HUGE thank you for posting this. I installed mine and your video was my guide. I used the instructions but had a lot of questions and seeing you do this and your walkthrough was SUPER helpful. I do think one item I found is that by installing the rubber feet on the backbone plates first, did cause some issues with the placement and fit. Going back the instructions say to do it after you mark and drill your holes, which I think would be better in hindsight but it wasnt that big of an issue. Big thanks.
Great video! I purchased the RJKB2 backbone system for my 2008 2-door Rubicon. After reading the instructions I was confused about installation and thought I was shipped the wrong parts. I went to RUclips and found your video which explained what I was missing from the instructions. Instructions were for an installation on a different vehicle, not using the backbone hardware. The instructions showed using two bolts to attach the leg base where only one is used to attach to each bracket. (Only 4 bolts holding down the two vortex crossbars seems a week point in the design.) You showing a hole in the end of the Allen wrench which is required for the unique bolt head was another thing that the instructions missed. With it still snowing today, I am waiting for a better day to do the installation. With your instructional video I will have not problems now.
Getting ready to do this tomorrow. Great video. Answered some questions from the instructions and the walk through will make my installation go a lot smoother. Awesome job!
I didn't buy a rhino rack kit, I pieced mine together from amazon. I was wondering what the spacers were for and where they go. You bailed me out again thank you. Im still waiting on the pioneer top, now I know if it doesnt look right I need to get the spacer. Totally worth the sub.
Installing my kit now. My supplied paper template true dimensions were off by 5.8mm so anyone also doing the kit, make sure to measure your template before drilling. And if you don't have a ruler or measuring tape, just double check the paper template against the metal parts.
Duuuuude, good to see you back on the air! Great job and I just listed my awesome GOBI Stealth and will be installing this one, so another great vid. Thank you!
@@RubiconUnlimited Have you loaded up an RTT onto the 3-crossbar set up yet?? I'm asking cuz' I'm told by my supplier the bars are not strong enough to handle average 150lb RTT weight, plus 2 ppl + gear...but I'm a bit confused cuz' I thought these were rated at 265lbs dynamic and 750lbs STATIC. Thoughts??
Excellent overview and installation video for this rack! You have inspired me to purchase and install the same one on my Rubicon. I also appreciate your comment on switching to the fixed mounts rather than the Quick Release version you started with, as I was undecided between the two until now. Do you have to loosen the rails and move them to get to the bolt that attaches to the BackBone plate, or can you easily access the screws with the rails in the installed position?
So glad to hear that and happy you caught my new comment about switching to the fixed mounts. I'm not quite sure what bolt you're referring to, but all are accessible once unlocked
@@RubiconUnlimited I am referring to the bolts that attach the rails via the fixed mounts to the BackBone Plates. In another installation video, I watched the person tighten these bolts to the plates, then adjust the rails to the position they wanted, then tightened those bolts. This led me to think that if I went with the fixed mount, I would have to do both these steps in reverse order each time I wanted to remove the rails so I could park in my garage.
@@RubiconUnlimited Hi there. I'm late to this party but maybe you will still see this. Where is the comment about the fixed mounts? I just installed this same setup. Backbone is in but I haven't started attaching the quick release legs yet.
The quick release mounts are nice, but after sustained use of a rooftop tent and it's weight, the quick release mechanism seized. I could not remove them which prevented me from accessing the bolt below. I ended up going with the standard legs, which are just as easy to remove, lower profile, and more reliable. If you don't plan to put too much weight on the rack you should be okay
@@RubiconUnlimited Thanks for the response. I'm planning on putting on a tent. I'll send the quick release back and get the standard legs. I also don't think they sent me the right hardware to attach the quick release legs to the backbone. The bolts start to grip but won't hand tighten at all. I guess I could just start cranking down with the allen wrench but that doesn't seem right. Did you have any issues like that? (They didn't send me a separate JK bolt kit like I see they do with the standard legs.)
Hi, Since you had a thule, Did you put a RTT on it? And do you know how much lbs it can hold static? We are planning to get this rhino rack but we already have the thule installed and we plan to one night camping with it. Since the rhino rack we ordered will come at a later date.
Thanks for the video, may i know do we really need to take off the hard top in order to install the backbone system? Can i do it without taking off the hard top? Thanks.
Awesome video! Do you know if these could be used with a hard top hoist to lift the top off in your garage? It should be well below the static load limit, but it would be tension rather than compression.
Great vid. I was thinking of getting one of these. When you remove the crossbars (and legs) using the quick disconnect, how tall do those "feet" stick up off of the roof? I have 37s and have limited space to fit in my garage.
Just called Rhino rack and they said they dont reccomend you add the Rlt600 for jeep wrangler as they have not done testing on those and to go with fixed. Insurance will not cover it.
The fixed is a great option and actually cuts down the height of everything by an inch. I recently swapped to that to simplify things. With the fixed version it's just as simple to remove the rack if needed - one bolt per foot.
@@RubiconUnlimited im sorry rhino makes good products including all their racks but they have lost their minds on pricing. nowadays they will not give any kind of static numbers for ANY vehicle. dynamic they will give, not static. im leaning toward the exact same setup as you have on this video. do you have any words of wisdom for me? why did you switch to the fixed? i was told the fixed was for toyota highlanders and the sort of suv's. i just bought a new tent and need a rack pronto!! but these prices are breaking the bank.
The system was great, but the quick release system is not designed for the amount of weight that a rooftop tent + occupants put on it. ultimately the quick release failed which prevented me from releasing it at all, not good. The fixed mounts are much lower profile (maybe about an inch shorter) plus they are just as quick to remove (1 bolt per foot). so if you dont mind using one wrench to remove the rack, just go with the fixed system, its way sturdier.
Would this interfere with my hot head liners I just ordered this rack set up! Also where did you get your step bit I saw yours 18mm was the biggest size so you couldn’t over drill mine goes up to 20mm
Should work fine with the liners, but you might want to install them first, or temporarily remove the brackets. I got my bits from princess auto, here in Canada
@@RubiconUnlimited thanks man for the reply! I already have the liners installed they came with my hard top the piece I’m worried about interfering is the flat inside brackets the ones that surround the cargo windows appear to be fine
Awesome video, I just orders one and great to see the install process. What rooftop tents are you thinking of? I’ve been researching them but haven’t come to a decision yet. Tough stuff Alpha and roofnest condor have caught my eye.
Just updated that information with new amazon links, some of the parts you will have to source separately. I did include links to the Rhino Rack site so that you can cross reference to a local or preferred retailer! Enjoy
Rhino Rack should link to your video for install tutorial! This is waay better than their own video.
Thank you for the clarity.
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words!
HUGE thank you for posting this. I installed mine and your video was my guide. I used the instructions but had a lot of questions and seeing you do this and your walkthrough was SUPER helpful. I do think one item I found is that by installing the rubber feet on the backbone plates first, did cause some issues with the placement and fit. Going back the instructions say to do it after you mark and drill your holes, which I think would be better in hindsight but it wasnt that big of an issue. Big thanks.
Oh man, so glad to hear it. This is why I do these videos, happy to have helped! Enjoy your new mod
Pro tip for installing rubber into crossbrace. Dawn dishwashing liquid. Then wash off when done.
Makes sense! Great tip, thanks for sharing
Great video! I purchased the RJKB2 backbone system for my 2008 2-door Rubicon. After reading the instructions I was confused about installation and thought I was shipped the wrong parts. I went to RUclips and found your video which explained what I was missing from the instructions. Instructions were for an installation on a different vehicle, not using the backbone hardware. The instructions showed using two bolts to attach the leg base where only one is used to attach to each bracket. (Only 4 bolts holding down the two vortex crossbars seems a week point in the design.) You showing a hole in the end of the Allen wrench which is required for the unique bolt head was another thing that the instructions missed. With it still snowing today, I am waiting for a better day to do the installation. With your instructional video I will have not problems now.
Oh man that's a shame you were sent the wrong instructions! Happy to help sort that out for you. Hope that weather clears up soon for you
Getting ready to do this tomorrow. Great video. Answered some questions from the instructions and the walk through will make my installation go a lot smoother. Awesome job!
Right on! It's a fun install, glad to have helped. Subscribe if you can, thanks!
I didn't buy a rhino rack kit, I pieced mine together from amazon. I was wondering what the spacers were for and where they go. You bailed me out again thank you. Im still waiting on the pioneer top, now I know if it doesnt look right I need to get the spacer. Totally worth the sub.
You got it! Glad you were able to sort that out using my video. You're going to love that rack system 👌
Installing my kit now. My supplied paper template true dimensions were off by 5.8mm so anyone also doing the kit, make sure to measure your template before drilling. And if you don't have a ruler or measuring tape, just double check the paper template against the metal parts.
Great PSA, you definitely always want to measure twice and make sure things are right
Duuuuude, good to see you back on the air! Great job and I just listed my awesome GOBI Stealth and will be installing this one, so another great vid. Thank you!
The GOBI is nice, but this is also a solid choice depending on what your needs are. Thanks for watching and enjoy!
@@RubiconUnlimited Have you loaded up an RTT onto the 3-crossbar set up yet?? I'm asking cuz' I'm told by my supplier the bars are not strong enough to handle average 150lb RTT weight, plus 2 ppl + gear...but I'm a bit confused cuz' I thought these were rated at 265lbs dynamic and 750lbs STATIC. Thoughts??
Hoping to have it loaded up in a week or so. Haven't heard anything about them not being strong enough
Excellent overview and installation video for this rack! You have inspired me to purchase and install the same one on my Rubicon. I also appreciate your comment on switching to the fixed mounts rather than the Quick Release version you started with, as I was undecided between the two until now. Do you have to loosen the rails and move them to get to the bolt that attaches to the BackBone plate, or can you easily access the screws with the rails in the installed position?
So glad to hear that and happy you caught my new comment about switching to the fixed mounts. I'm not quite sure what bolt you're referring to, but all are accessible once unlocked
@@RubiconUnlimited I am referring to the bolts that attach the rails via the fixed mounts to the BackBone Plates. In another installation video, I watched the person tighten these bolts to the plates, then adjust the rails to the position they wanted, then tightened those bolts. This led me to think that if I went with the fixed mount, I would have to do both these steps in reverse order each time I wanted to remove the rails so I could park in my garage.
@@RubiconUnlimited Hi there. I'm late to this party but maybe you will still see this. Where is the comment about the fixed mounts? I just installed this same setup. Backbone is in but I haven't started attaching the quick release legs yet.
The quick release mounts are nice, but after sustained use of a rooftop tent and it's weight, the quick release mechanism seized. I could not remove them which prevented me from accessing the bolt below. I ended up going with the standard legs, which are just as easy to remove, lower profile, and more reliable. If you don't plan to put too much weight on the rack you should be okay
@@RubiconUnlimited Thanks for the response. I'm planning on putting on a tent. I'll send the quick release back and get the standard legs. I also don't think they sent me the right hardware to attach the quick release legs to the backbone. The bolts start to grip but won't hand tighten at all. I guess I could just start cranking down with the allen wrench but that doesn't seem right. Did you have any issues like that? (They didn't send me a separate JK bolt kit like I see they do with the standard legs.)
It'd be cool to hear how this has held up for you, I'm considering a rtt with this same rack on my 23 4xe jlu
Hi, Since you had a thule, Did you put a RTT on it? And do you know how much lbs it can hold static? We are planning to get this rhino rack but we already have the thule installed and we plan to one night camping with it. Since the rhino rack we ordered will come at a later date.
Nice use of chapters!
Kinda want to go back and add them to my other videos!
@@RubiconUnlimited same
Thanks for the video, may i know do we really need to take off the hard top in order to install the backbone system? Can i do it without taking off the hard top? Thanks.
You'll want to take it off to avoid drilling into your rollbar. Plus you'll have more room to maneuver the brackets into place.
Thanks for the video. Link is dead, do you have a part number that I can search?
Awesome video! Do you know if these could be used with a hard top hoist to lift the top off in your garage? It should be well below the static load limit, but it would be tension rather than compression.
That's a good question, I'd think it would be fine.. but might be worth reaching out to rhino rack for a clear answer
now that some years have passed have you had any issues with the backbone rack and roof top tent attached?
Don't go with the quick release legs as they will seize on you. The regular legs are strong and only take one bolt to remove. Go that route
Great vid. I was thinking of getting one of these. When you remove the crossbars (and legs) using the quick disconnect, how tall do those "feet" stick up off of the roof? I have 37s and have limited space to fit in my garage.
Nicely done!
Thank you!
Greta video! Giving me the confidence to install This on my jk!
You can do it, I believe in you!
Would you have a link to buy this roof rack it’s awesome
Yeah! here you go - amzn.to/32bmw0J
That takes me to a silver one I’m looking for the black one for my wife’s wrangler jl 2020
And thanks very much
amzn.to/2OJZcCM looks like it might not be in stock at the moment
Just called Rhino rack and they said they dont reccomend you add the Rlt600 for jeep wrangler as they have not done testing on those and to go with fixed. Insurance will not cover it.
The fixed is a great option and actually cuts down the height of everything by an inch. I recently swapped to that to simplify things. With the fixed version it's just as simple to remove the rack if needed - one bolt per foot.
@Rubicon Unlimited
I was looking for an electric wrench to see if I can make the removal of bolts quicker but no luck. Do you just use a m6 wrench ?
@@urgeon2 i actually have a tiny ratchet bit set that works here. I linked one in my latest PCV valve video if you're interested
@@RubiconUnlimited im sorry rhino makes good products including all their racks but they have lost their minds on pricing. nowadays they will not give any kind of static numbers for ANY vehicle. dynamic they will give, not static. im leaning toward the exact same setup as you have on this video. do you have any words of wisdom for me? why did you switch to the fixed? i was told the fixed was for toyota highlanders and the sort of suv's. i just bought a new tent and need a rack pronto!! but these prices are breaking the bank.
The system was great, but the quick release system is not designed for the amount of weight that a rooftop tent + occupants put on it. ultimately the quick release failed which prevented me from releasing it at all, not good. The fixed mounts are much lower profile (maybe about an inch shorter) plus they are just as quick to remove (1 bolt per foot). so if you dont mind using one wrench to remove the rack, just go with the fixed system, its way sturdier.
Excellent video.
Thanks for watching!
Would this interfere with my hot head liners I just ordered this rack set up! Also where did you get your step bit I saw yours 18mm was the biggest size so you couldn’t over drill mine goes up to 20mm
Should work fine with the liners, but you might want to install them first, or temporarily remove the brackets. I got my bits from princess auto, here in Canada
@@RubiconUnlimited thanks man for the reply! I already have the liners installed they came with my hard top the piece I’m worried about interfering is the flat inside brackets the ones that surround the cargo windows appear to be fine
@@B0bbyh should be good to go! Enjoy the rack, its a good one!
So how long did that actually take? You did make it look much easier than I expected! I suppose it would be about the same on my JL.
Id say Roughly 4/5 hours, taking your time
Whoa, good to know, thanks!
Where'd you get the shirt?
Oh wow good question! I bought this Many years ago from a favorite artist of mine - Richard Minino aka horsebites. Not sure if it's still available
Great video! Well done but for the two beers. I too love beer but not in an instructional video...
Beverages of choice, take your pick! Thanks for watching
Awesome video, I just orders one and great to see the install process. What rooftop tents are you thinking of? I’ve been researching them but haven’t come to a decision yet. Tough stuff Alpha and roofnest condor have caught my eye.
Most likely the tepui hybox! Make sure to subscribe to find out!
@@RubiconUnlimited Yup I’m subscribed and looking forward to seeing 👍🏼
Sweet! Enjoy the install, you're going to love it when its set up
Your link is dead!
Just updated that information with new amazon links, some of the parts you will have to source separately. I did include links to the Rhino Rack site so that you can cross reference to a local or preferred retailer! Enjoy