I dont mind the JLR OEM bars but they're silver only and I really wanted black bars.

In the end I ended up finding and buying the 3040 fit kit and the 7602B Bars. I'm confident in the 3040, but despite the 7602B being what Thule US website says, I'm a bit skeptical. Either way they should be here in a little over a week and will give it a shot and report back.

 

Got the bars and the fitkit in today. Looks like it should work just fine. Question though,

Is there an appropriate position for the two bars on the rails from front to back? The 'Fit Kit' is just a metal plate and seems to sandwich the 'feet' to the plate along the rails but no clear indication of where best to place them on the track.

Is it just wherever you feel is best to secure whatever you're putting on the bars? Or is there a specific spot the two should rest?

On my BMW (with OEM bars) there are clear indications on the rails of where they should be.

The instructions that came with the Thule equipment are more or less generic. Just shows which part of the kit to use with the Defender. Not detailed enough to show placement. iGuide (vehicle owners manual) doesn't seem to discuss the bars or the rails.

 

I spaced them based on my needs for paddle or surf boards. I used the large openings in the rails for reference.

 

Got em on today. I placed em where I thought the cargo box would best sit for now.

 

Just wondering if you have asked your dealer for any LR cross bar set up? I did when I bought my LR, and I think it looks more designed than the thule. I don't recall the price, but I don't think it was that much more money. I think it's just one of those things where maybe folks don't ask the dealers, and because it takes time for the dealer to install these,maybe they don't offer them that proactively? But if you were to ask...

 

I don’t particularly care for the LR OEM aesthetics (aluminum with no overhang). I tend to use the extra overhang a wider bar provides and was familiar with the Thule assembly. It took me 30 minutes or less while enjoying a beer and some sunshine.