LR roof rack question...

[off-roader]

Hi All,

I'm considering building my own roof rack and while reseaching the various gutter mount systems saw the rack below from VoyagerRacks.com.



Is anyone here using this rack or one with a similar gutter mount system? Do you have any insights into how reliable the gutter mount system is? Does it stay tight or ever loosen up?

Based on appearances alone it seems it could easily loosen up unless you really, really torque those bolts.

TIA!:ylsmoke:

 

[Wander]

My Safety Devices "tall" rack uses a rain gutter mount and I have not had a problem with the mounts getting loose. You could always use ny-lock nuts or lok-tite to add strength.

 

[AxeAngel]

Most people with Discos use the gutter sstem for mounting their roof racks. I have seen people involved in rollovers with these racks, and others that have hit low overhangs with these racks. The racks remained fairly well bolted to the gutters in both situations.

-Sam

 

[Rovertrader]

rebuilt a D-II that was flipped on the roof, and the gutter system was basicly intact, as was the Hannibal except one support- amazing really...

 

[off-roader]

Thanks for all the insights. It's good to hear this kind of mounting system is solid and it will definitely be a design I'll consider heavily.:ylsmoke:

 

[dstuder]

An SD rack mount is a little differnent. It use an allen screw to pull the foot tight against the gutter and then uses the to bolts to clamp to the foot. See attached.....

 

[Rocket Ship]

You can also consider using the 4 factory roof mounts after you remove the OEM rack, and there are 2 extra mounts at the very back of the roof making a total of 6. The rear two mounts are hidden under the sheet metal. You have to drill to expose them. All 6 mounts are pretty sturdy. It results in a rack that is more streamlined, less drag, reduced or eliminated wind noise. This system is a bit "outside the box" but can be done.

 

[AxeAngel]

You can also consider using the 4 factory roof mounts after you remove the OEM rack, and there are 2 extra mounts at the very back of the roof making a total of 6. The rear two mounts are hidden under the sheet metal. You have to drill to expose them. All 6 mounts are pretty sturdy. It results in a rack that is more streamlined, less drag, reduced or eliminated wind noise. This system is a bit "outside the box" but can be done.

Showoff

 

[Disco2Guy]

If you use the mounts that are at the far back on the roof (used when installing the roof rack extension bars), see if you can get a hold of the drill bit guide that comes with the extensions. I installed the extensions, before I got the SD rack, and the guide for the pilot hole made the task of drilling through the roof more comfortable. As I remember, the guide goes into the mounting hole (basically a welded nut) and gives the correct angle coming out of the roof. The from the outside, use a hole saw with whatever diameter you need.

 

[Rocket Ship]

Or you can just make your own drill guide bushing. I wasn't aware of any angular alignment issue. Basically the process is you have to remove the interior trim at the back to expose the mounts under the sheet metal. Then drill up through the roof sheet metal centered on the mounts. This gives you a locating hole for the hole saw. Then you drill down through the roof sheet metal with a hole saw.

 

[AxeAngel]

There was a horrific accident on Monday between a cement truck and a D2, the d2 flipped 4 times before coming to a stop. The SD rack definitely helped in cushioning he impact to the passenger compartment. If the occupants were wearing their seat belts the trauma inflicted on them would have been substantially less.

-Sam