| Author |
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Greg P
| | Posted on Sunday, May 05, 2002 - 10:11 pm: | 
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We all know the the real CT rack from Safety Devices is the best of the best, but what about the gutter mounted racks? Which one has the strongest and sturdiest mounting system?
I'm not asking about the rack itself, just the mounts.
Got any close-up pics of your favorites?
Thanks,
Greg |
Rich Lee
| | Posted on Monday, May 06, 2002 - 01:11 pm: |
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Just by eye-balling the photos and the racks I have seen, the sturdiest mount is one where the gutter clamps are welded to the rack (not bolted) and where there is fore-aft bracing down low along the rain gutters.
From what I can see of current offerings, there are 3 that best fit this criteria.
Probably the most "bomb proof" gutter rack is the Safety Devices "Expedition" rack. Not to be confused with the original Land Rover Expedition rack. This Unit is very similar to the current Land Rover "Adventure" rack that is available from the dealer and from many less-expensive vendors. The differences with the Safety Devices "Expedition" rack are that it has 5 clamping feet on each side and the top rails sit higher along the rim. I don't know if it will allow you to open the sunroofs. Pangea has one on their "Camel" Disco and you can see it at:
http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/cameldisco.html
Taking a close second to this is the Land Rover "Adventure" rack, which is also made by Safety Devices and sold outside the US as the "Highlander" model. This should allow sunroof opening.
If you prefer a flat floor rack that is less expensive, go for the Kaymar/ARB model. I don't know if anyone actually has them in stock, and they may prevent the rear sunroof from opening.
Personally, although the above racks are "stronger", I have found my well-used Garvin Wilderness rack to be strong enough. It has never shifted or loosened while off-roading with more unneccessary stuff than should ever be carried.
This weekend, I drove home with 5 bales of oat hay on it (5 more alfalfa inside). And it didn't complain on either the 70 curves (in 4 miles)up Old La Honda Rd., or the 70mph bends along Skyline Blvd. Also, you can probably order it TODAY and receive it THIS WEEK via UPS.
If I had lots of money and patience, I'd probably go with the Safety Devices Expedition rack, but for now, I'm very happy with what I have
Good luck
Rich |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Monday, May 06, 2002 - 01:32 pm: |
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FYI, The Thatched Roof Garage is the US distributor for Safety Devices' Land Rover products.
-L |
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