Hi,

Really thought I could decide on this myself but would love friendly advice. I have read threads here, until I'm in a trance, then can't say it leads to an action step.
Any off road trips I have done (Death Valley, and other desert) with my 2021 110, I have been able to store all gear in the back.

This Spring we are driving from Cali to NY with three dogs. Time to put stuff on the roof. (Suitcases and stuff for daughter's apartment)

1. OEM roof rack or Front Runner would be my choice. Wasn't one louder than the other?
a. Staying in motels and safety of cargo against theft would then be unloading roof every night.
b. Versatility of roof rack would be great for further off road, but the kids are gone and my wife won't let me go myself (nevermind no offroad/second vehicle buddies anyway)
c. If I buy a locking Thule shell then I need adaptor spacers for the roof rack per Powerful UK and then I have to store the darn thing.

2. Buy OEM roof bars and a Thule shell. Then at least I have it for other vehicles, total cost is less (unless #1 has a solution for securing gear), even if I have to store the shell.

Opinions would be a great please.
I'm inclined to be the dummy who pulls things off the roof every night in order to have a proper OEM rack.
OR anyone wanting to buy three dogs would help.

Thanks!
Bob

 

Rather buy you a small trailer and you keep the dogs

 

I’m not a big off-road or overland guy. I needed something primarily for skis, but also handy for camping and extended fly fishing trips

went with Thule cross bars and roof box. Works great for us. But I do have a pretty easy storage area in the garage for the box when not in use

how much stuff are you hauling and how much use will any system get after this trip. Cheapest option may be to get a rear cargo box or rack if you have a hitch. (Edit. Had this on prior vehicle. Not sure if it would work on defender with rear wheel and door opening from the side)

 

Jim
Ha!
Can you get me this one?
https://bruderx.com/exp-6-tech-specs-lp/

 

Thanks Jasper,

I did not want to add that option to my question, BUT that is a possibility.
Two suitcases, lots of clothes, based on extended time away from home, and knowing my wife, probably the kitchen sink as well.
Need a hitch extender and it will cover the license plate, don't know if a particular state's trooper may pick me out.

 

Thule Motion Box will fit the OEM rack without modification. The base of the box will bend a bit but not a problem. A simple $10 mod (spacers to two of the bars) is another option I've DIY'd but it's actually not needed.

Secure roof storage you don't need to unpack each night in transit.

A rear cargo rack is a fantastic option. Mine holds up to 550lbs and it's simple to add a light set. I use my spare plate (not used on the front) for the cargo rack. It's rock solid, clears the spare wheel and tailgate when empty. No hitch extender needed.

On rack or bars, I get good use out of my rack so I'm a bit biased I guess.


Various mounts and costs.


Rear cargo carrier is great for hauling messy stuff. Straw bales, greasy smoky grills, trash. dead bodies

 

Gavin!
I was reading your other posts while you were writing this. And saw your links to items. Thanks!

1. I'll read more but can you easily tell me where the light kit hooks in? Not sure I have a wire harness even though the tow hitch was an add on cost. Seem to remember U Haul had to add wiring for my wife's LR4 despite a hitch. Wasn't there for that hauling project
2. I could buy waterproof boxes and more easily take them into hotel if all of it is at ground level. I could even carry a handtruck with that kind of room ha ha.
3. So your rack is OEM? That's currently 2800 on Lucky 8, the other true OEMs (that did not look like knock offs) were sold out.

Thank you
I make better decisions with this forum's help.
Bob

 

The light kit hooks into the 4 pin adapter on the hitch receiver. It's right next to the 7 pin. If you have a factory hitch, you're all set for wiring.
Yes. Water proof boxes on the hitch carrier would be a great solution.
Yes. Rack is OEM. If getting again, I'd get a cheap knockoff as they are probably all made in the same Chinese factory with identical parts. The OEM rack is good but has needed a bit of repair. Overall a good product. Front runner is a more robust product but perhaps doesn't look as sleek. I'd go Alibamazon and save myself a $1000 or so if doing the same again.

 

Another option for the roof top box is to buy a used one from Facebook marketplace or Craigslist, use it for your trip, and sell it for pretty much what you paid for it when you get back home.

Several years ago I owned a Subaru Impreza, but wanted to take my teenage sons on a two month trip to the National Parks. I already had cross bars (easy to store). Found a locking Thule box on Craigslist for our tent, sleeping bags, etc. When the trip was over, I sold it for what I paid for it. Only stored it for a few days on either end of the trip.

 

I did a similar trip about ten years ago and ultimately bought a small enclosed trailer. The tow vehicle was a rented full size truck and I was initially planning to use the bed to haul stuff, but the trailer was a lot more secure. I would park at night in such a way that it would be nearly impossible for someone to steal anything without moving the vehicle (which I suppose could have happened).

If you are looking for an excuse to get the rack, then, by all means, buy one! But I don't think loading and unloading the cargo every night is a great option and the trailer worked out really well and has proven handy since then.