Rhino Rack opinions

[TogaLock77]

I have an ARE cap on my 2500. I want to run a platform rack on the cap and on the cab roof. I'm trying to decide if I should go with the Rhino Rack Backbone on the cab and the standard towers on the cap. Or go with standard towers on cab and cap. The Backbone is not available for the ARE cap. Thoughts? Anyone running a Pioneer platform by Rhino Rack?

 

[LateToTheParty]

On my 2015 1500 and my 2016 2500 I had a platform over the cab mounted to RR Vortex bars

https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/RRRS566B.html

With the snugtop topper I added to the 2016, I mounted another platform to RR Aero bars

https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/Y05-450.html

I just switched phones over the weekend so don't have much for pics, but did find one.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

OP I’m glad you posted that pic. I’m waiting on that’s same topper and yours looks great! Should be any day now for mine.

 

[SFAngus]

I'm interested in what you find out as well... I ordered the RSI Smart Cap with the Drop Rack on top, and I'm considering adding a platform rack to the cab of the truck as well. I'd love to see some different setups that people have been successful with.

This is the drop rack:

Drop Rack

The Drop Rack provides plenty of storage and ample tie-downs to secure your load. This innovative system has the ability to drop one side down—making it easier to load and unload your cargo.

www.na.rsismartcap.com

 

[TogaLock77]

That smart cap is nice. I wish I would have know about it when I ordered the ARE. Is it fiberglass or aluminum?
Due to cost, I will be going with the Rhino Rack for the cap first. It might be a while on the cab.

 

[SFAngus]

Powder coated steel.

 

[TogaLock77]

I'm extremely happy with the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform. I've seen a few platforms out there and they stand too high off the roof. The Rhino Rack keeps things nice and low with little space between the roof and the platform. The Backbone mount on the cab was stressful because it does require drilling into the roof and installing rivet nuts. I ended up with the Backbone on the cab and standard towers on the topper. The Backbone is available for the topper, but an order placed in June was tentatively expected in May 2022. I needed the rack so that wasn't an option. I figure I can add them in the future if I'm not happy with the standard towers.

 

[TogaLock77]

Next on the list a Llama Mama canoe rack.
Llama Racks

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

I wanted to put rhino crossbars on my are overland topper but now I kinda want that rack lol

 

[Metternacht]

I am considering doing this also, I assume access under the rack for cleaning is limited? Do the rubber trim on the roof just go away entirely? and what is the clearance like on the fin antenna? Also any performance degradation with the antenna?

Thanks,

-M

 

[TogaLock77]

I am considering doing this also, I assume access under the rack for cleaning is limited? Do the rubber trim on the roof just go away entirely? and what is the clearance like on the fin antenna? Also any performance degradation with the antenna?

Thanks,

-M

To install the Backbone you have to remove the rubber trim from the roof gutter. It's just there for looks. You could cut the rubber gutter trim and install it between the mounting points of the Backbone if you like. So far as cleaning, I have a telescoping pole with a sponge attachment that will work. The clearance from the shark fin is about 1/2 -1 inch I think.

 

[Metternacht]

Thank you. Much appreciated.