Hello all,

After acquiring my first Freelander (2012 HSE) I am looking to add some roof rails for light duty. Whilst trying to find a stockist for them, I found that there are non-genuine versions available which are significantly cheaper. £110ish vs £270ish.

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with using the non-genuine ones? I'm not looking to carry anything crazy other than a couple of bikes, but thought I'd ask the question in case anyone has given them a go.

Thanks.

I've used a set of Thule feet and cross bars since 2007 without any problems. Used them to carry skis and a roof box to and from the Alps on a regular basis.

Plenty of companies stock the Thule version. I got mine from www.roofbox.co.uk. Halfords also stock them.

Similar to above, when I need to carry on the roof I fit my Prorack Whisbars. Easy fit and very quiet. Permanent fit roof rails + bars will give permanent drag & wind noise.

bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Had genuine roof rails fitted to both of my fl2,s 2009 2012,only use genuine cross bars when needed..
never had a problem with noise avg mpg 39.5 does not seem to be a problem for me  Wales
Were the mud is thicker, and the ruts are deeper.
(And we have the water to wash it off, and more on the way..! )
Sd4 and chrome Ar*e piece, Auto box for best fun
09 Xs Gone
12 xs Gone
HSE with Leather seats and 4 years warrenty.. staying for now !

Thanks guys.

I hadn't actually thought about using normal style roof bars, something for me to look into; had only considered the LR style rails which I quite like from a practical point of view (although an expensive option), so glad to hear mudslinger that they're not terrible!

I was wondering the same thing and am interested by the Thule feet. I take it they don't affect the door seals either during or after use? FL2 TD4 GS 60 reg Facelift - so many issues
2019 DS. Terribly unreliable.
Sold DS for a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Fingers crossed....
Sold Outlander for a 2014 SD4 SE Tech because I’m mental
Now greatly regret selling the Outlander. MPG of the FL2 is atrocious and so are the fuel bills. Fun though 😎
Couldn’t afford the fuel bills so back to an older Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Significantly better than I remembered it to be…

I think the best looking ones by far (better than factory) are the Wispbar low profile ones - they use the existing mounting holes. Available to order in the UK, at least when I checked with their UK dist a few months back..


Whispbar K631 feet, S7 bar

That Whispbar rack looks awesome, I really like how they use the existing mounting holes, and it's completely removable. Plus significantly cheaper than the standard roof rails + cross bars.

I've found UK sites selling the parts you reference.

Agreed. I don't really need bars at the moment but if I did I'd get them, no question.

What price did you find? About £190?

Yep £190 for the bars and feet.

The accessories looks pretty solid too (ie ski/board rack).

I really don't like the LR ones - much too tall!

Actually I'm probably the only one that actually likes the look of the LR ones, but these Whispbars beat them in almost every possible way...

Has anyone actually fitted these bars? Do they cause any issues with the sunroof?

I've seen some references to the sunroof but can't seem to find anywhere that confirms that they don't interfere with it...

No issues with sunroof when using Thule feet and cross bars.

My Whispbars do not foul the sunroof as they use the earlier "clamp on" method (similar to the Thule). However, if you use the newer semi-permanent bolt on method through the fixpoints under the plastic strip, you had best pull the sunroof fuse as the sunroof WILL foul if opened.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)