| Author | Message | ||
     Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2003 |
I was wondering if anyone has any advice on roof racks. I am looking to get one for my Discovery I. I will not be using it for much cargo carrying, it will mainly be for good looks. I am looking at the Wilderness rack which seems like the best deal. Any help with websites, racks for sale, or experiences with racks will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. | ||
| Greg French (Gregfrench) advanced member Username: Gregfrench Post Number: 177 Registered: 11-2002 |
I made my own based on Wilderness design. It cost about $40 in parts (then $200 for the Wilderness mounting system). I love it. It will hold anything and everything. Check out my pics in the photo gallery. I even added a fold-down kayak stacker and bike rack. | ||
| Ron Ward (Ronward) New Member Username: Ronward Post Number: 279 Registered: 02-2002 |
Call David Gage at Thatched Roof Garage. He's got good prices on Safety Devices LR Adventure racks. I don't know who sells them, but Hannibal racks are great so I am told. Ron Ward | ||
| Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2003 |
Greg, That rack is pretty awesome. Unfortunately I am not very good with building my own stuff. Where did you get that Land Rover piece that is on the front of your roof rack? | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 13 Registered: 02-2003 |
brandon what is your budget/ the other racks these guys are talking about are $$ the wilderness is probably the nicest most practical for the dollar. if you are really going to use the rack then go with the the expensive ones. | ||
| Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2003 |
Yes sir. Like I said, I will just be using the rack for aesthetic reasons. I had just heard some concerns about noise. But, I figure anything on the roof of your car will make a little extra noise. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Advanced member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1186 Registered: 02-2002 |
"I will not be using it for much cargo carrying, it will mainly be for good looks" Then why buy one? Roof racks make your ride noisier, makes it harder to wax the roof, and if you start hanging crap off of it (lights) then your gas mileage goes down. Don't forget that if you ever go off-road, that powder coated rack is one more thing you have to take care of to prevent rusting. RN sells the Hanible, which is a very nice, strong rack. www.thatchedroofgarage.com is your best bet for safety devices racks. I have an LR adventure rack that carries wood home from Lowes, and tons of camping crap for trips. Paul | ||
| Andrew Clarke (Aclarke) advanced member Username: Aclarke Post Number: 207 Registered: 10-2002 |
Not to mention when you valet park your Rover at that fancy restaurant, the attendant will rip the rack off through the first parking garage entrance. Do you park your Rover inside your garage? You might want to see if it will fit with a rack first. I don't even have a rack, just an OME 2" lift & tires, and I had to air out my tires to pull out of my friend's garage after pulling in with a load full of stuff and unloading it. I couldn't even fit into my own garage when the truck was stock... | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 14 Registered: 02-2003 |
beacuse they look cool, makes sense to me. also check out the surco rack its ery cheap and light weight. borderline junky in my book but it's priced cheap too.. http://www.surcoinc.com/ rd | ||
| Chris Brennan (Cdmbrennan) New Member Username: Cdmbrennan Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2003 |
Where is Carter in this thread? There has been more written about racks in the past two months than should ever have to be rehashed here. And the idea of spending 800-1200 on a rack for aesthetic reasons just blows my mind. I know- it's so mom can sit up on top and get a better view of the soccer game...AND room to store the cooler of Capri-Sun, as well! | ||
| Carter Simcoe (Carter) advanced member Username: Carter Post Number: 1772 Registered: 04-2002 |
"Where is Carter in this thread?" Sitting in the corner shaking my head. | ||
| Olaf Kilthau (Olaf) New Member Username: Olaf Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have an adventure rack for sale. I think they "look" the best of all racks available. $650.00 | ||
| Nathan Hindman (Nathanh) New Member Username: Nathanh Post Number: 12 Registered: 07-2002 |
IMHO Wilderness racks are a bit crappy. I've seen more than one of them come apart over time. Plus they seem a bit more prone to rust. For functionality, I think the best two out there are Safety Devices and Hannibal. I think you would be quite happy with either rack, it's just a question of aesthetics and specific end user functionality. Disclaimer: My company does sell Hannibal racks but... I genuinely believe they have the best mounting system of all the rail mounted racks available for Rovers. Nathan Hindman http://www.PangaeaExpeditions.com | ||
| Brandon Rowland (Br2100) New Member Username: Br2100 Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2003 |
As for the rack being used, it will, just not for serious weight carrying. I do a lot of hunting, and I will probably transport hunting supplies and dead game. I will not be off-roading in Malaysia with tires, gas, water, etc. Chris, I am a college student, so I do not think that Mom riding on top and coolers of Capri Sun are very important. Regardless of what I want the rack for, I was just wanting different opinions of which one is the best. Thanks again for your advice. | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
While on the subject of roof racks. I have two questions: 1. How are Brownchurch roof racks? I am familiar with many of the racks mentioned in this thread, so wondering how the Brownchurch generally stacks up against them. 2. Does Safety Devices make a full length roof rack for the range Rover Classic? I know they make one for the 4.0/4.6 RR but have never seen one for the "Classic" | ||
| Greg P. (Gparrish) Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1004 Registered: 04-2002 |
I'll sell you a picture of my adventure roof rack for $50.00.  That's got to be the next best thing to having one. | ||
| Alan Bates (Alanb) Member Username: Alanb Post Number: 83 Registered: 07-2002 |
David: I have a Bronwchuch rack for my RRC, very well made, strong, and the price is reasonable, the sides are only 4" tall and I like the lower profile. I don't think safety devices makes a rack for the classic. | ||
| David Gage (Davidg) New Member Username: Davidg Post Number: 104 Registered: 02-2002 |
Alan and David, you are correct, SD does not have a rack for the RRC, which is a real bummer. The Brownchurch is probably the best way to go. David Gage | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) advanced member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 509 Registered: 02-2002 |
just one note of caution on the Brownchurch. if you're going to leave it on the LR all the time, make sure you change the nuts and bolts holding the support "feet" to stainless. also the support feet rust after a few years and need to be recoated. or you can get new feet for U$300. Jaime | ||
| Nathan Hindman (Nathanh) Member Username: Nathanh Post Number: 14 Registered: 07-2002 |
I think that Safety Devices made a limited run of RRC roof racks back in the early 90s for an anniversary edition (30th I think) of the RR. However there were only a couple hundred of them made, and very difficult to track down. I have a friend that has one on his RR and I think he spent about 2 years (not continuously of course) before he was able to track it down... Nathan http://www.PangaeaExpeditions.com | ||
| gp (Garrett) advanced member Username: Garrett Post Number: 1811 Registered: 10-2001 |
what about the ARB rack. OK Auto in NJ is still importing them from Australia. a good alternative. i like my damn Wilderness rack. not the best one out there by any means, but has served me very well the past few years. installed a custom floor on it and it works great. have had 4 adults up on there for drive in movies, tailgating, etc. and yes it has had more than it's share of gear up there too. drove several times with 300+ lbs. of gear up there on 7 hr+ trips. been very happy with it. does peel a bit when rubbed with gas cans, etc for extended periods of time. good rack for the $$ though. | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) advanced member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 362 Registered: 10-2002 |
I bought the Yakima Mega Warrior for my 88 Range Rover. You can see a rear photo in my profile. I used it for about anything, camping gear, 2x4's, christmas trees, manure, etc! Not too expensive and you can fit all the Yakima goodies on it. It has served me well. I don't currenlty have it on my 99D2, because it wouldn't fit in the garage. I will use it this summer, when I go camping and such. I would like to someday pick up a safety devices rack. -John | ||
| Brendan Kearns (Howboucha) Member Username: Howboucha Post Number: 22 Registered: 01-2003 |
I have the Thule hightowers with a Steelhorse "basket" on top. Hella 500's are mounted on the front, imitation LR utility light on back and gear bag on top. Looks cool, makes it top heavy and I have extremely crappy gas mileage. I did get stuck in a parking garage in Indy (freaking embarrasing) and that's before i did the 2" OME lift thing and strapped on some 265's on my four round things. Again, looks kick ass. Total cost was about $200 for the Thule stuff and I bought the Steelhorse basket for about $50.00 of my brother when he had it on his Jeep and needed some money for beer. Brendan | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) advanced member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 363 Registered: 10-2002 |
Gotta like a deal involving beer. | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
A number of comments for those that responded to my "Brownchurch" rack question: 1. Alan I have a 95 RRC LWB. With the Brownchurch on your RR classic, does the sunroof open fully (in the position where the sunroof tilts up?) In other words does it complete clear the Brownchurch when it tilts up? Also I appreciate your feedback! 2. David, I agree with you completely. If Safety devices did have one available for the RRC, I'd be giving you a call. Too bad they don't. 3.Jaime, I take it the nuts and bolts and feet rust aftre a short time. I wonder if they have changed this recently to stainless? 4. Does anyone know if Yakima accessories can bolt onto the Brownchurch in that it may have the same diameter tubing as Yakima bars? I do a fair amount of canoeing and sea Kyacking and I've narrowed my choice down to probably the Brownchurch or Yakima Bars with a Megawarrior that would easily removable, leaving the bars for multiple kyack or canoe mounting. I can strap onto the Brownchurch, two boats but it's a bit more of a pain than yakima bars. As for camping gear, I guess the Megawarrior or Brownchurch would both do the job. Hmmm, any thoughts? | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
Oops, forgot Garrett..yes, ARB racks are nice (fairly expensive)...hard to find though. I saw a RR Classic on the road today with a Wilderness. Looked cool and appeared to be able to hold quite a bit of weight. Anyone have any thoughts to my post directly above? Thanks! | ||
| Alan Bates (Alanb) Advanced member Username: Alanb Post Number: 86 Registered: 07-2002 |
David: The sunroof opens fully in both positions, plenty of clearance. I too have a bunch of Yakima stuff, no the bars on the brownchurch are not the same diameter as the yakima bars, they are quite a bit smaller, you can use yakima double cross mounts attached to the top bar of the rack with 60" cross bars if you want to use yakima stuff, but then it is going to be quite a hike to put stuff on top. Also note that the racks generate wind noise, you can mount a fairing in front to cut down the noise, but I just turn the radio up. | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
Alan, Your info really helped alot. The idea of being able to mount 60" Yakima bars to the Brownchurch (when needed) would be very useful. I realize a boat would be fairly high up, but it's doable (SP?) and when not using a Canoe or Kyak, the rack would be open for camping and other supplies. Any chance you have a few pics of your RR with the Brownchurch? Thanks again. | ||
| Dave_lucas (Dave_lucas) advanced member Username: Dave_lucas Post Number: 301 Registered: 02-2002 |
Nathan, There is Rangie at a used car dealer here in Greeley (about 30 Mins from you) with a stock roof rack on it if you know anyone that is still looking for one. | ||
| Andy Baran Unregistered guest |
Since I'm right in the middle of a project involving my Brownchurch rack, let me chime in with a couple of notes. I started this project a while back and finally took leave to finish it. My original plan was to lay a full sheet of expanded metal on the bars running front to back. During the course of fitting the sheet the rack got a couple of scratchs in the nylon coating. Less than a week later, I had rust bubbles coming up under the coating. At that point I changed gears and decided to cut the expanded metal to lay flat on the cross bars (running side to side) since they sit almost a 1/4 of an inch lower than the front to rear bars thus eliminating any flex and bending in the expanded metal. By now the rust bubbles had gotten pretty bad so I made the decision to remove the nylon coating and either paint or powder coat the rack. I took the rack to a sandblaster that has done some work for me in the past and needless to say the rack won that round. Even with over 100 psi at the nozzle the nylon coating did not come off with the exception of where he was able to feather the edges of where it had originally been scratched. I contacted Les at Rovers North and asked for any ideas. He contacted Brownchurch and the only thing they could recommend was to roast the rack over an open fire and melt the coating off. Well with the draught in Virginia this summer, that option was out. I brought one of the gutter clips to a local company that powder coats everything from automtive parts to parts for Navy ships. They placed the piece in one of their big baking ovens and then sand blasted the cooked coating off the reveal clean metal. Game on!! Since these ovens are huge they had no problem fitting the entire rack with the feet disconnected. So now I'm down to bar metal on the whole rack. With the nylon coating removed the quality of the workmanship (or lack thereof) shows. I found several joints with incomplete welds. Mind you, I'm hardly a certified welder but come on now! Additionally, since they just flatten the front to rear bars and tack weld them together, the spacing was uneven on several of them. Anyway I've got the three innermost pieces welded on and I'm working on the outermost two right now. I had originally planned on just trimming the expanded metal so I could have access to the nuts and bolts that attach the feet to the rack but wasn't happy with the way it looked. So, using 3/4 x .083' tubing, I'm making L-brackets to fit around the mounting plates. I'm using a 7/8 hole saw to notch the square tubing to fit flush on the side tubes. I'm also going to add some light tabs and maybe some jerry can brackets. I haven't figured out wether I'm going to get it powdercoated or just rattle can it. I'm leaning toward paint so if it does get scratched I can touch up without going through all the hassle again. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not dumping on Brownchurch but now that I've got all the right toys, I'd be more inclined to make my own rack. Cheers, Andy | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
Andy, Interesting post and info, thanks!. Always goes to show that sometimes underneith a "pretty" exterior can lie some not so "pretty" workmanship...and I'm not just refering to Brownchurch or racks, but things in general. I have a Dico I brush guard where the paint is bubbling badly (as most original do)......as I'm in Virginia too, I'd love to know the place you mentioned in your post above that big on powercoating? I'd appreciate that. Thanks! | ||
| Andy Baran Unregistered guest |
David, The name of the company is Van Winn Coatings. The have an office here in Chesapeake and one in Suffolk. Sorry I don't have the number but they on the web. Cheers Andy | ||
| David Unregistered guest |
Hi Andy, Many thanks for the info! Do you know how the following original genuine LR equipment was finsihed (paint, powder coat etc.?) 1. Dico I full Brush Bar . 2. Safety Devices Adventure Roof Rack for the Disco 1 . | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 299 Registered: 02-2002 |
Brandon, I don't weld, but I did get a rack built for less than $500 to my spec. You might be able to do the same if you're willing to do some cuts and prep work for the welding shop. On the other hand, the Adventure Rack is nice off the shelf if you don't mind the two level split. | ||
| Ozzie Silvera (Ozzie) Member Username: Ozzie Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hello folks, I am the southeast dealer for Hannibal Racks, tents, and accesories from Hannibal. The Hannibal Racks are made from 100% aluminum and then double powder coated. They're not cheap, but really give alot for their money. I sell them cheaper than RN does and everything is drop shipped directly to your door. It's design in the front does not cause excessive wind noise. There are Side Awnings, Shovels, Jerry Can Holders, Axe holders, Hi Lift mounts and tents also available for Disco 1's, 2's, 3's, Range Rover Classic, 4.0's, Defenders, 110's, 130's, etc.. even for the Freelander. Check out www.Ozziesoffroad.com for a bunch of pics, prices, and other information. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) advanced member Username: Bri Post Number: 196 Registered: 08-2002 |
Ozzie, The pics are really too low resolution and from a far enough away that you cannot see any details on the rack. Also no pictures of accessories. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior member Username: Leslie Post Number: 1776 Registered: 02-2002 |
Erik, The SD-Adventure rack has more of a flow to it; SD's Expedition rack is the one that truly has two distinct levels to it..... FWIW... -L | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Senior member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 23 Registered: 02-2003 |
ozzie, you really need to rework that site. it is hard to find the prices and not logically set up. once i did find the prices i realize they are not the true prices, you have to call for those. that's lame. | ||
| Ozzie Silvera (Ozzie) Senior Member Username: Ozzie Post Number: 33 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi Rob, Sorry about the site, it's still being worked on. I'll soon make a page that is just a detail of the parts and their prices all on one page for easy reference.. Thanks for the tips. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) advanced member Username: Bri Post Number: 198 Registered: 08-2002 |
The hannibal usa site had some pretty good pictures. I really like the rack, shovel mount, jerry can holders and high lift mount. Give us a discoweb deal Ozzie! personally I think this is my favorite rack so far, would like to see in person, can I get a "demo"? Cheers. | ||
| Ozzie Silvera (Ozzie) Senior Member Username: Ozzie Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2002 |
D-WEB Specials!! Range Rover Classic Hannibal Rack $1180 Delivered Disco 1 Hannibal Rack Delivered by Ground to your door(of course) anywhere in the Continental US. $1075. Disco 2 Hannibal Rack ( same delivery as above) $1165. Dual Jerry Can Holders $125 delivered Single Holder $90 delivered Hi Lift Bracket $100.Delivered Shovel with Stainless Brackets $105 Delivered Hannibal Tent Standard Size $1180 Delivered I accept Paypal Payments for quick easy transactions. PLease add 2% for Paypal payments. Email me directly for purchases. |
