Overland Journal: Discovery I, 5-speed

[Alaska Mike]

And all this time I thought I was lollygagging on my own Rover project. Now I realize that I'm taking a measured approach...

[hochung]

Ho from EE has been a huge help on this project, as those guys have a pretty solid grasp on how to build a clean, functional and balanced Discovery, though we do differ on the roof rack subject

It's still too early.

You'll eventually come around. Not only the rack, but you'll want lights up there.

[Maine 110]

You know the rack thing is dependant on where your primary off roading/ exploring is. Back East here in New England I am not a big lover of the rack, I had it on and off my truck several times, for the most part they are a hinderance on the tightly wooded and overgrown areas we tend to explore around here. I cannot count how many times I've seen lights ripped off by overhanging limbs, or at least have it be a a constant issue on a trail ride to stop and hold branches up or fold down the lights so they dont get hit. When you are out west or in a more open area I can totaly see having the rack and lights.

The other downside I see to roof-racks is the un-bearable urge most rack owners have to load the things with 300 + pounds of fuel and gear making the truck precariously top heavy. I went through it myself and finally got to the point the rack held little more than some bulky lightweight gear and my chain-saw.

I personally like the look of the disco rackless.

Just my .02 on the matter.

Jesse Ware

[craig]

You know the rack thing is dependant on where your primary off roading/ exploring is. Back East here in New England I am not a big lover of the rack, I had it on and off my truck several times, for the most part they are a hinderance on the tightly wooded and overgrown areas we tend to explore around here. I cannot count how many times I've seen lights ripped off by overhanging limbs, or at least have it be a a constant issue on a trail ride to stop and hold branches up or fold down the lights so they dont get hit. When you are out west or in a more open area I can totaly see having the rack and lights.

The other downside I see to roof-racks is the un-bearable urge most rack owners have to load the things with 300 + pounds of fuel and gear making the truck precariously top heavy. I went through it myself and finally got to the point the rack held little more than some bulky lightweight gear and my chain-saw.

I personally like the look of the disco rackless.

Just my .02 on the matter.

Jesse Ware

I totally agree Jesse. I live in Washington and the woods and the roofrack are just a PITA. The other bad thing about a rack is the wind noise, decrease MPG, and they are annoying when you are washing the truck. I had one for two years and finally sold it. They do look cool though.

Why is "Out West" not wooded? We have incredibly dense forests in WA, OR, ID, MT, and Northern CA.

[hochung]

trees, no trees, doesn't matter. Scott needs a RACK.

besides,

tree1: "guys, I see a Disco coming..."
tree2: "yeah, and it's got a roof rack."
tree3: "that's Scott! let him thru!"

[kellymoe]

Rack? If you need it you need it, if you dont you dont. If I could take the rack off my truck I would but the awning is rack dependent.

Racks are kind of like buying a large backpack. No matter how big it is it always seems to get filled up with stuff. I see lots of truck with loaded down racks and which raises the C of G considerably. Combine that with the Rovers already loose suspension and the truck becomes pretty exciting to drive at high speeds and in off camber situations. If Scott will be using a trailer I just cant see the purpose for a rack.

[craig]

trees, no trees, doesn't matter. Scott needs a RACK.

Why?

Edit: Ok, ok... I'll leave it alone.

[hochung]

Craig,

because when I buy his disco, it must have a rack.

[Desertdude]

Craig,

because when I buy his disco, it must have a rack.

Talk about using the "force"

[MEUSOC]

Hey, at least Disco's are not top-heavy already...