GX470 Roof Racks -- Frontrunner vs K9 vs Rhinorack

[bap5340]

Can folks who use either the Frontrunner Slimline II or Eezi-Awn K9 or Rhino-rack Pioneer comment on your experiences. I'm interested in their pros and cons, noise, and accessories. I really like the K9's low profile and solid construction. It appears that Frontrunner is well made, and has a broader array of accessories. Has anyone used Frontrunner accessories on their K9 Rack? Photos would be great if possible.

I'm wanting to put an Alu-Cab Shaddow awning on the rack (Driver Side). OK4WD sells brackets for both Rhino-rack and Frontrunner. Bomber Products also has a mount, but it is more directly useable on the Frontrunner or with load bars.

All three of these options have their own merits. If you have personal experience with multiple brands of rack, I'd really like to get your thoughts in comparison as well.

 

[GXO]

Bajarack also has a GX specific rack now.

 

[Prof H]

Yeah, I don't have any info on the Frontrunner or Eezi-Awn racks either, but the Rhino Rack pioneer rack for the Prado 120 bolts right up to the GX. It's very functional, with lots of accessories. Bit of wind noise, but nothing excessive.

 

[bap5340]

This is an old post, but I'm getting around to putting a rack on my GX and want to finalize the selection. I have a Pioneer platform by Rhino-rack available (76" x 54"), but the recommended size for the GX is 76" x 49". I would be using RLCP legs if I go this route. The total out-of-pocket would be less than $300, but I don't want to "wish I had gone the other way." Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[tlin]

This is an old post, but I'm getting around to putting a rack on my GX and want to finalize the selection. I have a Pioneer platform by Rhino-rack available (76" x 54"), but the recommended size for the GX is 76" x 49". I would be using RLCP legs if I go this route. The total out-of-pocket would be less than $300, but I don't want to "wish I had gone the other way." Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I have the same dimensions on my Rhino Pioneer as you are considering (76" x 54") - I intentionally went with the wider rack and have no regrets. I went with Rhino Rack CXB adapters to attach it to my stock roof rails, works great. The Rhino also has the T-slots so you can get creative when adding accessories. It's not nearly as mature as the SlimLine from FR (nowhere as many accessories) but it's also a lot less $$. If money were NOT a factor, I'd have gone with FR for sure.

I have zero experience with the alternatives (other than having watched just about every FrontRunner video with Frankie....). Good luck, hope this helps.

 

[Dharma Dude]

@tlin I must be missing something because the Rhino rack price out the same for me as the Frontrunner. Frontrunner is about $1200 and the Rhno is $1100. What am I doing wrong? For $100 different I'd prefer the Frontrunner.

 

[Mr Snappy]

I can’t comment on the rhino rack, but I’ve had both the FrontRunner and the K-9 is on my hundy currently. Personally, I think the K9 is better built, as it’s more welded and less dependent on bolts. It’s also much more solid when standing on it, if you do that sort of thing.
The wind deflect is a joke, though. It’s like the designer said “crap, gotta have a deflector or it’s not cool, here, use this piece of scrap metal from another project!”
I’d like to be able to drive at least around town with my sunroof open, but the air noise is too much.
Anyway, I also have an Alu-can shadow awning. They make a bracket set that bolts to the K9 that is super slick. I tried using the FrontRunner brackets on the K9/shadow. That’s a disaster.
Personally, I think that there is a huge void of well designed racks that provide accessory options, clearance, solid construction and low noise.
But hey, this is just my opinion...

 

[tlin]

@tlin I must be missing something because the Rhino rack price out the same for me as the Frontrunner. Frontrunner is about $1200 and the Rhno is $1100. What am I doing wrong? For $100 different I'd prefer the Frontrunner.

Sorry, forgot to mention I got my rack off Craigslist. A guy on the other side of town last year could buy damaged items from Amazon's warehouse. The shipping box itself was ripped in transit and Amazon wouldn't therefore sell it to the masses; the rack itself was perfect (brand new) - picked it up for $400.

You're right about retail pricing (obviously), sorry for the confusion.

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

You should also look at Gamaviti, check with @nakman. Lots of options to customize and it's tough. There are complaints out there about the aluminum bars on some racks