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tyrannosauROSS

Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 136

Roof Rack... Front Runner Slimline II.... Worth it?

Hello D2.Net folk.

My first post here after lurking for a while now.
I am in the planning stage of the conversion of my 2006 TD5 110 CSW into a comfortable tourer/everyday vehicle.

I want a roof rack because I wish to mount a Ostrich Wing Awning on the side. I think I want the Front Runner Slimline II but it is mighty expensive.

The reasons for my wanting is that it is supposedly very well made, light (its aluminium), modular and fixing stuff to it is really easy being an extrusion. (If i mount a work light but then want to move it, i don't have to drill another hole)

I was wondering what people thought of it or had any alternatives?

For me, it being modular is a big bonus as when I don't need it for a few months... lets say in winter when the wife won't go camping, I can fully dismantle it and store it easily.

I have looked at the Flat Dog, looks very similar to the FrontRunner but its fully welded so it cannot be dismantled but is SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive. (If not still expensive)

I have also looked at the UPRACKS... appear to be again a similar aluminium extrusion, offer the same amount of accessories and mounting hardware but I am not sure if it is modular. It is cheaper than the Slimline but not by much. It also has the supports running front to back not side to side.

What are your thoughts please on the supports running this way? Any benefits/cons

Any other suggestions gratefully received.

The roof rack will occasionally be used for transporting a sheet or two of plywood, long lengths of pipe/aluminium extrusion, Oz tent (If i get my way) and maybe a Zarges Box...

Many thanks in advance
Ross

27th Jun 2016 3:38am

leeds

Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8578

Ross, reading your intended use I would suggest 3 or 4 roof bars.

Cheaper, and easier to store.

Brendan

27th Jun 2016 4:07am

dantastic

Member Since: 04 May 2010
Location: London
Posts: 367

Brendan got here before me....

I was looking for roof racks for a while when I was debating which roof tent to get. Did a lot of research.

Roof racks are expensive.
Pretty heavy. Even a very light rack is still some 35kg (and it only goes up from there)
Difficult to put on / take off on your own

Roof bars however can do everything I need. Carry the roof tent. a few sheets of plywood. A few lengths of steel...
They are much cheaper.
Much lighter At approx 4kg per bar.
And they are easy to put on or take off on your own.

I gave up on the rack idea, no real benefits (for me).

27th Jun 2016 7:04am

tyrannosauROSS

Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 136

Thanks guys, any brands/makes you can suggest?

Will roof bars be strong enough for the awning? its a 270 degree wrap around

27th Jun 2016 12:01pm

Hairysteve

Member Since: 15 Jun 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 692

2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Barolo Black

Hi there,

That awning looks like the legs drop down rather than being a separate attachment, is that correct?

Cheers

Steve

27th Jun 2016 12:20pm

tyrannosauROSS

Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 136

The Ostrich wing is a self supporting awning. it doesnt have to use the legs. the legs that do drop down are for when its very windy.
I think that maybe the torsion from the awning would be too great for roof bars, possibly

27th Jun 2016 12:54pm

Hairysteve

Member Since: 15 Jun 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 692

Have a chat with the wise one, Leeds!

27th Jun 2016 1:06pm

nakatanenga

Member Since: 12 Nov 2010
Location: Neumarkt
Posts: 546

Cargobear roof bars with awning fixing kit.....

https://www.nakatanenga.de/zubehoer/dachtr...isenhalter WANTED:

SII or SIII in max 1.5k

28th Jun 2016 10:55am

dantastic

Member Since: 04 May 2010
Location: London
Posts: 367

Group buy on some roof bars??

28th Jun 2016 2:00pm

MichaelHead

Member Since: 16 Jul 2012
Location: Bucks
Posts: 116

Hi I bought a front runner rack 3 months ago and have just returned from the pryanees, it has no issues strength or noise wise , I have my roof tent mounted to it , it was bought from tuff-trek who do the ostrich awning as well , really nice people to deal with maybe if you buy both together you will get a better deal .

28th Jun 2016 7:51pm

mk1collector

Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 6769

I'm liking the cargobear roof bars Ray
My build thread
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic17615.html

29th Jun 2016 9:55am

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