Rhino Rack - pioneer

[mrand]

Hey guys
I'm considering a rhino rack pioneer platform.
They have 2 sizes for the LC 100. I haven't seen one in person but love the modularity of these and haven't found anything near as modular or flexible.

1. 76X54
2. 84X56

Do you guys have any reservations about the larger rack? It covers the sunroof

another member (steelman) did a nice review here. Thanks Steelman. very helpful.
Simple Review - Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform


my 2 questions:
- do you have any reservations about the larger rack covering the sunroof an additional8 inches (annoyance issues?)
- do you have any reservations about the extra 1 inch of width on each side?
- and then from a structural standpoint, that is a lot of aluminum rack well in front of the last anchor/support point.

would love to hear wisdom from some others on this

here is steelman's pioneer platform 76X54 (smaller than the one I'm considering)

 

[jahawk]

I had a Frontrunner rack about the same size as the smaller one you are looking at. I just never liked how the shorter length looked. It was relatively quiet though. I sold it and may go with another rack, but the truth is I haven't missed it not being there.

Jim

 

[mrand]

thanks jim for your thoughts

if anyone has any photos of a 100 with the larger Rhino pioneer platform...84X56....that would be amazing to see.

Go big or go home as they say!

 

[hoser]

The shorter length rack will be quieter. The wider rack might make it easier to attach an awning. There are different mounting points on the roof.

 

[mrand]

thanks for posting that. very helpful

 

[Somebodyelse5]

The shorter length rack will be quieter. The wider rack might make it easier to attach an awning. There are different mounting points on the roof.

After watching this video, why would anyone buy this over the gamviti? I just don't see it.

Have you looked at these?
100 Series Expo Rack

 

[hoser]

For roof racks, I prefer aluminum over steel.

 

[mrand]

well I was looking for modularity, but the gamviti feels like a step above in so many ways.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

For roof racks, I prefer aluminum over steel.

Why? Weight? I bet it weights around 10 pounds more, for an equivalent size... but the specific strength on the gamviti is going to blow doors on any commercial aluminum rack. If the Rhino was significantly cheaper, I'd see the point

well I was looking for modularity, but the gamviti feels like a step above in so many ways.

I think the Gamvity is ultimately more useful, it's bulletproof but if it ever does fail, steel is easy to repair... even in third world countries, someone will be able to weld mild steel. As for modularity, easy to have someone fab exactly what you need mount wise. Gamviti may even be able to set you up with exactly what you need right out of the box

 

[mrand]

does anyone know what the load capacity on a 100 series LC (moving vehicle) with a gamvity expo ++?

 

[hoser]

@Somebodyelse5 My main preference for aluminum is for no/low maintenance. I've had the aluminum rack on my 100 for over 10 years with nothing done to it. But the steel accessories and parts, I have to touch them up every so often.

The strength of the aluminum rack is fine. I'm not trying to push the limits of what can be carried on a roof. The rack does not normally take impacts either. For bumpers and sliders, I choose steel.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

@Somebodyelse5 My main preference for aluminum is for no/low maintenance. I've had the aluminum rack on my 100 for over 10 years with nothing done to it. But the steel accessories and parts, I have to touch them up every so often.

The strength of the aluminum rack is fine. I'm not trying to push the limits of what can be carried on a roof. The rack does not normally take impacts either. For bumpers and sliders, I choose steel.

If no impacts and powdercoated, what’s there to touch up?

 

[Batlowboy]

I've got the Rhino Pioneer Platform, never bothered me covering the sunroof as I never use it, there's no issue with regard to the amount of overhang strength, I've had plenty of weight up there on some very rough road trips, never an issue.

And yes it's very versatile when it comes to securing loads with the ability to tie down points to exactly where you need them, and a heap of accessories you can add etc.

There's no noticeable noise while in the cabin, if you open the sunroof though, it sounds like a storm.

 

[Michael K Leung]

Im on the fence between Rhino Rack and Front Runner. I know you can walk on the Front Runner...can you walk on the Rhino Rack?

 

[paflytyer]

I have a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform (full length) on my wheeling 100 and a full length Gamiviti Expo on my DD 100. If you're mounting an LED bar to the front of the rack, you get a little more vibration shake from the Rhino than the Gamiviti. I'd be perfectly happy with either rack.

If you're considering a RTT in the future, the full length rack is your option if you'll go with a hardshell RTT. A hardshell RTT will take up all the available space of a full length rack. The smaller RR Platform will fit a fold-over style RTT without issue.

The extra space over the windshield from the full length RR isn't an issue for me, but as mentioned above, it does produce more vibration/shake. You'll only notice that at night with a LED bar on. Otherwise, you'll never notice it. I don't ever hear it shaking.

No issues with weight or structural design. My son and I have stood on top of our closed foldover tent (with other items strapped to the rack) to get a better look at wildlife. Never any issues. Rhino Rack makes attachments for absolutely any piece of gear that you own as well. It's a pretty sweet system.

The 1" extra width of the rack took a little bit for me to get used to. I felt that it looked too big at first since the Gamiviti rack basically follows the profile of the 100. Pics for reference.



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[hoser]

If no impacts and powdercoated, what’s there to touch up?

I might agree with you if the steel roof rack had no welds, sharp edges, mesh nor any little crevices/corners (i.e. light tabs). If there is any rusting, it will start there first. If there are any drain holes in the steel, it can rust internally and drip rust on your paint.

Not all the parts of my roof rack are aluminum...

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I might agree with you if the steel roof rack had no welds, sharp edges, mesh nor any little crevices/corners (i.e. light tabs). If there is any rusting, it will start there first. If there are any drain holes in the steel, it can rust internally and drip rust on your paint.

Not all the parts of my roof rack are aluminum...

View attachment 1647785

That’s mostly just poor crafstmanship, sharp edges should be broken, welds should be smoothed, etc... The insides of tubes can be treated, either electro discharge coated, or coated with a rust preventative like BoeShielf or even Linseed oil, it’s pretty common in the bike world. ( I also live in AZ, where nothing rusts... even if you want it to... I leave raw mild steel outside year round and it hardly gets a patina...)

 

[neilsen100]

Mostly echoing what others have said. I've got the 84x56 on my LX and happy with the extra size. RTT is one nearly 100% of the time, the extra width is nice as a grabbing point when I'm doing setup and tear down. I've put my full 220 lbs standing on the front of the rack without any issue. There is some flex but nothing that concerns me. Overall I'm very happy with the RR and enjoy that larger size.

Let me know if there are any specific angles you'd like pictures from and I'll load them.

 

[hoser]

That’s mostly just poor crafstmanship, sharp edges should be broken, welds should be smoothed, etc... The insides of tubes can be treated, either electro discharge coated, or coated with a rust preventative like BoeShielf or even Linseed oil, it’s pretty common in the bike world. ( I also live in AZ, where nothing rusts... even if you want it to... I leave raw mild steel outside year round and it hardly gets a patina...)

You can do all that OR you can just use aluminum.

Okay, here's another piece in my garage. Powdercoated steel from a well known, reputable fabricator on mud. Total of 7 days in the sun, the rest in the garage. I don't blame the fabricator, it's just you can't always get everywhere with powder coating.

I'm not going to knock Gamviti because they do make quality steel racks and have been a great supporter of the LC/Mud community. But just as an example of the problem areas...

That triangulated brace/mount can have the same issues on the inside as the piece above....

What if you opt for the mesh? Is anybody really going to grind down all those welds to prevent rusting?

We all have our preferences. Companies like FrontRunner, Eezi-awn, African Outback, Hannibal that have been building expedition roof racks for 20+ years also have a preference of materials too.

 

[mrand]

thanks so much everyone for replying. very thankful for all the help. so a great attitude on this forum and willingness.

Does anyone know if the 3 person Yakima roof top tent is compatible with Rhino pioneer rack 72X54? Anyone have experience with that on this rack?