Tom1809 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Morning all. I am in need of a roof rack for my defender 90, but trying to find any reviews on them on Internet is very far and few between so I am wondering if anyone who has a roof rack or know about certain models they could give me there opinion. There are a few roof racks / bars that I have seen and like but are they over kill or up to the job in first place, the roof rack will primarily be used for work and then the odd leisure time but nothing like over landing. I have made a list of what I will use it for. Every day it will carry a tube with copper tube. A set of steps/ladders 2 10l jerry cans What else it will have to carry Radiators Gas boilers 8 x 4 sheets of wood/ply/plasterboard Timber Camping gear Push bike Etc Naturally I am drawn to something that would be used for expedition/over landing mainly cause they are designed to carry weight and deal with the harshest environments, they are also light weight, they have a flat base and pretty much open, they tend to have a lower profile closer to the roof than others. So a front runner roof rack seems to fit the job perfectly. However my grandad has seen the likes of the britpart roof racks, and Mantec roof bars and the argument is will they simply last? For the price are they any good and is construction of them going to take the weight and stress I may subject it to? Much apprechiate your Opinions Cheers Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris113 Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 I've only had experience with HD brownchurch roof racks, the ones that mount to the gutter but also the bulkhead and rear bodywork. They are heavy and make the vehicle roll badly around corners, but we have over-loaded it before and never had any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverik Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 When picking a rack you need to think about loading of your truck.. you'd may or may not be surpised to know that you can overload your roof quite easily!... I've looked into this too and still not quite sure but there is some logic to it. Brownchurch racks are bombproof and have stood the tests of time and proved themselves with the likes of Camel trophy stuff. they are "relativly" cheap too. but they are heavy... so your penetly is that in theory you limit what you can put on the rack as the self weight eats into the roof load carrying capacity. Alu racks will probably age a little quicker (if not looked after) but they're still mega hardy, big pro's are they are much lighter so you can carry more on it, but the killer is you pay for the extra carrying capacity in the price, alu racks are often twice the price of a steel ones. Safety Devices and Brownchurch are the rolls royce (in my opinion) of the steel racks Frontrunner, Rhino and Patriot are the hardcore Alu racks you get. From what you've listed above, I think I'd be looking at a Brownchurch HD galvanised rack. I doubt you'd be dissapointed. - we have them on our Mountain Rescue wagons, they are awesome. Mav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roverdrive Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Another vote for the Brownchurch HD rack. Boarded mine out with WISA board, and put four bike racks up there permenantly. Great for mountain biking, as plenty of room to move about! I don't really notice the vehicle rolling much more on corners because I drive it like a Land Rover not a Ferrari. If you go down this route, get plenty of mates to help fit it, and protect the roof. I didn't and ended up with a scratched roof, but being a short ar*e can't see that high up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyNissanPrairie Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 The roof weight limit is 75kg. I have a 110 with an aluminium Patrri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyNissanPrairie Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 The roof weight limit is 75kg. If you're road biased consider fitting anti roll bars to your truck. I have a 110 with an aluminium Patriot - (brilliant piece of kit but expensive) with a Howling moon rooftent and notice it when cornering. Looked at Brownchurch -good but heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Roof weight is the main problem. That to me makes the Brownchurch a no, no. Land Rover South Africa only recomend one roof rack. Frontrunner. If you're carrying 8 X 4 sheets. Will you be carrying the other stuff ? Because there's not much room left with an 8 X 4 sheet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 My vote is for a roll cage The roof weight limits shouldn't apply as the cage mounts down to the chassis, obviously loading it still makes the landy roll more and generally less stable. Some of the roll cages have a section with extra bars to form a roof rack and I've seen some where a roof rack bolts to the cage. Down side is this would be an expensive option, but does increase safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off Road Toad Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 I had a Frontrunner rack on my 90" before making it a comp vehicle. It is in my opinion a superb roof rack, looks cool (very important) can take the weight and load size and literally weighs nothing itself (i fitted mine by myself) by comparison our work Defender has a Patriot roof rack and it is cumbersome and ugly. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smego Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 But remember the 75kg limit is the conservative limit for generic use at all road speeds and conditions it is set NOT due to the roof Strength but for stability the roof and body are testes WAY over this limit (over 500kg on a static crush test) Land Rovers suggested limit for overland expeditions where you are not seriously off-roading is set at 150kg (including rack weight) please refer to this (and many other sources) below. Also if you are loaded at 150kg, it is still ok to sleep 4 adults in the roof tent as long as you don't drive away ;-) "The Land Rover web site clearly gives the maximum roof load as 75kg for all versions of the Defender. This is to retain reasonably normal handling qualities, when driving around at normal road speeds. However, Land Rover have always had additional information for overlanding and expedition use, where it is recognized that higher loads are often required. Over the last 60 years they have actually published books on this and have quoted maximum recommendations quite different from the normal road specs. Since this comes up often, as noted above, I wrote to Land Rover and asked the maximum roof loads for the Defender 110 for expedition use. I also made it clear that I wanted to publish this information exactly as they gave it, which they are quite happy about. This is their reply : Dear Brian. Thank you for contacting Land Rover South Africa with your query. Please find explanation from our Diagnostics Specialist of Land Rover South Africa for your attention " Hi Tania The maximum roof load for a Defender is 150kg. Calculation of the maximum load must include the weight of the roof rack. Take care to ensure that the maximum axle weights and GVW are not exceeded with the roof rack loaded. A loaded roof rack can reduce the stability of the vehicle, particularly when cornering and encountering cross winds. It is the driver's responsibility to modify his/her driving to take into account the effect the roof rack load could have on the vehicle's performance. Driving off-road on uneven terrain with a loaded roof rack is not recommended. If it is necessary to stow luggage on the roof rack while driving off-road, all loads must be removed before traversing side slopes. All loads should be evenly distributed, and secured within the periphery of the roof rack. The load ratings of Land Rover accessory roof racks differ. Please check the load rating for the roof rack system being used as several alternatives are available. " I trust this will assist the client with his query. Regards Land Rover South Africa" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Ah, I had incorrectly assumed it was based on a roof strength limitation ... or more specifically the gutter strength. Cheers for the clarification Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dailysleaze Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 There was about 250kg in this scenario. You really notice it. You have to drive very slowly off road, whilst turning the steering wheel very gently or you regret it. It was a Brownchurch roof rack and they're very strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Anybody got the picture of the red 110 with the well overladen rack and car. The one that the rack came off near Kasane when they hit a pothole and took the Salisbury out in mre than three pieces ? The rack came off because of the sudden stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Overlanders that I have met here in Colombia goes with 250 kg as average. The strongest one I have seen was an ARB roof rack made of some composite. Owner told me the roof rack weight didn't exceed the 20 kg and it seems really strong, no flexions or weak points.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 Some examples: This crazy man is carrying far way out of 500 kg in his 50 years old roof rack (aluminium, spanish made for Santana original equipment: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted September 8, 2012 Share Posted September 8, 2012 The ARB is the third one. The aluminium one in the black Defender also felt really solid, it was from an italian brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom1809 Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 I apprechiate all your advice, generally no once a 8x4 sheet is on there nothing else will be, the problem with the brown church is that they are heavy, like all steel roof racks and trying to get one on and off myself is a problem. Also the appearance with the high sides. I like the aluminum one on the 110 I wonder who makes that? Another option I guess would be to find a local fabricator and have one built for my needs. Has anyone done this, something the can have a back rail like the front runner but is detachable so it can be flat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Yes I had my rack made to what I wanted. Unfornunately the guy shut shop a year or two after he made mine. Mine is SS quite light and I can easily handle it myself but it needs two to fit it. My rack is 90 size on a 110. Bothe the front and back rails are detachable, I also have a matching ladder bar, I should have bought two, which makes it easy to carry long loads. Doesn't the back rail on the Frontrunner rack detatch ? It's a pity that in this so called first world country that you can't walk into a 4x4 shop and see all the accessories set ot where you can make your mind up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom1809 Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 I apprechiate all your advice, generally no once a 8x4 sheet is on there nothing else will be, the problem with the brown church is that they are heavy, like all steel roof racks and trying to get one on and off myself is a problem. Also the appearance with the high sides. I like the aluminum one on the 110 I wonder who makes that? Another option I guess would be to find a local fabricator and have one built for my needs. Has anyone done this, something the can have a back rail like the front runner but is detachable so it can be flat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyNissanPrairie Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 the black german 110 above has a Patriot same as mine. They do a luggage rail that isnt fitted to the one above, it can be modded to suit, I have it half length ie due to the rooftent on the rear half of the rack. Bolt (stainless/nylocs) together construction so welds never crack, replacable parts should you ever drive into a height barrier, and dosnt whistle at speed like some of the other aluminium racks can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Twig Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Patriot - done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosbeldia Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 Yes, Stephan's roof rack was really strong and the construction with allen screws seemed very tough. At the shipping time, roof rack and content were around 200 kg.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom1809 Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 Thanks guys for the advice, I've decided to get a custom built aluminum roof rack, it's similar design to the patriot but will be suited to my needs better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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