110 Roof Mounted Cage

[voltron]

I have a LR roof cage on my 2012 110 Defender. Its steel and it's large.
Do these things put extra strain on the roof as I noticed
10cm long paint cracks on both sides of the curved part of the roof
along the join seam.

Could the cage be causing these cracks?

Is there any advantage to a steel cage over aluminium?

I dont really like it aesthetically compared to others on the
market. But if it has an advantage and isnt contributing to the
Cracks then I'll keep it.

Cheers

[juddy]

No very unlikely to be caused by a rack, I have seen both Defenders with and without racks having this problem, LRA are aware of this and its a warranty issue. We had our 130 done, you will also see older Defenders with this problem.

However a heavy steel rack, could cause cracking on the gutter line, and over loading of any rack may lead to any one of these issues.

If you have a after market rack don't go to your dealer with it on, they will say the non genuine rack is the cause of your problems.

I have used a Hannibal rack extensively for over the last 5 years with no problems at all.

You will get a slight indentation on the gutter line mounts over time, but this will not cause any issues.

Dont over load is the key here....

[voltron]

No very unlikely to be caused by a rack, I have seen both Defenders with and without racks having this problem, LRA are aware of this and its a warranty issue. We had our 130 done, you will also see older Defenders with this problem.

However a heavy steel rack, could cause cracking on the gutter line, and over loading of any rack may lead to any one of these issues.

If you have a after market rack don't go to your dealer with it on, they will say the non genuine rack is the cause of your problems.

I have used a Hannibal rack extensively for over the last 5 years with no problems at all.

You will get a slight indentation on the gutter line mounts over time, but this will not cause any issues.

Dont over load is the key here....

Juddy it's a Genuine Land Rover roof rack so there shouldnt be any problems as far as that is concerned.

How would they fix something like this, I hope they dont just cover the crack with liquid paper.

[KarlB]

Your max recommended roof load is 150 kg including the weight of the rack. Lighter is obviously better in terms of rack weight. The best racks on the market seem to be Wind Cheetah, Hannibal and Patriot, and all of them aluminum alloy.

You say it is a genuine Land Rover rack. Was it fitted by the dealer? If not, be warned. If so, get them to fix the cracks under warranty.

Cheers
KarlB

[voltron]

Your max recommended roof load is 150 kg including the weight of the rack. Lighter is obviously better in terms of rack weight. The best racks on the market seem to be Wind Cheetah, Hannibal and Patriot, and all of them aluminum alloy.

You say it is a genuine Land Rover rack. Was it fitted by the dealer? If not, be warned. If so, get them to fix the cracks under warranty.

Cheers
KarlB

Yes mate , it was fitted by the Dealers. And it hasn't even been loaded with anything yet
as I have been waiting for another warranty issue to be fixed before I took the car anywhere.

But how do they fix the cracks. Paint over them??

[KarlB]

Yes mate , it was fitted by the Dealers. And it hasn't even been loaded with anything yet
as I have been waiting for another warranty issue to be fixed before I took the car anywhere.

But how do they fix the cracks. Paint over them??

If it is only in the paint, then painting over should not be a significant issue provided it fixes the 'problem'. What you don't want cracking is the metal. Remember, Land Rovers flex 'all over'.

KarlB

[juddy]

If its a Genuine one, you should be ok...

[BilboBoggles]

Interestingly my 2003 Defender without a rack, and has never had one, cracked the mounts at the top of the A Pillar, ie the roof came loose, just from driving on dirt roads. That roof is held on only by a few self tappers!. I really don't think the defender roof is capable of supporting any load without issues.

I saw a 2007 with a rack on it the other day, a nice heavy rack, with a spare on the top, probably a few other things at various times. But the whole rear body had crushed down on to the chassis by a good 1/2 " folding the rear panels where they bolt to the chassis. Basically that Defender was now very stuffed.

[weeds]

when i pulled my old rack off (fited by previous owner) it weighed 100kg-120kg alone

i drove around using it for years........when i crossed the simpson i had a spare tyre and rim, 3 x full jerry can, 3 x swags, solar panel, awaning, 2 x gas cylinders and a few other bits and pieces. hate to think wot it all weighed in at

i now have a wind cheetah...........heaps lighter

[n plus one]

I have a LR roof cage on my 2012 110 Defender. Its steel and it's large.
Do these things put extra strain on the roof as I noticed
10cm long paint cracks on both sides of the curved part of the roof
along the join seam.

Could the cage be causing these cracks?

Is there any advantage to a steel cage over aluminium?

I dont really like it aesthetically compared to others on the
market. But if it has an advantage and isnt contributing to the
Cracks then I'll keep it.

Cheers

It's not your rack, it's just a common issue. I've seen it on vehicles with and without racks.

Mine has run a few different types of rack (currently a Hannibal 2.8) ad had the cracking issue when it only ran some Rhino bars.

Mine was a warranty repair - though I suspect it was only cosmetic cracking of the paint.

I wouldn't get rid of the LR rack just because of this - but I might door for weight/versatility/accessories reasons.