Question: LR3 and RTT

[DCH109]

So I did some reasearch on this and got massive mixed results.

Here is what I have. 2005 LR3 with the factory roof rack rails (no roof rack cross bars).
I am looking at a roof top tent for a trip I am taking from VA- CO this summer. the tent will then go on my M416 once it is finished (this winter).
Tents I am looking at
Tepui Kukenam
Iron Man Deluxe

Why a RTT? Had a HUGE Maggiolina Adventure series on my FJ Cruiser and aside from it being too big, it was way better than a ground tent for me. Plus i might be able to get my wife camping if she is up off the ground.
Funds as tight and the RTT will be very close to the end of the build budget.

So knowing that I was looking at a set of Yakima crossbars to mount this to rather than a full roof rack. Costs are minimal and the roof rack will go to waste after the trip.

The question is at 230 lbs (me) Maybe 210 by the time i go in two months plus a 120+lbs RTT will this be ok for static weight.
I know the LR3 has limits on the roof that Land rover puts in the manual, just want some other opinions.


At worst I could look at a 1/2 rack from Urban Offroad.
I have a line on a Front Runner rack, but this is 3 states away and i would have to pick it up. So may not be an option. + it requires a fair bit of work to install.


So is the LR3 with a Yakima Rack suffice for a RTT install or should i be looking at a full rack or just scrap the idea due to weight issues.

 

[Fivespddisco]

I'll have to check but I think front runner has just the bars similar to the rack you're looking for. And they are plenty strong to hold the rooftop top tent.

If you have a chance give me a shout the office and a look everything up for you.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

You'll be fine. I have an LR3 that was used by a fly-fishing expedition outfit in Colorado. They had yakima bars that clamped on the OEM roof rack and a roof top tent mounted.
Seemed to work well.
The other option: Remove the upper part of the oem rack leaving only the flat part. (you simply drill out the rivets.) You'll be left with a roof rack that looks almost identical to the Front Runner. There are examples of this same conversion of the oem rack on this site.
Just an idea.
Thanks
D

 

[Lemsteraak]

I used to get a lot of mixed messages from Land Rover too. You talk to the sales guys and they tell you to just load up the roof with whatever you need. Their engineers will tell not to go above 165 pounds, and that is including the rack. When you take the engineer aside and ask him what he would put up there, they will then lower the limit to like 145 pounds. What they are trying to tell you is that your LR will handle much better with a lower load up top. They have a pretty soft suspension.

The old Maggiolina Adventures were monsters, they weighed close to 165 pounds alone. That and they would develop a weird end plate drag if they stuck outside of the vehicle's footprint. They were really good for expeditions, not so much for freeways.

Folding tents are aerodynamic bricks, you want to mount them as far from the slipstream as you can get i.e, back as far as practical. I know the hard shelled tents are expensive but if you can find a used one your gas savings might make up for the added cost.

As for racks, I can never understand the deal with the expedition baskets, Yes they are strong but they are also really heavy. A well designed rooftent will be fine with two Thule bars. A friend was rear ended by a car doing what was estimated over 100 mph, the tent slid back a couple inches, the jeep was totaled.