Anyone running RCI roof rack?

[Ry'sRunner]

Thought I had settled on the Sherpa rack, but then I came across the RCI and their 15% off sale. Looks like a nice rack and almost $200 cheaper, sale price vs sale price.

Anyone have it installed?

 

[Metalsaber]

I'd be curious as well. Was looking at both as well.

 

[rageandlove]

Thought I had settled on the Sherpa rack, but then I came across the RCI and their 15% off sale. Looks like a nice rack and almost $200 cheaper, sale price vs sale price.

Anyone have it installed?

Sherpa has a 15% off too.

I have a Sherpa. It's a great rack. Their range of accessories is well thought out. And the mounting system is the best I have seen wrt protection from water with no need for silicone/putty/whatever.

 

[Fatdamon]

Sorry, not their rack but for what its worth I have their skids and sliders. Excellent quality products in my opinion and I've tried to destroy them as much as possible.

 

[mrblah]

RCI all day everyday.

 

[rageandlove]

I just watched an install video. They basically copied the Sherpa design + mounting approach entirely, with one difference I think is significant / worth thinking about.

Sherpa uses a rubber block with aluminum sleeve inside which accomplishes both preventing water from getting into the vehicle as well as rigidity (the aluminum sleeve around the bolt.)

RCI does not have the aluminum sleeve which is going to result in less overall rigidity. Maybe that's why they don't have dynamic weights listed.

Oh, and this is misleading: "Our rack is the only one on the market that utilizes injection molded rubber mounting blocks that lift and cushion the roof rack mounting feet AND completely seal out moisture without the need for silicone!"

They literally copied the Sherpa approach which has been on market for several years.

 

[mrblah]

OP just buy the rack that looks the best to you, at the price you want to pay.

In the end, if these racks are installed correctly, they won't leak and you will be able to put as much junk on your roof as you see fit. In the long run, you aren't getting more for your money (diminishing returns).

There really isn't anything innovative about RCI or Sherpa's roof racks. They are both copies of another well known roof rack that you can probably get it on sale through truck brigade.

As for which company is more reputable......thats for OP to figure out.

 

[Nole-Runner]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on the RCI rack. They are having a Memorial Day sale and seems like a great deal compared to the Sherpa. Can anyone who has one vouch for the quality?

 

[CajunMikeR]

The RCI rack is the same quality as their skids, top notch. I've had their roof rack installed for a couple of months now and I like it.

This pic of from the day I installed it, by myself. It was a fairly simple install as well.

 

[Boort]

Oh, and this is misleading: "Our rack is the only one on the market that utilizes injection molded rubber mounting blocks that lift and cushion the roof rack mounting feet AND completely seal out moisture without the need for silicone!"

Misleading possibly. My Sherpa the rubber blocks look to have been machined rather than injection molded. So by adding the manufacturing method they can create a true statement. I can't say one method creates a superior product over the other. That said my Sherpa was an early design and they could now be using injection molded rubber blocks as well.

Boort

 

[Nole-Runner]

The RCI rack is the same quality as their skids, top notch. I've had their roof rack installed for a couple of months now and I like it.

This pic of from the day I installed it, by myself. It was a fairly simple install as well.

Looks sweet! I should be getting mine in a couple days. You go true silicone free with the install or did you add some for ships and giggles?


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[Gouranga]

any canadian vendors selling the sherpa ? looks sweet

 

[CajunMikeR]

Looks sweet! I should be getting mine in a couple days. You go true silicone free with the install or did you add some for ships and giggles?


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I didn't use any silicone. We've had a few heavy thunderstorms here in S Louisiana since I installed it and I've noticed no leakage.

 

[Nole-Runner]

I didn't use any silicone. We've had a few heavy thunderstorms here in S Louisiana since I installed it and I've noticed no leakage.

Nice, I’m in North Florida and it rains a lot here too. One of the main reasons I was looking at the Sherpa or RCI. The RCI was too good of a deal to pass up. I’ll follow their instructions and go sans silicon. Appreciate the info my man.


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[T4RandTacos]

Also here in the Florida panhandle, I've had the RCI since I picked it up with a gangbusters Black Friday deal last year and haven't had any issues with the rain - no silicone added during install. Those Sherpa style blocks have been great for me.

 

[steraser]

Any additional feedback on Sherpa v. RCI roof rack?

 

[Grug556]

I have all the RCI skids and other rci bits and pieces and like RCI, but for the rack I went with Sherpa. Seemed fractionally better than RCI with attachment and some other issues.

 

[Iceman2430]

Thought I had settled on the Sherpa rack, but then I came across the RCI and their 15% off sale. Looks like a nice rack and almost $200 cheaper, sale price vs sale price.

Anyone have it installed?

I’d really advise against running with it. It’s pretty big and awkward. I wouldn’t try it with tow people either, when one trips they are going to take the other with them.

My best suggestion would be to have someone walk it over and install it with you.

 

[steraser]

I have all the RCI skids and other rci bits and pieces and like RCI, but for the rack I went with Sherpa. Seemed fractionally better than RCI with attachment and some other issues.

Thanks--what were your concerns with the RCI attachments? Just trying to justify the additional $400. I will primarily be carrying an SOT kayak that weighs around 80#'s. My biggest concern is wind catching underneath and causing vibration at the front of the rack where it basically just sits on the roof.

 

[Grug556]

Thanks--what were your concerns with the RCI attachments? Just trying to justify the additional $400. I will primarily be carrying an SOT kayak that weighs around 80#'s. My biggest concern is wind catching underneath and causing vibration at the front of the rack where it basically just sits on the roof.

Sherpa is nice with rubber blocks and non silicone approach. The fit is good and the rack is quite functional.