Rhino roof rail differences

Hi guys. Well the Rhino rails won't fit with the Expedition rack. The profile is slightly out, but the biggest drama is the height. The Rhino rails are very low, and if you are chasing a low fit rack, they will definitely suit.

The Rhino rail also follows the roofline, and curves to suit it. The Expedition has a flat surface, and I would think the LR rails would be tapered vertically to match. The Expedition on the Rhino rail, actually touches the roof in the middle.

I will shortly have a set of Rhino rails for sale.

I fitted the Rhino D3 Tracks (as my S did not come woith factory rails) + Rhino Sportz 2 bar System + Rola Vortex LTVX tray.
I leave the rack off unless I need it and it can be fitted by one person easily.
There is no roof noise from the bars and a bit from the rack -all depends on what's on top. A spare wheel/tyre in the rack is noisy if its sitting with the inside down. If the tyre sits with the outside of the wheel down, its pretty quiet.

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Originally Posted by wyperfield

I fitted the Rhino D3 Tracks (as my S did not come woith factory rails) + Rhino Sportz 2 bar System + Rola Vortex LTVX tray.
I leave the rack off unless I need it and it can be fitted by one person easily.
There is no roof noise from the bars and a bit from the rack -all depends on what's on top. A spare wheel/tyre in the rack is noisy if its sitting with the inside down. If the tyre sits with the outside of the wheel down, its pretty quiet.

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I agree the Rhino bars are quiet, just don't suit the Expedition unfortunately. The rails are almost undetectable by themselves on the roof.

Do you actually carry a spare on the roof rack ? Not my choice, though I understand the necessity if there is no other carrier. Apart from the weight, there is so much risk of damage to yourself or the vehicle, getting the damn thing up and down.

I only put a spare wheel on the roof for insurance for remote trips (e.g. Deserts etc.), where we always take 2 x spare wheels. I have never had to use it, so its not been a problem getting on/off at home. The max I put on the roof is the spare wheel and 2 x 20 litre diesel cans. Total weight is about 85 kg incl. roof rack.
For shorter trips, I use the roof rack for light stuff and don't bother with a 2nd spare or extra fuel.

I got the smaller Rola rack with the low Rhino rails instead of the Expidition rack so I could remove and put it on easily/quickly. On my last vehicle I had a roof rack on full-time and it was a problem getting in some carparks and the garage.

I understand the necessity, and admit I have done it myself. It pays to have a lot of help when putting spares up or taking them down. I have seen some nasty accidents, and hilarious chases when spares are thrown off roofracks. They have the potential to injure the person shifting them, or the vehicle carrying them.

Hi Andycapper, I could be interested in your LR rails, are you in Sydney and what kind of price did you have in mind ?

Coldy

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Originally Posted by andycapper

A couple of points that may be of interest.

I recently fitted a full length Rhino Rack and initially based the purchase around the factory rails I had. When fitted with the Rhino legs and adaptors supplied it was way too high at the front to make any connection with the roof - no matter how many spacers were added.

The result was that the main rails were replaced with Rhino rails which are not only a lower profile than the Land Rover rails but they also allow the rack to fit much lower as the adaptor foot is not required.

I went for a full length rack to accommodate an RV3 Oztent and to provide proper support for an awning.

I too have the heavy duty rails as they are the ones that accommodate the most accessories and are, I believe, of a section better suited to off road use and standing in the roof rack.

I now have a set of Land Rover rails for sale if anyone is interested...?

Andy

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Too late !! He cried !!

Dolium make a set of rails to fit their windcheetah rack to the roof mount points, maybe these would be suitable for the expedition rack. I seem to recall they are areound $200.00 per set. I'm happy to take photos /measurements if you need some of the install on my 2008 D3.

Regards,
Tote

Hi "Cold light of day" - as Admiral implied, I'm afraid the rails have gone.

Andy

Hi Guys,

I am looking to purchase a LR Expedition rack. What do I need in terms of rails for it to fit my 2008 D3? I simply have the weather strip with the four or so circular rubber points on either side. I was assuming that under these there are hard fix points. But reading this I'm thinking I now need to mount rails first then the Exped rack. Can you pls clarify. Ta.

Bell.