I bought a pair of 2nd hand LR Cross Bars and both the cross bars are exactly the same size.

The distance between the fixed roof rails (panoramic roof) however tapers from 100.5cm at the front to 95.5 cm at the back (a 5cm reduction). The front cross bar fits fine, and I can get the rear crossbar to fit in front of the fixed cross rail (by inserting at an angle and then straitening) but it will not fit behind the fixed cross rail as its too long.
The roof rails are also genuine and dealer fitted.

Has anybody else come across this problem and have a fix? my only thought is to shorted one of the cross bars.

When fitting remove the plastic covers with the key, then peel back the rubber strip that runs along the top of the bar ( just a few inches ) beneath is a bolt to allow the length of the bar to be adjusted. 

JSW wrote:

I bought a pair of 2nd hand LR Cross Bars and both the cross bars are exactly the same size..........

What pcheaven said above. See link for video of fitting.

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I'm sure mine are spring loaded.
I have four on mine, 1 at the front and 3 at the back, I took them off in the summer and didn't have to do any adjusting when they went back up and I'll guarantee they didn't go back in the same order.

I have a second hand set I bought on here from Dave47, immaculate in their original bag. I havent actually used them yet but just reading the posts on here and watching the video will mean I'll not be standing scratching my head the first time I use them.  Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

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The rear one will fit, the ends are spring loaded (I have pulled them apart to have access inside the extrusion for modifications). I am using 4 cross bars permanently fixed in 2 pairs, & they are a touch longer as I have flattened them. The very rear crossbar, as a pair, in my situation is a whisker tight as a pair, but the ends do push in enough. You need to try harder!

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Thanks everyone for your help, my cross bars are spring loaded, it looks like as suggested I'll just have to push harder.

Make sure you have the crossbars facing forward. There is an arrow printed on the bottom of the bottom plastic cover. Which needs to point to the front. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

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@lightwater, 4 bars is interesting... but I was under the impression that it was the rails that limit the carrying capacity.
Apologies All, not meaning to hijack!

For those with 2 bars, where do you prefer to position the 2nd bar? Why?

So with the weight distribution with 4 bars, how much do you figure you can put up there ?
Stationary?
When moving?

Of course you know where I’m going with this: a ladder and a platform for a beach chair, umbrella, and cooler  Guy Pensa
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Getting itchy. What's next?
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2007 XKR (Jaguar Racing Green) (woo hoo!)
2004 XJR (Jaguar Racing Green) (deceased)
2002 S-Type R (British Racing Green, of course)
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Obviously, I can't speak for Lightwater but The 4 bars I have are positioned with 3 at the rear to give additional support to a large tent in a soft bag. The 4th one at the front is then used for long items, though having four they don't sit flat.
I know it wasn't the question you asked but you never know, my answer may help in some way.

If I ever get round to it, my plans are to mount a light bar under the front one and two small work/reversing lights under the rear.

ps. it was after seeing Lightwater 's, I added the extra pair, as it made a lot of sense with what I tended to carry, at the time.

@deg5y, Thanks! I just carry a Thule box and a kayak now. The box full of winter activity stuff.
You have a tent?! Cool! Which tent? How many stay in there? On the original rails? Guy Pensa
Cars with Personalities
Getting itchy. What's next?
2014 Land Rover HSE Lux (blend of practicality and aggressiveness)
2007 XKR (Jaguar Racing Green) (woo hoo!)
2004 XJR (Jaguar Racing Green) (deceased)
2002 S-Type R (British Racing Green, of course)
1951 Riley RMD (Black, time for that restoration)

Sorry to disappoint but it's not a roof tent.

There are a few guys on here that do have permanent tents fitted.
Try a search, if your interested that way there's some good reads.

Just keep away from the guys from Aus or NZ, as it just fills you full of envy!

There is a guy who converted his FL2 to an expedition vehicle.

read his tales .....

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic27053.html

you may get some ideas ??

itsaguything wrote:

@lightwater, 4 bars is interesting... but I was under the impression that it was the rails that limit the carrying capacity.