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So, I'm in the market for a roof rack. I'm initially thinking Baja or Front Runner because they are a simple plug in to the factor rails. This would also make it easy enough to remove if I so chose. If any horror stories about these two options, would appreciate a heads up.
Back in the 90's, I remember catching the Camel Trophy from time to time on TV and thinking how awesome those basket type roof racks were on the Discovery's. This is what I started out wanting as a roof rack, but the more I've read, the more I'm questioning the basket type vs the flat type. Sounds like the flat type has a lot of advantages; less wind noise, better gas mileage, ability to attach a tent, etc. Also, it never occurred to me before, but basket or not, stuff still has to be attached or strapped down. So I'm not sure what the basket actually gains for you other than a coolness factor for some, including me.
For those of you who have purchased one or the other, basket vs flat, did you wish you had gone the other direction for whatever reason? Same question for the full vs 3/4 size racks. Anyone get the 3/4 and wish they'd gone with the full-length rack?
at this point in time, I think the taller basket style now feels dated
(thank the thousands of Prinsu-style racks for the shift in perception)
there are real advantages to the flat style
less height, easier access to your garage, car park, drive-thru
can transport a full sheet of drywall/plywood etc
80-20 racks are way more configurable too - limitless attachment points, accessories, combinations
as for full vs 3/4 - that's up to you, what you want to spend, and will likely put up there
I have about 50% of the parts to make my own 80-20 style full rack - just need the time and parts to finish LOL
How much weight is safe to strap onto a roof rack? I see the front runner is approved for a dynamic load of 300 lbs but I’ve read in other places that it is only safe to drive with 165 lbs. How do you guys handle this?
I personally like the flat racks. I ended up going a slightly different direction. I installed L-track cargo anchor rails on top of my factory rails. I have side anchors installed as well. I use steel anchor loops (they snap into the L tracks) when I need to hold things down, though there's no 'basket' part for loads. I could use anchor bolts to the L tracks to install horizontal rails across the roof but haven't gone that far. I did a writeup while back here https://landroverforums.com/forum/lr...l-gear-116459/. But ultimately as long as you like the look and it's functional for you there's no wrong answer.
I think flat roof racks look nice, but you do have to worry about stuff shifting. So tie down is critical. I have a basket type from Voyager Racks. They make garbage racks and mine is garbage. They did not even ship me the correct one then ghosted me when I tried to get it all sorted out. Mine also has weld beads inside that room around and make a ringing noise. The owner laughed when I told him that. Anyway... rant over.... lol. The one reason I like basket is the reduced risk of anything sliding off. I carry USDA bug-free certified wood bundles and the side rails are great because I only need two straps across the top of the bundles. I also like the side rails for trail protection - lots of trees where I am and more than a few times I have used the rack to push em aside and having the taller basket sides is nice for that. And as for size, I can not imagine going with a smaller rack. I have a full length and wish mine was even longer. The front section, which is only above the front sunroof area, has a solar panel and StarLink while also housing lights and and some other small items. The main area holds up to six bundles of wood along one side with the other side holding up to four Dewalt storage boxes with two being standard on any trip and four on any large country crossing trip. So think of your needs. If you wont store much up there then you may be fine with a smaller one. But I would rather have the wasted space not being used than wishing I had more.
I have a Baja rack on my '06 and I like it. Looks good, very functional. Agree with others that having sides (i.e. not flat) helps with bracing. The wind deflector in the front looks cool and most importantly the Baja version allows the sunroof to open!
I have a rhino flat rack after originally having a steel basket type rack, flat rack is good because it has a low profile when not loaded. I like the front runner rack as its also a low profile and having the same type of channel system you can place tie downs pretty much where ever you need, never had a problem with gear moving since i ratchet strap stuff down tight.
Another low profile rack that is nice is Prospeed. It is the one I wanted but after six months of waiting for them to start production up again on it I gave up. Regrets on that.
Roof Racks
