Sorry to resurrect a topic, as I'm conscious there's a fair few on here. Looking for views on good (and quick to fit / remove) roof bars and also people's experiences. Mine would be used for the kayak and paddleboard. I'd want to fit/remove on each use.
(Ommitting expedition racks here)

For the L322 there's 3 types:


Fixed Point


Bolt into the mounting points on the roof, of which there's a choice of 3 locations.



Examples:
Rhino Rack (I can't find any for sale)
Yakima Whispbar (can't find any UK stockists) (c. £350)
Genuine Range Rover Sports Bars (now obsolete)
1 or 2 generic (c.£150)

Thoughts/Concerns:
I've had a fixed point kit on my previous car and the roof flaps were able to stay in place. Fitting a locknut inside the system meant no AWOL bolts when fitting and removing. Took about 3 minutes to fit or remove. Can the flaps stay in place on the L322?

The rear most point is quite far back on the car, which could make it easier to slide the kayak onto from the boot, rather than having to lift it onto the roof of the car. Anyone's experience with this?


Roof Rails

Two types here - roof channels or open roof bars, like this. Obviously the most versatile and practical choice but I do feel permanent bars would somewhat ruin the look of an L322?



Examples:
Genuine Range Rover rails (c. £500 iirc)
Several kits available on ebay for channels or bars (c. £200 including lockable Cross bars)

Thoughts/concerns:
Permanent bars somewhat ruin the look? I'd also be concerned about wind noise?

Obviously the most versatile and fitting the cross bars would be a doddle. Lots of things to tie to also.


Door Shut Fitment

These types have a pad that sits on the roof line, plus a bracket which sits inside the door shut (Thule type).



Examples:
Thule
A few generic versions <£100

Thoughts/Concerns:
They look like they might be the easiest to fit/remove. They also look more secure than fixed point type, which kind of rely on a bit of plastic to stabilise themselves.

Anyone scratched their bodywork with the bracket?

Because they fit in the door shuts, they can't be mounted very far back which means when loading a kayak, it would need to be lifted instead of slid across the rear bar, as it's too far forward to slide onto, without scratching the roof?


---

All feedback welcome. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Last edited by garyRR on 13th Aug 2022 11:00am. Edited 1 time in total

No experience of anything, but on your last pic above, there is a door shut one mounted further back, so it looks like you aren’t limited to door shuts, as is your concern.

That said, I’m assuming it’s the same bracket size…

And from having those types about 30 years ago… they do mark/rub the paint eventually.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

In the last pic that's viewed from the front door.

The door shut ones can only go as far as 3/4 the way along the rear door, which is a long way from the back of the car. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

OMG…. Clearly the morning coffee hadn’t kicked in …. I’ll get my coat 🤣

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Gary
These are mine, recently just fitted…

Have you got a link for them?

I think fixed point is what I'm looking for. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

https://yogi24.co.uk/en_GB/c/Range-Rover/1351/1/default/4

Can’t remember now what model/spec it was I purchased for the fixed points but a quick contact should sort that for you…  Cheers, Steven.

2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8.

Which model are they? It lists 3 for the L322.

M001 Plus Aero (looks like aluminium to me)
M001 Plus (black square steel)
M001 ST (black square steel)

The pictures seem to show they come with a fitting kit which allows all 3 types of fitment? 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

I'm sure mine are the Aero, I had them powder coated from the Silver/Alu... mine only came specific for the fixed mounting points in the roof. 1 bolt each into the roof.
I'd check with them if you're looking for different option. Cheers, Steven.

2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8.

They're very affordable so, I'll contact them and check.

Do you have to remove the flaps to fit them? 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Yes, they were a decent price and a 75kg load rating I'm sure so were ideal for the roof tent!
The flaps fit inside the fitting and can stay on the car. Cheers, Steven.

2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8.

Hi,

I know the thread is 2 years old. But I’m wondering how your experience are after that time? I’m looking for a solution for my MY2005 and as you are mentioned before there are not many on the market and they are all more or less „no name“ products. I’m curious especially about the noise driving on the freeway and if the brackets hold stable without damaging the roof?

Happy for any comment.

Best
JK

I had no issue with noise. I had to adapt the bars with a locking nut so they didn't just all fall apart when fitting to the car. Went for the aluminium, so they would be lighter when fitting.

I've sold my L322 now, so you're welcome to have my bars (have been kept in the garage) if you'd like to buy them.

Click image to enlarge

I have Thule bars on my 2011 car which I remove when not using them, no complaints when using it to carry my roof box ( which is a big one ) , rated 75kg load but I have probably been nearer to 100kg once or twice and no issues !

When the roof box is on the noise is acceptable, with just the roof bars on the car, the design of the Thule evo bars is good at minimising the noise, you can hear it at 70mph on motorway, but you get used to it. I take them off when I don't need the bars, so my paintwork using the 1274 fitting kit is fine, I know some people who use electricians take around the legs but I have not done that.

You need the Thule Fitting Kit 1274, Thule foot packs 754 and 150cm long evo bars
https://www.roofracks.co.uk/thule-squarebar-evo/k/1490


I also have the OEM Roof Channels on my 2004 car with 2 or 3 bars across, much more stronger and have had 6 sheets of marine ply ( 8ft x 4ft ) on top, about 250kg with no issues, but these are not for sale anywhere so maybe ebay or a breakers yard perhaps, not too sure how easy that is in Germany !

The noise is not that bad on the autobahn ( motorway ) , but when all the windows are closed it is even less. For heavier roof tents and tentboxes I prefer the Roof Channels.

@garyRR
Thanks for your comment and your offer. But I'm in the EU, so buying from a private party in UK makes no sense, shipping and taxes are ridiculous.
The "jogi"online shop sells on eBay and ships out of Belfast with reasonable shipping costs and no extra tax and customs hassle. But still not 100% sure if this racks are be the best solution for me.


@pcourtney

Thanks for the details and pics. Unfortunately the Thule parts for the L322 are not longer available.

Best
JK