Best Rack?

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jptruck

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I'm not looking for a full expedition rack. I need a rack for surfboards. Thule Aero seems the best option. I'm looking for something that doesn't have the damn pillars the stick up. Anyone found the right combo?
 

jptruck

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Seriously...Nobody put a rack on one these things. Thule Wingbar Evo? Looks like Yakima has no option. Who else?
 

jptruck

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ALSO, I noticed there are some cut-outs in the top of the factory rails. Are these mounting points? I can't find anything in the manual on this one. Could I hard mount to the roof versus getting one of these clips for the rails?
 
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JP: hopefully you've found something at this point. I installed the Front Runner rack and couldn't be happier. easy install, solid as can be and it still fits in the
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garage:

FullSizeRender.jpeg
 

ar077

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ALSO, I noticed there are some cut-outs in the top of the factory rails. Are these mounting points? I can't find anything in the manual on this one. Could I hard mount to the roof versus getting one of these clips for the rails?

The cut-outs in the factory rails are plastic caps covering the bolts that attach the factory rails to the roof. The Front Runner Slimline II is the best roof rack for the D5 because it attaches to the roof using the factory roof rail mounting points (as shown in the photo of Scott Williams' disco) using longer bolts and extenders (included with the rack). The factory roof rail caps don't easily pop off and other forum contributors have posted accounts of damaging the rails and caps in the process of removing the caps. I'd recommend paying the labor charge to have your dealer remove the caps since they'd then be liable for any damage. That's what I plan to do when I get around to ordering a Front Runner.
 
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x2 ar077. the first one I removed was difficult and I snapped one of the tabs... still useable when I decide to replace them, but the rest came off ok once I figured out how to do it. Not a bad idea going to a dealer... if you've got a great one like I do however.
 

mmoench

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I really like the Front Runner gear, I have the roof rack on my 2015 Defender 110 and could not be happier (except for the cheap washers that started rusting after two weeks, had to change them).

Now I want a rack for our new 2019 Discovery HSE. What bothers me about the Front Runner is that on top of the factory rails they put additional rail adaptors and then the rack which makes the package sit really high above the roof.

I do like the looks of the genuine LR rack. Does anyone have experience with it or even come across it in the wild?

926EB34D-DEAB-4BA7-A3E8-45F4E5D8D6BE.jpeg
 

jptruck

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i went with Thule Aero bars. It serves my needs, just fine. They fit well and don't produce a lot of wind noise. I like the look of the Front Runner gear, but it seems like that would make a ton of noise.
 

MGT0000

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Hi all,
Just picked up my new D5. Appreciate all the great insights posted on this forum!

First up on the enhancement list is a roof rack. Debating between the Thule and FR Slimline II. A couple follow-up questions if you guys don't mind:

Scott Williams:
- Sounds like you learned the trick for popping the caps off the rails? Anything specific you can share on how best to do this or just plan to sacrifice the first one and learn from it? (I did find 1 youtube video on the install which helps)
- With caps removed while rack in place and innards exposed, any concerns with water coming in?
- Sounds like impact of rack (no gear loaded) on noise / gas mileage fairly minimal. Is that correct?
- if I got all the specs right, it looks like the LR roof rail weight capacity is 176lb, and the Slimline II is about 70lbs, which allows for about 100lbs. Any other weight considerations?

jptruck:
- the Thule online configurator does not offer an option for the D5, but does for the Discovery Sport. Is that the fit kit you used to attach to the LR rails?

Thanks!
 

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