Disco II roof rack that you can... sit/stand on?

Jon K

Jon K

Well-known member
Jan 28, 2007
243
0
Pennsylvania
Hey guys - I am getting into wild life photography. I've been patrolling the Cape May, NJ marshes for bald eagle and raptor migration. I found a beautiful pond down that way but it is entirely surrounded by thick, high grass that you can't practically get through without being seriously destructive. I was wondering if there is a roof rack available that would lend itself to modification (or might work out of the box) to let me climb up a tailgate ladder and sit up there. I am thinking like a safari rack but with a more closed floor that can support my weight and about 50 lbs of camera?

Any thoughts on the idea? I'd like to still have the sunroofs, but I'd consider ditching.

Thanks!
 
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desertcrawler

Member
Jul 9, 2008
7
0
I have the Hannibal -- with Farmtek flooring. It will support $250+ -- I've had me, the wife, and kids up there. (maybe 400 pounds between us).

Of course, that is at a stop. Not while underway. Would be a might tippy then... :p
 
Jon K

Jon K

Well-known member
Jan 28, 2007
243
0
Pennsylvania
desertcrawler said:
I have the Hannibal -- with Farmtek flooring. It will support $250+ -- I've had me, the wife, and kids up there. (maybe 400 pounds between us).

Of course, that is at a stop. Not while underway. Would be a might tippy then... :p
Click to expand...

Looks nice but wow, seriously expensive. I guess I should approach this from an affordability perspective. Whats the best bargain?
 
C

crystalclear

Well-known member
Aug 16, 2010
140
0
craigslist a yakima load/mega warrior......

they can be had for 100-200, and with a little diy work on the stands for the stock guttermounts...everything can fit nicely for a good price tag....

i got a great deal on:

mega warrior + extension + yakima 1A guttermounts (you'll need to make higher "stands" or find some thule high foots)

good luck!
 

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Tugela

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,766
566
Seattle
x2 on CrystalClear's recommendation. Cheap base rack components can often be found used locally (the Thule 958 feet would be the best bet to clear the higher roof line on the back of the Disco) and attach a Thule or Yakima basket to 2-3 crossbars. The other racks mentioned are all excellent, but in terms of flexibility and price the Yakima/Thule approach would suit your needs well. If you later decide you also want to put a roof top cargo box, a couple mountain bikes, a kayak, and 3 sets of skis on your roof the Yakima/Thule system can be easily swapped around with different parts to suit your needs.
 
pdogg

pdogg

Well-known member
Jul 18, 2005
1,216
29
Phoenix, AZ
try RoverRacks.com

can't imagine why people still recommend SD racks when they went out of business like 10 years ago.. hard to find!
 
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djsalltrac

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2006
72
0
East Haddam, CT.
Brownchurch Roof Racks are great as they are flat, and allow both sunroofs to open, If you added farmtek flooring or similar type flooring, would be great, I used 1/2 plywood when ever I used mine at sporting events, races, or etc..
 
mlnnc

mlnnc

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2008
268
32
Charlotte
We bought a Garvin Wilderness rack 4-5 years ago and have been very happy with it. The Garvin web site says capacity is 500 lbs. Feels very solid when I am on it.

The Garvin gives you 7 ft of flat space. Some prefer racks that follow the Discovery roof contour but I like the flat surface. To me it is easier to distribute gear the way I want to without worrying about the dipsy doodle. Also better for sleeping up there under the stars, which I did last weekend.

No problem with the front sunroof, and I just need to stop the rear one an half inch or so short of its full travel. I could remedy that by simply moving the rack back a touch.

I have not had the need to install flooring, but as others have said the FarmTek seems like the way to go.
 
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