Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a weekend warrior, a roof rack on your Land Rover Discovery Sport can significantly increase its cargo capacity. Roof racks come in a variety of styles, sizes, and brands, from well-known manufacturers such as Thule and Yakima. In this article, you will gain an understanding of the different types of roof racks available and learn how to choose the right rack system for your vehicle.
Explore Your Options: Understanding the Different Types of Roof Racks
Before delving into specific product recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the different types of roof rack systems available. The common types include raised rails, flush rails, vehicle-specific racks, and universal racks.
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Raised rail racks, as the name suggests, are installed on the raised rails that run along the sides of your vehicle’s roof. These types of racks can often carry more weight due to the ample support provided by the raised rails.
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Flush rail racks, on the other hand, are installed directly onto the flush side rails of your vehicle. While these racks can’t carry as much weight as the raised rail racks, they often offer a more streamlined appearance.
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Vehicle-specific racks are designed to fit a specific make and model, such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Understanding the exact specifications of your vehicle can ensure that these racks fit perfectly and securely.
Universal racks are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles. While these racks often require additional accessories to secure them to your vehicle, they offer versatility and can be transferred between different vehicles.
Consider Specific Brands: Thule vs. Yakima
When it comes to roof racks, two brands often rise to the top: Thule and Yakima. Both brands offer a variety of high-quality roof racks that are suitable for a Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Thule roof racks are renowned for their durability and robust construction. Their AeroBlade and SquareBar systems, in particular, are popular choices for Discovery Sport owners. The AeroBlade system features aerodynamic bars that help to reduce wind noise, while the SquareBar system offers a more traditional, sturdy design that can handle heavy loads.
Yakima roof racks, on the other hand, are celebrated for their versatile and innovative designs. Their JetStream and CoreBar systems are ideal for Discovery Sport owners. The JetStream system features sleek, aerodynamic bars that enhance fuel efficiency, while the CoreBar system boasts round bars that provide robust support for heavier loads.
Pay Attention to the Specifics: Fit and Load Capacity
When selecting a roof rack for your Land Rover Discovery Sport, the fit and load capacity are two critical factors to consider. The fit refers to how well the rack attaches to your vehicle, while the load capacity refers to how much weight the rack can carry.
For the perfect fit, it’s recommended to choose vehicle-specific racks or universal racks that come with a fit kit. A fit kit includes various components, such as clamps and foot packs, to ensure that your rack fits securely onto your vehicle. Thule and Yakima both offer fit kits for the Discovery Sport.
In terms of load capacity, it’s essential to consider the weight of the items you plan to carry on your roof rack. Both Thule and Yakima offer systems that can carry weights of up to 165 lbs. However, you must also consider your vehicle’s maximum roof load capacity, which is specified by the manufacturer. For the Discovery Sport, the maximum roof load is 165 lbs, including the weight of the roof rack itself.
Look into Accessories: Crossbars and More
Roof rack accessories can enhance the functionality and adaptability of your rack system. The most common accessory is crossbars, which provide additional support and allow you to carry larger items.
Yakima and Thule both offer a variety of crossbars. Thule’s WingBar Evo and ProBar are popular choices due to their aerodynamic design and high load capacity. Yakima’s JetStream and CoreBar crossbars share similar features and are also worth considering.
Other accessories can include kayak carriers, bike racks, cargo boxes, and more. These can be particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts who require additional carrying capacity for their gear.
Maintain Your Roof Rack: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve chosen the perfect roof rack for your Land Rover Discovery Sport, it’s crucial to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity. Cleaning your rack regularly can help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can cause the rack to rust over time.
You should also check the tightness of the rack’s fittings regularly, particularly after long trips or carrying heavy loads. If your rack comes with a lock, ensure it’s functioning correctly to prevent theft.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or chips, it’s essential to address them promptly. Most rack manufacturers, including Thule and Yakima, offer replacement parts that can help extend the life of your rack.
Remember, the right roof rack, be it a Thule or Yakima, can open up a world of possibilities for your Land Rover Discovery Sport. Keep these considerations in mind as you make your selection, and you’ll be on the road to adventure in no time.
Rely on Quality: Front Runner and Stock Complete Choices
Exploring beyond Thule and Yakima, there are other high-quality brands such as Front Runner and Stock Complete that offer competitive roof rack systems for your Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Front Runner is known for its robust, off-road ready racks. With a Front Runner roof rack on your Discovery Sport, you will be ready for any terrain. Their Slimline II Rack, for example, features a low-profile design that helps reduce wind resistance while maintaining a high load capacity of up to 660lbs – although, remember, the Discovery Sport’s maximum roof load is 165lbs. The kit includes a pre-assembled Slimline II tray, Wind Deflector, and a set of Foot Rails to mount the tray to your vehicle.
Stock Complete, on the other hand, offers a complete kit that’s specifically tailored for the Discovery Sport. The complete kit features a pair of space bars, a 44-inch bar space, and a set of foot packs for secure installation. The Stock Complete roof rack specs boast a load capacity of 165lbs, matching the maximum roof load for the Discovery Sport. This makes it the perfect choice for those looking for a roof rack that maximizes their vehicle’s potential.
Whether you opt for a Thule WingBar, a Yakima JetStream, a Front Runner Slimline II, or a Stock Complete Rack, ensuring that the kit includes a secure and sturdy fit is crucial.
Aim for Compatibility: Thule Evo and Additional Options
An additional option you might want to consider for your Land Rover Discovery Sport is the Thule Evo system. Thule Evo is a versatile and easy-to-use roof rack system that’s compatible with a wide range of accessories, such as kayak carriers, bike racks, and cargo boxes.
The Thule Evo system is designed to fit your Discovery Sport perfectly, ensuring a secure attachment. The kit includes Thule Evo WingBars, which are aerodynamically designed to reduce wind noise and drag, enhancing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more universal solution, the Range Rover roof rack system might be worth considering. Its versatile design allows it to fit a wide array of vehicles, including the Discovery Sport. With adjustable bar space and aero bars, this rack system can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Roof Rack for Your Discovery Sport
Choosing the right roof rack for your Land Rover Discovery Sport involves considering various factors, from understanding the different types of roof racks available to considering specific brands like Thule and Yakima, Front Runner, and Stock Complete.
Don’t forget to pay close attention to the rack specs, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum load capacity. Remember, the Discovery Sport has a maximum roof load of 165lbs, including the weight of the roof rack.
The Thule Evo system and the Range Rover roof rack system are additional options worth considering, thanks to their compatibility with a variety of accessories and their fit kit that ensures a secure attachment.
Maintaining your roof rack is also crucial. Regular cleaning and checking the fittings can go a long way in ensuring your roof rack’s longevity.
Ultimately, whether you choose a Thule WingBar, a Yakima JetStream, a Front Runner Slimline II, a Stock Complete Rack, or another option, the goal is to enhance your Discovery Sport’s cargo capacity, allowing you to carry more on your adventures.
With the right roof rack, your Land Rover Discovery Sport can indeed become the ultimate adventure vehicle, ready to take you wherever the road or trail leads.
