Rhino Rack Backbone with universal crossbars?

[g.c.vegas]

I’m looking at installing a Rhino Rack 3 bar backbone on my JLU to carry a roof top tent. I want to keep the whole setup as low as possible. (I’ve already looked at Maximus 3, but it won’t work with my XG cargo bags) I’d like info on the feasibility of mounting universal extrusion crossbars directly to the Rhino mount pads with possibly a small spacer, but not a full upright that most crossbars have. Has anyone done this or can provide info on the hardware needed to bolt to the rhino pad? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Jaym]

No experience with the backbone, but I bought the Yakima ribcage over the backbone. TBH I can’t recall why but when I did it I had thought it through, and my local rack shop also recommended the Yakima. I plan to install it next weekend.

 

[dmaxw]

I just installed the backbone with 3 crossbars on my ‘21 JLUR, and can see a lot of possibility with other options. The base pads have a threaded mount position, but I could screw anything to it if I set my mind to it. As far as I can tell, if you’re handy at all, the Rhino Rack backbone and bases will provide a great foundation to anything you want to adapt to it

 

[Whaler27]

My brother and I both have the Rhino backbone. He went with the platform and I went with the crossbars. The bars worked great for our RoofNest tent, but I‘ve since swapped out the bars for the platform. I doubt we’ll carry the tent anymore, as we’ve moved on from tenting it.

 

[g.c.vegas]

I just installed the backbone with 3 crossbars on my ‘21 JLUR, and can see a lot of possibility with other options. The base pads have a threaded mount position, but I could screw anything to it if I set my mind to it. As far as I can tell, if you’re handy at all, the Rhino Rack backbone and bases will provide a great foundation to anything you want to adapt to it

That’s good to know. Would anyone be able to give me the distance between threaded holes so I can figure out how wide the extrusions need to be?

 

[g.c.vegas]

I ended up finding a deal on open box Rhino rack vortex 59” bars. I picked them up and fabricated some low profile mounting feet. I used 3/4” square stock, cut at a 45 and capped. I drilled them and the crossbars for the mounting bolts. I finished the feet in spray on rubberized bed liner. It has a grippy texture and is soft enough that it should seal the base from trapping moisture on top of the base hardware. It’s definitely lower that the lowest feet rhino rack makes and is quiet on the highway. If anyone wants to copy this just let me know if you need any info.

 

[ajn507]

I like what you did getting the rails lower. I have the Backbone setup and cross bars for my rooftop tent and don't like how high it sits. I only run the bars when I want to have the tent mounted.

Have you put your tent on there yet?

 

[g.c.vegas]

I like what you did getting the rails lower. I have the Backbone setup and cross bars for my rooftop tent and don't like how high it sits. I only run the bars when I want to have the tent mounted.

Have you put your tent on there yet?

I just got the tent a couple weeks ago. I did have to cut the mount bolts by about 1/2”, but I like how it turned out. I just need to figure out an easier way to bolt it up and unbolt it with how tight the space is. I will probably use standard nuts and then nylon lock nuts so the clamps are easier to tighten without moving around.

Sponsored