Rhino Rack Installed

Picked up the Taco about a week and a half ago and have combed through the forums looking at rack options. I settled on the Rhino Rack for a few reasons, I figured some might want pictures or have questions about the setup so here goes:

Stock roof rack - Lease expensive and allowed the bars to swing in so they are out of the way, illuminating wind noise and fuel econ, $250'ish, but 100lb load cap. Self install doable, but a hassle.

Yakima was looking good - I wasn't crazy about the clamps on the side full time and it's not as easy to just take out the bars when not in use. $470'ish, 160lb load cap. Easy self install.

Rhino rack, bolt in option (static mounting points and fixed bar locations may be an issue to some, I did not chose the sliding rail which would have been about $100 extra), most expensive option (installed) @ $740 (including $150 install) so you can get it down close to $500 if you do self install, 220lb load cap.

I really like the idea that the bars just pop out with pinch clamps and takes literally seconds. Reinstall is easy because you aren't hassling with realignment. There is a removable strip in the cross bar to slide in Rhino Rack accessories, or clamp on all the usual suspects from Yakima/Thule etc. These mounts will also allow for a roof platform to be added.

My main goal was to be able to load multiple Kayaks with ease. I see a lot of people are fans of the hitch extender and bed loading but that won't work for me (and I'd think most users) for 2 reasons, I need the use of the bed for gear when I go out (kids in the back of the double cab), and I tow an A-Frame camp trailer so I need the hitch and rear space. Alternatively I'd like the option of taking my hitch mount bike rack with Kayaks on top as well. I can also put my cargo box up there I needed more storage on a trip.

Obviously different setups are going to work better for different people, needs/wants, ease of access, cost, etc. Thought people might want to see how this setup turned out with some cost analysis added. I picked it up tonight and won't load Kayaks until the spring, first freeway trip w/ crossbars is tomorrow so I can't yet speak to road noise with unloaded bars.

The sunroof DOES vent with that crossbar going over it.

Pics: https://imgur.com/a/TuyHX

Installed components:

RLT600 Kit - 1 $358.99
Vortex Bar (Black 54") - 2 $160
Quick Mount Ditch Bracket - 2 $78
Install - $150
$746.99

 

Looks good

 

Did you look at the " Prinsu " rack?

 

I did, but that is more of a permanent solution for a platform rack that isn't designed to be taken on/off. I was concerned about wind noise and the sunroof would also be blocked if I went with a platform.

I'm not sure that the common kayak, bike, cargo box attachments mount on those like they do typical crossbar solutions either? I could def be wrong about that.

 

I am still learning here about what parts to a rack system I did. But how do you plan on loading the kayaks on the rack? Jlow or just tie it down to the rack?

 

I haven't decided between JayLow or Bigstack, but it will be one of those 2 - probably the JayLow.

 

Nice system minium. I might have a few more questions later. After adding all these costs, its very expensive to transport kayaks!


I have a fullsize (can't remember how many ft) Hobbie. Those bars look too close to use for transport. I might be wrong. Thats why I wanted to use a hitch extender

 

It's def not a cheap way to go, I am banking on having the truck for a while and while initially setting up for Kayaks, I'll also have other options if I want to put something else up there.

I looked up the Hobie specs, they are a heavy Kayak for sure and looks like they range from 11-17ft, a middle of the road 13ft weighs 88lb loaded which is double the weight a conventional kayak. That being said I wouldn't have a problem putting up 13ft on my roof and if you do go with Rhino Rack you can get this attachment which slides into the rails on the crossbars: http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/prod...ers/adjustable-canoe-holder-vortex-bar-_rlh21

If you know that you are never going to need your hitch I guess a hitch mount is an option, but I plan on taking bikes, gear, and a camp trailer so bed/hitch are taken.

 

Thanks for doing some leg work for me. A lot of the Hobie weight I believe is in the pedal drive system, which is transported separately. I decided to go with the clamp on Yakima Aerobars like another TW member did. They are are about the same price, but sometimes the Yakima has a 20% off sale and its something I can install and remove myself. I like your setup too. What state are you in?

 

Central Oregon, you can't go wrong with the Yakima and it has the higher load rating vs the OEM rack so you're good there.

Does the peddle drive have to be removed, or is it an option to transport loaded?

 

It should be removed before transport. Its an easy "lift out" chain driven pedal drive. It should be store in a locked container, because the drive is more expensive than the boat I am told. I love the peal and rudder system.

 

that makes sense, and 88lb would be a tough self load.

 

Do you have a picture of your kayaks loaded? What size?

 

I don't, I haven't yet picked up the J hooks that I plan to use. Likely getting the Yakima Jay Low if I can find a good price on a pair. I have 2 10' yaks, about 45lb each and a kids one also. I'll post up a pick once I get them loaded on the bars. I just picked up the truck in Jan so I haven't gone through a summer season yet.

 

There's a rhino rack group buy going on right now. FYI. Sorry if repost. I believe another @ramonortiz55 setup for us.

 

I went rhino-rack too w/ an Undercover Ridgelander. Love it. Added a "fishing rod".

 

Who's in your truck? That's some steamy hotness in there! Or you have a water leak and it's condensing on the glass..

 

So I'm looking for a single rack on the roof to go with a traditional bed rack for a ladder. Question.. Do you have to screw these in the roof?!!!!

 

Yes, this option screws into the roof.

 

I picked up the Yakima Jaylow for the yaks, here is a picture from today doing a test fit - the Kayak isn't strapped in, but it will hold 2 yaks and that Thule cargo box on there together.