Hello all my first post, i would like to fit roof rails to my newly acquired 2012 model, there are lots of after market rails for sale which are apparently made from aluminium, my question is, were the oem land rover rails made steel or aluminium? are these after market offerings up to the job?

Many thanks

John

I have the LR crossbars, actually 2 pairs. But made the mistake of getting the roof rail copy.

The aluminium extrusion has cracked a bit, probably our rough outback roads.

Other issues, the paint has come off some of the cast aluminium parts due to corrosion.

Lost one plastic cover, they never fitted properly. So had to buy a new one & they one come as a set of 4, but they were from LR. They are better made. But didn't fit the copy castings well at all.

The rear cast leg, it's inside edge, was rubbing the roof a bit, so packed it up a couple of mm.

The middle leg is only screwed on with a self tapper. Pathetic. One screw had come out completely the screw on its equivalent was almost out.

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic35376.html Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

I have aftermarket rails on mine for maybe 5 years now and a set of genuine crossbars. I believe the genuine rails are aluminium alloy as well.
Paint finish on the inside of the 'feet' (the bits that connect to the roof) has started to flake a bit. I also lost 2 trim pieces and bought the set of 4. Now Sikaflexed on, they won't fall off again!
Never had any issue with regards to their build quality or strength and mine haven't broken, but then I don't offroad in the outback. I have had 4 bikes on the roof down to the South of France and back.
I'll tidy the paint work on the feet when I can be bothered to mask off the rest of the roof to respray them. I'm happy with the quality vs price. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Thanks for your input gents, searching the internet it appears the oem LR roof rails are no longer available, so the only choice is the after market option.

Cheers

Perhaps you could share which you eventually get ? I'm in the market also. LR2 SD4 GS
D2 TD5 S
Fiat 500S for skateboarding to the shops

Will do Dave

DaveS44 wrote:

Perhaps you could share which you eventually get ? I'm in the market also.

Pretty much identical to what I've had on mine for years.
Do make sure to firmly attach the plastic trims or you'll lose them, they don't fit securely. Black sikaflex is the solution. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Thanks Bob

Thanks elanelise also LR2 SD4 GS
D2 TD5 S
Fiat 500S for skateboarding to the shops

elanelise wrote:

Just purchased this one Dave https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225836838449 they all appear to be made by one manufacturer.

For what it's worth, if you skip eBay and buy direct, you can save £21.

https://gbt-autostyling.co.uk/‎‎produc...-kit-black

Listed at £109.99 but sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off, bringing it down to £98.99, with free next day delivery.

eBay will take a chunk I listings/selling fees, so it's nice to see the retailer discounting by going direct (makes me more likely to support them tbf, I'm also after some roof rails, so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once they turn up!). 

Just in case its not been mentioned, be aware there are two types of rail sets. One is for cars with panoramic roofs and is a bit taller to accommodate the Sunroof when its open. 2007 TD4 XS The work horse that earns its up keep
2013 SD4 HSE The posh one for towing the caravan
1973 Triumph Stag I bought in 2009 and restored.

Thanks Milo

christopher wrote:

elanelise wrote:

Just purchased this one Dave https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225836838449 they all appear to be made by one manufacturer.

For what it's worth, if you skip eBay and buy direct, you can save £21.

https://gbt-autostyling.co.uk/‎‎produc...-kit-black

Listed at £109.99 but sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off, bringing it down to £98.99, with free next day delivery.

eBay will take a chunk I listings/selling fees, so it's nice to see the retailer discounting by going direct (makes me more likely to support them tbf, I'm also after some roof rails, so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once they turn up!).

I fitted my first set following the instructions, what a pain in the 4rse!

When I replaced them, due to paint flake, I assembled them on the ground, loosely.
Then with a little assistance, lifted them up.

Keep everything loose until the all bolts are located.

Fitting the cross piece, after the bars are in place, is a nightmare.