Thread: Front runner Slimline II Feedback

Originally Posted by shorty

The Frontrunner rear ladder is excellent, you might consider that too.

It has crossed my mind ... mainly to feel like I am on an expedition every data! Do you think it damages the paintwork much where is contacts it at the top of the door?

The accessory bottle operner looks a must![/QUOTE]

Have a look at the bottle opener from 'Mud Stuff U.K.' Really cool.

I have not taken mine off to look. There is a thin piece of rubber cushion under that step at the top, how effective that is I don't know.

But yes it does require careful fitting to avoid initial scratching / scraping and it does not fit perfectly at the bottom where it bolts in between the upper tail gate latch mechanism and the tail gate panel - it does not follow the horizontal curvature of the tail gate panel very well (if at all).

It does make using the rack much easier and adds a very convenient place to attach a bag for holding rubbish etc.

Originally Posted by Ferret

I have not taken mine off to look. There is a thin piece of rubber cushion under that step at the top, how effective that is I don't know.

But yes it does require careful fitting to avoid initial scratching / scraping and it does not fit perfectly at the bottom where it bolts in between the upper tail gate latch mechanism and the tail gate panel - it does not follow the horizontal curvature of the tail gate panel very well (if at all).

It does make using the rack much easier and adds a very convenient place to attach a bag for holding rubbish etc.

I have the same ladder and, after a bit of fiddling around and taking care with the positioning of the protective rubber strip under the top attachment point, the paintwork on the vehicle is well protected and has never been marked (I've had it off a couple of times since fitting).

I had similar issues with getting the bottom bracket to align properly on the vehicle - if I just bolted it on, the top bracket "hook" did not sit squarely over the top of the tailgate, and the edge of the bracket scraped on the roof when opening / closing the tailgate. I fixed this by "twisting" the ladder a little bit using two crowbars on the floor of the shed. Took a couple of attempts to get it right, but it now all sits square as it should.

Definitely wouldn't be without the ladder though. I hadn't thought of hanging a rubbish bag or anything on it, but getting up onto the roofrack to load / unload is much easier than before.

I'll be having a full length Slimline installed in next fortnight once a take deliver of my D4 next week. I'll post my experience with the rack and noise once its done.

I have the full length version, it is a little noisy but after two years I rarely notice it. I also have the high rooftop Tent brackets fitted all the time.

But, I moved into the D4 from a Patrol with a full length ARB rack..........

Regards

Originally Posted by shorty

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Admiral is yours 'full length' or 3/4?

And does anyone know if it interferes with the digital / satellite radio antenna? My understanding is the rack mounts just forward of the antenna?

Thanks!

Mine is full length. I can't say that I have noticed any interference to the radio or phone. There are some pics on the site somewhere. Do a search for Frontrunner slimline.
The attached is one I found at short notice.NAY_3234.jpg

Originally Posted by BMKal

I have the same ladder and, after a bit of fiddling around and taking care with the positioning of the protective rubber strip under the top attachment point, the paintwork on the vehicle is well protected and has never been marked (I've had it off a couple of times since fitting).

I had similar issues with getting the bottom bracket to align properly on the vehicle - if I just bolted it on, the top bracket "hook" did not sit squarely over the top of the tailgate, and the edge of the bracket scraped on the roof when opening / closing the tailgate. I fixed this by "twisting" the ladder a little bit using two crowbars on the floor of the shed. Took a couple of attempts to get it right, but it now all sits square as it should.

SNIP

When I was planning on buying the Frontrunner WindCheetah rack, I contacted a SA forum and asked them about the Frontrunner ladder. The consensus was DON'T, get the LR ladder instead.

Best Wishes,
Peter

i purchased the SL2 for it's static weight and carrying capacity, not because the D4 can carry 200kg, more about it's construction and versatility.

When assembling I used a nickel based threat lubricant on each bolt/nut. The FR SL2 is 2.5 years old and worth every cent in my opinion. I also concur with most if not all comments made.

A couple of comments/suggestions:-

When using long loads crossing several spans, annoying rattling can drive you mad on badly rutted/rocky tracks. I often use rubber stand-offs/pads to elevate what ever to ensure only the ends are placed and secured.

If you elevate the rack as high as possible, some creative metal work allows you to mount a long handle showed underneath and secure it.

Some additional metal work also holds other HF antennas underneath, out of the way, with easy access.

The hi-lift bracket system is great and easy access in minutes.

As for noise, as most have indicated, yes at speeds beyond 80km/hr it is notable empty, however, once loaded with the basics, well it is what it is.

At one stage I thought to make a mechanism to crank it up to the height of the garage roof but the effort to unbolt/bolt up when actually needed was to great. The navigator doesn't complain anyway.

Just positioned the mantras across the front of the SL2, again because of the versatile Tslot arrangement, any 8mm bolt will fit, therefore making small posts, brackets and bits bent aluminium/Steel brackets makes it easy to bolt anything small or large irrespective of it's mounting arrangement.

I carry all sorts depending on the trip and needs, I do try to stick with rook limits, 75kg in total, but that can be a challenge, thus my weight is distributed and properly secured, therefore the loaded weight + static weight are one with no movement possible. I also ensure everything is as low profile as possible, and if it's high it is light to keep centre of gravity low.

I have attached a shot of MY SL2 beyond capacity, blue box is empty, 2 x 20 ltd plastic jerry cans full. That weekend we did some serious 4wding and collected fire wood on the way around Dago, have never experienced any vehicle instability issues, yet again, you have to drive to the conditions and know your height/weight limits.

All up, I would recommend the product, and yes would buy one next time.

Happy travelling.

Regards

Gerald