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Front Runner Slimline II Contour 90 Review (Defender 90)

Front Runner Slimline II Contour roof rack mounted on a white Land Rover Defender 90

Front Runner Slimline II Contour 90 — Honest Review

Hands-on look at the Front Runner Slimline II Contour Roof Rack Kit (Defender 90)—a full-size, modular rack that mounts to the factory rails, adds a wind deflector, and unlocks Front Runner’s huge ecosystem of T-slot accessories. Below we cover real-world noise, load-carry, install notes, and whether it’s the right rack for your build.

Bottom line: A tough, ultra-modular rack that bolts to factory rails—ideal for RTTs, maxtrax, cases, and solar.

Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Slimline II Contour 90 is one of the most versatile racks you can run on a Defender 90. It’s quiet with the included wind deflector, strong enough for serious gear, and the T-slots make mounting a breeze. It’s not the cheapest option and adds roof height, but for expedition builds it’s a smart, future-proof base.

What we loved
  • Off-road ready: aluminum construction with stout side rails and proven hardware.
  • Modular T-slot slats: mount cases, traction boards, awnings, lights, and RTTs without drilling.
  • Factory-rail install: bolts to OE rails—no drilling; includes a wind deflector.
  • Ecosystem: huge accessory catalog (bike, kayak, table-under-rack, etc.).
Could be better
  • Adds noticeable height/weight up high—measure garage clearance and mind CG on trails.
  • Best value comes when you also buy accessories—budget accordingly.

In the field

Noise & MPG

The included wind deflector helps a lot. Expect mild whoosh above highway speeds when unloaded; crosswinds or big cases can increase it. Keep heavy items low and rear-biased to reduce buffeting.

Load-carry & accessories

The slats have full-length T-slots for M8 hardware—mounting a tent, MaxTrax, cases, or a 100–160W panel is quick. Always respect both vehicle roof ratings and rack limits; dynamic vs. static loads differ.

Install notes

Kit includes the Slimline II tray, wind deflector, and four vehicle-specific contour rails. It bolts to the Defender’s factory rails and leaves access for the under-rack table opening on the passenger side. Typical tray length is ~1358 mm / 53.5".

Photos

Front Runner Slimline II rack close-up showing T-slot slats
T-slots = easy, tool-friendly mounting anywhere on the slats.
Corner detail of Slimline II tray with Front Runner logo
Strong aluminum tray with rounded leading corners.
Defender 90 with Slimline II Contour 90 kit installed
Low-profile look on the 90—factory-rail mount.
Lifestyle: Defender in the forest carrying RTT and cases on Slimline II
Built for real loads: RTT + cases + boards.
Slimline II underside and rail brackets
Contour rails and underside—note table opening access.
Side view of rack sitting on contour rails above roof
Follows the roofline; keeps overall height reasonable.
Ready to build your roof system? Buy the Slimline II Contour 90 →

Features & Specs

Highlights
  • Full-size tray with wind deflector and 4 vehicle-specific contour rails.
  • Bolts to factory rails; no drilling.
  • Openings in rails allow access to the under-rack table location.
  • Huge accessory ecosystem; highly modular design.
Core specs
  • Vehicle: Land Rover Defender 90 (L663)
  • Tray length: ~1358 mm / 53.5"
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Mounting: Factory rails (U-bolt/fastener hardware included)
  • Included: Slimline II tray, wind deflector, contour rails, hardware
  • Warranty: 2 years (manufacturer)
Fitment notes
  • This kit is for the Defender 90. The 110/130 use different kits.
  • Verify vehicle roof load limits (dynamic & static) before mounting tents/gear.
  • Measure garage clearance—racks and cases add height.

Who it’s for

Great fit
  • Defender 90 owners planning RTTs, awnings, boards, and expedition cases.
  • Builders who want modularity and clean installs with OE rails.
  • Overlanders who value accessory support and future upgrades.
Maybe not for
  • Drivers prioritizing the absolute quietest highway setup with no roof gear.
  • Ultra-low garages—confirm door height and vehicle lift/tires.

Install tips

  • Lay out the tray and rails on soft ground; loosely assemble, then square and torque.
  • Center the rack front-to-rear to clear tailgate and antenna accessories.
  • Add blue thread locker to hardware after final alignment; re-torque after first trip.
Ready to roll? Grab the kit and start mounting your gear.
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases—this never affects our editorial verdict.

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Hi, I’m Colin Tandy, owner of Overland Gear Guide. I started this blog to help everyday drivers build safer, smarter, more capable rigs without wasting money on gear that doesn’t earn its keep.
Here you’ll find field-tested reviews, no-fluff how-tos, and trail-ready checklists covering recovery equipment, camp systems, tires, comms, and route planning. My approach is simple: real use on real trails, clear pros/cons, and practical recommendations—often with budget, mid, and pro-tier options—so you can kit out with confidence. Safety comes first here: proper anchor points, rated hardware, and smart decision-making are baked into every guide. I’m building a community of overlanders who value reliability over hype, so jump into the comments, tell me what you’re running, and suggest the next piece of kit to test. Some posts include affiliate links that help fund hands-on reviews at no extra cost to you. Thanks for being here—and welcome to the Guide.

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