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| ozzie1989 Member Since: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wales Posts: 282   
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Having never thought of fitting a roof rack to the Defender previously I was recently, very kindly, gifted a roof rack by a friend of a family member. I don't think it's genuine, but a copy of the genuine rack.
Now I've done my research and quickly realised that whilst they look great they aren't very practical unless a base is fitted. It also needs some work as there are patches of rust and rusty water running out of it. Firstly, does anyone know how much it would cost to have it stripped and re-coated? Secondly, although I don't like the look of them as much, I may be tempted to sell it and put the money towards an aluminium rack. If I do this Bearmach have one on offer at the moment for £400 and wonder if anyone has had experience of fitting / using one? (Link: https://bearmach.com/silver-defender-110-roof-rack-ba-3860) I have read lots of threads on here regarding which is the best rack but alas the big names would be out of my price range. Thirdly, I don't often carry things on the roof, but thinking I would if the rack was there rather than struggling with fitting things in the back. Is it easiest to access with a rear ladder or via the bonnet? Fourthly, if it's the bonnet does anyone make a black chequerplate for the 'puma hump' only rather than the full bonnet? Thanks for your help  Now: 2010 2.4 TDCi 110 Utility Wagon
Then: 2004 2.5 TD5 90 Hard Top (X-Tech Edition) |
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24th Feb 2018 11:30am |
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| PumaPhil Member Since: 26 Oct 2014 Location: Bridgend Posts: 201 
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I have a Flatdog Rax on my Puma, which is a fantastic piece of kit. I use the ladder on the back or stand on one of the rear wheels to load it. I try to keep this car 'shiney' so don't stand, or want to put checker plate on the bonnet.
On my older 90 I have a Brownchurch galvanised rack with ladder - this is great but really needs a floor. This Landy is less shiney, so I have a piece of checker plate on the bonnet and climbing bumper, then bonnet to load the rack is 100 times easier than using the ladder - this ladder and bonnet combination is the better solution in my opinion. |
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24th Feb 2018 6:27pm |
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| ozzie1989 Member Since: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wales Posts: 282
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Thanks ginjez, thought you may say that to be honest!
Phil, I used to use a wheel step which I bought from a local farmers shop, they used to make it in the place next door. It looks as though Sealed have copied their design exactly and now sell one themselves. I found it a lot easier than standing on the wheel itself if it helps.  Click image to enlarge I adjusted mine so that the step was closer to the top of the tyre though
Thanks for the advice regarding the rack too! Now: 2010 2.4 TDCi 110 Utility Wagon Then: 2004 2.5 TD5 90 Hard Top (X-Tech Edition) |
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24th Feb 2018 7:16pm |
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| PumaPhil Member Since: 26 Oct 2014 Location: Bridgend Posts: 201
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That step looks a good idea, might have to invest in one
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24th Feb 2018 9:00pm |
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| Thon Member Since: 22 Nov 2015 Location: Salisbury Plain Posts: 696 
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This may be a controversial view to some but if you've managed this long without it, and it's not often that you might need to use it then my suggestion is to not bother. They add weight, noise, reduce fuel consumption, raise C of G and unless you have a compelling reason to fit it, I would simply not bother, especially if it is manky and leaking rust. They're also a pain in the ass to fit and remove, and i'm lucky enough to have one that I can do single-handed. I only had mine fitted for the trans-European extravaganza I made last summer, with 2 roof boxes and 3 cargo boxes. Click image to enlarge If you do fit one, I would suggest that you have 2 choices - chequerplate on the bumper, bonnet and/or wings, or a ladder. Both have their advantages, but suffice to say I have never fallen off my ladder, but have fallen off the wings twice. My ladder is a specific design that is strapped onto the spare wheel and does not bolt to the body or rack. I have a Mantec wheel carrier which holds the weight. Unless you're using it regularly I would suggest you give it a pass. Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge |
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24th Feb 2018 10:09pm |
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| ozzie1989 Member Since: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wales Posts: 282
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Thon, great looking Landy and I love that rear ladder solution! Is that something you made or can your purchase them?
I suppose you are right regarding the rack, it would probably get used once or twice a month. I guess I got excited about having somewhere to mount a rear work light and some front spots, although I can mount them to the body as I had already planned. The only regular thing I would use it for is step ladders or extending ladders. Other uses would be to put the kids bikes on (but then they're heavy to cart up onto the roof) and occasionally long pipes and trunking. Most of the above I can get away with roof bars to be fair, but would need to purchase some new ones as I don't use my current Bearmach ones unless I really have to because they are way too fiddly to get on and off. Perhaps if I can find some decent bars that are easy to use I may be swayed in that direction... Thanks for your wise words though! Now: 2010 2.4 TDCi 110 Utility Wagon Then: 2004 2.5 TD5 90 Hard Top (X-Tech Edition) |
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25th Feb 2018 9:29am |
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| Thon Member Since: 22 Nov 2015 Location: Salisbury Plain Posts: 696
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It's a Front Runner ladder, and works very well. Probably would work even better if you had a bumperette on the N/S rear crossmember to act as 1st step: -
https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/d...-step.html I guess you need to consider your ratio of driving - loaded Vs unloaded. I do a lot of motorway miles and very, very rarely find the need to use it (I also have a trailer) so for me it was a no-brainer. It sounds as if you might get more use out of it than I ever would, and if you don't do mega miles it could be worthwhile for you, but for me it was just (a) drag  |
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25th Feb 2018 8:40pm |
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