Member Since: 20 Sep 2017
Location: Altlinster
Posts: 416
LR roof rack with a roof box.??
Hello all,
I am posting here even though I have a D5 because more experience here and the problem is not specific to a D5. I just hope someone can help/advise.
I have the original LR roof rack (came with D5 with spots mounted to it).
Can I still fit a roof box to it?
I want to buy a Thule roof boox from a friend, but not sure it will fit.
Thanks for comments.
Nick
6th Jul 2019 9:38 pm
Iguana
Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9402
Not the exact match, but i have a LR roof box, that i use on top of a prospeed rack.
The key thing are the cross bars and if these can line up with the clamps/fittings inside the box. Too dark to take pics now, but its currently on the disco so will take pics in morning for you Iggy/Ieuan
Current LR =
2015 RR Sport Autobiography
&
1992 Land Rover Defender Camper
- Gone but not forgotten:
MY10 D4 GS
MY05 Disco 3 'S'
MY14 FL2 HSE manual in Blue
MY15 Disco 4 HSE Lux in Santorini Black
MY08 Disco 3 SE manual in Buck Blue
1960 Series 2 88" (No idea why I sold it!)
6th Jul 2019 10:07 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
Which fittings does the Thule box come with?:
Is it the kind with a rotary knob inside the box and rubber tipped “claws” in the underside?
Does it have protruding bolts that are intended to engage with a recessed track in the top of the roof bar?
Is it the kind that simply has U bolts that you need to tighten from inside the box, with a spanner?
Alternatively, are you aware of the model name and number of the box?2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
2015 - 2017: 2 x D4
2017 to date: FFRR SDV8
2023 to date: FL2 as a second car
2021 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200
2022 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200 & sidecar!
(One of only two known to exist in the world!)
6th Jul 2019 11:14 pm
nebc100
Member Since: 20 Sep 2017
Location: Altlinster
Posts: 416
It has the claws on the bottom.
Here is a photo of the bottom of the box.
And here is a photo of the roof rack on my D5. I know I will have to take off the two middle spots. That isn't a problem. I just don't think that the claps will reach bars because of the other bars that will be in the way.
7th Jul 2019 10:12 am
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
I’ve used two different Thule roof boxes, both using that clamp design, on a lot of different cars, including the FL2, D4 and Fatty.
You’ll need to check that the tips of the clamps open up wide enough to clear the front and back to the bars (which they almost certainly will). However, the boxes are designed to fit on just two bars, with the bars sitting up in recessed groves in the bottom of the box (to maximise load space, keep the weight as low as possible and keep the bars out of the airflow to keep it all quiet (these boxes are exceptionally quiet). Unfortunately, you’ll need to remove all of the other bars to give the box space to stop down and allow the clamps to grip, although you might be able to leave the light bar one in place, depending on the length of the box, as the base of the box tapers up rapidly at the front.
This is a high quality box and it’s worth the time and effort to overcome this minor problem
The photos below show the largest Thule roof box available on the roof of the Fatty (Motion XXL - now sold ). Your box will be shorter and the roof a fair bit longer, so there’s a chance you’ll be able to leave the lights in place, even if the rest of the bars will have to go.
2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
2015 - 2017: 2 x D4
2017 to date: FFRR SDV8
2023 to date: FL2 as a second car
2021 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200
2022 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200 & sidecar!
(One of only two known to exist in the world!)
7th Jul 2019 10:25 am
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50934
Smaller box is shown here together with an MTR spare......handy for lighter stuff like chairs etc
Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9402
Here's mine, I have clamps though not teeth
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
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Click image to enlarge
Iggy/Ieuan
Current LR =
2015 RR Sport Autobiography
&
1992 Land Rover Defender Camper
- Gone but not forgotten:
MY10 D4 GS
MY05 Disco 3 'S'
MY14 FL2 HSE manual in Blue
MY15 Disco 4 HSE Lux in Santorini Black
MY08 Disco 3 SE manual in Buck Blue
1960 Series 2 88" (No idea why I sold it!)
7th Jul 2019 12:53 pm
nebc100
Member Since: 20 Sep 2017
Location: Altlinster
Posts: 416
Well... thanks for your replies, but I have just been out and tried.
It WON'T fit!!!
This is really annoying!! I have used this same box on my RRS, my D3 and on my FFRR albeit with standard roof bars.
When I bought the D5, I specifically asked if the roofrack will take a roofrack, and I was told "yes... you can disconnect the spots, and then if will fit". I have just measured, and even if I disconnect the lights, either I don't have enough space at the front, or I don't have enough space at the back. I should point out that transverse bars are not actually movable more than about 3-5 cms.
Oh well... summer holiday will now have to be cancelled because I cannot get 5 people, 3 dogs and baggage in the car.
I will also be have "a word" with LR because they have basically sold something that is of very little use!!
so... on to next questions:
1. Is anyone interested in the roof rack? I will be posting it on the D5 site!!
2. Does anyone know of a nice lightbar that fits the D5?
7th Jul 2019 12:57 pm
Red Merle
Member Since: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Liskeard
Posts: 7438
I gave up on roof boxes after 22 years or so and went the trailer route, which has been a breath of fresh air!
Don’t cancel the holiday - hire a trailer and see how you get on
Much easier to load and unload, lots more space and very little concern about weight. They don’t need to cramp your adventures either; the bottom photo was taken several miles off road, up in the welsh mountains, over 500 metres and it needed low range and both diff locks (and the farmer’s permission!) to get there 2011 - 2015: 3 x FL2
2015 - 2017: 2 x D4
2017 to date: FFRR SDV8
2023 to date: FL2 as a second car
2021 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200
2022 to date: Hinckley built ‘14 Triumph Trophy 1200 & sidecar!
(One of only two known to exist in the world!)
7th Jul 2019 1:28 pm
nebc100
Member Since: 20 Sep 2017
Location: Altlinster
Posts: 416
I am not canceling the holiday, but it is a thought.... 😉
I don't want a trailer because officially I would be speed limited if I had a trailer.
I am going to ask LR to take the whole lot off and to put the roof rails back on.
I will then get the roof bars for the summer, and will get a light bar fitted like on the photos of the SVX pictures. Does anyone know where I can get that type of light bar?
7th Jul 2019 1:59 pm
nebc100
Member Since: 20 Sep 2017
Location: Altlinster
Posts: 416
Well... I took car to LR this morning, and they were shocked and horrified at the design on the roof rack.
They have found a roof box that should fit, and they will lend it to me for my holidays.
When I am back, they will probably take the rack off, but the roof rails back on, and will then sort out a light bar that fits between the roof rails.
So... A solution will be found!! It will just take time.
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