Thread: Rhino racks - opinions

I've had a number of racks on the defender over the years, depending on application. Steel rack when we did the madigan trip, Rhino bars and basket for general camping, but now a 1800x1200 over 3 bars. This one went up the Cape on our last trip with spare wheel/tyre and tents etc on the roof.

They are light (wife and I can remove/replace) and so far seem strong enough. I have a 4th bar that sits at the front (because I had it ) that is over 10 years old.



I added a few extras - hilift brackets, shovel bracket before the trip.


Martyn

Is there any concern about cracking the gutters since the legs are a point load?
I have a two bar set for carrying kayaks but only had them a week and haven't mounted them yet!

Originally Posted by isuzutoo-eh

Is there any concern about cracking the gutters since the legs are a point load?
I have a two bar set for carrying kayaks but only had them a week and haven't mounted them yet!

Your kayaks are unlikely to be more than 35 kg each (probably quite a bit less) so load is relatively light. I have carried my 4.8 m sea kayak and my my mates 5.1 m on two Rhino bars may times (all up weight ~65 kg). The Rhino legs are quite wide where they meet the gutter (wider than most rack legs) and I certainly have not had a problem.

Cheers
KarlB

Thanks Karl,
The kayaks aren't so much a concern as what I might add in the future, simply having a roof rack means it'll get used.
Fears alleviated

-Mark

Originally Posted by Ranga

I'm considering getting rid of my heavy steel rack and replacing it with some type of alloy version. I've thought about getting one of those Rhino alloy cages. I figure 1 advantage is being able to remove the cage and still use the racks. I can get a 2.4m job with 4 racks for ~$1000 2nd hand.

Any opinions?

I've just gone form a Hannibal rack to Rhino bars - and will fit the Rhino basket soon.

Nothing wrong with the Hannibal setup (far from it), however I wanted a more flexible/adaptable setup.

So far I've done 3,500ks with approx 75kgs on 3 Rhino bars and am quite satisfied with them - though watch the clamps during the bed-in period - I almost rattled 3 off...

I modified a TJM alloy rack (basket) to fit onto 3 or 4 Rhino bars. I can fit and remove the basket by myself in around 15-20 minutes. It also has sailtrack mounted to the side and rear to attach awnings as well as a Rhino spare tyre clamp attachment point.

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I've been wondering about these myself.

I figure that these are more useful for day-to-day use for things like surfboards, timber, etc.

What I'm worried about is the load distribution compared with full racks. So, will boards, skis, etc secure to a full rack properly, or do you need extra fittings? If I was to get a Wind Cheeta rack I figure it'd sit just as low but bear the weight more effectively. Provided of course that I can secure stuff easily when just nipping about town.

I've just installed a set of Rhino HD racks onto my D2a to mount a Foxwing and carry an Oztent ... next addition will be some sort of a flat tray/mesh platform (no sides) probably about 2.1m long (bars are spaced 1.8m from front to rear - 820mm at rear and 980mm at front)

They are strong! I used 3x sets of the shorter 210 legs and a grinder to make them fit. Sits nice and low to the roof line with an unloaded clearance just uner 2.0m.

Pic's in this thread ... http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-...rs-legs-3.html