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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
Loading an Expedition rack
Ok So camping trip booked.

I have an expedition style roof rack with raised sides and grill/cage base and the car is only a 90 so with two kids coming and a Labrador most is going to be going on the roof.

Now I am the type that ties everything down 200% secure as I am pertified of seeing things flying down the road in my rear view.

So what does everyone do about loading an expedition roof rack, tieing down security, weather proofing etc..

Kit list

Roof top
Tent
Tent poles
Probably cool box
Camp table
Camp Cooker
camp chairs
Beer

Inside Car
Clothes
Gas Bottle
Some food/provisions
Sleeping bags

Im sure there is loads more!!!!

Any suggestions or tips on how to stop it all falling off would be really cool.
Post #436071 6th Jul 2015 11:50am
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3326

United Kingdom 
Would you not be better sticking a trailer on the back, sounds like a lot of weight on the roof meaning you're going to have to take it easy anyway. Doesn't sound too comfortable for the 2 kids and the dog in the back either!! I'd be tempted to keep the gas bottle outside as well, planing for worst case scenario, wouldn't want to get hit by it.

I did a transafrica in a Camel 110 a few years back and you're definitely aware of all the extra weight on the roof.
I had a roof tent, couple of Jerry's (usually empty) and a spare wheel up there but tended to keep it at that. 
Post #436089 6th Jul 2015 12:57pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
I haven't got a trailer, no place to store one either but agree would make sense, but its only a 2 day trip.

The gear listed wouldn't go any more than 150kg's but hear what your saying, I notice the difference in handling just having the empty roof rack.

And good point about the gas bottle its only a little 5KG one but yes you don't want that flying around in the event of an accident.
Post #436103 6th Jul 2015 1:52pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16902

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
My view is a little different to some of those above.

If any degree of offroading is involved, a trailer can be more of a problem than a roofrack. There are probably more situations when a trailer will stop you or cause a bigger issues than a rack (which is I image why they didn't take trailers on classic Camel Trophies).

I would also tend to put heavy solid things as low as possible, either in or outside the vehicle, and lighter bulkier things on the rack. So sleeping bags etc by preference on the rack, beer in the truck. Spare wheel outside but low (swingaway carrier). I'd be very wary of having a Gas bottle inside even if well-secured in case of leakage. Better outside, and as low if possible.

A big advantage of a 110 DC is that you can have things which you don't want to put up on the rack, and yet don't want inside the passenger space, in the back.

A 90 with 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog is going to be a squeeze. If you're basically camping and staying put, could you borrow a trailer? If you're touring round but on firm surfaces (UK type roads) between ovenight stops, a trailer is still good. If you visiting Lake Baikal via the BAM road, crossing the Darien Gap, or going overland to Beijing, I'd be inclined to get a 110 and a roofrack!
Post #436116 6th Jul 2015 2:58pm
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Venomator



Member Since: 25 Aug 2014
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 2087

United Kingdom 
Trailer is the way to go...
I too have a 90, no kids, but a wife and dog (in a Lintran cage!) and it would still have been a very tight squeeze going off to Norfolk recently... Whistle

But for a chance to bung a load of stuff in a trailer, well worth it... Thumbs Up

I am more than happy to lend you our little one, if you want, we are in and around Peterborough, if that is any use to you? ... Mr. Green
 Rog... Mr. Green
The GREEN One...


MY2016 Urban Truck Build Thread - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40548....al[/color]
Post #436118 6th Jul 2015 3:11pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
All great advice thanks but its really just a simple weekend camping trip, just wanted bit advice on securing ie tarp and then loads of straps or if people have used the roof bags etc...

not really wanting to go to a 110 yet. Hiring a trailer is a good idea, only off roading will be across the field to the tent then I don't intend driving anywhere just chilling with the kids n missus.

My thoughts is laying a tarp across the rack and then wraping it up with straps. and then the bigger items such as tent strapping down individually??
Post #436119 6th Jul 2015 3:14pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
That's really kind venomater thanks for the offer but in Surrey.

We have travelled on weekends away to Somerset and yes its a squeeze but its all part of the fun.

Just need to put the camping gear up there, as mentioned it wont even weigh 150kg's so will be fine.
Post #436120 6th Jul 2015 3:16pm
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Venomator



Member Since: 25 Aug 2014
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 2087

United Kingdom 
^ ^ ^
You're very welcome Snowy... Thumbs Up

Then your proposed method sounds fine with the tarp and strapping... Wink

Heavier/larger items should be separately tied and lighter items on top of heavier should see you sorted, the expedition rack is well capable and has plenty of tie points!

Have a great trip and enjoy the event, happy camping... Mr. Green

 Rog... Mr. Green
The GREEN One...


MY2016 Urban Truck Build Thread - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40548....al[/color]
Post #436122 6th Jul 2015 3:19pm
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Paddie42



Member Since: 24 Apr 2014
Location: Hamphire
Posts: 230

England 2003 Defender 110 Td5 SW Belize Green
I've just looked at your gallery pictures. Is that your 90 with the roof rack? I'd be careful loading it up as it appears that it only secures to the gutters at the corners. If you place heavy items up there you need to make sure that the load is evenly distributed.
Post #436126 6th Jul 2015 3:26pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
That's it yes Paddy

It does look like there is an option to have a third bracket in the middle but it only had the 4 when I bought the car with it.

Another set would be sensible.
Post #436127 6th Jul 2015 3:29pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10364

United Kingdom 
I've used a Thule bag before, great for lightweight items-doss bags, bedding, clothes etc, though make sure they're are in waterproof duffles..
(I forgot I once owned this 90!!!)


Click image to enlarge
Post #436130 6th Jul 2015 3:36pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
I did think one of those for lighterweight stuff and then strap some of the bigger items down individually.

Nice 90 and T25
Post #436133 6th Jul 2015 3:38pm
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10364

United Kingdom 
here it is with my mates Splitties too.. Thumbs Up

Just try and keep the weight as little as possible up there, basic physics 'n all that!



Click image to enlarge
Post #436135 6th Jul 2015 3:42pm
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Snowy90



Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 482

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Fuji White
Great Photo

And yes common sense I reckon, beer should go down low!

I will have a tot up on the weight front as the manual says 75KG including the weight of the rack! for the road and 35KG off road ( not that I am going off road)

I reckon my rack already weighs 40KG!
Post #436136 6th Jul 2015 3:48pm
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BigRuss



Member Since: 15 May 2010
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 2785

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Just put the lighter items up top and spread the load evenly.

And buy the beer when you get there Whistle Russell
2011MY 110 XS USW Black
Post #436151 6th Jul 2015 5:23pm
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