This is my review on Rhino-Rack’s Backbone system and Pioneer platform. Go easy on me, as this is my first time writing such a detailed review on a product, but given the lack of information on this product and the 5th Gen 4Runner, I felt compelled to share. I ordered the 84”x49” (full length) Pioneer platform. I have not seen this combo online yet.

Rhino-Rack is an Australian company with an umbrella company (Rhino-Rack, USA) here in the States. The rack is aluminum, but the Backbone system is steel.
*Note: In my experience, drilling of THE RACK is required. You do not drill your vehicle.

I have had this on for a couple of weeks now and things to note are:
1) I had a Gobi prior to this which is very noticeable when driving. The vehicle feels very top heavy with the Gobi. With the Rhino-Rack, I do not even notice it is on top. It is very light weight, but super strong. I have walked all over the top of it without damaging it.
2) There is very little wind noise.

Arrival:



Unboxing:





I won’t post pictures of removing the factory roof rails, the supplied instructions do a good job.

After removing the factory hardware, clean the channels thoroughly and apply the double-sided adhesive strips.





Extra silicone, because I had it in the garage. I’m sure it’s not needed and the instructions do not call for it.



The rack has 3 cross bars that must be bolted to the underside of the rack. Placement of these crossbars is determined where you want the rack to sit on the Backbone system. This is where you will have to drill the rack in order to align the crossbars in the correct location. If you mount the rack too far forward on the Backbone rails you will hit the XM “shark fin” antenna, if you mount the rack too far toward the rear of the vehicle you may have an issue opening the hatch if you have a ladder installed.





Prior to installing the rack on the Backbone rails, I suggest mounting all the plastic spacers. My understanding is this stiffens the gaps between the platform.







The Backbone system only mounts on one side, meaning there is a driver’s specific side and a passenger’s specific side.



The twist “nuts” turn 90* into the underside channel of the crossbar and tighten down to secure the rack. There will be 6 points that this will be done at.
*Note – this twist “nut” turns into the channel of the crossbars that you had to mount and/or drill to the underside of the rack.



Now, go camping and enjoy your beaut in her natural habitat. Cheers, mate.

Awesome write-up! Thing looks sweet, I want it! But it looks so expensive haha, I probably wouldn't be able to afford it now, maybe next year.

How's it with wind noise at high speeds/hit to fuel economy?

Glad this was helpful. Truthfully the price is very competitive to other racks.

The nice thing about this rack is it being aluminum and you'll never have to worry about rust.

I have not noticed any drop in MPG and the wind noise is nearly absent.

anyone else care to share pics of their rhino rack backbone system? i'd love to see how others are outfitting theirs!

Thanks for your review! Per their website the load rating is 220lbs, I'd exceed that just walking on it. I'm guessing their number is conservative, any idea how much weight it will really hold?

I had the same misconception. 220# is the load rating while you're driving. It's like 700# static.

Ah, I was thinking it might have something to do with weight while driving, makes sense.

One thing I'm curious about is the amount of platform forward of the backbone. Originally the 76" platform was considered the longest one appropriate for the Backbone system for the 4Runner.

you're talking about 8" more of platform. I will not walk on the front of the rack as there is no support and I do not want to damage it. I would not hesitate to put fuel cans, recovery tracks, or storage bins at the front. i'm confident the front could hold 100lbs easily without fear of damaging something.

You're probably right, and the overhang isn't as severe as I had envisioned.

Does anyone have pics of the 84 inch platform with the RLT600 legs?
Looking for so side view shots.

I have the 76x49 on mine with the backbone system installed. Your write-up would have been extremely handy when I installed mine and I was a bit confused until I mounted everything up to figure out where to drill.

The only tip I have would be to get the rack put together and sitting on the backbone system to figure out spacing (I can't tell if that's how you did it). I pushed my rack as far forward as I could so I have just a little more than a finger width of clearance from the "shark fin" antenna. With my rear awning, the door will not quite open all of the way, but it is close. If I had pushed the rack any further to the rear, the awning would impede the door opening even more. It is even worse with a ladder installed.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the rack and accessories. I did a lot of research and shopping around to figure out the best rack for my needs and this one slightly edged out the Frontrunner. I love the Gobi but it is far too heavy and the lead times suck too much for my use. I have a Gobi on another vehicle and hated having to buy new accessories for a different brand of rack but the Rhino-Rack has been worth the change.

I definitely get where your coming from. Glad you feel this will be beneficial to others when installing.


I agree with your assessment of the rack. I grin every time I see it. You have any pictures of the accessories you've mounted?

Can you and On Point post a side pick of your racks? I see online a bunch of angled picks, but not a true side pick. I am trying to get a gauge of where the 84 and the 76 stop towards the front of the 4Runner near the driver's side door. If you can post, try to get a near and far pick so that I can really see for sure. Thanks!

I would also love to see it. Having a hard time deciding between RLT legs and the backbone.