Like many LR Disco owners I have an aftermarket roof rack to carry stuff. Mine is only a 5 ft long rack that goes from above the back roof gutter to just over the passenger doors. I decided on a flat rack instead of the contoured ones that cover the entire roof area because I sometimes haul lumber or other building materials and wanted to keep things flat. It's held in place like most others with gutter mounts and I had to make them tall enough so the rack is just above the back end of the existing OEM tie down bars that are on most Discos. These bars seem pretty useless if you have a sunroof because you probably won't put anything heavy on top of the glass and if you don't have a sunroof like my S model things would be prone to slide around and scratch the paint or just come loose from the straps.

So I've been thinking of finding some metal ribs to attach to the roof top sheet metal that would protect the paint a bit and keep things from sliding. I could drop the head liner to attach nuts to the screws that would be put through the roof. Just need to find some off of some other vehicle in a salvage yard.

I think some of the Jeep Cherokees had ribs as well as some of the older minivans. Anything come to mind from anyone else?

 

Misread the post, Thule makes strong crossbars.

 

You could also get the factory cross bars that are clamp on style. They fit 94-03' discoverys. I use mine to carry 2 heavy "longboard" surfboards and they catch a lot wind and the bars hold fine.

 

Anything for us fatty 04 owners?

 

It's worth noting the factory rails are mounts for other accessories(cross bars, like ZGPhoto mentioned). You attach your rack or other accessory to the cross bar, which is already attached to the roof rails.

I've got some cheapo, no name crossbars I bought online on my 2003, and my Thule ski rack attaches to them without an issue(other than not being able to fit in my garage). If you're looking for a general loading solution, it seems like a Safety Devices or other gutter rack variant is the preferred option.

You round bar 2004 owners are on your own. Curse you and your diff lock!

 

I just got 2 04' s. Another member turned me onto a LR dealer that has the crossbars new for around $325. I need them but can't bring myself to cough up that kind of dough, especially x2!

DISCOVERY II (1999-2004) 2004 DISCOVERY ROOF RAIL-GRABBER CROSS BAR SET-Land Rover Rocklin-Niello Land Rover Dealer-California

 

DISCOVERY II (1999-2004) 2004 DISCOVERY ROOF RAIL-GRABBER CROSS BAR SET-Land Rover Rocklin-Niello Land Rover Dealer-California

Link didn't work the first time.

 

I bit the bullet and ordered them. $366 shipped... OUCH!

 

Been wondering if anybody makes extensions for the 99-03 roof rails? You know? To bring them all the way to the rear of the roof like most other suvs have.

 

I saw someone added a second set to the back. I asked how he did it, but never got an answer.

Someone also told me the discos in the UK have longer rails that go all the way to the back.