Little help between Front Runner or Rhino Rack

[JKRunner]

So after doing a lot of internet research and utilizing the search function on this site have now narrowed my selection of a full length roof rack to either a Front Runner Slimline II or Rhino Rack Pioneer with the backbone and cannot seem to make up my mind. I like the amount of accessories that both racks seem to be able to accommodate but just cant seem to pick which one I want to buy.

Little info on what I plan on doing with the rack…Carrying SUP’s and Surfboards, Luggage on trips, offroading accessories, and possibly an RTT.

Lastly if there is some other rack out there that I don’t know about that could fit my needs please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

 

[FilthySanchez]

So after doing a lot of internet research and utilizing the search function on this site have now narrowed my selection of a full length roof rack to either a Front Runner Slimline II or Rhino Rack Pioneer with the backbone and cannot seem to make up my mind. I like the amount of accessories that both racks seem to be able to accommodate but just cant seem to pick which one I want to buy.

Little info on what I plan on doing with the rack…Carrying SUP’s and Surfboards, Luggage on trips, offroading accessories, and possibly an RTT.

Lastly if there is some other rack out there that I don’t know about that could fit my needs please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

I was in the same position a few months ago and ended up going with the SSO rack because of the no drill option, it fits all/most frontrunner accessories, it looks better in my opinion, and they are a very good company to work with. Still waiting on fabrication so I cant comment on install yet.

 

[WhiteBoomer04]

The one benefit of the FR rack IMO is that they have quick disconnects for the RTT. That kicks ass in my mind.

 

[ANDY_FTLC]

The one benefit of the FR rack IMO is that they have quick disconnects for the RTT. That kicks ass in my mind.

I second this. I was on the fence for the longest time about getting the quick release RTT kit but im glad I did eventually. Taking your tent off/on under a minute is great.

I was on the same boat when I was deciding on a rack but went with FrontRunner. Installation was easy, drilling into the roof was simple, and overall, im very happy with it.

 

[AsAkite]

Free $0.02

I have the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform, and if I were to choose over again I would prolly go with FrontRunner.
Not that the RR is bad by any means, it's just small things that "I think" Front Runner would be better at.
The Rhino Rack fastener channel rails (crossbars...whatever they are called) go Front to Back, while FrontRunner rails go side to side. The side to side I believe gives more versatility for connection points. The Rhino Rack has channel rails on the edges of the rack, but the bolts to fasten the rack to the roof rails (or I would assume, to the backbone) are also located in this channel, so the 2 channel rails on the outer most part of the rack are almost worthless because the roof connection bolts are in the way, and do not allow anything to slide past them.

Also, RR and FR may have similar amount of accessories as well as similar high cost for those accessories, but it seems to me that FR accessories are easier to find. With that said, some FR accessories can be used on RR, but not all I don't think (I don't think the FR dual jerry can holder will fit the RR).
I don't put a lot on my rack due to wind resistance, but I have put a FrontRunner 15 gallon water tank, a plastic tote and 2 jerry cans up there and it was all good. Thats really all I need so the RR is fine.

It's quiet too.... hardly any change in wind noise.

 

[JKRunner]

Thank you. All of the things that that you mentioned are drawing me towards the Front Runner.

Free $0.02

I have the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform, and if I were to choose over again I would prolly go with FrontRunner.
Not that the RR is bad by any means, it's just small things that "I think" Front Runner would be better at.
The Rhino Rack fastener channel rails (crossbars...whatever they are called) go Front to Back, while FrontRunner rails go side to side. The side to side I believe gives more versatility for connection points. The Rhino Rack has channel rails on the edges of the rack, but the bolts to fasten the rack to the roof rails (or I would assume, to the backbone) are also located in this channel, so the 2 channel rails on the outer most part of the rack are almost worthless because the roof connection bolts are in the way, and do not allow anything to slide past them.

Also, RR and FR may have similar amount of accessories as well as similar high cost for those accessories, but it seems to me that FR accessories are easier to find. With that said, some FR accessories can be used on RR, but not all I don't think (I don't think the FR dual jerry can holder will fit the RR).
I don't put a lot on my rack due to wind resistance, but I have put a FrontRunner 15 gallon water tank, a plastic tote and 2 jerry cans up there and it was all good. Thats really all I need so the RR is fine.

It's quiet too.... hardly any change in wind noise.

 

[GabrielM]

The RR with the backbone in a full lenght configuration doesn't have any forward support, so it just hanging there. I'm not sure how it's look and I would not put heavy item there.

 

[Doc.SS]

I have a front runner slimline II. I love it. There is another option I’ve seen that is very similar to it. Eezi-Awn K9 Roof Racks - Eezi-Awn
I’ve seen it in person and it was sharp. I don’t think it has as many accessories but it doesn’t have a lip.


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[ozon8r]

Another Frontrunner Slimline II owner

I went thru the same decision process two weeks ago and purchased the Frontrunner and will install this weekend. The SSO rack was my second pick primarily for sleek look but preferred the additional connections at the front of the rack for more security with a RTT. Third option was the K9, but watched a video of a guy who had problems with K9 on youtube and subsequently switched to Frontrunner.

The optional accessories with the Frontrunner are pretty incredible. Good luck whichever way you go.

 

[mlnhtrang]

i currently have a pioneer rack thats mounted to my factory rails. love the rack but if i had to do it over again, i'd get the front runner. i recently realized that the mounting platform running horizontal (left to right) would be better for my needs of mounting things a specific way better than the pioneer platform running vertical (front to back)

 

[JKRunner]

Thanks everyone who responded. Looks like the Front Runner is the way to go. Will hopefully be purchasing next month. The only thing that I am concerned about it the drilling into the roof.

 

[SnowYeti]

I have been having the same debate. One reason I lean toward the Rhino for my applications is the ability to intergrate with Yakima. Mounting Landing Pad mounts in the outside channels allows super fast attachment and movement of the Yakima bars. This allows me to use all the great Yakima products (I own a lot right now) adjust bar locations for skis, fly rod holder, cargo box, bikes, etc etc. or just pop it off in a couple mins. Also gives me a modular channel system going in both directions since I have the aero aluminum Yakima bars. Overall it is still pretty low profile all added up. In fact when I look at skis, my current set up is a round bar with Yakima clamp style towers on factory rails, this new set will have a lower stack height.

I have used the Landing Pads on the back deck of an Avalanche for years, super easy to remove the rack and panels when I need to use the truck bed.

I can’t find anyone who has done this yet.

 

[alman7]

Frontrunner

I just installed a 3/4 on my 14 runner. Relatively easy. I was in the same boat as far as trying to choose between racks. Went with the Frontrunner mostly because of the myriad of easy to install accessories. That plus their good reputation.

 

[JKRunner]

The accessories ‘thing’ is a huge draw for me as well. Also I am in their area for work a east once a month so could stop by and pick up things if needed.

I just installed a 3/4 on my 14 runner. Relatively easy. I was in the same boat as far as trying to choose between racks. Went with the Frontrunner mostly because of the myriad of easy to install accessories. That plus their good reputation.

 

[litezzz]

If you want ease of use go with Front Runner, especially if you are mounting a RTT. Easier mounting solutions and more options with accessories given the slats run perpendicular to the truck. Just less of a headache overall. Do some research though, some guys over on the expo portal have experienced the floor of their tent bowing on their Front Runner Slimlines. Looks like the fix is to add an extra slat, but you'll then also raise the mounting point higher which hurts if you are trying to keep everything low profile.

That being said, i've got a Pioneer/Backbone and no issues with it. Just takes a bit more ingenuity mounting things, but if you are handy with minor fabrication skills it's no biggie. You'll need to drill the slats and mount the RTT direct to the platform (I kind of prefer it this way, keeps things very low profile and flush, less wind resistance and harder for thieves to tamper with). If you still have space for anything else to mount you can fab mounts with unistrut spacers, metal strips and quick fists pretty easily.

https://flic.kr/p/23xU9T4 https://www.flickr.com/photos/yobocobo/

 

[Doc.SS]

Thanks everyone who responded. Looks like the Front Runner is the way to go. Will hopefully be purchasing next month. The only thing that I am concerned about it the drilling into the roof.

I've been to their shop a few times. I did see a 4Runner there, while I getting my rack installed, and he had a frontrunner rack connected to his factory rails. He had a tent on it as well. I wish I would have taken some pictures but I didn't.

 

[ANDY_FTLC]

Thanks everyone who responded. Looks like the Front Runner is the way to go. Will hopefully be purchasing next month. The only thing that I am concerned about it the drilling into the roof.

The drilling and installing the rivnuts was actually the easiest part of the installation for me. My buddy had the proper tool which made it very straight forward. Just measured twice, drilled once.

The only issue I had was with one of the spacers. It didn't fit as snug as the other 3 so I just took a grinder to it. Fit like a glove after that.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

Seems the K9 Alum full length no drill rack is never mentioned and I cant figure out why.

Mines held up to hauling CVT 240lb RTT, lift jack, maxtrax, shovel, 3 camp chairs and firewood, thru thousands of offroad miles, bouncing around but never budging and inch. RTT in Moab is not ideal with high center gravity with a bunch weight attached, getting rocked around constantly will put any roof rack to the test - The K9 passed with flying colors.

The install method they recommend means the front portion that's not drilled (hence no leaks) is cantilevered to apply downward force and works like a charm. There's more feet per side that attach to the rail, spreading out the weight.

The T-slot rails are similar to the Front Runner except they run front to back on the K9, and hence many of the Front Runner and K9 accessories will work on either rack- bonus for both brands.

Its def worth a look, but you prob cant go wrong with either the FR or K9.

I will say Paul at Equipt1.com the state side dealer for K9 was awesome, ordered and had my rack in 5 days.

Good luck.

 

[JKRunner]

So while I was browsing the Front Runner website I saw for the first time that they have a fairing for the Slimline II that mounts to the front on the rack to cut down on the wind noise and fuel consumption. Anybody have this attachment and can you post a picture as I am Little concerned about wind noise.

 

[Doc.SS]

So while I was browsing the Front Runner website I saw for the first time that they have a fairing for the Slimline II that mounts to the front on the rack to cut down on the wind noise and fuel consumption. Anybody have this attachment and can you post a picture as I am Little concerned about wind noise.

I have one. I’ll get some pictures up. Have any specific angle you’re looking for?


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