I'm considering crossing the continent during the summer, and since I will not have any need for the roof rails, I'm curious:

Is it possible to remove them completely, and sort of fill inn the "blanks" with rubber inserts, or do I have to replace the rubber bands on top of the roof with new ones?

Any ideas? Leopard tank drivers never stop at anything.

2007 TD4 HSE Moon Roof Ebony Leather Navi...

It's probably best to leave them on,I retro fitted a set of rails, it involved cutting holes in the plastic trim and discarding two plugs that screwed in at the front end,everything had to be sealed to be water tight,took a while as it was the first time following land rover picture instructions. Freelander 2 SE TD4 AUTO Sumatra Black.
Roof rails and bars,Chrome full mirror caps,Chrome vents,Stainless door handles,Chrome light surrounds,18"New 10 spoke HSE Alloys with Grabber ATs 255x55x18+ 25mm spacers,Almond leather interior,2011 front and rear upgrade,S/S Side Bars,Stainless exhaust system (twin pipes),Xenon retrofit with Hella self levelers,Bluefin ECU Remap,Tints,Removable towbar,etc,etc..EMPTY WALLET!!

You're problaby right petendroberts, took a look at the roof rails and concluded that they're not supposed to come off. And then on again. Not easily they won't....  Leopard tank drivers never stop at anything.

2007 TD4 HSE Moon Roof Ebony Leather Navi...