L663 Defender Cross Bar Spacing: A Comprehensive Guide
For owners of the new generation Land Rover Defender L663, equipping your vehicle with cross bars is a common upgrade for carrying extra cargo, from roof boxes to bike racks. Understanding the specifics of these cross bars, particularly the distance between them, is crucial for ensuring compatibility with your accessories and the safe transportation of your gear. This article delves into the details surrounding L663 Defender cross bar spacing, drawing from community insights and expert knowledge to provide you with a clear and helpful guide.
Understanding the Fixed Distance for L663 Cross Bars
A common question among L663 Defender owners revolves around the adjustability and spacing of the official Land Rover cross bars. Unlike some vehicles where cross bars can be freely positioned along the roof rails, the L663 Defender with factory-optioned roof rails features fixed mounting points. This means the cross bars can only be installed in specific locations dictated by pre-designed cutouts within the roof rails.
Initial assumptions might lead one to believe in adjustable positioning, mirroring systems found in older Land Rover models like Discoveries and Range Rover Sports. However, the design for the L663 Defender cross bars is different. As highlighted in a discussion within the Land Rover community, and confirmed by visual inspection of fitting instructions, the official L663 Cross Bars are intended for a single, fixed position.
The Definitive Measurement: 700mm Center-to-Center
So, what is this fixed distance? Thanks to diligent community members who took the time to measure, we have a definitive answer. The distance between the center points of the small locking cutouts on the inside edge of the roof rails, which dictate the mounting position for the official L663 cross bars, is 700mm.
Alt text: Close-up of L663 Defender roof rails showing the three mounting slots, highlighting the fixed positions for cross bars.
This 700mm measurement is crucial when considering aftermarket accessories, especially if you plan to utilize existing equipment like bike racks. If your bike rack or other accessory requires a specific distance between cross bars, verifying compatibility with this 700mm spacing is essential before purchase or installation.
Alt text: Image showing L663 cross bars mounted in the front and middle mounting slots, illustrating the fixed positioning on the vehicle roof.
Considerations for Load and Flexibility
The fixed positioning of the official L663 cross bars raises some valid points about load distribution and flexibility. Ideally, adjustable cross bars allow for spreading the load more evenly across the roof, which can be advantageous when carrying heavier or bulkier items. The fixed points on the L663 might seem limiting in this regard, as you are constrained to a single configuration.
However, for most general use cases, including roof boxes, standard bike racks, and lighter cargo, the fixed 700mm spacing is designed to be robust and secure. Land Rover engineers have considered load-bearing capacity and safety within this fixed design.
Exploring Aftermarket Alternatives: The Thule Solution
For those seeking more flexibility in cross bar placement or who prefer a different aesthetic, aftermarket solutions are available. One popular and recommended alternative mentioned within the Land Rover community is utilizing Thule components.
By combining specific Thule parts, owners can create a roof bar system for their L663 Defender that offers adjustable positioning along the roof rails. The suggested Thule components include:
- Thule 3040 Fit Kit
- Thule 753 Rapid System Foot Pack
- Thule Wingbar Evo 127 (50 in)
Alt text: Image showcasing Thule 3040 Fit Kit, Thule 753 Rapid System Foot Pack, and Thule Wingbar Evo 127 components suggested as aftermarket alternatives for L663 Defender roof bars.
Opting for a Thule system provides the advantage of customizability, allowing you to position the cross bars at any point along the tracks, which can be beneficial for accommodating various load types and accessory requirements. Furthermore, Thule is a reputable brand known for its quality and durability in roof rack systems.
Conclusion: 700mm and Beyond for Your L663 Cross Bars
In summary, for the Land Rover L663 Defender with factory roof rails and official cross bars, the crucial measurement to remember is 700mm – the center-to-center distance between the fixed mounting points. While the official system offers a secure and designed fit, it is essential to verify this dimension aligns with your accessory requirements.
For those desiring greater flexibility and adjustable positioning, exploring aftermarket alternatives like the Thule component system can provide a tailored solution. Ultimately, understanding your needs and the specifications of your chosen cross bar system will ensure safe and effective cargo transportation with your L663 Defender.
