Long Term Roof Rack Review

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.

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[bennyc]

Me and my wife definitely get dynamic in our roof top tent.

[fatherdaddy]

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.

[JonnyBgooD]

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!

[matthewbrandes]

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.

[themanwithnoname]

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.

[lokeman]

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.

[wesleymcgonagle]

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.

[doordingfix]

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!

[steveflaim]

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.

[jeffdurling]

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.

[pietro]

Brad: if i am not wrong, you can still add crossbars on top of the platform (as if they were an accessory). It doesn’t have to be either the platform only or the crossbars only.

[comingtofull-ageinchrist]

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!

[ShawnDienhart]

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.

[WallyWall]

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!

[lbobincheck]

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.

[sonnicman]

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.

[erikpetersen]

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.

[ThePyleDriver]

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.

[JESSESHSU]

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.

[gregernst]

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.