Mounting RTT to Rhino Rack Using Front Runner QD Mounts

[alvisjus]

Hello all,
First of all, I am no expert and this modification was not specifically recommended by Front Runner or Rhino Rack. I did this at my own risk and if you choose to try this modification, I am not responsible for any failures.

I am posting this because I struggled to find any information on what I was wanting to do. My goal was to see if anyone had mounted a RTT to a Rhino Rack pioneer platform using Front Runner's QD mounts. If you haven't checked them out, they are awesome, but they are meant to go on Front Runner racks, not other racks. Because of this, the mounting hardware was unusable with my solution to mounting on the Rhino Rack.
Quick Release Tent Mount Kit - by Front Runner

My solution was to buy the following Rotopax mount from rhino rack because it included the plates that fit into the mounting grooves of the rack.


I did not use the bolts from either the Rhino Rack mounting kit or the Front Runner kit. The reason is I wanted stainless steel bolts for the added strength and the rhino rack bolts were too small. I ended up going with a 3/4" stainless steel button head bolt with M8 x 1.25 threading. In the picture, left is the new bolt, right is the bolt that comes with the rotopax mounting kit.


Because of the difference in size, I used a drill press and a 6.9mm or 17/64" drill bit to drill out a hole big enough for tapping with an M8 x 1.25 hand tap.






Lastly, I used the bolt with a split ring washer and mounted the Front Runner mounts to the Rhino Rack pioneer platform.





The mounts are super strong and I have no doubt it will be strong enough. I can mount and unmount my tent by myself in only a couple minutes. It is absolutely worth the price of admission. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[4rnrGunner]

I like the smart thinking you had on this idea.

 

[xkevin303x]

Curious if you had any issues getting an allen wrench in there with the tent on or if you mounted the mounts first and then slid the tent feet portion into place? Also, looks like two Rotopax kits need to be bought or is there 8 plates in one kit?

 

[GhostRing]

I'm surprised they offer those plates and not the square versions, since those do not appear to rotate into position like they do on the underside of the trays?
One possible helpful variant if one is looking for just your style plates with a larger bolt hole is: Rhino Rack part N024-BP

 

[OffroadRN]

Great info. I just spent two full days installing my RTT on the Pioneer backbone and cursing at Rhino-Rack for not having a quick release solution. After the Moab trip in March, I am definitely taking the time to attempt this mod!

 

[KDMcD]

Great information! Thank you.

 

[Overland6751]

Thanks for this post! I also have a Rhino Rick Pioneer platform and have been looking all over for a solution to add a quick release for my IKamper. It sucks that Rhino Rack doesn't make these to fit with their racks, but I'm going to order the Front Runner brackets and follow your instructions. Any further tips or tricks you could pass along would be helpful!

 

[Overland6751]

Also wondering if ordering these channel nuts from McMaster would fit inside the rack channel instead of having to buy the Rhino Rack/Rotopax channel nuts and drilling them out. It is pre-drilled for M8 1.25. They seem to be a lot cheaper option as well. Any thoughts?

McMaster-Carr

 

[GhostRing]

It is pre-drilled for M8 1.25. They seem to be a lot cheaper option as well. Any thoughts?

McMaster-Carr

Those should work as I believe Rhino plates of that design are 5/16" (~8mm) thick

Heck, try to find some without the serrated grooves and they may be even cheaper...

 

[Elvir555]

This is great, when i had my rhinorack platform on my jeep i used those channel locks and directly mounted the tent to the rack flat and that was a pain lining it up and getting into the rack channels. This seems like a much easier method.

 

[Elvir555]

Also wondering if ordering these channel nuts from McMaster would fit inside the rack channel instead of having to buy the Rhino Rack/Rotopax channel nuts and drilling them out. It is pre-drilled for M8 1.25. They seem to be a lot cheaper option as well. Any thoughts?

McMaster-Carr

As long as you get the correct size they will work. I ordered from them a while back and have been using them on my rent too. Much cheaper than the rhinorack ones.