We’ve already proven Front Runner’s Slimline II on our Land Cruiser. Now, the same modular rack system moves to the OVR G63, transforming exterior cargo capacity and keeping expedition gear where it belongs—outside the cabin and ready for the trail.
When it came time to add exterior cargo capability to the OVR G63, the decision was straightforward. We’ve already logged real miles with a Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack on our OVR LC100, and it proved itself in daily use and on extended trips.
Rather than start from scratch with another brand, we went back to what already worked well for us.
This time, the platform is a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. The boxy roofline and vertical body panels of the G-Wagon almost demand a full-length rack.
For our application, we chose the G-Class-specific Slimline II full cargo rack along with the matching Front Runner G-Class Ladder.
There’s also a bit of history here. Front Runner’s journey traces back to a G-Wagon build known as the Front Runner Entdecker—a heavily outfitted expedition G that helped shape the company’s modular rack philosophy. With that in mind, fitting a Front Runner rack to our own G felt like carrying that lineage forward.
Installation: Straightforward and DIY-Friendly
Both the rack and ladder were installed in our own garage using basic hand tools. No specialty equipment, no fabrication, no guesswork. The rack mounts cleanly to the the truck’s roof rails, and the included hardware is clearly labeled and organized.
Fitment on the G63 was spot on. No trimming. No forcing panels into place. Everything lined up as intended.
The ladder installation was equally direct. It aligns with the rear door without interfering with operation, and once torqued down, it feels solid. There’s no flex or rattling, even after miles of washboard roads.
The ladder hangs on the G Wagon’s roof rails and can be mounted on the left or right side of the vehicle. In the United States, the G Wagon door swings to the left, so the ladder is installed on the right side. In some countries, the door swings to the right and there is also a split door version.
The bottom of the ladder can be secured by 3M double stick tape or screwed into the body of the G Wagon. See the sidebar below for our DIY experience on permanently attaching our ladder with screws.
Why the Roof Rack Matters on a G-Wagon
The G-Wagon has usable interior cargo space, but once you begin loading it for overland travel—recovery gear, camp equipment, camera cases, refrigeration, power solutions—it fills up quickly. Adding a full-length rack shifts bulky or exterior-ready gear outside the cabin.
Since the install, we’ve run Maxtrax traction boards and a Pelican hard case up top using Pelican’s roof rack mounts. The Slimline II’s slat system makes mounting straightforward, and the platform footprint provides flexibility for different loadouts.
On recent trips, we’ve also staged Starlink hardware on the rack when needed, keeping cables short and deployment simple.
Exterior mounting frees interior space for items that need to stay clean, secure, or temperature controlled. It also keeps dirty gear—like recovery boards—outside where it belongs.
On the Road
We’ve now taken the OVR G63 on several overland trips with the rack and ladder in place. Wind noise is minimal, especially considering the upright shape of the G. The rack hasn’t shifted, loosened, or required retightening.
The ladder has already proven its value. Accessing the roof is quick and controlled, which matters when you’re grabbing gear at the end of a long day or adjusting equipment in poor weather.
For us, the Slimline II isn’t just an accessory. It’s an important part of how the vehicle functions on a trip. It turns the G63 from a luxury SUV with limited cargo flexibility into a more capable expedition platform.
We trusted Front Runner once on our Land Cruiser. The experience carried over to the G63 without hesitation. Solid fit, modular flexibility, and a design that complements the G’s shape—exactly what we were looking for as the OVR G63 continues its evolution.
Installing the Front Runner G-Class Ladder
The Front Runner G-Class Ladder can be installed two ways: semi-permanently using a top mount that hooks to the G’s roof rail with the lower bracket secured by 3M double-sided tape, or permanently using jack nuts and button head screws.
We initially opted for the double-stick tape method. It worked at first, but after real-world use and exposure to the elements, the adhesive eventually let go.
With the OVR G63 seeing regular trail time, we decided a permanent install made more sense—even if it meant drilling into the body of our Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG.
Here’s how the permanent installation process went in our garage:
Drilling into the body of a G-Wagon isn’t a decision to take lightly. But once complete, the ladder feels secure and free of movement, even when climbing up repeatedly to access roof-mounted gear.
As always, follow Front Runner’s official instructions for complete installation details and torque specifications.
Read More About the OVR G63 Project Build by Clicking Here!
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