A Guide to Fitting a Roof Rack on a 2022 Land Rover Defender High Roof

It is common knowledge that Land Rover Defenders are tools on wheels. Their interiors comprise durable, stiff materials, and their carpets and textiles are highly resistant to dampness and dirt. The trunk and roof are perfect for transporting any luggage, such as a concrete mixer, drum, several dogs, bicycles, or any combination of these items. In addition, the aftermarket Land Rover roof rack comes with several off-road equipments, such as roof rack systems.

Defender owners prefer roof racks because of their utility and increased storage capacity. In this article, we will describe how to install a roof rack on a Land Rover Defender and demonstrate how to travel with your stuff safely secured. Continue reading to discover more about the installation procedure.

How to Install a Roof Rack on a Land Rover Defender High Roof

Installing a roof rack on a Defender is reasonably straightforward, provided you have the proper knowledge, and it can save you a significant amount of fuel. This article will use the instance of a 4×4 expedition-style Defender roof rack. Please note that you require two people to install a rack of this size.

1.     Fitting

It is crucial to elevate the vehicle attachment carefully at this point to avoid damaging the Defender’s roof with the rack’s legs. You have the option of beginning from the front or the back. Consider installing a pulley system on your garage’s ceiling if you want to remove the rack often. A pulley system will allow you to lift the rack easily. Additionally, the pulley system utilizes unused overhead space to store the Land Rover Defender roof rack while it is not in use.

Take the rack bed and invert it on your work platform while not harming the powder-coating or aluminum. Slide the rack across the roof while positioning its legs in the rain gutters. The expedition-style rack instructions manual requires the rack to be 50mm from the back of the bodywork for 52mm and 110mm for 90mm.

Consequently, place the rack clamps in the leg support and tighten its nut fingers. Tightening the nut finger will help you to make as many adjustments as you desire. Most Land Rover Defenders have eight clamps – therefore, ensure you handle them carefully to avoid damaging your Land Rover’s paint. It is vital to have multiple spanner wrenches to complete the final roof rack tightening. In this instance, the MCB 4×4 roof rack needs M10-sized 17mm nuts.

Cross your Land Rover Defender’s roof rack and progressively tighten every nut. Tightening each nut places little stress on the roof and frame and squarely tightens the rack. Tighten the nuts by turning them round twice or thrice clockwise. As you move to the next nut, you may feel the tension easing.

2.Ladder      

Although you can reach the Defender from the front without a ladder, we recommend you use an access ladder. It is likewise difficult to exit the Landy without a ladder, but descending from the front is safer. When securing your cargo onto the roof, you can access the rack using a bonnet chequer plate on its wingtips. A chequered plate reinforces Puma and other bonnet versions so one can stand on them.

There are various attachments for bicycles, rooftop tents, jerry cans, and awnings, but we’ll describe how to secure an extraordinary load. Let’s assume we have a canoe that weighs 78 kilograms and a maximum weight load of 90 kilograms, including the Land Rover Defender roof rack, which is within the manufacturer’s specifications. The roof will absorb the additional weight, affecting the vehicle’s COG and compromising the Defender’s safety and manoeuvrability. Therefore, ensure that you evenly distribute all loads for proper vehicle balance.

Ideally, it’s best to move the roof rack gently and frequently communicate with your assistant. Dropping the rack from this height can be disastrous for you, your Defender, and the rack itself.

Ratchet straps are the most effective method for fastening abnormally shaped loads. These straps are incredibly durable and inexpensive to handle. It is also crucial to get racks from trusted and reliable suppliers. It would help if you compared various ratchet straps like wire hook straps, S-hook type lashing, and endless webbing straps. Furthermore, consider using sleeves to protect the straps against regular wear and tear.

When using ratchet straps, pass the webbing around the weight into the reverse side of the central ratchet mechanism, and then lightly tighten the belts. Adjust the ratchet until it is taut. When the desired tension level is reached, depress the ratchet handle until it snaps into place. To undo the ratchet, pull the release tab and push the webbing straps outward.

Defender die-hard fans and adventure enthusiasts will find a roof rack useful for transporting huge loads and conquering rugged terrain. Using Defender roof racks can significantly increase your vehicle’s carrying capacity. Numerous manufacturers provide a variety of roof attachments, such as roof rails, roof boxes, roof rack systems, etc. Therefore, compare different high-quality brands, assess their benefits and drawbacks, and choose the rack that meets your needs.

The Bottom Line

If you are unclear about what roof rack to purchase, it would be best to visit a skilled technician. With their technological expertise, you can be confident they will have the appropriate solution for your situation. We hope you now have enough knowledge to install a Land Rover Defender roof rack.

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