Rhino Rack low profile mount options and ideas

I have been collecting parts to set up my topper with a roof platform.

Craigslist buys:

White shell


Rhino Rack pioneer 49x 60 (this is the rack for size reference- mine will be mounted to the shell, not the cab)





After my craigslist run I ordered these in the 56in length online:



I am looking for the simplest, lowest profile mount solution possible. I would prefer not have mounting legs at all- if I could just bolt the rhino rack to the tracks, that would b4e ideal.

Anyone have similar setup? Can you link to any bolts or t track accessories that would fit the bill?

Also, would love to know how wide/ how close to the edge of the shell I can safely mount these rails. Would like to have them as wide as possible, but unsure what the most stable way to do this is. Any pictures greatly appreciated.

 

Locating the tracks can be tricky. You want to be as close to the edge as possible but still be on the flat part of the roof. If your shell is reinforced, you don’t want to drill through the webbing if you can avoid it. Always (Always) mark a center line on the shell and work off that. I tried measuring off the windows and almost screwed up due to the shell tapering slightly toward the rear. Measure twice drill once. And don’t skimp on the silicone.

 

Good advice on using the center line. I believe I do have the reinforced option- big ridge down center of the shell. Thanks

 

You can tell looking inside at the ceiling. You will see an extra 3/4-1inch of thickness than on the walls. It’s usually a corrugated cardboard matrix under the fiberglass, some times its actual plywood.

 

I definitely have it if identifying is that simple- I was wondering if some shells just had different roof contours so wasn’t 100% confident. So, mount outside that area? Makes sense if it’s cardboard but seems counterintuitive if it’s plywood

 

More likely that it’s NOT plywood, but its possible. You can ask a local dealer to find out. But yes, drilling through plywood would not be a problem. The closer you are to the corner of the shell, the more weight is distributed downward through the walls obviously.

 

I'm very interested in this project and the discussion. I have a 2012 TRD Dblcab shortbed that has a Snug-top supersport shell. Naked roof on both, been searching for awhile trying to figure out how to put a rack on both to carry kayaks for my family when we camp. Trying to do it with Facebook and Craigslist but not finding anything. How is you project going?

 

I'm interested in this also. The side windows on that cap are huge!! I have a Ranch cap (naked roof) that I need to do this too also.

 

Still in the planning stages- scores the rhino rack for $225 and that was too good a deal to pass on. Try searchtempest.com and generalize your searches- I think I found the rhino rack searching the term “cargo” in my local craigslist

I will keep posting here- probably have the rails in a couple of days. Last piece of the puzzle is how to actually mount the platform. I don’t like the rhino rack mounting feet they look to be 5-6 in tall. I am hoping to mount mine a maximum of 2in above highest point of the shell roof.

 

Took the rack down to think about how to mount it. I had some brackets around, I took some measurements. Would love to hear what people think would work best or issues you see with mounting like this.


Looks like the ideal length for the rail is gonna be about 52" which will put the rail length at 54ish once you add the caps. So, should require a little trimming of the proline rails down from 56". That should leave me with about 4-5 in overhang over top of the cab.



The rhino rack has horizontal t rail, and I have some inserts from my old 4runner rack that slide in their nicely. You can see one to the left of my hand resting in the rail. I am planning to attach that to the bracket Im holding, and then I still need one more piece to connect this bracket to the roof rail. I have 4-5 styles of brackets that could all work a little differently.

You can also see about 3 inches below my thumb there is a hole in the aluminum rail that could also easily be used. Still trying to find a solution to mount without drilling in the rack if possible.



Couple of the bits I am planning on using on the underside. I am gonna buy a low profile t rail off Amazon and then use the rings (from a jeep jk) to attach the net to the roof. The net looks small, but it stretches to the perfect size. Was a grocery divider for the back of my 4runner. Best part about it is it is double layered, so it will hold a lot of stuff. I think it was $8 on amazon.