Thread: D4 Platform rack on Factory rails

The Front Runner platform mounts directly to the bolt holes in the roof channels without even needing rails.

Originally Posted by Ferret

The Front Runner platform mounts directly to the bolt holes in the roof channels without even needing rails.

Correct but it is very similar to the Rhino Rack "Backbone" system which I don't like. The frontrunner rack also sits a fair bit higher than the factory rails and replaces them.

Hi there

I have to ask why not the backbone system? Is it the look, potential wind noise?

I've just installed a full length flat rhino pioneer style (cheap chinese knockoff) rack system with backbones and aside from it being a fairly lengthy task to fit, I am very pleased with the way it sits low on the roof line (lower than my previous full length rails and Landrover roof rack combo) on our Disco 4. It does have slightly more wind noise than the old setup but the amount of space to be able to carry the swags, surfboards, chairs etc far outweighs the minimal increase in wind noise.

FWIW

CHeers

Goldey

you can mount a rhino rack pioneer platform to the factory long rails with low profile legs (not backbone) but I was told it has to the the 1376mm wide platform (the 1236mm wide will only mount with the backbone apparently). in fact most platforms will mount to the factory rails, they're pretty standard.

I really liked the look of the pioneer platform on low profile legs but couldn't justify the cost so I ended up getting an alloy rack 1250x1800 for $600. It's pretty similar to the ones ARB sell. Would have preferred something a bit longer but their options were 2200 which is far to long for the car, and 1800. The legs attach with 35mm T bolts.

2.jpg1.jpg

Like this?
I 3D printed seats for the platform to sit on.

20160910_135727 m.jpg

I've since ditched the platform and use a Tracklander rack.

20170410_153543 m.jpg

The racks site about 25mm off the roof at its lowest clearance.

Chris

Originally Posted by goldey

Hi there

I have to ask why not the backbone system? Is it the look, potential wind noise?

I've just installed a full length flat rhino pioneer style (cheap chinese knockoff) rack system with backbones and aside from it being a fairly lengthy task to fit, I am very pleased with the way it sits low on the roof line (lower than my previous full length rails and Landrover roof rack combo) on our Disco 4. It does have slightly more wind noise than the old setup but the amount of space to be able to carry the swags, surfboards, chairs etc far outweighs the minimal increase in wind noise.

FWIW

CHeers

Goldey

Its the look, cost and height. The Frontrunner rack sits quite a bit higher than the factory rails and the backbone looks to be the same. If I can mount the platform directly to the factory rails it will sit nice and low.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Like this?
I 3D printed seats for the platform to sit on.

20160910_135727 m.jpg

I've since ditched the platform and use a Tracklander rack.

20170410_153543 m.jpg

The racks site about 25mm off the roof at its lowest clearance.

Chris

That looks great! exactly the thing I'm after. thanks for that

Or like this, Pioneer platform 1380x1925 on 6 feet that attach to the factory long rails.