Thread: Fitting Roof Rails to a D3

Originally Posted by Epic

I'm ordering the rails from the UK. Cheaper than anyone in OZ.

I'm not sure if I should go the LR cross rails (sport style rack) or either Thule or Rhino.

Can anyone tell me who makes the LR set? I'm curious to know what bike rack will fit up there until I figure out my tow hitch rack set up.

I'm also considering the benefits of a bar that overhangs the rails a little for ease of loading bits and pieces etc. (Rhino/Thule)

I'm picking up the car on Monday next week so pretty excited.

G'day Epic I was initially going to go for the sports style racks but after putting the rails on realized that it doesn't offer much room, it also minimizes the accessories you can add eg awning or shovel holder so I ended up going with the rhino rack option that overhangs (aero bar) gives a lot more options although it doesn't look as good.

Good luck with your new car you'll love it!

Cheers
Julian

I ordered my D4 with the long tracks. This gives 1.8m between front and rear bars so reducing any overhang on long things. I didn't go for the LR cross bars but went for Rhino Aero bars in black (1375mm). An upside is if you use the additional spacer blocks it lifts the cross bars so you can open the tailgate without hitting whatever long is on the roof (kayak, 4x2, MDF sheets etc.) The multi holder from Rhino is super handy easy to fit on and off and carry long fishing rods, conduit etc. Check them out. The shovel holder clamps can be fitted to the underside of the overhang leaving the top free. I find putting the shovel head at the front works best, more clearance.

I fitted the Whispbar ProRack S17 to the Discovery 3 recently.
I am still deciding the final position but they work where they are.
Very quiet, took all the previous Rhino Rack accessories that i had.
I know you like a picture. Here goes.
You can also see the onglass antenna in this one. I slipped when i was placing it and thus it doesn't quite line up.

Originally Posted by DoctorJ

You will then need to attach the front portion of the cut plastic back to the vehicle, ensure you press firmly to make sure its secure.
Attachment 50007
The next step is to add the rail on, each rail is marked L or R on the bottom of the rail so make sure you have the correct one. Line up the screws that are attached to the rails with the holes uncovered from the plugs removed earlier, you need to ensure that the rubber strip on the bottom of the rail is in the channel, I found the easiest way to do this was to get the far side in first and lower the rail in.
Attachment 50008
Once on properly you can tighten the screws with the appropriately sized allen key
Attachment 50009
Ensure that it is on properly and correctly alligned and cover the screws with the caps provided
Attachment 50010

DO NOT ADD ANY WEIGHT TO THE RAILS FOR ANOTHER 8 HOURS AS PER OEM INSTRUCTIONS.

I'm pretty sure that it is it, hopefully this helps others who may be attempting this very easy mod.

Cheers
Julian

these are good instructions. Are they for the SHORT LR rails

I am about to fit the LONG LR rails to my D4 .......and the instructions that came with them are a little confusing .....or I'm not that mechanical

Question ...when fitting LONG LR rails do you still need to cut the plastic channel cover and replace the front section before fitting the LONG rails over that front section ......I understand for the SHORT rails this is done .....but the instructions for the LONG rails also appears to be directing me to do this

Any one who has fitted LONG rails comments appreciated

Yes, cut same as fitting short rails.

many thanks

Originally Posted by AnD3rew

Do you need these tracks installed before you can fit a rhino rack? Or do they have their own fittings?

I have Rhino rack rails installed and did not purchase Land Rover rails, car is in service so unfortunately cannot upload image.

I had it all done by roof rack city

Originally Posted by Steve223

I have Rhino rack rails installed and did not purchase Land Rover rails, car is in service so unfortunately cannot upload image.

I had it all done by roof rack city

I have already aquired the LR long tracks as i like the overall lenth and flexability to be able to slide the Rhino bars back and forth for different loads

when you go on the roof rack city web site and dial up D4 they only appear to provide for racks with LR rails (short or long ) in situ ....similar in the Rhino Catalogue ...so would be good to get a pic of your Rhino Rails ......when available just for intrest ....bet they were cheaper than the LR rails