Roof Bars - D3

[Aussie Jeepster]

I'm off to hospital on Wednesday for a hip replacement and to keep me amused while I'm there, I am going to sort out my "roof storage options"!!
I'm not looking for a full roof rack - just cross bars.
All I see me ever having up top will be a 200W solar panel (fixed to bars), an Oztent RV4 or 5, and either an awning on one side or both, and possibly a pair of maxtrax.
No jerry cans, no spare wheel, no tool boxes or storage boxes - all pretty light weight stuff.
My Disco has no rails on the roof, so whatever I get will mount "direct" to the roof.
I'm currently leaning towards the Rhino Vortex bars, and I guessing I'll need 3 of them to cover the 2M length of the Oztent.
What are others using, if you are not using full rood racks? I'm not looking at cheap knock offs - don't mind paying for what I want, that will do the job.
Thoughts?

[Parkes]

I've got two rhino vortex bars and carry pretty much what you are except the solar panels, a RV4 and tag along tent and 4 maxtrax. Asked the Oz Tent people about 2 vs 3 bars and they said 2 are fine, I've hand no issues either over the three years I've had them and the tent.

[RHS58]

I have 3 Rhino Vortex bars on Rhino front and rear tracks,
but I do carry a long and wide tandem Hobie Mirage kayak.

Though the front bar does create some turbulence noise.

[Aussie Jeepster]

I've got two rhino vortex bars and carry pretty much what you are except the solar panels, a RV4 and tag along tent and 4 maxtrax. Asked the Oz Tent people about 2 vs 3 bars and they said 2 are fine, I've hand no issues either over the three years I've had them and the tent.

That is what I wanted to hear! Are your 2 bars just at the back, or do you have one at the front (on higher mounts) and one at the back?

[winaje]

I know a guy with the roof mount rails and 4 Whispbar cross rails for sale in Melbourne if you're interested?

[eddomak]

That is what I wanted to hear! Are your 2 bars just at the back, or do you have one at the front (on higher mounts) and one at the back?

Hi - I was just using 2 bars at the back and could carry an RV5, but it would sag and touch the lower part of the roof (over the front row). I much prefer my 3 bar setup (taller legs at the front, bolts straight into the factory thread), and it is only 5 minutes or so to attach the front bar when I need it.

[Aussie Jeepster]

I know a guy with the roof mount rails and 4 Whispbar cross rails for sale in Melbourne if you're interested?

Thanks Will.
I'll wait until I'm all clear of the hospital/rehab, and will have decided what I want to do by then.

[Parkes]

That is what I wanted to hear! Are your 2 bars just at the back, or do you have one at the front (on higher mounts) and one at the back?

I do differ from you in that I have the full length LR rails but the two bars are generally located in the back section of the vehicle. Let me try and find a pic to show you

[Parkes]

That is what I wanted to hear! Are your 2 bars just at the back, or do you have one at the front (on higher mounts) and one at the back?

Pics attached, bars are about 840mm apart to suit the maxtrax pins. I used to have them a little bit further apart but not much.

[rocket rod]

I have 3 of the Rhino square bars on my roof but around town I have removed the front bar because of wind noise. Not sure if the Vortex will be quieter or not but I would get 3 bars anyway.