Hey everyone,

I hope that this thread isn't too old but looking for some input if possible. I currently have the OEM expedition rack (shown in the image below) and Ladder on my 2020 Defender 110X but like many, I am considering a rack that can allow more accessories and or even a roof tent. I have been reading about the concerns/problems some of you have had regarding the bolts coming off easily if at all without some problems. I spoke to someone at a shop recently who said "So the issue with the Locktite on the mounting bolts for the Land Rover Roof Rails is very common. It is absolutely important to heat up those bolts to release that locktite. Other than that the Front Runner Rack should mount up no problem for you." Has anyone done this? Any tips?

Also not happy about giving up my Extendable ladder on my driver's side, anyone found a way to solve that or have a good side mountable ladder recommendation?

Thanks in advance!

2020 Defender 110 X

 

My side ladder fits perfectly with the Slimline II rack from Frontrunner... I assembled/installed my rack before adding the ladder. It's funny that you mention swapping out the OEM rack; there are some local guys in my area who have done the same thing. You should be able to re-sell the OEM rack w/o much effort.

Good luck, you will be very happy with the Frontrunner rack.

 

Heating the bolts is probably a good idea, and I tried doing it with a solder gun, but it took way too long, and I lost patience. I instead used an impact wrench set to auto and hit each bolt hard and fast, as was recommended on numerous boards. Worked like a charm. No spinners.

I have the voyager rack and prefer it’s look and functionality to both the oem and frontrunner. Frontrunner sits way too high in my opinion. Also prefer the solid piece of welded steel that is the voyager. They now offer a side ladder as well.

 

Interesting, do you think the front runner site list the OEM ladder as incompatible then just so they dont have to offer support for it with their rack?

 

Front Runner has two racks with the same name.
The shorter one uses the OEM rails and is compatible with the OEM ladder.
The longer one uses Front Runner rails and is not compatible with the OEM ladder.

 

I appreciate the response! I have held off on my decision as I was concerned about the bolts not coming off and/or ending up in trouble with some damage/stripping. Then decided to mount a Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning since I won't need to rush my tent install during the summer months. Hopefully, it will transition to the other rack if I decide to go that route.

Regarding selling my OEM rack I listed my rack online via Vilmont Market but haven't gotten much interest. If you know of any other sites to list please let me know. All greatly appreciated.

 

Sent you a private message regarding selling your OEM rack.

 

The FR full length rack definitely does not sit too high. And the top of the FR rack is lower than the top of the Voyager rack. The Voyager rack also has raised sides which not good for mou ting roof top tents and awnings, limited accessory mounts, not to mention a ridiculous price. Sorry, FR is WAY better.

I had no problems getting the front bolts out, which are the troubled ones. If u wanted, u could try removing them first and if u have any issues, then stop and replace the rails. I used a regular ratchet as I was on the fence about the high spin/torque of the impact would be better or worse. I used a long handle 1/2 inch drive and they broke free pretty easily. The impact gun may have so much torque, it spins the nutserts.

 

You don’t seem to know much about the voyager rack I’m guessing. It does not have raised sides. Bars create a completely flat surface for tents etc. There are multiple tool mounts all around the sides which allow for easy mounting of trax, tools, whatever, even with a RTT up top. It’s also easy to mount other stuff using any number of round bar tool mounts or just lashing with straps which is easier with the bar arrangement of the voyager. And since it’s all one piece of welded steel, it will probably outlast the car. I’ll have to check the height, but it certainly looks lower than the FR which just looks awful in my opinion. Somebody on this forum installed a FR first and ditched it because it was so high in favor of the voyager. Voyager also has a full fairing which actually works and doesn’t touch the roof paint. Overall, it’s an amazing rack with a price similar to oem.

 

And btw, if you search other cars forums for nutsert problems, you’ll see a common suggested solution is to use an impact wrench. Defender is not the first to have this problem. It worked perfectly for me. Others have tried the slow approach and encountered problems.