Rhino Rack Backbone WITH Maximus-3 Roof Ladder

[Karmic.Shift]

I need help!

I cannot go with the Maximus-3 Roof rack because I have the American Adventure Lab MASS Cargo Shelf. It is using the brackets needed for the Maximus-3 Roof Rack Mount. https://americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jl-m-a-s-s-cargo-shelf/

My only other option is to go with the Rhino-Rack Backbone system.

Now, will the Maximus-3 roof Ladder work with the Rhino-Rack Backbone System?
https://maximus-3.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-jlu-roof-rack/maximus-3-jl-roof-rack-ladder
https://www.justforjeeps.com/rhino-...MI67GIyYD76AIV1AiICR247AEAEAQYBSABEgL-I_D_BwE


After some research, I have seen it done before but I don't know if the shop did any customization to it. I haven't seen this done anywhere except for this google image I found. Will this work out of the box if I purchase both items?

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[OminousSkitter]

It will work*, but I think you'll need to add a little to the lower mount. The ladder and mount are made specifically for their platform's height, and I believe the Backbone raises the pioneer platform a little.

Get longer bolts and some spacers (dealer's choice), and it should work without any major alterations.

* I'm assuming that they are both using the same width platform.

 

[Karmic.Shift]

It will work*, but I think you'll need to add a little to the lower mount. The ladder and mount are made specifically for their platform's height, and I believe the Backbone raises the pioneer platform a little.


Get longer bolts and some spacers (dealer's choice), and it should work without any major alterations.

* I'm assuming that they are both using the same width platform.

Thank you! Do you notice any weak points for the ladder when you use it?

Does it push into the body panel or is it rock solid?

 

[OminousSkitter]

Thank you! Do you notice any weak points for the ladder when you use it?

Does it push into the body panel or is it rock solid?

You have to drill into the body to install it. The lower bracket is sandwiched between the hardtop and the tub and bolted together. I have not noticed any weak points. I've strapped a hammock to it without any worries.

Buuut, I have the Maximus-3 mounts as well. When you increase the bolt length, you are increasing the moment (more or less torque) on the lower bracket. Depending on how much you increase this, there can be problems. From the looks, it appears to need less than an inch increase, so the greater moment should be pretty minor.

 

[frogger2020]

I have the Rhino Rack backbone with the low profile platform. I also installed the Maximus cargo ladder which fit perfectly, no mod needed. You will be fine.

 

[AndrewB]

I have the Rhino Rack backbone with the low profile platform. I also installed the Maximus cargo ladder which fit perfectly, no mod needed. You will be fine.

Keith do you mind if I ask you for some photos with this? I'm in Australia and want to buy this ladder but I have the Rhino rack backbone system with the pioneer platform. Will it fit directly on? I'd really appreciate it if you could share some photos if you don't mind.

 

[frogger2020]

Keith do you mind if I ask you for some photos with this? I'm in Australia and want to buy this ladder but I have the Rhino rack backbone system with the pioneer platform. Will it fit directly on? I'd really appreciate it if you could share some photos if you don't mind.

I have the Rhino Rack backbone with the low profile legs. I thought I would need to have some spacers on the ladder, but it fit perfectly as you can see in the pictures.

 

[noname831]

I have the Rhino Rack backbone with the low profile legs. I thought I would need to have some spacers on the ladder, but it fit perfectly as you can see in the pictures.

Did you have to drill into your backbone frame for the ladder bracket? If so, could you also post pics of that? I would be very appreciative. I’m getting mine delivered today and I’m a complete novice to all of this.

 

[frogger2020]

Did you have to drill into your backbone frame for the ladder bracket? If so, could you also post pics of that? I would be very appreciative. I’m getting mine delivered today and I’m a complete novice to all of this.

Yes most definitely. I had this installed, as I am not confident in my skills when it comes to drilling into a $2000 hardtop!

 

[Brew211]

This is great news! I'm installing my Backbone and rack this weekend and I really wanted the ladder but didn't think I could.

 

[Brew211]

I'm so confused, I just called Maximus and they said I would need to add a 2" spacer and drill into the top of the body tub, not the hard top.

 

[OminousSkitter]

You do need to drill into the top of the tub. You can infer this in Frogger's pictures.

Can't comment on the spacers other than if the height of the platform is different between Maximus's and the backbone, you will need to make up the difference. Frogger's pictures indicate they aren't needed.

 

[Brew211]

Thank you. I just ordered one ladder to start.

 

[frogger2020]

You do need to drill into the top of the tub. You can infer this in Frogger's pictures.

Can't comment on the spacers other than if the height of the platform is different between Maximus's and the backbone, you will need to make up the difference. Frogger's pictures indicate they aren't needed.

I think a lot depends on the legs you choose. I think I purchased the low profile legs.

 

[frogger2020]

I'm so confused, I just called Maximus and they said I would need to add a 2" spacer and drill into the top of the body tub, not the hard top.

For the ladder, depending on the platform legs, you may need spacers. I think I have the low profile legs and spacers weren’t needed. You do need to drill two holes at the bottom inside of the hard top into the body tub as you can see in my photos.

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