Roof Rack dilemna

[jrose609]

Does anyone have any experience with Front Runner roof racks?

I currently have a Safety Devices rack. I just picked up a roof top tent, and the tent doesn't fit between the rails on the rack. I could cut the rails and make it work. However, I don't want to destroy and really nice SD rack.

I know the tent would fit great on a Hannibal. It appears it would fit on a Front Runner, too.

Anybody have any suggestions? Should I keep and modify the rack I have or sell this one and get a Front Runner?

Thanks for suggestions!

 

[Spikepretorius]

Front Runner are good. very popular here
http://www.frontrunner.co.za/

 

[lostworldexpedition]

I had a Front Runner Wind Cheetah and that rack is bulletproof and very customizable. Paul at Equipt carries all kinds of aftermarket add-ons for things like jerry cans, kayak carriers etc. I would highly recommend one. I think Bajarack may have a more inexpensive option, but I am not sure they have one for your application yet.

Good luck.

 

[michaels]

just cut the SD.

 

[jrose609]

just cut the SD.

Michael..……dude, trust me. I've thought about it. It's like sacreligious or something to cut the SD.

The problem is I like how the SD follows the land rover lines on the Discovery. I also already own it and wouldn't need to shell out more money for a rack.

I have a guy that I told I wouldn't sell less than $1000. He is interested and may pay it. He REALLY wants a rack and has been looking for an SD for about six months. There just aren't many up here in Idaho

A Front Runner is $1100. I could get $1000 so the money isn't really the issue. Just wondering what people think about the Front Runner compared to the SD.

 

[jrose609]

I had a Front Runner Wind Cheetah and that rack is bulletproof and very customizable. Paul at Equipt carries all kinds of aftermarket add-ons for things like jerry cans, kayak carriers etc. I would highly recommend one. I think Bajarack may have a more inexpensive option, but I am not sure they have one for your application yet.

Good luck.

Thanks for info. You said HAD a Front Runner. Did you sell? Why'd you sell? You gave a very high recommendation. You say bullet proof and customizeable. That sounds good. How long did you have one? What vehicle was it on? Have you ever owned an SD rack to compare the two?

How did the finish hold up?

How was wind noise? Was there any loud "buffeting" or vibration from the rails?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[overlander]

I sold my SD basket that came with my 110 and put on a full length hannibal. I love it and have no regrets. The hannibal and front runner racks are almost identical, and appear to me to be identical in features. The removable side walls, and the attachment channels along the runner are really handy features.

Sell the SD and get a front runner or Hannibal is my vote.

P.S. I just got a RTT too, and will be mounting it as soon as I get home.

 

[SeaRubi]

You can contact Larry over at Columbia Overland about the Baja Racks. They have one that's flat on the back half specifically for the RTT, and then retains the basket forward for stowage. It's certainly another option to explore while you're trying to decide and priced hundreds less. I doubt they are as durable as the Hannibal, but for weekend warrior duty with an RTT I think it would be great. I'm looking to go this route myself in a couple of months. No idea if they have them in stock or not at present.

http://www.columbiaoverland.com/shop/bajarack-for-land-rover-discovery-i/

cheers
-ike

 

[jrose609]

You can contact Larry over at Columbia Overland about the Baja Racks. They have one that's flat on the back half specifically for the RTT, and then retains the basket forward for stowage. It's certainly another option to explore while you're trying to decide and priced hundreds less. I doubt they are as durable as the Hannibal, but for weekend warrior duty with an RTT I think it would be great. I'm looking to go this route myself in a couple of months. No idea if they have them in stock or not at present.

http://www.columbiaoverland.com/shop/bajarack-for-land-rover-discovery-i/

cheers
-ike

Not a bad idea. I will look into them........It might not work though. I have a Maggiolina, and I think it is too long to fit on the Baja Rack. A regular RTT would work nice though.

 

[michaels]

Michael..……dude, trust me. I've thought about it. It's like sacreligious or something to cut the SD.

The problem is I like how the SD follows the land rover lines on the Discovery. I also already own it and wouldn't need to shell out more money for a rack.

I have a guy that I told I wouldn't sell less than $1000. He is interested and may pay it. He REALLY wants a rack and has been looking for an SD for about six months. There just aren't many up here in Idaho

A Front Runner is $1100. I could get $1000 so the money isn't really the issue. Just wondering what people think about the Front Runner compared to the SD.

you could make the back rails removeable.. if you want to go this route, i could draw up a simple way to cut it and reattach it when you want. you wouldn't notice it unless you were really looking, but it will need to be cut and some fab work would be involved...

just let me know and i'll get to work on it for you. think of it as a christmas present.

 

[michaels]

Not a bad idea. I will look into them........It might not work though. I have a Maggiolina, and I think it is too long to fit on the Baja Rack. A regular RTT would work nice though.

please.....dear Lord baby Jesus no. those things are like the ugly step child that no one wants to be seen with.

your truck looks so good already that this would just kill it.


jason, i'd say your best options would be A) modifying your current rack, B) sell the SD and get a hannibal, or C) sell the rack and take the money to a good fab shop that can make you a custom one to your specs for hopefully around the same price.

i would even consider anything else on the market.

 

[sinuhexavier]

Lose the rooftop tent.

Problem solved.

 

[jrose609]

lose the rooftop tent.

Problem solved.

lol

 

[lwg]

Does anyone have any experience with Front Runner roof racks?

I currently have a Safety Devices rack. I just picked up a roof top tent, and the tent doesn't fit between the rails on the rack. I could cut the rails and make it work. However, I don't want to destroy and really nice SD rack.

I know the tent would fit great on a Hannibal. It appears it would fit on a Front Runner, too.

Anybody have any suggestions? Should I keep and modify the rack I have or sell this one and get a Front Runner?

Thanks for suggestions!

I was in the same boat as you. Ultimately I sold the SD rack for more than I paid for it and just last week put one of the new BajaRack Exp Low Profile racks on my truck. I think from a function point of view there it is second to none for the Rover. From the form point of view I also like it. The BajaRack flows about as well as a rack can without being a perfect copy of the SD rack design. It also weighs virtually the same (+/- 5 lbs) as the SD rack. The other neat feature is that BajaRack has some really nice accessories for it like Jerry Can holders and will soon adapt their Hi-Lift and Shovel/Axe mounts to it as well as per our recommendation.

I will take a few pics of the rack this week on my DII. Also the BajaRack is significantly quieter than the SD rack, although being a rack there is still wind noise.

 

[jham]

I can't say this enough... get a hannibal, or a front runner if it's aluminum. It turns your entire roof area into one large, flat, usable surface. They look good. It won't rust. Its lightweight. What more do you want?