I am purchasing a 2008 LR3 HSE. I am looking for recommendations for a roof rack. I have been told about Front Runner slim line rack for $1669. Seems like a lot to spend. Any other ideas? Are there other threads on this subject I should look at? Thanks.

 

Terrafirma sells a low profile rack sold through Lucky 8. I've got it and happy with it. A little less expensive than Front Runner. Lucky 8 usually has a good sale at Thanksgiving if you can wait.

 

If you aren't necessarily looking for a lower profile rack, check out the Baja Rack. I love mine. Well designed, very functional. Install isn't bad....and sunroof opens fully!

 

DO NOT GET VOYAGER - just dont... save yourself the headache.

I agree, Baja is nice indeed and very function/practical. Most low profile racks look nice but dont do well off-road since there are no side rails to keep stuff from moving. So keep that in mind. But for low profile I think nothing beat ProSpeed. They are designed for the LR3, unlike Front Runner which are just a rack where only the brackets are vehicle specific. With that said, there is nothing wrong with Front Runner and they are excellent! A very close 2nd in my book for low profile racks and like the ProSpeed, rather versatile with mount setups.

 

Here is the Baja on my '06.

 

I like the low profile type although side rails are sometimes handy - which i could add if i wanted.

 

I may get some hate for this, but I was in your situation and really wanted a supercool overlanding tough rack, but embraced my inner former New England cheapskate heritage and got some factory crossbars for a couple hundred off of eBay, and (with some difficulty, and stupidly not in access mode) mounted the Yakima 16 roof box I already had (but that can be had used pretty cheaply). I don't want to add a lot of weight up high, and that combo is efficient, quiet, and doesn't cause a lot of fuel economy hit. I can fit a modest propane tank upright up there, but a downside is that it will not accommodate full sized Jerry cans, even on their back. Have to get two 2.5s, which is about as much weight as I want to deal with. Humping a 20l tank over my head to get it onto a roof is a bad idea. Light stuff - tent, bedding, etc., is perfect for up there. Anyway, works for me, but YMMV.

 

Yes, the water tank (and hitch) has to come off for anything difficult, but hot pressurized water is a treat!

 

And I am a total noob but absolutely love love love our new to us LR3. What a marvelous car. Rolling do anything greenhouse. Thanks all, this forum has been a great resource. Much still to learn.

 

What do you want to use the rack for? I have a roof top tent mounted on Chinese crossbars I bought on Amazon for something like $250CAD. Done over 7,000 miles without a problem.