For those interested, here is the Frontrunner Rack on my Defender. I went with the OEM version because I wanted something shorter. I believe the smaller the area, the smarter decisions you will make on what you take and leave home. I jammed it towards the back to limit cabin wind noise. It is still there once you hit 65, but I will be putting on a fairing, which will further reduce it.

 

Looking good!

I just received an email from FR the item is now back in stock.

 

Excellent news

 

Any interference with radio reception by covering by the fin in back?

 

Great question, I do not know because I use Andriod Auto for everything. I will test it out and let you know later on this afternoon.

 

The answer is no. The radio works perfectly ( I did not option Sirrus), the navigation works perfectly. I would say it is a success.

 

I bought the front runner with their own proprietary rails and it’s assembled and waiting to go
on my wife’s truck. I’ll update once it goes on, but I have to get a junk disco out of the garage first. I wanted the longer rack because I have two little kids and when we travel, plus our dog, we have to bring EVERYTHING with us. So I needed it to be longer. The short one looks great though!

mine has nine standard cross bars. How many does the short rack have?

 

I just ordered the shorter unit like the OP. I have factory Sirius and panoramic roof, will advise how things shake out.

 

i asked the guys at front runner if there was any radio interference and they swore none, through lots of testing even without the cutout. So i'm optimistic. I have the Pano roof too, and i've seen some guys with light bars have an issue with the roof opening if there's not enough clearance, so it'll be interesting.

 

The short one has 6, one of mine had a dent and Frontrunner sent me a new one. I put the dent one on too, so I have 7 cross rails plus the two ends. I have two dogs and one kid.