Roof rack

[shrek]

We had a bad experience on our autumn break with the roof bars/ box on our mpv.
Had to brake/swerve hard on the m1-m25 junction to avoid an accident (by inches :eek: ). We heard a loud bang from up above.

One of the genuine roof bars holding the roof box fractured at it's mounting point. The luggage/box was at the max load, but not above.

Anyway to the point, I'm looking at buying a rack for the disco that will carry the luggage for the seven of us.

There's no boot space so it needs to be a good size and after the problems above I'm looking for strength as well. Looks are also important as it will stay on over the summer months. I'm not using the roofbox as it will be too high when not in use.

I've seen the genuine rack which I'm not sure on, the thule bars/ racks which I'm not sure on the strength/ size of the mountings , the Hannibal and frontrunner racks which being alloy will be light and the safety devices rack which at the moment is my favourite.

Also looking for a spare wheel bracket cycle rack for 4 bikes.

Any experiences/ advice appreciated

[GreyBack]

Shrek

I use the following on my 2004 Disco:

Thule brackets.
Thule bars.
Thule roof box (long and thin).

I then stick three bike racks on the bars alongside the box.

Two more bikes get hung on a very strong spare wheel rack - not the sort that hands on the wheel itself (too bouncy) - this one bolts behind the spare wheel directly to the door.

I'm not at home at the moment, but if you want the details, part numbers etc, I can add them to this message whne I get home tonight/tomorow.

As for strength, it all seems good to me, certainly sufficient for all our stuff (Mum, dad, 4 kids and grandma). Anything else gets bunged in the trailer.

With the exception of the trailer, everything else came from "the roof box company" on the internet. Again, I can dig out the website when I get back home if you can't find it. Brilliant next day service.

I thought about one of the massive "cast iron" expedition racks for Discos, but decided that for our use (regular but not permanent), the Thule arrangement was perfect.

[shrek]

Thanks greyback.:)

I've used Thule bars in the past which fitted to roof rails and they did the job well. I reckon the experience in October though has left me a little paranoid on using just four mounting points.

I've looked at the Thule Explorer rack to fit on the bars which may be an option. It certainly would be easier to fit than a large steel rack.

My roofbox is a huge halfords item but is so heavy and awkward to fit and have decided a decent rack may be better.

I am interested in the model of the bars you use and the door mounted bike rack when you get chance. I won't be buying for a couple weeks.

I've looked at the roofbox company site which is very helpfull.

Shrek

[manthing]

I read in LORI some months about a Britpart 4 bike carrier that bolts onto wheel mount, only 4 bike rack I could find, I even asked at Towsure (http://www.towsure.com/default.asp?d=0&t=0&p=0&op=) but they mumbled somat 'bout extra weight, not built for it etc??

I can dig it out if you need it?

hope that helps :)

[shrek]

I read in LORI some months about a Britpart 4 bike carrier that bolts onto wheel mount, only 4 bike rack I could find, I even asked at Towsure (http://www.towsure.com/default.asp?d=0&t=0&p=0&op=) but they mumbled somat 'bout extra weight, not built for it etc??

I can dig it out if you need it?

hope that helps :)
Thanks Manthing

In my experience Towsure only like to talk about and sell you what they've got!

I've found these two bike racks so far:

http://www.4x4partsmaster.com/shop_det.asp?pd_id=3979&pc_id=3131
They do a disco 2 thats not pictured.

http://www.lrparts.co.uk/AcrobatFiles/LeafletDiscoII.pdf

I like the door mounted racks because I presume there's still access to the rear seats .

[manthing]

Yes the parts master one looks similar

watch out if you open the door with a full load on as that MAY strain the hindges?? :eek:

[manthing]

just like that (http://www.britpart.co.uk/AccSearch.asp?AccessoryCategoryRef=7) looks about the same??

[shrek]

watch out if you open the door with a full load on as that MAY strain the hindges?? :eek:Thanks

I'll use the folding back seat when it's fitted normally. I just want to be able to open it in emergencies.