Roof tracks and bars for a D3

[corbijn]

Hi All,

I am a new owner of a 2008 Discovery 3. Loving the car and in the process of setting it up with with roof racks.

Currently it has no tracks at all. I understand these are my options

1. Buy either the short or long Land Rover Tracks and Bars
2. Buy the fixed Whispabars , (no track and can't be moved along the track) Roof Racks for Land Rover Discovery 2004, 3 5 Door SUV 2004 - 2009
3. Buy a set of Rhino Tracks and Bars, (either 2) Vortex RST - #RST/502 | Rhino-Rack
4. Buy an aftermarket set of long rails - Land Rover Discovery 3 Extended Roof Rails Track Silver 2 Lockable Cross Bars | eBay

So it seems I have plenty of options. I am leaning towards the Rhino two bar set (options 3). This will give me versatility of being able to move the bars, without the expense of the "Official Land Rover" gear" or the risk of ebay gear (I am also worried about drilling into the roof).

Does this make sense?

THe roof racks will be used mostly for camping gear, Canoes and bikes.

Any input would be appreciated - thank you!

[RHS58]

I have a D4 and have decided on your option 3 - Rhino vortex with tracks. Going to go with 3 bars for extra versatility. 2 rails on the rear tracks, 1 on the front tracks. Mostly leave front bar off.
Lower profile than LR rails.
Less than half the price of LR long rails with 2 bars.
Booked in Friday.
There will be a need to drill a hole at the rear end of each track. Ouch, but they assure me will be well prepped and sealed.
Couldn't bring myself to drill the holes myself. Best if I drop it off and go away for a little while.

[corbijn]

Thanks for that Drilling a whole is a little freaky!

The racks on ebay look like you don't need any drilling? Did you weigh those up at all?

[4evershiva]

Hi, if you got plans on installing an awning in the future, would recommend you to go with 3 bars . The awning will be a constraint for the adjustment capability of 2 bars. The awning will need to be taken off to make adjustments of the bars.

[phenne]

Hi I have just fitted the long track and bars to glass roof with no problems and you only drill two holes through the trim not the roof

[corbijn]

Thanks Phenne,

That certainly alleviates some of my concerns. Is there anyway a poor installation would cause water to leak through the whole already in the roof?

[phenne]

Hi and no you are not changing what is already there it was always a water channel

[ADMIRAL]

Have a look at the Frontrunner Windcheetah slimline. No tracks required. Fits straight into the roof nuts. Search on the forum. Plenty of pics posted.

[jonesy63]

Have a look at the Frontrunner Windcheetah slimline. No tracks required. Fits straight into the roof nuts. Search on the forum. Plenty of pics posted.

The OP said he was going to carry canoes and bikes. Not sure if there are Windcheetah attachments for those. Even if they were, it would be a very expensive option.

[ADMIRAL]

Expensive... ? Compared to what ...? Don't know as they are not on my accessory list. One quick way to find out. Ask