Rhino-Rack Install Write Up

[Nightglow]

Thanks for the pics. I’m thinking about buying the 3/4 rack too. However, I’m concerned with how much of the sunroof is covered. I’ve searched all over to find a picture of the overhang from inside the vehicle.

If you have time, would you mind posting pictures from inside and on top of the vehicle near the sunroof?


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Mgreezy - OK here are a few photos of my sunroof with the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (76" x 49") on their Backbone system. It covers about 1/2 the sunroof closed and about 1/3 of the open area when the roof is opened as the glass does not go 100% back. As for the practical experience, it does not interfere with using the roof for ventilation while underway or parked (tilted up in the summer). While driving with it open it does block about 1/3 to 1/2, but this is usually welcomed as the sun does not shine into my eyes as much with the rack on. Personally, I like the larger rack size, and I use it, so losing a little of the sunroof is not a significant tradeoff in Colorado.

 

[Johncmng]

How does one clean or wash the roof of your car with the rack on on top of it?

 

[Nightglow]

Thanks for the install write up and the pics. I ordered my Rhino rack and it will be here Monday. Could someone confirm if I need to drill into the platform on the 76" rack like the 84" rack?

Thanks!

I installed the 76 x 49 pioneer platform on the backbone system and there is NO drilling required to either the platform or the roof of the vehicle. I believe that the larger 84" version requires drilling of the platform as it adds an extension to the 76 version to get it to 84". Someone who has one should confirm.

 

[Nightglow]

How does one clean or wash the roof of your car with the rack on on top of it?

Mine is dirty as I just came back from a trip as seen in previous pictures. I use a power washer and it gets most of the dirt and dust off the rack and the roof You could remove it periodically as it only takes 4 bolts and a couple of minutes to take the rack off the backbone system.

 

[mgreezy]

Mgreezy - OK here are a few photos of my sunroof with the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (76" x 49") on their Backbone system. It covers about 1/2 the sunroof closed and about 1/3 of the open area when the roof is opened as the glass does not go 100% back. As for the practical experience, it does not interfere with using the roof for ventilation while underway or parked (tilted up in the summer). While driving with it open it does block about 1/3 to 1/2, but this is usually welcomed as the sun does not shine into my eyes as much with the rack on. Personally, I like the larger rack size, and I use it, so losing a little of the sunroof is not a significant tradeoff in Colorado.

Thank you for taking time to post these pictures! That is exactly what I was looking for.

It’s funny you don’t mind the partial shade as I also leave the shade half open or completely shut during full sun.

Again, thanks for doing that.




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[borfoo3]

Mgreezy - OK here are a few photos of my sunroof with the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (76" x 49") on their Backbone system. It covers about 1/2 the sunroof closed and about 1/3 of the open area when the roof is opened as the glass does not go 100% back. As for the practical experience, it does not interfere with using the roof for ventilation while underway or parked (tilted up in the summer). While driving with it open it does block about 1/3 to 1/2, but this is usually welcomed as the sun does not shine into my eyes as much with the rack on. Personally, I like the larger rack size, and I use it, so losing a little of the sunroof is not a significant tradeoff in Colorado.

Thanks a bunch for the pics. I was concerned on the rack clearing the moonroof on my truck. The vent (tilt up) mode still clears with weight on right? Or is it a tight fit? Any wind noise issues?

 

[Nightglow]

Rhino Rack questions - answers

Thanks a bunch for the pics. I was concerned on the rack clearing the moonroof on my truck. The vent (tilt up) mode still clears with weight on right? Or is it a tight fit? Any wind noise issues?

I really like this rack. It does not interfere with the sunroof in either the opening or the tilt positions. I have not measured but there is still an inch or two of clearance with the tilt function. There is more wind noise with the sunroof open but I do not notice much of any difference when the sunroof is closed. Fully loaded and even when I walk on the rack it does not flex or defect in any way with the added weight. The rack is strong and meets my needs of the RTT and additional fuel and water storage on longer trips.

:cowboy:

 

[I4CUTigers]

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.

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but do you feel like you could easily mount and dismount the backbone system when you need it? I ask because I want a longer rack, but don’t want to cover my sunroof 100% of the time, when it will only be in use 1% of the time.

 

[On Point]

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but do you feel like you could easily mount and dismount the backbone system when you need it? I ask because I want a longer rack, but don’t want to cover my sunroof 100% of the time, when it will only be in use 1% of the time.

super easy to take off. no more than 10 mins max.

 

[I4CUTigers]

super easy to take off. no more than 10 mins max.

If all the racks I’ve looked at, this is the one I keep coming back to. I like how the feet of the backbone sit closer to flush with the gutter, and not on high spacers (the taller off the roof, the more horizontal force that is exerted on the mounting bolts). I like how it (the platform) can be taken on and off quickly. I like the availability of aftermarket accessories.

Anything I’m missing? Any regrets or issues so far?

 

[On Point]

If all the racks I’ve looked at, this is the one I keep coming back to. I like how the feet of the backbone sit closer to flush with the gutter, and not on high spacers (the taller off the roof, the more horizontal force that is exerted on the mounting bolts). I like how it (the platform) can be taken on and off quickly. I like the availability of aftermarket accessories.

Anything I’m missing? Any regrets or issues so far?

i have absolutely no regrets. the weight, easiness, and access to a multitude of accessories are the main reasons i love this rack.

the gobi i had was noticeable on the roof with the weight. the rhino rack is so light you will not even notice it on your roof.

 

[borfoo3]

i have absolutely no regrets. the weight, easiness, and access to a multitude of accessories are the main reasons i love this rack.

the gobi i had was noticeable on the roof with the weight. the rhino rack is so light you will not even notice it on your roof.

Man I can't stop coming back to this thread.

Any idea what is the added height difference with this setup (backbone + rack) over OEM side rails and crossbars? Many garages barely fit my lifted truck and I don't want it much higher up there

 

[Nightglow]

Man I can't stop coming back to this thread.

Any idea what is the added height difference with this setup (backbone + rack) over OEM side rails and crossbars? Many garages barely fit my lifted truck and I don't want it much higher up there

It has been awhile but I remember measuring it before and after and I want to say the the Rhino Rack system was a little lower than the factory roof rail height. Others should confirm but at worst it is about the same. I had the same issue being concerned about getting my 4 Runner into my garage. I have a standard door and have about 3 inches of clearance after adding this rack.

:shrug:

 

[ToyoT4R]

Stay tuned for the write up!

Can you deploy the batwing with the tailgate open? If not, how is opening the tailgate under the batwing?

 

[On Point]

Can you deploy the batwing with the tailgate open? If not, how is opening the tailgate under the batwing?

Cannot open the hatch fully with the batwing open. Write up below with pics.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/254126-rhino-rack-batwing-write-up-review.html

 

[ToyoT4R]

Cannot open the hatch fully with the batwing open. Write up below with pics.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/254126-rhino-rack-batwing-write-up-review.html

Awesome write up, thanks. I suppose I could put a strap on the tailgate to limit it from going fully open or just open the glass. I think I'm going with the full size Rhino Rack platform with this awning.

 

[On Point]

Awesome write up, thanks. I suppose I could put a strap on the tailgate to limit it from going fully open or just open the glass. I think I'm going with the full size Rhino Rack platform with this awning.

No problem! You wont regret it.

 

[SnowYeti]

I love the modularity of this rack. Combined with a system like Yakima the options are amazing.

I have searched and come up empty on how the 84 inch version works with the sunroof and the Rhino fairing. Seems like it could be moved forward enough to clear the leading edge. ?

Plus no info if their fairing makes any difference in noise or mileage

I am designing a custom fairing on top, be cool if the almost blended together

 

[dumantrd]

Hey man any luck or pics of your fairing with this rack. I’m
Getting the 84 and would like to put something on the front as well.

 

[SnowYeti]

Hey man any luck or pics of your fairing with this rack. I’m
Getting the 84 and would like to put something on the front as well.

Sorry, not yet. Working through priorities. I will keep you in mind when I do post something though