Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
(101 reviews)
Price: $129.27
In Stock
Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
Item # RR-RUSL
Retail:$238.80
Our Price: $129.27
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Rhino Rack Accessories and Parts - RR-RUSL
- Watersport Carriers
- Load Assists
- Rhino Rack
This side loader lets you easily load a kayak, ladder, or other gear on your roof rack without assistance. Padding protects your boat and vehicle. Accommodates vehicles of different heights. Easy, clamp-on installation to most crossbars.
Features:
- Slide-out load assist makes it easy for 1 person to load a kayak, canoe, surfboard, or ladder onto their roof rack
- Eliminates the need for a second set of hands while loading
- Takes the strain out of lifting your cargo onto the roof
- Integrated load stop helps prevent gear from sliding off the bar
- Foam padding protects your boat and vehicle from scuffs and scratches
- Telescoping pole provides additional support for loads greater than 44 lbs
- Also helps you load gear on uneven terrain and on vehicles of different heights
- Adjustable clamps allow load assist to be easily installed and removed from your existing roof rack crossbars - no drilling required
- 6 Different clamp sizes accommodate most popular crossbar configurations
- Heavy-duty storage bag included
Specs:
- Application: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero, Euro, and Heavy-Duty crossbars; Whispbar Flush, Through, Rail, and HD crossbars; and Thule AeroBlade and square crossbars
- Weight capacity: 132 lbs
- Vertical support pole measures:
- 87-1/8" Extended
- 35-5/8" Retracted
- Overall length: 55-5/16"
- Foam pad length: 23-5/8"
- Crossbar mount spacing: 18-1/8"
- 3-Year warranty
The Rhino-Rack universal side loader makes it easy for one person to load a kayak, canoe, surfboard, ladder, or other gear onto a vehicle's roof rack. A padded bar extends past the side of your vehicle and holds one end of your load up so you can pivot the other end onto your vehicle's roof. This eliminates the need for a second pair of hands while loading your gear. A telescoping pole helps accommodate for uneven terrain and adds support for heavier loads.
Quick and Easy Installation
This crossbar extension easily clamps onto most crossbars without the use of tools, and it can be installed on either side of your vehicle. Simply place the first clamp against the bottom of your crossbar and rotate the extension around so the second clamp can grab the top. Once it's secure, you're ready to load your gear.
Simple, 1-Person Loading
To load your boat from the back of your vehicle, simply lean your boat or ladder against the extension at a 45-degree angle. The padded bar protects your boat from scratches and scuffs during the entire loading process.
Next, lift the rear end of the boat up so that it's level with your roof rack and set it on your vehicle's rear crossbar.
Finally, use the back end of the boat to lift the front end and pivot it into place on your vehicle's front crossbar. Once it's in place, secure your load with tie-down straps (sold separately).
Convenient Storage
After you've loaded and secured your boat, disconnect the side loader from your crossbars. Once disconnected, store the Side Loader in the included storage and carry bag.
RUSL Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader
Installation Details
Customer Satisfaction Score:
90% were satisfied with this product
10% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Defective
Customer Reviews
Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs - RR-RUSL
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (101 Customer Reviews)
This side loader lets you easily load a kayak, ladder, or other gear on your roof rack without assistance. Padding protects your boat and vehicle. Accommodates vehicles of different heights. Easy, clamp-on installation to most crossbars.by: Robert05/25/2022
Just what I needed to load my 55 pound kayak by myself onto my Rhino-Rack Aero cross bars. Of note I have some older Thule J bars that were given to me. Unfortunately the bolts securing the J bars don't allow me to attach the load assist bar. No harm done will just load kayak directly onto the cross bars.
Comments
Rhino Rack Aero cross bars with the universal load Assist is all I need to loadunload the kayak by myself. Both products are as advertised and would recomend both.
Robert - 05/26/2023by: Sharon 08/03/2022
Got my gorilla assist deliver quickly. Was really good quality and it allows me to easily load my kayak myself into roof. Very pleased with the service
Comments
I’m still using this and as a woman loading myself and going to meet friends kayaking , it has been a Godsend
Sharon - 08/04/2023by: Chad08/05/2023
The support bar that came with this didn't work right out of the box. The top third section extension does not lock out so it's way too short to be usable. I may try to rig something myself to support the end of the load assist as my kayak is heavy and I'm hesitant to try loading it without the support pole.
by: Don C.06/07/2023
I've only used this a few times. I have a truck I use to transport my kayak most of the time. But it works very well. My kayak is kind of large (Hobie Compass fishing kayak) - maybe wider than most and Hobie says it should be transported and stored upside down to minimize distortion, so it needs to be flipped over to be on the rack. I've been flipping it on the Load Assist and it's a little tight because of the width, but it works fine with proper attention. I could also flip it before putting on the load assist, but I haven't worked that out yet. It easily supports the weight and is simple to install and remove. One thing I wanted to add - I've seen many complaints that the support pole doesn't work well. I found that when properly tightened it would support my weight - I weigh about 220. I also found that the "tighten-Loosen" labels on the pole sections are confusing. They refer to the section above the section where the label is stuck, not to that section, so it's easy to turn the poles in the wrong direction, loosening when you've meant to tighten. Labeling could be clearer.
by: Edward05/07/2016
I am 66 years old an knew I would have difficulty lifting my kayaks onto the roof of my vehicle. I knew that this loading accessory was not built for J style kayak holders, but thought that I could try to fit it anyway. The loader comes its several clamp types and I found that if I used clamps 1 and 2 instead to the 3 and 4 it called for in the directions for the Euro style roof rack that the system fit perfectly with the J Style carriers. How great is that! Loaded up my kayaks today with no problem. Great item.
by: Bob 03/09/2023
I have a full RhinoRack Aerobar Rack with Kayak Saddles for carrying my fishing kayak on Ford Fusion Hatchback. The kayak weighs over 65 pounds alone so even though it is small car, it is quite a wrestling match to get it on top. The Universal Load Assist makes it much easier to load the kayak from the off side and then maneuver it into the saddles. The only additional trick is I use a rope from the rear car wheel to the bow of the kayak to keep it from sliding forward while I am lifting the rear of the kayak to the Load Bar. I load stern first to protect the rudder on my kayak. This setup seems to work about as easy as possible without going the next step to some of the very expensive side loader systems. All the RhinoRack stuff is top notch and the Load Assist is also.
by: RI05/26/2023
I should have read the negative reviews sooner. Does not work if you have anything mounted to the cross bar. This makes no sense as most smart people have some type of craddle system…. Will be returning as it’s useless to me…… and dont call it universal
by: Paul 06/23/2023
This loader works really well. I can easily load and unload my kayak by myself.
by: Kath01/15/2022
Just what I needed to load our sit-on-top kayak onto our Prius. Even works well for the heavier sit-in kayak which has a keel if there's someone to steady it until I lever it over onto foam pads. Not as young as I used to be (now 70) so this makes life much easier.
Comments
Still very happy with the canoe assist. It really takes the strain out of getting the boats on top of the car.
Kath - 01/16/2023by: BF08/26/2023
I used to throw my canoe around and on top cars but as I got older and cars got taller it made using the canoe much less enjoyable. I used this rack every day in September of last year and several times after. It’s simple and makes it much easier to load and unload without too much effort. It was a great recommendation by the folks at eTrailer!
by: Richard03/28/2018
Be informed before buying this. If you have kayak holders on your crossbars, they will interfere with this, especially with aero bars where the crossbar bracket will not work well on the driver side. Also, if you have two kayaks the holder for the second kayak will interfere with the loader.
The only really viable solution is to use foam blocks for one or two kayaks. The review video tellingly shows only bare crossbars and makes no mention of holders.
Mine are being returned.
Another user did post a photo showing one set of J racks mounted backwards. A very awkward mounting that requires reaching all the way across the vehicle roof to tighten all th straps!
Comments
I contacted rhino rack and they state you can use the j-cradles with this load assist but you will have to lift the kayak over the cradle to get it secure.
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Heather A - 04/13/2018by: Julio A08/04/2023
Thank you for the fast shipping. The rack is exactly what I need and it seems super strong.
by: Elizabeth08/17/2022
Doesn't work with our J style kayak carrier on the roof rack. The hardware to hold the carrier in place interferes with the load assist.
by: Sean07/22/2023
Seems sturdy. Wish I could try it but still waiting on parts of the shipment.
by: Stacy 10/21/2022
This kayak loader works very well and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
by: Tamara 05/28/2023
It was exactly what we expected and it came quickly
by: Gail04/25/2021
We are thrilled with how easily we can now load and unload our kayaks! Wahooo!
by: Gary Z06/21/2017
This product attempts to be "one size fits all." Unfortunately, that means some cartop racks like my 2007 Toyota 4Runner doesn't allow for a snug fit for the horizontal bar of the RR-RUSL. It moves a bit and scratches the paint on my car's roof. I transport a Hobie fishing kayak that is a bit on the heavy side, so the side of my car got scratches on it as I put the kayak on and off the roof rack. I should've used some blankets to protect my car's finish as I do now, but the damage has already been done. If you want to protect your car's finish, I suggest using a couple of yoga rugs to protect your roof and side of your car.
Comments
After one year using this product, I’ve come to the conclusion that a light trailer is the better solution to transporting heavier kayaks like the Hobie Fishing Kayak. I have yet to purchase a light weight trailer, but am actively looking for one that is sturdy and can break down to a smaller size for storage.
Gary Z - 06/24/2018by: Lex06/12/2022
Item has good build quality. A tight fit to use with Yakima Jaylow rack and Rhino Rack Aero bars. Etrailer shipping was fast. Two days using free shipping.
by: DJ08/14/2022
I think this would be great for loading a paddle board or kayak on a low height vehicle. Unfortunately my vehicle is tall and my kayak is heavy so the kayak keeps sliding off the loading bar when loading.
by: Michael 04/12/2023
It worked as advertised. My daughter, who I bought it for, just needs to practice with it to get the hang of it.
by: Jeffrey05/17/2018
This product is made of good/solid raw materials, and is worth the money. I looked at other similar products, but they lacked the left, and length I needed to properly load my Perception Pilot kayak onto my flush mount roof rack. The upright support bar is necessary to prevent overloading the bar or the crossbar of your roof rack.
Comments
Still going strong.
Jeffrey - 05/17/2019by: John06/18/2022
Bought this tool to help me load my Hobie Outback onto my Toyota RAV4 roof racks. It works!
by: CDS01/01/2023
Excellent customer service answered all my questions
by: Richard01/24/2021
Product works as advertised. Good price and construction with of extension pole. The pole does not stay extended, does not seem damaged just poor construction. etrailer has been and still is a great place to shop for my RV needs. Friendly and has always answered every question fast and to my satisfaction.
Comments
still works as advertised. Scratched up the extension pole a bit and now it stays extended while loading our kayaks.
Richard - 01/25/202225
101
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Rhino Rack Accessories and Parts
- Does The Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Work With Yakima Jet Stream Crosbars?Yes the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading # RR-RUSL does fit onto the Yakima Jet Stream Crossbars that you have. This will come in handy when trying to load a kayak onto your roof when you do not have an extra set of hands to help you. I attached a demonstration video for you to check out which shows how to install and use the load assist.
view full answer... - How to Determine if Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Will Fit 2021 Subaru Outback CrossbarsSo what you will need to do is actually measure the crossbars on your 2021 Subaru Outback to determine a fit of the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL. The reason for that is this load assist is designed specifically for aftermarket crossbars and hasn't been tested on factory crossbars. The JayLow you mentioned clamps on to a wider range of crossbar sizes than the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL, so it isn't necessarily an apples to apples comparison, if that makes sense. Your...
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view full answer... - Will Rhino Rack Side Loader Load Assist Work with Thule Aeroblade Roof RackYes the Rhino Rack load assist part # RR-RUSL can be used with your Thule AeroBlade crossbars. It also would work with the other racks you mentioned as well.
view full answer... - Rhino Rack Kayak Load Assist Compatibility For 2017 Nissan Rogue Factory CrossbarsYou can use the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL with most crossbars including your factory bars on your 2017 Nissan Rogue. They just wrap around your crossbars to mount into position. I've included a video for you to watch to see the installation process!
view full answer... - Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Compatibility With Heavy-Duty Crossbars and Yakima J-BarsYes, you will be able to use the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL with the Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Roof Rack Crossbars and Yakima Bowdown J-bars on your Ford F-150 Supercrew. Do note that the support pole for the load assist maxes out at 87-1/8" extended.
view full answer... - Load Assist System Option For The LockRack Watersport CarrierWhile we aren't certain at the moment when the LockRack Loading Bar will become available, I do have another solution for you that you may be interested in. I recommend checking out the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount # RR-RUSL. Similar to the Loading Bars, these are a universal load assist system that will allow you to load one canoe, kayak surfboard or ladder easily with one person. This load assist system has a weight capacity of 132-lbs, and measures 87-1/8" extended,...
view full answer... - Does Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Fit OEM 2022 Tesla Model 3Yes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL that you referenced is a confirmed fit for the factory crossbars of your 2022 Tesla Model 3.
view full answer... - Will Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Fit Factory Crossbars on a 2010 Chevy TahoeThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL comes with several attachments for different crossbars. While they do not show fits for any factory roof racks I am certain that at least one of the attachment types will fit the factory bars on your 2010 Chevy Tahoe with little to no modification.
view full answer... - Will Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Work with Yakima CorebarsYes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL that you referenced will work well with the Yakima Corebars.
view full answer... - Installation Of Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist For 2014 Chevrolet TraverseI have attached a link to the video for the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist, part # RR-RUSL you asked about. I also attached the installation instructions you can check out. The kit includes 6 different clamps sizes so it will fit almost any crossbar configuration out there.
view full answer... - Does the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Fit with Rhino Rack Euro CrossbarsYes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL is compatible with the Rhino Rack Euro Crossbar Roof Rack part # DS118B.
view full answer... - What is the Maximum Length of the Support Pole in the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist RUSLThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL mounts so that it is parallel with the roof rack crossbars on the vehicle. The support pole part that extends down has a maximum length of 87-1/8 inches (and a minimum of 35-5/8 inches). The distance from the ground to the bottoms of your crossbars will need to be less than 87-1/8 inches to avoid having to use additional supports under it.
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view full answer... - Best Clamps to Secure the Rhino Rack Universal Side Load to Yakima Round BarsThanks for the feedback! The clamps that are the best fit are clamp 1 and 3. It doesn't matter which one you utilize as the top or bottom. You will have to take one foam pad off number 5 or 6 and put on either 1 or 3. The number 1 clamp you may need to bend out just a tad so your Yakima bar has a more snug fit. With that said, you will be good to go.
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- Can Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist RR-RUSL be Quickly Moved from One Side of Vehicle to the OtherI would agree with that statement. Provided that the kayak or the carrier it is placed on does not block the brackets that hold the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL to the roof rack it could be moved to the other side of the vehicle relatively quickly to load another kayak. I have included links to the instructions and a video covering the load assist for you.
view full answer... - Will Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader Kayak Load Assist Fit Factory Crossbars on 2015 Lexus NX 200tThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL comes with several clamps to fit various crossbars but Rhino-Rack does not call out any factory crossbars specifically. Basically you would compare the clamps in the picture I have included to the crossbars on your 2015 Lexus NX 200t as well as the linked instructions to determine if any are a match for the shape of the factory crossbars. I am confident that at least one of the designs will fit with little to no modification required.
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view full answer... - Will Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist RR-RUSL Fit Factory Bars on 2019 Subaru ForesterThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL will fit properly on most larger roof rack crossbars. It is confirmed to fit on bars which measure as large as 3-1/8 wide and 1-7/8-inch tall so you can check your bars' thickness to confirm compatibility.
view full answer... - Does Aluminum Pole Need to be Used for the Rhino-Rack Universal Load AssistTo properly use the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL yes, you do need to use the aluminum pole. There are some other options available but they are a little more specific in how you can use them. If you let me know what kayak carrier you are using (if you already have one) and what roof rack system you have I can see if there are any other options available that you may be interested in.
view full answer... - Dimensions of Rhino-Rack Universal Load AssistThank you for highlighting everything in the picture of the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL! I added the different measurements to the photo for you to check out; 1. Overall Length - 55.3" 2. Length of Pad - 23.6" 3. Distance Between Brackets - 18.1" I got these measurements from my contact at Rhino-Rack and he said that he wasn't able to physically take these measurements but they are within 10mm of being accurate.
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- Will Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Work with Thule Hullaport XT and Aero BarsYes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL is perfectly compatible with the Thule Hullaport Kayak Carrier part # TH848 and Thule Aero shaped crossbars so it will work great for you to help get your kayaks loaded and unloaded! I attached a review video for this for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Does Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Fit Inno Square CrossbarsYes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL that you referenced is perfectly compatible with Inno square crossbars. I attached a review video for more info on this as well.
view full answer... - Length of Extension of Rhino-Rack RR-RUSL Universal Load AssistIt's very difficult to answer that question, as the extension of the # RR-RUSL will depend on the length of the crossbars used on the vehicle. According to rhino rack, when extended fully, the bar will extend out past the end of the crossbar approximately 2-1/2 feet.
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