Honestly I don’t care about clearance. If it doesn’t clear I just won’t open it. I am looking at other low profile racks anyway that I am sure won’t clear. Contacted my dealer and will see what they say. Either way I will most likely mount a rack but it is good to be informed.

 

Spoke with my dealer this morning and they did a vin number specific look to see if JLR would not allow purchase or install of the expedition roof rack. Based on that vin number pull they said there is no accessory that is restricted for my 110 with the fabric roof including the roof rack. Their only caution was that if the fabric roof did not clear the rack and it caused damage to the roof it would not be covered under warranty. Not a huge deal to me as I don’t need to use the roof anyway but I do find it funny that JLR will seek you an add on to your defender then void your warranty. They did not mention anything about buffeting or the concern of changes in airflow over the fabric due to the rack. Their concern was specific to contact between the rack and roof which based on other’s experience is not a real issue.

 

Good to hear. My decision not to use one was based on this line from the accessories.landrover.com site. Unfortunately "not compatible" isn't a lot to go by. I have already seen that the folds will clear under the rack.

 

I had read that exact thing as well which is why I was concerned about fitment on my 110. After this thread and the info from my local dealer I will move forward with installing a rack. Not sure which one yet but I have no worries now. I think JLR could clean up their documentation to make things more clear but I doubt they will.

 

My 90 came with the roof rack installed as an option originally so I know it installed fine and worked fine with the fabric roof. I had the dealer remove it because of that highlighted line about compatibility, without actually driving it at all to see if there was any issue first. Now I wish I had tested it for myself as the additional space would be very handy on the 90 since its so limited. Oops.

 

JLR’s information is misleading for sure. That sucks that you had it removed but I am sure they would be more than happy to sell you a new one. Will be a while before I buy a rack for mine as it is not the current priority but when I do I will report back on my findings with its use.

 

Adding an expedition rack to my folding fabric roof has been the worst decision I could make. Anything over 55mph is extremely loud, and if it's windy conditions already, it's even worse.

Hard to listen to music or even carry a conversation.

I think this is why they tell you it's not compatible. It's horrible, I haven't even placed anything on top yet, which I'm sure will be even worse.

The first week wasnt "bad" but I hadn't really taken it over speeds of 40mph. Now - I highly regret putting this rack on my 110

 

I have seen this as something others have complained about. Makes me wonder if it is the expedition rack. I get that the fabric roof can and does in certain situations let more noise into the cab but I have had roof racks on other vehicles that were quiet. I have also had others that even with a solid roof are loud. Maybe there are better options out there if you want a rack and want it to be less noisy? Have others tried something different with better success?

 

Yes, I do believe the rack is louder than others, I've had roof racks on all my other SUV's and it's never been noticeable. I have 3 other friends with regular roofs and the expedition rack and it's noticeable, but the fabric has zero noise insulation in general.

 

Precisely and the reason I was hoping someone out there has some real world experience with others racks. Have been looking at the voyager rack and the expedition one mule. One way or another I will be finding out. Guess if it turns out too loud someone will be getting a great deal second hand rack. Lol