Long Term Roof Rack Review
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- I've had this Rhino Rack Backbone with Pioneer Platform roof rack installed on my Jeep for over 2 years now. I've put it through some serious abuse on our adventures by mounting a roof top tent on top and wheeling some hard trails. In this video I'm going to share with you some general information about roof racks and then I'll tell you how well this roof rack has held up and if I'd buy it again.
Rhino Rack install video: • Jeep Roof Rack Install...
Rhino Rack Backbone System: amzn.to/2QnIUxB
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Me and my wife definitely get dynamic in our roof top tent.
This answered a couple of questions I asked in your initial install of the Rhino Rack and the Smittybuilt Overland Tent and one year review, so glad you are always doing follow up reviews on things you installed several years back. The "yes I would buy it again says a lot. Thanks for the feed back on the Rhino Rack and the rooftop tent you mounted on it. Your videos are really making it much easier for me to make decisions on different accessories for the Jeep! Thanks again for the informative videos!
Great review! I’ve been following your builds for years are I think you’ve finally convinced me to spring for the pioneer rack. Thanks for always putting out great content.
Brad, thank you so much for taking the time to post these videos. You’re install video of the Rhino Rack was the encouragement I needed to install one on my 2020 JLU Rubicon. I could hear voice in my head when I drilled my first hole!
Thanks for motivating me to take on projects that make my Jeep mine!
Thank you and great to hear the video was helpful with your install.
Great review Brad. I had the backbone on my JK with three Load bars. The backbone was great and held up nicely. Thanks for posting.
Man I love this comprehensive review of this roof rack system.
I have been building my JK rig for 3 years and finally have everything dialed in, with the last purchase being roof rack system and tent.
I've been watching this system for years now, with hopes of finding a long term review. So glad you've provided one.
Thank you and keep it up shipmate!
Glad it was helpful, thank you!
@@TrailRecon I would have to agree with your comment regarding swapping the 3 bar system with the Pioneer platform. My platform was a PITA to reach under and made connecting things with bolts under them really tough. The "heavy duty" 3 bar system is much nicer, but you must get the wind fairing for noise.
Thanks for the review! I had a Gobi stealth and replaced it with the Backbone bases and a custom 80/20 aluminum solar panel rack - much lower and much much lighter. Love the Backbone base system! I agree with your criticism of the small bolts - locktited mine as well.
I’m glad you posted this and answered some questions I sent. Good point about the locktite to remember.
Hey Brad. Congrats on the success of your channel. You really do a great job explaining the good and bad of a product. Keep up the good work.
Great Review Brad, I’ve had this rack for about four years now... it was a little over my budget, but i went for it no regrets. I had a rooftop tent on there and agree what a pain to bolt it down... Tent is gone now i decided to put that on a trailer. It now holds my 100watt solar panel, lights, shovel, Rhino Rack Dry Bag (for bulky coats, chairs, firewood, stuff to keep dry) and my Max Tracks. I never had the bolts coming loose issue but i did use Locktite when i installed the Platform. I highly recommend this Rack.
Your videos on your Rhino Rack were helpful in choosing to install the RR Poineer on my Ram PW. Thank you. Hauls my canoe very well.
Great video as always Brad, Thanks for all you do!
Great video! Super informative on a topic that baffled me. Thanks!
Yup.....thanks Brad, I run the 3 rhino bars on my JK and I checked them this morning. All 6 hex screws were lose I got at least half a turn on all of them as well as the bolts holding the bars onto the mounts....well done.
Thanks Master Chief. While researching roof racks I was surprised how few would only list one weight and not state which weight it was. I was also surprised by the ones who did only had a 500 lbs static weight limit. Needless to say this Rhino Rack was at the top of my list but with several questions. Between your install video and this video you answered almost all my questions. Also, thank you for taking time to answer questions in the comments. I kept reading and found your answers to others that answered my remaining questions. So a big Thank You.
What is the Pioneer platform rated as? I cant find the info.
great review - thank you. This helps with my decision regarding crossbar vs platform system. I'm ordering the crossbar kit.
Great review. I bought and installed the exact same system because of your original video. I love mine. I honestly haven't noticed much increase in wind noise. And, Like you, I thought the 1 small screw per mounting point was a little underkill, but i haven't had any issues after a year of use, so I can't actually complain about it. thanks for the work you put into your videos!
Wow, that was a very comprehensive review. You made a VERY good point about static versus dynamic weight. Having an aeronautical background, we talk about it all the time, but in the Jeep world, it may not be considered that often.
With that being said, the rack is impressive, but I think Marco's Gobi setup would better suit my plans and be more futureproof for me.
This review is Trail Adventures Approved. Brad, you always do great reviews on products you use. Great stuff keep it coming,
Great review Brad! I’ve been thinking about one for a RTT on Lucy my 2dr and really appreciate the feedback about the rails vs. the platform. Also good to know that there’s no leakage!
We eliminate a lot of roof rack noise by coiling a cord around the leading bar of the rack. It's worked on every style of rack that made noise. One rack we had, the manufacturer welded a wire coiled around the leading bar. Rack noise has a lot to do with position on the vehicle, but coiling something around the bar that hits the wind has worked for us every time.
A lot of good information here and your right you get what you pay for. This is going to help me in a few months 👍👍
I like the hood decal!
Awesome long term review on the roof rack! Looking forward to seeing what you have in the future planned for the top of your Jeep!
Zip ties for the WIN! Nice review, Brad!
When Gobi said it would be 16 weeks I nearly choked and thought seriously about the Rhino. Instead I waited and think it was worth it, the Gobi really meets my needs.
As a side note, watching your awesome videos on a full sized video monitor is SO AWESOME. It's like watching an adventure movie every time.
Great review Brad, I’ll be putting a rack for a tent on early this year and have been back and forth on the Rhino Rack or Gobi, really like the profile of the Rhino rack. Good to know that you buy one again if you were looking for one.
I bought the Rhino platform after I saw your original video. We've now gotten a RoofNest hard shell and I have to see if I can figure out how to get that mounted on the Rhino. Maybe I'll be drilling. Thanks for that bit of information.
Great review as always. Zip ties? I love it you just enforced your "real" credentials. Your channel is on the top of my subscription list, always love your stuff.
Always great info...Thanks my man! 👍🍻
Love the Zip Ties!! I always carry a few with me out on the trails.
The Black Zip Ties will last longer in the sun, the pigment in the ties block the ultraviolet rays more that non pigmented ties.
Thanks to you I bought the same one for my Rubicon and love it.
Awesome, it's a great roof rack!
I've been binging your videos all day, I love them.
Right on!
Same man, great content!
I'm glad I found this video. Very helpful. I wanted a roof rack with crossbars, like you mention, for my JK. I am mainly looking to add an awning for when we go to the beach, concert tailgating, etc. Rhino Rack also make a system that you install rails and then the crossbars. It is a little more discreet but of course it has a much lower weight rating. Likely Rhino Rack does publish the ratings and 48lbs is the in-motion load. For a lightweight side or batwing awning I think that would be perfect.
We opted for a Teraflex Alta rear Cargo Rack versus a rooftop. Love the design.
Updating my post. I ended up going with the Rhino-Rack Backbone system with the taller legs and Vortex crossbars. The iKamper Skycamp Mini that I bought will mount on the front two crossbars. I hope to find a way to mount my shovel/axe/hi-lift to the rear crossbar. Thanks as always for all your great videos.
Besides the awesome review. So many good memories in this video! Thank you!
So many great memories brother!
Excellent review!
really appreciate this video and the format. EZ to understand the pros and cons. You answered some tough questions.
Awesome, so glad you found it informative!
Great review Brad! A tip for editing: digitally zooming on the cuts like you did on this video is great for avoiding jumpy looking cuts, but it looks way better when the subject (or subjects eyes) stay in the same spot on the screen. So still zooming in or out in the cut but keeping the eyes in the same place. Just a tip and I know you didn’t ask for it but just want to be helpful. Thanks for all the awesome vids over the years 🤙🏻
Great review mate, thinking about one on my next build
Very helpful information. Thank you.
I just want to mount a roof top tent and your video may have just saved me some heartache and money with this information. Thank you!
You won't even need the platform, just the vortex crossbars for a tent.
i have the front runner on my tundra. it was $$$$ but i feel its worth it. lots of storage, lots of accessories, you can even make your own.
Frontrunner quick release tent mounts work on this rack. I laid out the base of the tent to the spacing of the slats and mounted the pucks to it. Went to the hardware store picked up some carraige bolts for the rack. So I was able to keep the low profile feet. Also got the rhino rack eye bolt kit so when I ground tent instead of rtt I can use that space. I do really like this rack. I'm with you Brad. I didn't like the exoskeleton type rack.
Hey Brad have you heard of eliminating the rails on the bottom of your tent, drilling 6 new holes, 3 down each side at 36" apart( the space between the rails on the pioneer platform), then using some unistrut nuts with the springs broken off slid inside the channel, then bolts through the inside to mount it down? This is how I have mine and it has stayed rock solid. You've been a valuable resource since I got my 2015 JKU, never steered me wrong. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this.
I had the same issue with the roof rack leg bolts rattling out on a desert trip. Lost 4 of the bolts, caught in in time and luckily had some spares. I think it is possible to tap some additional holes in the roof pads and have 3 bolts in each leg, this is something I may do in the further.
Super helpful! Awesome!
I’ve been waiting for this video!
Right on, I hope it was helpful!
nice brad, very cool!
Very nice video Brad.
Good review I'd like to see a little more on your rear chase light
Good information, thank you.
Great review Brad. Very thorough, thanks for taking the time to put it all together.
Interesting solution to go cross bars instead of platform if you are running a rooftop tent only… I bet that’s something a lot of people don’t think about and one additional advantage is that, in the summertime, if you wanted to run a bike rack it would be easy to mount one on there. And in the winter time, you could easily attach a ski rack. Might make it nice and versatile for the weekend adventurer.
How many cross bars would be needed for a RTT? I'm new to this whole jeep scene.
Andrew Shevchuk 3! Check the Rhino Rack VORTEX bars. That's what he's talking about.
Enjoyed the review. Love your two Jeeps sorry, make that three Jeeps.
I have the same rack and it leaks like a sieve. There are huge gaps and water just flows right in. Others I’ve talked to have the same problem. Mine had the wrong hardware when I ordered too. Customer service was slow and had basically zero knowledge of their own products. I would have to send them screenshots of the instruction manuals with parts circled then wait days for a response then more shots and more days then part numbers again then pics of the Jeep etc. after a month and some change, finally got the parts.
Brad, I have the same rack system on my 2018 JL Rubicon. However, one of the small bolts that screws through the u-shaped rubber bracket to the platform, came loose (you had THREE come loose!). The lock nut that is glued to the inside of the platform separated and I couldn't screw it back to secure the u-shaped rubber bracket. Rhino sent me a whole kit, when all I needed was a new platform bracket. YOU'RE RIGHT! Rhino needs to redesign this so it is bolted better to the platform. I can't believe these six little bolts secure the rack and hold the weight. I have a roof top tent and if those bolts come loose, I'll need to remove the tent to tighten. What a nightmare. I thought there would be better engineering for these parts.
Great video thank you!
I’m not sure how I ran across your videos but I do enjoy them and I am going to keep on watching. I found LItebright through you and then they mentioned TrailRecon in one of theirs. Excellent channels and I’m hooked. Hopefully you guys make it East and try out some places out here like Windrock and whatever else you can get into.
Glad you found the Chanel! Kevin and Britney are great folks and their videos are always fun to watch!
Thank you man!!!
Brad I have the same rack and the old smittybilt RTT you had. I used the slots to mount my tent with 3/8" strut channel spring nuts from home depot, and just drilled new holes in my floor of the RTT. Did not have to use the extra hardware so tent floor mounts directly to roofrack. Alleviates the need for squeezing you hand under the rack all together. So far its held up through trips to the Alpine loop in Colorado, multiple mountain passes and forest roads, and 20 nights of camping.
Also great review man. Always enjoy. You've helped me a ton man.
I agree with you on the cross bars instead of the Platform. Would have been much easier with installing the RTT. I ended up cutting the RTT mounting bars and running them the other direction (side to side) to fit in the platform. Of course I first checked with the Roam guys first and they said it would be ok. Now I’m getting a creaking noise from the passenger side. I wonder if my bolts are loose like you seen. Will have to check. Thanks for the review.
I feel like im in an engineering course 😅 great information!! 👍🏽
Great info, as always. Thanks Brad! Have you tried mounting your tent using the T-slots, with screws through the floor board of the tent? ...may have to drill holes through the tent floor to match the spacing of the Pioneer rack T-slots. I wonder if that would make mounting the tent easier or harder.
Guess one other commentator stated this, but when my FSR odyssey comes, I'm thinking unistrut nuts that fit the channels, re locate holes in bottom of the tent for a flush mount. I saw a video on a smittybilt tent installed this way.
Also, use butyl TAPE around the holes, very easy to work with, water tight, no mess.
Great videos always, thanks. One question, flat rack vs basket rack, to carry camping gear and sports gear, no roof tent plans. What should I go for? Thanks!
Great review Brad! Gotta love those zip ties...HAHAHAHA! Keep the videos coming.
Amazing video
Thanks for making this. I've been struggling to find out how to safely put my gofsr tent on the roof. Seems like there a lot conflicting info
For a rooftop tent on a Wrangler there really are very limited options, but I agree the Rhinorack Backbone is the cleanest most practical way to go.
I loved the way it looked without the risers, a very attractive platform rack. I really think they should make some T-channel connectors to hold tent rails down so you can keep it low for daily driving. The lights are a great addition and the risers are ultimately not that big of a deal, but at that price point I’m kinda expecting T-channel accessories for the tent mounting. All around a great looking platform without being a basket, which I’m not a huge fan of on a Wrangler, and I like that it doesn’t cover the Freedom Tops like the external frame racks because I live in California like you.
Unistrut nuts with the springs broken off will slide right into the T channel, just have to drill some new mount holes in the tent and eliminate the rails.
Keep it going 👍🏽
Fantastic video Brad..
You answered many questions I had...
Thank you. 👏👍🇺🇸
Great un biased review brad
I recommend the 3 bar version if your using a roof top tent. No tent, then I would get the platform.
Finally pulled the plug and installed the pioneer platform + backbone on my JL, and I have to admit that the fitting between the platform and the jeep with 1 bolt feels kind of sloppy... in fact the front left thread in the nut was not that great and had to use a longer bolt to make it fit. After it was all done, it feels very solid... It was a lot of work though, it took its good 4 hours to get the backbone installed, (with breaks), and another 3 hours to get the platform assembled and in place. Thanks Brad for this video, it was really helpful... Now, to the roof tent!
Agree 100% on the disappointment with the single bolt connecting the legs to the backbone. That seemed like a serious design flaw when I installed mine.
Hey Brad! Huge fan and just starting out my overland build for my 08 JKU. This video and the install video were outstanding! Quick question, you mentioned you upgraded the legs to the locking legs. What is the difference in price and in height?
Great to hear you still like the Rhino rack. I literally just completed the installation of my own Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform today (on my JLU). Was worried there, for a moment... ;)
After completing the install, I had similar concerns about the 6 thin bolts and the plastic piece attaching the platform to the legs. Especially since the platform, the backbone, and the legs were all super sturdy, this flimsy connection seemed like a disappointing contrast. I didn't use loctite, so I'll plan on adding some of this. Thanks for the tip!
I also have a Roofnest in my garage that I ordered on Black Friday. That'll go up next - I guess I might have to drill as well. I do love the versatility of the Pioneer platform (I bought Rotopax mounts, Hi-lift jack mount, etc.). But in reality, I'd likely want to use all those accessories at the same time as my RTT, so would have to look for a different mounting option anyway, since they don't all fit on the platform. In the end, the platform might not be as useful as I initially thought, and the Vortex bars might have been a better option...
Congrats on all your new gear! Yes, I think loctite on those 6 bolts is a must.
@@TrailRecon Were those the only bolts that have come loose over the years? E.g. what about the ones on the actual platform or those that mount the legs to the platform? Did you ever need to retighten or apply loctite to any of these?
Great review, Brad! Quick question: what is that camp chair you had out at 2:18 in the video? Looks sturdy...
LOVE all of your reviews and Jeep adventures! Soon-to-be retired Army guy with a 2011 JK 4 Dr Rubicon, and you've given me SO many ideas... not yg d d y y
Thank you and thanks for your service! Best of luck on your upcoming retirement!
Hey Brad, thanks for all the videos. Being new to this I've come to your videos to answer a lot of questions. I do have another one for you. Did you have any problems with the key locks on the platform? I live on a gravel road and I've had to cut off receiver locks before because the dust completely gums up the mechanism and I couldn't even get the key in. Thanks in advance and keep it up!
The problem you cited re the single bolt per mount point isn't just for the Wrangler. We have a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with the same Rhino Rack platform and we lost a bolt entirely and had two loose when on the road leading to Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. We had to secure one point with a ratchet strap for the remainder of the backcountry trip. These definitely need locktite in order to address the design flaw.
You should probably check out the new pioneer platform, it’s a lot better looking and has more channels for your accessories, so you won’t have to have your light bar zip tied up there👌🏼
Just got this for my JL used. 600 Canadian! Twas like Christmas for me lol
Brad, I had the bolts holding my Rhino down come loose on a long trip to Ontario. I was so lucky I could fix while my tent was up there. I heard a funny rattle that made me check. I talked to RhinoRack and then switched to a different bolt and also used some Loctite. That’s a bad feeling when you know you’ve got a good bit of gear up there.
Which loctite did you use. I just check mine before a trip and they were a little loose. So I took them out and put red one, but im a little scare that will be an overkill
hey guys been watching brad here for over a year and i broke down and bought a 4x4, more specifically a 2000 s10 zr2. now im having a problem finding 4x4 clubs in my area and i dont want to go out by myself and to be honest my back yard cant tak much more lol. anyone in an active club in my area (Conroe, Texas) would be awesome. im still working on getting the trucks 4x4 working reliably. 4-lo works but i have no 4-hi. anyway if anyone has any news lemme know. also TrailRecon love the videos keep em coming!
Just found this video - thanks for the detailed review! Question - since the rack is bolted in, can I use it to lift the roof off? I have a ceiling hoist and it seems with the bolts that it might work...
Could you recommend some roof rack for the JL that do not require drilling?
Thank you so much for your videos
So informative thank you Brad!
Just finished installing my backbone system. Thanks a bunch for the install and long term review of the system. I see what you mean about the mounting of the leg bases to the 6 brackets. Did you ever look at how much that the bolts stick out from the bottom of the leg bases. It's 3/16" . Each bolt goes into the bracket 3/16". Looks like a recipe to launch my kayaks down the road.
Which Loctite did you use red or blue and are you having any further problems?
Roy W
Great review. And so true, each rack and RTT offer compatability issues. There is a certain degree of DIY involved in mounting anything to a rack it seems.
What's next? Soft top and a trailer?
So many choices 😊
Soft top? Kinda loud on the road but amazing on the trail.
All will be revealed soon!
I vote for a trailer.
@@TrailRecon should be good!
@@planboverland8736 there are only a few 4x4's that can go soft top. Huge advantage over other 4x4's
Would you have any time to measure the spacing between the slats? I am trying to see if a Thule cargo box will fit between the slats using Rhino Rack's Pioneer Platform Accessory Bar.
You should collab with Mike Glover from Fieldcraft Survival. He's an awesome dude with years of experience in Special Forces.
All the folks over at Fieldcraft are great people!
Hello, great review. How much did it increase the height on top of the hard top?
Great review!!! What will you be replacing it with???
Great video! ...Interesting zoom in/out/angle editing though.
Did you do a video of wiring up the 28” KC Hilites bar?
Great information. Question, how tall is the roof rack from the shell? I currently have a Gobi roof rack with JB RTT, from the shell of my JK to the top of my RTT its about 14" tall.
... sorry, system crash... not to mention you you've tested them all for us - thank you!! Trying to find your video where you actually install the rhino backbone rack, but can't find it on your site. Can you reply with link to it? Thanks again!
Nice rack Brad, also look at the Frontrunner Slim line and the Expedition One Mule rack; both are cool too!
Agree, those are good options.
Great video again. Even if i dont buy this roof rack i have to watch your videos to the end. I really like how much your into this and a lot of ppl have benefited from your videos. Thank you. Happy New Year's and like you said 2020 will be a big year. Be safe
Thank you and Happy New Year!