Thread: Roof Racks

So, all you guys that have fitted various Racks, How bad is the wind noise at around the 100k mark. Are different Racks less noisier than others, eg Rhino or Land Rovers own example.
I had an ARB Rack on a D1 years ago, but would take it off when back home. It was too noisy.
I am toying with the idea of Fitting an Awning on the side of my 2022 Defender, but do you need a complete Rack or can you use another way of mounting it to the roof rail? I wonder if that would generate wind noise as well?

cheers Phil

Originally Posted by PJJ

So, all you guys that have fitted various Racks, How bad is the wind noise at around the 100k mark. Are different Racks less noisier than others, eg Rhino or Land Rovers own example.
I had an ARB Rack on a D1 years ago, but would take it off when back home. It was too noisy.
I am toying with the idea of Fitting an Awning on the side of my 2022 Defender, but do you need a complete Rack or can you use another way of mounting it to the roof rail? I wonder if that would generate wind noise as well?

cheers Phil

I come from driving a "classic" Defender with its brick dunny aerodynamics with roof rails and awnings, rattly puma diesel engine and AT tyres so anything is an improvement!

With the new one, I noticed a little more noise with the LR rack at over 80kph...but I could still have a quiet conversation with the passenger! The awning hasn't added any more noise that I can tell.

I just fitted Maxxis proper all-terrain tyres and I can't hear the roof rack anymore ....but I can still converse with my passenger without shouting and listen to ABC digital Jazz with the volume up a bit.

With regards to fixing three points is best and if it's a 270 awning the rear most mount has to be close to the hinges. So it depends on the awning. I'm not sure if three rails can be fitted to the new Defender.

Imho the Front Runner is noisiest, followed by Rhino, then the LR, although the Rhino can also be fitted with a front deflector making it comparable to the LR rack. In my mind the tracks running front to back (RR) or side to side (FR and LR) makes the biggest difference re noise.

I'm leaning to the LR rack as it has the "best bang for buck" i.e. load capacity out of all available options to date.. Noise is a secondary consideration for me, just turn the radio up louder and all is well.

I have found that my RR back bone and the Pioneer rack from my D4 is less noisy when loaded. But unloaded is unbearable even with the deflector. So I have to take the whole thing off when nothing on a trip. Very very difficult, no fun at all. Not looking forward to fitting for high country trip coming up.

OK a helpful thread that needs to be updated to match what's available on the market today and as at the end of 2024.

For our build I am considering the following and would appreciate feedback from those who have them fitted thanks:

• LRA OE rack.
• Off Road Animal Scout Rack
• Trail Max
• Add feedback on any others to help with my deliberations would be appreciated too

Finding capacity specs seems to be a challenge

Rob

Im still a huge fan of Prospeed Aero

Originally Posted by Tombie

Im still a huge fan of Prospeed Aero

Thanks certainly looks interesting enough

Rob

Originally Posted by RobA

Thanks certainly looks interesting enough

Rob

It depends on what you are after. We have had no issues with the 3/4 Front Runner on the D3 (although some report wind noise with the deflector but we've had none).

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...-defender-2020

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