To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
These heavy-duty, aluminum crossbars work with Rhino-Rack legs to create a sturdy roof rack. The square bars include built-in C-channels for mounting Rhino-Rack heavy-duty, contractor-grade accessories.
Features:
Rhino-Rack HD Crossbars - Black - Qty 2:Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today on our 2016 Acura MDX we'll be doing a test fit of the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbar System, using part numbers RRVA137B-2 for the 54" Black Aluminum Crossbars, and then part number RRRLKVA for the 2500 Series Leg Kits, and then part number DK400 for the clamps and the pads. We've already got the front one installed as you can see here. We followed our instructions, we came from the door jam over to the center, we measured out the distance and how far we're supposed to be for our legs underneath the bars, and then we tightened everything up, and we got it. So let's go ahead and do the rear one together. First thing we'll do is we'll grab the leg first, and then our pad. We want to make sure that the arrow is pointing out, so away, and then we're going to push that on the bottom. Make sure that it seats all the way around.
Once we've got it seated let's go ahead and remove our bolt here. We'll grab our clamp. Now you need to make sure that you have the correct clamp because they differ from the back and the front. We don't need to tighten this down all the way. Just need to get the bolt started so it's loosely installed, and then we can turn our crossbar over. Now when you get your kit it's going to come with a scale that gets inserted through here.
When you follow your instructions it's going to give you a number to set your leg. For demonstration purposes we're just going to be using our little tape measure here. We're going to measure this direction here. We'll measure it out and we'll set that. First we'll need to remove the end cap and we're going to slide this on here.
All right, once we get it on there then we can take our tape, set it to where it's supposed to be, and once we have that set we can take our included tool and tighten that down. One we've got that tight we'll replace our end cap and we can actually use the rest of the strip that we have to fill in the gap on the other side. All right. Once we have that done we can open up the rear doors of our MDX and set our crossbar in place. Now in some cases it's not a bad idea to get an extra set of hands, but you'll want to set it down gently in the roundabout area. Now according to our manufacturer's instruction we need to have 29 centimeters ...
Excuse me, that'd be 75 centimeters from center to center. Once we get that lined up let's go ahead and check the other side. Almost got it there. All right. That looks pretty good. All right then, we can grab our included tool. Now a few things you want to look out for, you want to make sure that your clamp is going to go underneath your door here, and that your pad is actually seated on top of the roof. Once you've ensured that that is the case you can then tighten it down. Now you want to be sure and tighten them down evenly on both sides, so we'll go ahead and seat that clamp right there and then we'll run over to the other side and do the same thing. Now that we know that they are both seated correctly we can just kind of keep an eye on it and then tighten them both down evenly. This side actually looks pretty good. We'll finish up on the other side. Now the included tool actually has a built-in torque mechanism, and that's actually this blue portion here. You tighten it up until that runs straight, and that's how you know that you've got it. All right, now the only thing left to do is to put on our caps, lock them up. You of course want to make sure and set it in correctly. We can also lock up our end caps of our crossbar. With the included tool lock those up so we know they're in place. Then we're ready to load up our favorite Rhino-Rack accessory and hit the road. Well that's going to complete our test fit of the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars Roof Rack System on our 2016 Acura MDX.
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (84 Customer Reviews)
These heavy-duty, aluminum crossbars work with Rhino-Rack legs to create a sturdy roof rack. The square bars include built-in C-channels for mounting Rhino-Rack heavy-duty, contractor-grade accessories.I’ve had this rhino rack for over 3 years and it’s been excellent on long road trips to the ski slopes. A year after my purchase, I realized that I was missing the plastic coverings that attached to the end of the bars and called their customer service to resolve the missing pieces. I was impressed with their quick response and seamless delivery.
The rack fit well and was easy to install. Seems to be made well. The problem is the amount of road noise. I never even put the basket on. It was so loud, it roared. I repositioned it several times but the noise was way too much and I finally just removed it. I spent a lot of money for the rack and the basket and now they are in storage. I wish it would have worked out better because I thought it looked really good.
This has been a disaster, and terrible experience from the start. Original product Rhino roof rack ($188.00) misrepresented for sale, even called and was told all parts were included as "Open Box" item. Received item with missing parts and mismatched parts, then ET sent wrong parts (Legs) causing having to order these cross bars ($192.00) to fit parts sent (Legs). Now my $300.00 BougeRV ski rack - mounting base plates won't fit the crossbars. Still waiting for return label for original item so I can get my refund of $188.00. Three weeks later, still dealing with problem. I do appreciate Shawnee and EDW for their efforts in follow up service attempts.
This rack works perfectly on my Nissan Versa for carrying my two Perception Sound 9'6" kayaks. The Rhino-Racks look good to me. The kayaks can rest directly on the rubber pads on the rails, unlike the Yakama racks I had in the past that had bare pipe rails. Also, I expect I can buy parts to adapt this product to a different car without having to buy new towers. I am sorry there are not hooks or loops to attach bungees when carrying lumber. They are noisy in the wind, but less so when carrying the kayaks.
Great product, fit was spot on with correct vehicle specific parts. Etrailer
was fantastic to work with. Great communication and feedback, worked through a small problem with positive outcome. Will definitely purchase from them again, their customer service department is top notch.
Ordered a Rhino Rack for my 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali. Rack arrived in very good shape and all items were there. Installing at this time and see no problems ahead.
High-quality, sturdy rails, but noisy. There was a pronounced and audible whistle driving with these racks at any common road or highway speed (with the rubber inserts installed across the top). I have since replaced these rails with the Rhino vortex aero style (change of vehicles and the HD bars did not fit the new car). Having used both types several times, I would recommend the aero style over the HD if you have the option.
Tricky to rivet tracks onto car with a manual riveter but once done, a great solution for the car with ease of bar removal. My only regret was going with the square bars which result in notable increase in wind noise.
Product installation instructions were fair, and that is the worst thing I have to say. I havent put anything on the rack yet as I just installed it, but I gave a good tug on the bars and they are SOLID. The product came in a reasonable amount of time, and the feedback for etrailer is that I got followup emails at each step of the process keeping me fully informed right up to the message asking for feedback.
Bottomline: etrailer is a great business to work with, and this product seems to be good too.
Thanks to Etrailer, I am ready to do some serious summer exploring with my 2013 Mazda 3! Rhino Racks, Malone top box, and Kuat bike rack!
I am normally a exclusive Amazon shopper, but etrailer gives equal or better service and has specialty items you just can't find anywhere else. The pricing is great also. This is my 4th order from them on this project and the response has been perfect and the shipping has been prompt. They even offered to take back an item that I did not need. I desperately wanted to mount my 19ft Kayak on my new RV and with some Rhino RT tracks, a Rhino Nautic kayak lifter, a few really heavy duty rivets, and some ingenuity, I was able to accomplish the task. I am replacing the current Nautic bars with the heavy duty bars. See the attached pictures.
This is Thai Khuu ,Thanks I got packaged ,and I already installed, It just take about 1 and 1/2 hour,but I just take time to do carefully,so it is took me 2 hours, It is great ,me and my wife like it,and I my order the other package exactly like this for my second acura mdx 2016, I enclosed the pictures installed roof rack , Thanks
Good quality and locks are included. The plastic lock covers are flimsy but they will keep an honest person honest.
Thank you for the very speedy customer service! My roof rack is already here!
Kit was pretty easy to put on, at least my husband didn’t seem to swear a lot. Great value since we only use this once a year when we go to the great state of Maine.
I got the roof rack mounted anyways. Better pics to come when it's all finished!
It works well. Good value. Not the fault of trailer or Rhino, but if you are vertically challenged, own an suv, and lugging 50+ pound kayaks then any roof top system needs to be researched thoroughly. I’m happy with this product. My wife could use some help.
Great product everything fit perfectly. With the heavy duty bars almost all the hardware for anything you put on the rack is too short
This roof rack system has been wonderful. I wish I had bought it sooner! The install was easy (I am good with tools and I am an engineer for comparison) with full step by step instructions. The fit is perfect and solid. It’s been great for Paddleboards and also my roof top carrier.
Had a bit of a problem with a couple of nuts and bolts that attach leg to crossbar. Customer service rectified quickly Great company
I was in a roof rack jam. There was a national shortage of the rack I needed for my car and our summer vacation was a week away. I went to etrailer.com when I couldnt find the roof rack anywhere else on the web. Another website actually suggested that they might have what I needed.
I spoke to Ashley E on the phone to make sure that I was picking the right parts. Ashley was very helpful and knowledgable. She helped me find the right roof rack and made sure that I received it in record time. I am a customer for life!!!
The Rhino Vortex roof rack is great - As someone that leases SUV's, it's more economical to transfer a fully paid for roof rack rather than purchasing a factory installed model!
Got a MDX A-Spec and didn't want to put on the factory side rails and cross bars because it diminishes the sporty look. This rhino rack is a great solution for me because i can put these cross bars on for the top box and bike rack but can easily take it off to get back to the original sleek look. I'm happy with the product. Solid construction. I'm confident this will hold the load well without harming the car. I'm looking forward to using my original box top and my new bike racks. Also, thrilled that i can use this rack on my volvo too just by getting the volvo clamps. Great service from Michelle S. She answered all my questions and got me in the right products. Delivery was FAST. My only suggestion/improvement: the installation instructions. Had to read them a few time to 'get it'. It seemed overwhelming initially but the installation was pretty straight forward.
This kit is easy to slap on and sturdy enough to balance my skis and snowboards. I recently used the Rhino Rack on a three hour drive to a ski resort and had no issues.
This rack worked out great... I installed in on a 2017 Ford F-150. We drove 6 hrs through wind and rain with a SUP and Tandem Kayak on top. It really took a beating in a storm the whole way. One bracket was a little loose and shifted because of the wind on the Kayak, but it held together. Super happy with Rhino rack!
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