves, but no luck yet. Yakima do an LR3 system, but I don't know if the track width is compatible. Any info you could provide would be most appreciated.

Cheers. :thumbsup:
As you can see from the middle photo above the track is about the same width as the black cover strip. The slot for the bolt accomodates a 13mm bolt head and holds it captive. I believe the LR rails have a higher profile than the FR ones and are square shaped but I've never seen a vehicle up close with the LR rails fitted. If you have the full length rack (which I dont ) there are a set of legs that attach directly to the front mount points.
Hope this is of some use. If I can find the fitting instructions for the FR rack I'll scan it and put it up.
Regards,
Tote
Hope this is of some use

[Guss]

Asked for quote from TJM (Brisbane) to install Rhino roof racks and track

$717 3 heavey duty bars
$157 track
$120 install

Most (all) of the install cost is for the track.

Does the overall cost seem a little excessive?

Do you think it would be hard to fit the tracks youself?

[juddy]

Try Hannibal main office is in Brisbane, very good product, the best really...

[Tote]

I liked the Hannibal product but could not justify the extra cost, they rely on having LR rails fitted and when I started asking if Rola or another companies rails could be used they did not reply to my enquiry.
The Hannibal rack was about $1700 but they could reduce that cost to about $1500 with a special they were running. The LR rails were another $700.00 on top.
My Windcheetah rack which is similar in design except the rails go across the rack instead of down it was about $1500 installed with rails and a spare tyre carrier.
Regards,
Tote

[juddy]

Yep. expensive compaired to other products, but you get what ya pay for at the end of the day, and i suppose it all depends on what you can afford, and what use it will have.

[def90]

I have just ordered the LR Lockable cross bars and the ski/snowboard attachment... I dont need anything for touring yet....

Anyone have this set up?

I will post some pics once installed...goes on day before good Friday...

[wardh]

I have just fitted a complete 3 bar and 1800 x 1250 tray Rhino system to my D3 including the installation of the track system. I went with the Rhino racks because at a later date I am going to fit the side loader boat rack.

The track system I fitted was just to the high section of the roof and I drilled and fitted the rivots that they recommended to do if the rear rack leg is located to the very rear of the vehicle roof.

The instructions that come with the system are well explained and the fitting including the drilling of the roof offered no drama's.

Total cost and part numbers for 3 heavy duty bars, legs, track and tray GST inc as follows:

1 RRRTS502 Roof track $157.00
3 RRRLTP 50mm (low profile) legs $243.00
3 RRRB1375B 1375mm bars $216.00
1 RRAT1812 Luggage tray 1800x1250 $775.00
Total $1391.00

All fitting hardware is included and alan keys to install and fit the parts together. The only issue I had was, if you fit 3 bars on the high section part of the roof you require a 10mm spacer on the rear bar so that all the bars are the same height, then the tray sits evenly on all bars.

The resulting rack system looks very good, suprisingly quiet, is strong yet light (28kg) which is important as the recommended roof capacity is only 75kg which has to include the weight of the rack.

If you want to install the full track and 3 bar system which includes the front and back tracks, bars, legs and all hardware, this kit is a TD3-3B and retails for $717.00 GST inc. This will give you 2 bars on the high roof section and 1 on the front.

Hope this assists.

Cheers

Howard