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I've reviewed this thread (and other threads) on cross bar / ski carrier recommendations for Defender 110.
It looks like the factory LR cross bars are different lengths (front bar slightly longer than rear bar to accomodate for roofline tapering towards rear of vehicle). If I go the Thule route, are the front and rear bars still different lengths? If so, what lengths do I order?
Either way, I'll probably get the Fat Cat 6 EVO rack with the T-adapters to keep it lower profile.
Thule has a few options on their site. I’d recommend going with the evo kit, not the wing bar. Much more useful for lashing things around the ends of the bars, and you can move them around a bit for special loads. Better to carry canoes as well. Just use the model finder on their site.
I measured my D90 before I got it so I could throw the skis inside. I run rather long freestyle skis. Well they fit in the measurements, but in actual practice, they would need to float in the air diagonally as other stuff interfere with them lying flat on the folded down seats. They do fit up the center and I put a small shipping blanket to protect the seats . The problem is then snow drips onto the center console. I have a wonderful rear carrier I made that would have accommodated my skis, boards and such. Here, it would be totally coated in road grime and pulverized raccoon poop (they seem to like to do their business on the road, go figure). I ended up using the Thule crossbar mounts and aero bars. To which I mounted the Yakima Fat Cat 4, they have a Fat Cat 6, but that isn't happening anymore, they can drive themselves (we are only 20 minutes from the lift). I ended up making different feet adaptors for the crossbar feet to lower it and custom mounting blocks for the Yakima, again to lower it. I have a low garage. No real super solution, the D90 is kind of tall, so I have a folding stool to do two things, get me a bit of a step up to put them back up there and someplace to sit while putting on boots. Kind of miss the tailgate from the Range Rover. They ruined the latest version RR with the stubby grocery accessible tailgate for backcountry shoppers.
Do you know what length bars you're running in this picture. I'm trying to get an idea what length to order. Thanks!
Thule has a few options on their site. I’d recommend going with the evo kit, not the wing bar. Much more useful for lashing things around the ends of the bars, and you can move them around a bit for special loads. Better to carry canoes as well. Just use the model finder on their site.
Do you know what set-up is lower profile - LR factory cross bars, Thule wing bars, or Thule bars with EVO kit?
Well, none were low enough for me, ergo why I made some mods to the fit kit. I just know that the Land Rover bars cannot be lowered without a lot of effort. I did check the EVO kit, since I already had bars, both 53" & 47". Aside from not being able to lower it, the Land Rover bars do not extend over the side, a big help in loading the rack.
Hi All,
Thought I’d share an idea I’ve been brainstorming for ski carry. I don’t have a defender (yet) but I’m thinking about placing an order for one (no rush, aware of long delivery times). I’m lucky enough to park in a parking garage spot at a ski area on weekends. Defender clearance would be 2 inches without any roof racks. I’m not a big fan of skis inside the car. This skis in vs out is a household debate lately.
I saw a sideways ski hitch carrier, but it’s down low and would be a nightmare with road grime. Actually the worst spot imaginable for skis. A-frame style rear tire ski racks would stick up too far above the roof. So I thought about merging these two concepts by attaching the ski rack to the bars of this tire mount rack. Some mods likely needed if the ski rack attachments are longer than the depth of the tire rack.
For sideways skis, even 190cm long skis are just shorter than the width of the Defender. Also hoping the solid tire rack platform would reduce some road grime.
While there is a strong attraction to rear mounted skis, there is one glaring problem. I live adjacent to a ski resort and ski several times a week. Even one trip up the mountain completely coats the rear of the Defender, top to bottom, with nice gritty grime. If it is actively snowing, there is a bit of ice mixed in as well. On another thread, long ago, this was also suggested and the deficiency was pointed out. A solution was proposed; the accessory shower/wash goodie accessory. It was pointed out there, I and many others ski in, hopefully, sub-zero conditions. So we would be coating the bindings and skis in ice. Last thing I need is to contaminate my bindings with fine grit and ice. Already broke two ribs nicely last year and I am saving the rest of them for a more interesting type of accident.
The Defender has what we call in aviation, the "Coke Bottle Effect." It is where there is a blunt rear (in the Defender's case, flat). It causes all the airflow to swirl in around the rear creating an eddy. This gives crud an excellent opportunity to adhere to the rear of the car. Now if you put some sort of vortex generators along all the rear edges, it would reduce the effect, but look supremely ugly and be really nicely placed to rip your clothing.
