Fitting Roof Tracks - Suggestions please

[Owen]

My D4 does not have any roof tracks, an oversight on purchase from me....any suggestions on fitting them, the STD vs extended, how easy to do yourself and best place to buy them from ?

Or should I just get a full rack that mounts onto the track lockdowns and not use the track ?

[CaverD3]

It depends if you want flexibility of the tracks or not. A fixed rack will be lower as well.
Rhino rack tracks are cheaper than the OEM ones especially if you get the cross bars and they are a lower profile. If you want to go to the front then you need an extra small track for the front.
I am not sure how much more the OEM long ones are to compare.

[ADMIRAL]

The LR factory rails, cover the rear raised portion of the roof, and use a single pick up on the front mount, from the factory 'riv' nut under a plastic tab. The LR Expedition rack uses multiple bolts down on the rear rail, and a single angled bracket with an aero shroud on the front mount. The factory rails do sit a little higher than aftermarket rails, but if you use the LR Expedition rack, it 'wraps' around the rail, and sits very low on the roof.

I don't believe there is really a lot of difference in the rails, factory to aftermarket, unless you intend using the LR Expedition rack. ( in which case I would advise sticking to the factory rail '. The aftermarket rails I have used/seen are lower than the factory rail. The rails are pretty simple to install. You need 'forked' clip removal tool, preferably in plastic, or you can end up damaging the paint trying to get the clips out on the metal/plastic cover trim. The force applied to remove the clips, does mean if you slip, you will lose paint if using a metal tool. Once the trim strip is off, it exposes the factory 'riv' nuts in the roof channel. The rails bolt onto these. The factory trim is shortened, and the front piece reattached to the front lower roof. I think any of the aftermarket rails are stacks cheaper than the factory rails. Unless you particularly want the LR Expedition rack, this is probably your best course. The rails of whatever type should have full instructions on installation. Just be careful and take your time, and you won't make a mess.

On the LR Expedition rack, if you are looking that way. They are bloody expensive, look the goods, but are not the most practical rack. ( not enough cross rails ) If you are used to just chucking stuff onto a roof rack, you will have to change for this rack. Careful placement across the rails is required. They are not the quietest rack, but putting a filler strip between the roof and the front of the rack shuts them up a massive amount. I would check them out very carefully before committing.

I have looked at pretty much everything else on the market, and spoken to owners about their racks. The Dolium rack is probably the quietest of the aftermarket racks, and undoubtedly the most practical. Rhino have a flat rack option now ( optional side rails ) but the owners I have spoken to, don't find it particularly quiet. The Hannibal rack looks good, but I have been unable find one fitted for opinion. ( in W.A. ) They are probably the most expensive, even costlier than the LR factory expedition rack.

I am going to try a 3/4 rack shortly, and it will probably be the Dolium. I like the flexibility they offer in size and mounting. The 3/4 rack doesn't use the front mount at all, and as the front finishes around the end of the raised roof section, I am hoping it will be even quieter than other options

Hope this helps.

[AnD3rew]

Doctorj gave a good account of his fitting here.

http://http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-...ails-d3-2.html

[simoncs]

Hi Admiral,

I am also debating what rack to go with. I want it to be low profile, but also want enough crossbars to be able to just chuck stuff up. I really liked what Stornoway did, by cutting off the sides of the expedition rack, but that doesn't solve the lack of crossbars, and as you say is an expensive option.
So to that end I am making enquiries about having one made. I have also asked front runner, if their rack can sit on shorter feet so the rack then sits just above the tracks. I also have the extended roof rails so want to utilize these.

I will let you know how it goes
Simon

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[juddy]

I have looked at pretty much everything else on the market, and spoken to owners about their racks. The Dolium rack is probably the quietest of the aftermarket racks, and undoubtedly the most practical. Rhino have a flat rack option now ( optional side rails ) but the owners I have spoken to, don't find it particularly quiet. The Hannibal rack looks good, but I have been unable find one fitted for opinion. ( in W.A. ) They are probably the most expensive, even costlier than the LR factory expedition rack.

Not so, and this is nothing against dolium, these rack run east to west,< Hannibal and Patriot run North to South, so there is alot less wind noise. I have seen alot of people needing to fit a wind deflector with the Dolium racks. However doluim are a cheaper rack and very good...

The Patriot rack also suits the Discovery..

[scarry]

I fitted the Rhino tracks to mine,the rear long one's were all i needed.Relatively easy to fit,a pop rivet is needed at the rear of each rail,but drilling the hole & sealing the rivet is very easy.I believe the short front rails also need a pop rivet.

The factory covers come up easily,the plastic clips can be prised up with a screwdriver,then pulled up with a pair of side cutters jaws around them.

[ADMIRAL]

I have looked at pretty much everything else on the market, and spoken to owners about their racks. The Dolium rack is probably the quietest of the aftermarket racks, and undoubtedly the most practical. Rhino have a flat rack option now ( optional side rails ) but the owners I have spoken to, don't find it particularly quiet. The Hannibal rack looks good, but I have been unable find one fitted for opinion. ( in W.A. ) They are probably the most expensive, even costlier than the LR factory expedition rack.

Not so, and this is nothing against dolium, these rack run east to west,< Hannibal and Patriot run North to South, so there is alot less wind noise. I have seen alot of people needing to fit a wind deflector with the Dolium racks. However doluim are a cheaper rack and very good...

The Patriot rack also suits the Discovery..

As previously stated, I have not been able to compare to a Hannibal rack, and the cost was more than the OE Expedition. Ditto for the Patriot rack, although they may be cheaper ( no idea if they are available over here ) . The Dolium racks come std with a wind deflector.

[Tombie]

I fitted the Rhino tracks to mine,the rear long one's were all i needed.Relatively easy to fit,a pop rivet is needed at the rear of each rail,but drilling the hole & sealing the rivet is very easy.I believe the short front rails also need a pop rivet.

The factory covers come up easily,the plastic clips can be prised up with a screwdriver,then pulled up with a pair of side cutters jaws around them.

Even easier... They screw out

Pop one side up with a flat blade (wifes butter knife works well)

The grab the side with a pair of molegrips (Easier than trying to hold everything closed) or pliers and just wind it out like a bolt

To be extra safe - I applied some blue masking tape either side before doing it...

I also didnt remove the entire trim strip to cut it...

Here was my install:
1) lift edge of plastic clip and unscrew - do this for the 3 rearmost on each side - do not touch the front one.

2) Measure the distance from the rear of 1525mm and mark on the trim strip - I placed masking tape (blue) on the strip and drew across the tape.

3) Lift the strip from the rear gently and place either thick cardboard - or in my case an old piece of door trim from a car I was wrecking - on a towel and slide it under the strip where you will be cutting.

4) Fit safety glasses to face and cutting wheel to dremel

5) Cut off strip - repeat for both sides...

6) Bolt rails on as per directions...

7) Go have Beer...

Total time for job 20 minutes....

[D3mike]

Get extended rails if you go that route - gives extra flexibility & real estate for after market. I have extended LR rails with rhino rack bars & misc foxwing, roof pod, bike racks, kayak racks at various times.

D3mike