Rhino Rack - pioneer

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Hey FJ40, i really have know idea about the backbone system, does look pretty neat though. Here's a couple of close up pics showing gap between roof and rack.
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Thanks for the quick response. Are the towers aluminum as well? It looks like on the Rhino Rack website that the backbone is not available with the narrower platform for the 100 series. I will probably call to verify.
 
I have 84x56 on my LX470. The sunroof still works fine but I rarely use it anyway. I just like how you have more options with the bigger platform.
I just recently purchased a iKamper Skykamp. It fits perfectly on the 84x56 (with Rhino Rack Backbone). Super sturdy and installation is apparently easy since you can access the front fittings through the sunroof (I'll see how good it works in the fall when I take it down).
Also, the extra width allows you to still use other utilities on the side without interfering with the tent (I use a Rhino Rack shovel holder).
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Can anyone answer if the backbone fits directly into the original mounting points where the factory rails were mounted once I remove them? Thanks
 
I have the backbone system on my 05 LX. They do mount into the existing factory holes with no drilling. However, they recommend you completely remove the stainless steel trim piece on each side. I would highly recommend siliconing the bolts and adding some additional self leveling butyl rubber roof sealant around the attachment points (3 on each side). The Rhino Backbone kit comes with butyl rubber gaskets for each mounting bolt but I had several areas that leaked, so I removed the rack, added the butyl sealant....no more leaks.
 
Can anyone speak to the differences between the backbone system and the towers? Specifically any wind noise difference or platform height difference.
 
I have the backbone system on my 05 LX. They do mount into the existing factory holes with no drilling. However, they recommend you completely remove the stainless steel trim piece on each side. I would highly recommend siliconing the bolts and adding some additional self leveling butyl rubber roof sealant around the attachment points (3 on each side). The Rhino Backbone kit comes with butyl rubber gaskets for each mounting bolt but I had several areas that leaked, so I removed the rack, added the butyl sealant....no more leaks.

I had mine installed and it was leaking too. I brought it back to the shop and they fixed it. They said it usually never happens because they use the same holes. But they had discovered one screw that was crooked so it wasn’t sealing correctly.
 
Hey guys, bumping this for 2 questions:

- Is there a part list I missed if I want to use the "normal" attachments and not the backbone? I'd like this as low profile as possible.

- If I were to go with the 84 x 49 would that limit my future RTT considerations?
 
I'm not sure what you mean by "normal" attachments? The install is pretty straight forward. If you use the regular attachments to secure the platform to the roof, you will still want to use clean the area and use a liberal amount of sealant. Trust me, it's a PITA to remove the rack and reseal the mounting holes.

As for the rack size, I use the shorter version which does not completely cover the sunroof and my Tepui 3 man RTT fits with room to spare. rack sizing simply needs to accommodate the RTT you have. Measure, measure, measure....
 
Can anyone speak to the differences between the backbone system and the towers? Specifically any wind noise difference or platform height difference.
I have the shorter Rhino rack with the backbone system with minimal wind noise. However, I tried mounting a lightbar both below the rack and above the rack and both caused significant wind noise so I removed the lightbar.
 
I'm not sure what you mean by "normal" attachments? The install is pretty straight forward. If you use the regular attachments to secure the platform to the roof, you will still want to use clean the area and use a liberal amount of sealant. Trust me, it's a PITA to remove the rack and reseal the mounting holes.

As for the rack size, I use the shorter version which does not completely cover the sunroof and my Tepui 3 man RTT fits with room to spare. rack sizing simply needs to accommodate the RTT you have. Measure, measure, measure....
Maybe I read the website wrong but it looked to me like there were different attachment options for feet.


And yeah man, I don't have a RTT yet, hence why I asked if it limited any future options.
 
Hey guys, bumping this for 2 questions:

- Is there a part list I missed if I want to use the "normal" attachments and not the backbone? I'd like this as low profile as possible.

- If I were to go with the 84 x 49 would that limit my future RTT considerations?

These are all the parts for the 'normal' attachments vs the backbone system. 49" width will not adversely affect a future tent. I personally prefer the look of this size and style, so imo you're on the right track. It's probably what I'll get when the time comes.

I've seen them cheaper than the rhino site, though. If you don't mind assembling the rack part JA9776 is usually less than JA9640 shown below. Check ebay and maybe look for a discount day. You could also look for the part numbers separately and possibly piece it together cheaper.

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These are all the parts for the 'normal' attachments vs the backbone system. 49" width will not adversely affect a future tent. I personally prefer the look of this size and style, so imo you're on the right track. It's probably what I'll get when the time comes.

I've seen them cheaper than the rhino site, though. If you don't mind assembling the rack part JA9776 is usually less than JA9640 shown below. Check ebay and maybe look for a discount day. You could also look for the part numbers separately and possibly piece it together cheaper.

L8Qhidc.jpg
Awesome man, thanks for taking the time! Much appreciated.

Do you happen to know if I did get the backbone, would I just have to buy the platform + backbone, or do I still need spacers and other parts?
 
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Sure thing.

The backbone system takes the place of all the other bits including spacers. It's part number is RTLB2.
 
I opted for the biggest one just to have more options available.
As far as the RTT is concerned I made the right choice. Turns out my iKamper Skycamp fits perfectly on the biggest pioneer platform and is also easy to take down/put up. According to the iKamper “guy” (Altitude Industries Denver) it would have been more work to put the RTT on the smaller platform.
Like someone said earlier, it’s all about what setup you want and what fits.
 
76x49 on a Thule square bar. I used Rhino Rack universal bracket from Road Warrior Racks.


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Hi! I'm new and this is an old thread. Have a 2007 LX470 and looking at the 84 x 49 platform. My question is - will the backbone system work with the narrower platform or narrower platform will require the use of the 6 legs? Many thanks!
 

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