Just installed my backbone using this video and the paper instructions. The video is “spot on” just the right information delivered at just the right speed. Great job!
I installed mine a month back and it looks great! This video was very helpful during the installation process. Few words of advice to anyone installing these: - loosely fit frame and cut your insulation panel first so you don't have to go back at the end and unscrew everything to complete this step. - If you are in the USA and have difficulty finding butyl, you can use "Dap Roof waterproof asphalt sealant"... that is what i used and i haven't had any issues with leaking. I read a review that it doesn't hold up as well in extreme cold/heat, but i think that difference is only marginal. - After installation, wait 24-48 hours (or longer) for the butyl/asphalt sealant to dry before taking it out in the rain or to a car wash (better safe than sorry). - The first hole you drill into the roof (the rear most bolt) is extremely important to get correct. I accidentally drilled the first one at too steep of an angle and it is slightly off. It works fine, and you can't tell from a distance, but i would have liked it to be perfect. - Double check that you put the Rhino Rack multi tool on in the right direction when spacing the castings! I accidentally used the phillips head end instead of the flat head end and at one point, but luckily fixed it before i drilled. - If you are installing the 3 vortex cross bars instead of the platform (like me), there are no install instructions for those bars. It is kind of common sense but i would have liked some reassurance that i was doing it correctly since i am loading a tent on top of my car. The Quick Mount legs attach to the Castings with only one bolt in the center of the three holes rather than two bolts. This made me concerned that they might twist but so far that hasn't happened. Also, when you are snapping your bars into place i only used one of the track leg rubber grommets on the rear hole of each Quick mount leg since that all the package came with and the bolt went through the middle hole. If that makes sense... If not i can make a video on this if anyone has questions.
Also... When you purchase the 3 Vortex cross bar package (VORTEX RLT600 BLACK 3 BAR RHINO-RACK BACKBONE ROOF RACK JB0899), you are sent the Quick Mount Legs in two different packages. One package comes with 4 of the Quick Mount legs (RLT600) and another package with 2 of the Quick Mount Legs (RLT600H). They are the exact same item... but the only difference is that each package comes with a different set of keys!! Not a big deal but it is frustrating to have to remember which key goes to which one. My guess is they have to do this since they don't sell a 6pk of the Quick Mount Legs. I am going to call to see if i can swap out my 2pk to match the 4pk key, but it will have to wait until COVID-19 restrictions are over.
Hands down this is one of the best well done, well shot installation videos. Exactly why I chose the backbone system. They even include a shadow board and written instructions that are legible! Hopefully the pioneer platform comes back in stock soon.
Outstanding video. I wish more companies would spend the time and money putting together such an accurate, well designed, and extremely easy to follow, instructions. Kudos to Rhino-Rack!
At 7:05 I think you are giving bad advice. To remove the frame creates a butyl mess. There is no reason why you can't trim the insulation panel immediately at the first step, with the backbone frame set in with the hard top bolts fastened all the way into the frame of the jeep. Then the insulation is simply in place during the install. I spent a long time cleaning butyl and almost losing washers so that I could trim the insulation before everything set in place.
Hi Scott, Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment on the issues you faced whilst undertaking the installation of your Rhino-Rack Backbone. We realise that this may have caused some frustrations during installation of the insulation panels. As the panels are an optional extra we didn’t intend to spend a large amount of time featuring them as they were not directly pertinent to the fit and installation of our Rhino-Rack Backbone system. If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook page. Regards, The Rhino-Rack Team
Scott Custer I totally agree. When I installed the first side I did it the way this video suggested and I was very frustrated with losing washers and the butyl mess. I did the other way you suggested and it worked just fine cutting and installing those panels right away.
Loving the Backbone system. Is it still possible to remove the Hardtop after installation of the Backbone? As far as I see theres only two screws fixed to the rollcage?
Hi there, The instructions show which bolts need to be removed in order to remove the complete hard top. Four on each rear and then the two in the front through the roll cage. But the backbone structure will remain in place on the fibreglass canopy. Thanks!
Great video! very detailed and easy to follow. i did have two questions. 1. Do you need the Butyl to dry before assembling? 2. How do you re-seal the insulation, do you sew it or can you seal it with a lighter? thank you.
Hi there, To answer your questions: 1. No, you should not wait for Butyl to dry before assembling. Butyl will provide optimum seal between components when it is wet (freshly applied). If left and it begins to form a skin before assembly, it wont fill all the gaps between the components as well, or attach to the surfaces of the components as well to create a good seal. 2. The trim can be re-sealed with a lighter. Thanks!
Possibly silly question... Is the Butyl Mastic to seal the fibreglass shell or to seal the bracket to the fibreglass? In other words, Do I Wait for it to set before placing the bracket or do I place the bracket immediately so that is forms a full seal? I am assuming the latter, which makes more sense. But thought I would ask regardless...
Anyone have any recommendations on how to install the Backbone system without the CA 1957 Spacer Multitool? I see the two sides are 6.5 mm and 11 mm, do you think i can achieve installation with some lathe bar stock? I misplaced mine and cannot find it anywhere.
Can the butyl be used for the backbone system for a Wrangler JK? I know there is foam padding in the JK kits, but I was curious if the butyl could also be used to provide additional sealing. Thanks!
Hi there, sorry we missed your comment. We can see your other reply, glad to hear you are happy with the Backbone fit and this video was helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have any further questions please let us know. Thanks!
Just installed my backbone using this video and the paper instructions. The video is “spot on” just the right information delivered at just the right speed. Great job!
I installed mine a month back and it looks great! This video was very helpful during the installation process.
Few words of advice to anyone installing these:
- loosely fit frame and cut your insulation panel first so you don't have to go back at the end and unscrew everything to complete this step.
- If you are in the USA and have difficulty finding butyl, you can use "Dap Roof waterproof asphalt sealant"... that is what i used and i haven't had any issues with leaking. I read a review that it doesn't hold up as well in extreme cold/heat, but i think that difference is only marginal.
- After installation, wait 24-48 hours (or longer) for the butyl/asphalt sealant to dry before taking it out in the rain or to a car wash (better safe than sorry).
- The first hole you drill into the roof (the rear most bolt) is extremely important to get correct. I accidentally drilled the first one at too steep of an angle and it is slightly off. It works fine, and you can't tell from a distance, but i would have liked it to be perfect.
- Double check that you put the Rhino Rack multi tool on in the right direction when spacing the castings! I accidentally used the phillips head end instead of the flat head end and at one point, but luckily fixed it before i drilled.
- If you are installing the 3 vortex cross bars instead of the platform (like me), there are no install instructions for those bars. It is kind of common sense but i would have liked some reassurance that i was doing it correctly since i am loading a tent on top of my car. The Quick Mount legs attach to the Castings with only one bolt in the center of the three holes rather than two bolts. This made me concerned that they might twist but so far that hasn't happened. Also, when you are snapping your bars into place i only used one of the track leg rubber grommets on the rear hole of each Quick mount leg since that all the package came with and the bolt went through the middle hole. If that makes sense... If not i can make a video on this if anyone has questions.
Also... When you purchase the 3 Vortex cross bar package (VORTEX RLT600 BLACK 3 BAR RHINO-RACK BACKBONE ROOF RACK JB0899), you are sent the Quick Mount Legs in two different packages. One package comes with 4 of the Quick Mount legs (RLT600) and another package with 2 of the Quick Mount Legs (RLT600H). They are the exact same item... but the only difference is that each package comes with a different set of keys!! Not a big deal but it is frustrating to have to remember which key goes to which one. My guess is they have to do this since they don't sell a 6pk of the Quick Mount Legs. I am going to call to see if i can swap out my 2pk to match the 4pk key, but it will have to wait until COVID-19 restrictions are over.
This was a fun project. Doing this bymyself no help made it a little bit more complicated lol. The instructions are ON POINT!
Hands down this is one of the best well done, well shot installation videos. Exactly why I chose the backbone system. They even include a shadow board and written instructions that are legible! Hopefully the pioneer platform comes back in stock soon.
Outstanding video. I wish more companies would spend the time and money putting together such an accurate, well designed, and extremely easy to follow, instructions. Kudos to Rhino-Rack!
Thanks for taking the time to leave this great feedback! We are so glad to hear 🙌
It Gives The Back Side Structural Foundation A Strong Support With That Inside Frame Mounted On The Windows .
Installed my RJLB1 Backbone System and Pioneer Rack a couple months ago. Loving it thus far! Made a video for the install, too.
At 7:05 I think you are giving bad advice. To remove the frame creates a butyl mess. There is no reason why you can't trim the insulation panel immediately at the first step, with the backbone frame set in with the hard top bolts fastened all the way into the frame of the jeep. Then the insulation is simply in place during the install. I spent a long time cleaning butyl and almost losing washers so that I could trim the insulation before everything set in place.
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment on the issues you faced whilst undertaking the installation of your Rhino-Rack Backbone. We realise that this may have caused some frustrations during installation of the insulation panels. As the panels are an optional extra we didn’t intend to spend a large amount of time featuring them as they were not directly pertinent to the fit and installation of our Rhino-Rack Backbone system.
If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook page.
Regards,
The Rhino-Rack Team
Scott Custer I totally agree. When I installed the first side I did it the way this video suggested and I was very frustrated with losing washers and the butyl mess. I did the other way you suggested and it worked just fine cutting and installing those panels right away.
Looking forward to our first installs, we have three scheduled and we'll share the results on our RUclips page.
Nice looking product
We should be getting our hands on them tomorrow in Canada! Can't wait to do our first install
Great video...really helped make the installation go smooth...
Great to hear! 👍
That is a great instructional video. best I have seen actually. great ending lol🤣
Ordering it tight now .
Order mine today
@@rickatseanes789 what kind of sealer is it?
@@rickatseanes789 I ordered mine from Qudrotec they said it will ship beginning of August
Not sure what you mean ? What kind of sealer
@@rickatseanes789 Butyl Mastic caulk sealant i mean
Cant Wait!
Will you have a dual Kayak mount?
Loving the Backbone system. Is it still possible to remove the Hardtop after installation of the Backbone? As far as I see theres only two screws fixed to the rollcage?
Hi there, The instructions show which bolts need to be removed in order to remove the complete hard top. Four on each rear and then the two in the front through the roll cage.
But the backbone structure will remain in place on the fibreglass canopy.
Thanks!
Great video! very detailed and easy to follow. i did have two questions.
1. Do you need the Butyl to dry before assembling?
2. How do you re-seal the insulation, do you sew it or can you seal it with a lighter?
thank you.
Hi there,
To answer your questions:
1. No, you should not wait for Butyl to dry before assembling. Butyl will provide optimum seal between components when it is wet (freshly applied). If left and it begins to form a skin before assembly, it wont fill all the gaps between the components as well, or attach to the surfaces of the components as well to create a good seal.
2. The trim can be re-sealed with a lighter.
Thanks!
Any chance for 2 door JL?
How hard is it to take on and off if I want to ride topless?
Great instructional video! I’m excited to get mine soon. Where is the best place in Canada to purchase ?
You can find your local dealer here - www.rhinorack.ca/en-ca/store-locations/local
We should be receiving these kits tomorrow. Look out for a product page from us in the coming days!
Possibly silly question... Is the Butyl Mastic to seal the fibreglass shell or to seal the bracket to the fibreglass? In other words, Do I Wait for it to set before placing the bracket or do I place the bracket immediately so that is forms a full seal? I am assuming the latter, which makes more sense. But thought I would ask regardless...
Right away. Immediately.
Anyone have any recommendations on how to install the Backbone system without the CA 1957 Spacer Multitool? I see the two sides are 6.5 mm and 11 mm, do you think i can achieve installation with some lathe bar stock? I misplaced mine and cannot find it anywhere.
can this work on the freedom top?
is there an alternative to butyl mastic ?
live in canada cant seem to find the exact one you guys are using
Hi Andy, you can use something like this product www.grainger.com/product/3DPU3 it will also work, or silicone caulking. Thanks!
Can the butyl be used for the backbone system for a Wrangler JK? I know there is foam padding in the JK kits, but I was curious if the butyl could also be used to provide additional sealing.
Thanks!
Hi there, that would be fine to do. Thanks!
I live in the U.S. and cant find butyl mastic. What is the U.S. equivalent? Thanks
Hi Robert, you can use something like this product www.grainger.com/product/3DPU3 it will also work, or silicone caulking. Thanks!
Does the kit come with the drill bits?
Instead of butyl, can I use Dap Roof waterproof asphalt sealant? Only because im having difficulty finding any Butyl online or in my area.
Hi there, sorry we missed your comment. We can see your other reply, glad to hear you are happy with the Backbone fit and this video was helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have any further questions please let us know. Thanks!
How long could this take maximum? Thanks
It arrived :))) heck ya
Avete rivenditori in Italia?
Ciao, visita www.rhinorack.com/en-au/distributors per i dettagli. Grazie