Page created: 6-Jun-06

Re-published: 17-Aug-11

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Hi-Lift Jack Brackets

Lighting

From the outset I knew I would need decent roof rack for my Discovery. Apart from the fact that my previous two Land Rovers had both been fitted with racks that proved useful time and again, my planned trip to Morocco meant that I would need the carrying capacity for a second spare wheel and jerry cans.

At that time, the choice of expedition style racks for Discovery’s was really limited to the rather old fashioned galvanised box section rack from Brownchurch, the newer but less substantial System 90 also from Brownchurch and the Highlander and Expedition racks from Safety Devices. The latter was essentially the same as that fitted to Camel Trophy Discovery’s but was very large and fitted very close to the roof, which would interfere with the twin sun roofs on my vehicle. The two Brownchurch racks were functional in their own way but didn’t look anywhere near as well thought out as the Safety Devices offerings.

Since then many more racks have come on to the market that use extruded aluminium sections to form light but strong units. These are extremely practical racks that would look great on a 90 or 110, but in my opinion just don’t look right on a Discovery.

The Highlander was designed specifically for the Discovery and faithfully follows the stepped roofline. It was formed from 25mm diameter steel tube that had been galvanised and powder coated. It had four mounting points each side that correspond with the A, B, C and D pillars of the Discovery for good load transference and incorporated mounting points for additional lights at the front and rear. In addition, a version was available that was designed to allow the factory fitted sunroofs to operate normally and it was this one that I chose.

The rack proved to be an ideal place to mount extra lighting and the aerial for my CB radio. I also made up various brackets and fitting that allowed me to fix a hi-lift jack, shovel, jerry cans and an awning to the rack using either stainless steel U bolts or rubber coated steel P clips. All of this equipment, and a second spare wheel secured with a ratchet strap, were carried to Morocco and back without any problems.