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Aerodynamic, aluminum crossbars let you build an aftermarket roof rack for your vehicle. Full-length bars provide plenty of space for carriers and accessories. Vortex strips in C-channels reduce wind noise. Theft-deterring plastic locks included.
Features:
Specs:
These low-profile, aerodynamic Vortex Aero crossbars let you build a stylish aftermarket roof rack from scratch. The crossbars require 4 Rhino-Rack legs (manufactured in 2014 or later) and a custom fit kit to mount it to your roof. Each bar extends past the roof rack legs to maximize the space for mounting carriers and accessories. Rubberized Vortex strips in each crossbar's top channel disrupt airflow for a quiet ride, and the bars are constructed of aluminum so they won't rust. The crossbars also include Secure Core endcaps with plastic locks to help deter theft of channel-mounted accessories.
The rubberized Vortex strips in the top channel of each crossbar disrupt airflow with evenly spaced, wave-shaped grooves. This carefully controlled turbulence minimizes wind noise and whistling, so you won't need to add a fairing to your roof rack. And the slim, elliptical Vortex Aero crossbars cut through the air with minimal drag - even at highway speeds.
The Vortex Aero crossbars are made of structural-grade anodized aluminum with H-shaped internal extrusions. These extrusions strengthen the bars without adding a significant amount of weight. And the aluminum bars won't rust so you can leave them on your roof year-round.
Each crossbar has a channel in the bottom for mounting to Rhino-Rack roof rack legs (sold separately). Each end of the channel includes a rubber ruler to help you center the bar on your roof. Simply use the numbers and hash marks on the rulers to ensure the legs are spaced properly in the channel.
Each Vortex Aero crossbar has a built-in C-channel so you can carry channel-mounted accessories such as bike racks, watersport carriers, and ski racks. The Vortex strips in the top channels come in 3 pieces, so they're easier to adjust than a single long, continuous strip. You can remove, trim, and re-insert the Vortex strips around the mounting hardware of your accessories to keep the crossbar channel capped and quiet. Replacement strips (sold separately) are also available if you remove your accessories or switch to clamp-on accessories.
You can also attach most clamp-on accessories to the bars, and the Vortex strips provide a shock-absorbing, no-slip cushion for any accessories that rest on them.
Each crossbar includes 2 Secure Core locking endcaps made of durable polypropylene. These endcaps lock with a universal tubular key. The polypropylene locks secure the endcaps to the crossbars and help to secure channel-mounted accessories to the crossbars. For maximum security, you can upgrade to endcaps with all-metal lock cores (RRVA-LEC4 - sold separately).
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (3396 Customer Reviews)
Aerodynamic, aluminum crossbars let you build an aftermarket roof rack for your vehicle. Full-length bars provide plenty of space for carriers and accessories. Vortex strips in C-channels reduce wind noise. Theft-deterring plastic locks included.I wanted to share the items I used to be able to haul two Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 kayaks on my 2006 Scion xB. This may help others who struggle with deciding what to use. I am pleased with my purchase and hope this helps. I originally thought I wanted the Thule Hull-A-Port Aero, but they discontinued making the fit kit for their roof rack systems and I ended up going with the Kuats. I am glad that they didn’t make the fit kit for approximately $[XX] and so they missed out on the rest of my business. Here are the items I used for anyone interested – pictures included. Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof #DK138, Kuat Class 4 V2 Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - 1 Kayak - Black #KU53VR and these are really cool, Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4 #RRRLKVA, Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2 #RRVA137-B2. The 54” crossbars fit really well and the perfect length in my opinion and it doesn’t stick out like the longer ones would. Also purchased two sets of these Malone QuickLash T-Style Hood Loops for Bow and Stern Tie-Downs - Qty 2 #MPG308.
Hi George from etrailer,
The rack is awesome! Strong, firm hold and nice looking. When doing surveys, I put my ladders on the rack.
I highly recommend this etrailer.
I own a 2013 Honda CRV I purchased a couple months ago. It has a naked roof and no rack or side bars, and I wanted to be able to carry up to three kayaks. I didn't really want to buy and install the side bars, and then the cross bars also. I also needed the cross bars to be a little wider than the vehicle itself, as I own two Ocean Kayak Scupper Pros, and a Venus.
This Rhino Rack package looked like a great option for my needs. Weight wise, the three boats come right to the limit. Other racks had lower weight limits, and wouldn't work.
I had a couple issues with the initial package, but etrailer took care of the problem right away, and sent out what I needed.
Installation was pretty smooth. I recommend reading and rereading the instructions, before you cut anything. The videos on the etrailer website or directly on YouTube are very helpful to see all the steps. I'd like to see more personalized instructions added in the future, just to to make everything even smoother. Make sure you identify your vehicle and the bar you received on the kit instructions before you start.
These bars are so wonderful. The aero bars make no noise when driving and no whistling that I can tell. They don't seem to effect my gas mileage. I made sure the top rubber strips and bottom measurement strips were cut perfectly with no gaps, as this is important to prevent whistling.
They look so stylish. I get complements on them, and people can't believe they are after market, and that I installed them myself. They really complement the vehicle. Once installed the first time, I can take them off or put then back on in about 12 minutes. I don't really plan to take them off though. I don't use car washes, and I like the look of them on my vehicle.
I made sure to not overtighten them, and then tightened them a few times over the next week and with a couple kayaking trips. These babies are strong and I can't make them move when I test them. I still check them regularly to make sure they are secure, for safety purposes.
I highly recommend this Rhino Rack package. They know how to make the perfect roof rack and you can tell the quality and thought that went into them. Look at my photos I have included.
Thank you to etrailer for such great service. You made the whole process so pleasant and easy.
I give all 5 stars for the product and service, but...I prefer the parts to be all in one carboard, also I was a little panicking looking for blue plastic key...It was inside of cross-bar ??not falling out with strips. Anyway,
I"m owner of Honda cr-v 2022 with bare roof ,and I just installed the rack. Was it simple enough? Yes,so I can share this:
First, rubber pads are all the same, and after placements to plastic legs should be placed with arrow*out*-that is it(a lot of info regarding vertical parts, that they are all different)??
Second, on other hand, in video we informed that clamps are same -they are not. Bigger "hooks" are for rear bar, smaller ones-for the front one.
Third, do not expect precision in rubber pads position(especially on rear bar)regarding plastic rail strips on bare roof.it is not achievable, just try to make same look on both sides.
I was worried about rain and water gets inside. Well, let us see.
What I plan to care on rack? Just a small 6ft step ladder. Believe me or no CR-V is my business vehicle ,and ladder carry was the goal of rack purchase. And only question I have if I can get to underground parking with no problems to cross the front entries usually limited with 6 ft in heights I will find out soon, but rack height plus ladder on it makes me worry.??The review will be update soon. regards.
Heather A.
3/22/2022
Thank you for your review on the installation of your rack. If the garage has a clearance of 6 feet, you will not be able to park there with your CR-V with the rack on. The CR-V itself is 5.5 feet tall.
Look great, and function great. Just make sure you find all the parts packaged inside the rails themselves after you open the box!
Michael D.
11/21/2023
They make a loud whistling noise on our 2015 Toyota Highlander on at highway speeds. Kind of disappointing.
Michael D.
2/20/2024
The whistling is driving me nuts. Not sure if its the bars or the towers, but I wish I had bought the factory OEM Toyota rack at this point. And, yes, Ive installed the aero anti-whistling strips correctly.
Jenny N.
2/20/2024
Work great. I have a CRV and am still able to tilt the moon roof with both them and an attachment. They do whistle a bit and make the drive louder when driving down the highway with the windows open. I don't have any previous crossbars to compare to, but it's not bad. Would definitely buy these again over the more expensive ones! With a full kit that was on sale the entire thing ended up being less than what I'd pay to have roof rails installed.
I bought this kit because I already owned a pair of Thule “square “ crossbars. When in place the rack is super solid. However, it has some issues. It is quite difficult to attach the legs to the base plate on the factory rails. It doesn’t click on and off. Quite annoying. A fiddly two person job. Also the wind noise is very noticeable. Also annoying.
Great strength and look. I love em. About to put on the kayak racks and get some fishing going.
These Aero Racks are perfect on my Scion XB, stylish cool look & importantly Quiet with absolutely no wind noise! Also bought the Rocky Mount Cargo Basket & it comes WITH a full bunji net cover. It is also quiet with no wind noise & you can tie surf gear on top like racks (use padded rack pads) & or put things inside for more carrying space. Also a cool stylish look on the Scion XB or any other compact car like my wifes Toyota Yaris... We move it back & forth to who ever needs the Cargo Basket for the days Adventure.
I purchased a full kit for my 2017 Ford explorer, connectors, Feet and these cross bars. I will use them for hauling my roof top box on trips as well as other things that will not fit in my vehicle. The install is farily simple however some of the tools provided for tightening are not the best. Luckily I had a number of other tools to get this complete. The main thing I feel is needed is a socket allen key to tighten down the cross bars nice and tight. The allen key provided is difficult to work with and get the leverage you need to snug the bars down.
Another tip is to be sure to use the excess measuring closure to close off the inside of underside of the bars. Use a box cutter to cut the excess and fit it to the inside. I read some reviews about noise and I have zero noticeable noise. Do not tighten the bars down until you have this all inserted in and slid under the feet. Then snug it all down. If you do these things and close all the gaps the bars are almost silent.
The bars look great on the vehicle and seem very sturdy and solid. I would have no reservations hauling ladders, lumber and all of the typical stuff you see on roof racks. The rubber strips are heavy duty and add a nice non slip feel to the top of the bars.
I purchased Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars with Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs (RRRLKVA) and Fit Kit (DK284) for my 2020 Honda CR-V EX Hybrid. The rack was easy to assemble and took about an hour. The only tool not supplied that you need is a sharp knife or scissors to cut the rubber strips to length. Once assembled, the installation took about 30 minutes, making sure to measure accurately for placement. I used blue painter's tape to initially mark the locations. I then placed the white marking arrows (supplied) to align with the marks on the tape. I then removed the tape, placed the racks aligned with the arrows, and tightened the clamps.
This product seems well made and engineered (I'm a retired mechanical engineer). Kudos to Rhino-Rack and to etrailer for selling it.
Fairly easy to install onto my 2017 Honda CR-V. The crossbars feel very sturdy and are securely attached to the vehicle. Took me about 30 minutes to get it installed and could be done even quicker if you get help from another person. The bars themselves are a little fat so my Thule ski rack has a super tight fit. There is very minimal wind noise, so I'll probably be getting a fairing for that. The instructions felt a bit jumbled but with just the measurements alone, you can install it with a bit of common sense.
Holds two kayaks on the roof rock steady. Did some highway miles, back roads, bumpy roads, all locked in place. The problem is that when there are no kayaks up there, the wind creates a very loud whistle sound that grows with the speed. Its gotten so bad that we tend to avoid using the car these are on for anything but driving kayaks around. Probably going to have to remove them for daily driving and put them on again when its kayaking time.
Jenny N.
8/8/2022
You mentioned that you are experiencing whistling with the bars. This can be common and still happens with the aero bars depending on the vehicle application. I recommend using a fairing such as part # RRRF4 to help eliminate the whistling.
Eric
8/1/2023
Loud whistling was solved thanks to customer service, without adding additional parts to it. Service here is the best!
A great product from a great website. Outside of a few scratches they are as good as new after the first year
The crossbars are great, but the rubber strip in the middle gets bunched up or comes out when loading heavy items across the bar. But the rubber provides grip, and the grip is amazing. I am not worried about kayaks or rafts sliding around. I do need longer ones though...
Solid platform for all your gear. Easy to install and adjust, great looking as well. Initially I was frustrated because I failed to insert the plastic ruler under the cross bar. If you don't cover all the gaps they will whistle like crazy!
The instructions don't tell you that...I had to call Rhino tech support. They are quiet now at any speed.
I'd buy them again for sure!
I used this rack to mount two 65lbs kayaks to my vehicle and travel. One of many trips was over a thousand miles (round trip) and they moved maybe half a centimeter a piece during. I was extremely pleased with how easily I could adjust them. The original shipment had everything that was supposed to be in it and the directions were realitively clear. I had them together and on in roughly an hour. Also, they look great. When they are off the roof the only issue I have arises. The rubber feet that sit directly on the roof tend to fall off easily. Not a big deal.
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
Very straight forward to install. Took about a half hour in total. No whistling whatsoever. They look awesome on my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport! Especially with my running boards and tires...
Waiting on my Rhino basket to get here to install that next!
We love these racks! They were easy to install with the website videos. They whistle a bit but honestly it’s not terrible. The racks we got for our kayaks fit perfectly. Bonus - I can still open the panoramic roof!
These crossbars are perfect! I have a Pelican Cargo Box that I put on the rack when I'm traveling and it is 100% secure. They are pretty noisy, especially when driving perpendicular to the wind direction, but I expected that considering they are sitting on top of a tall truck. The rubber pieces that fit into the tracks are still in good shape and haven't cracked or loosened. They look good on my all black truck, too.
Extremely sturdy and well made. I also like the locking endcap design. Only thing I dodnt like is the rubber channel strip is 4 separate pieces instead of one long strip. Maybe they do that so you can remove a section for installing accessories, but id prefer to simply cut it where needed.
Good sturdy product. Only reason I don't give 5 stars is that the lockable plastic cover on each ends of the bars, some don't lock, seems like a little lack of adjustment. Other than that, very satisfied.
Steeve
12/17/2023
After a year of using them, my 4 stars rating in my first review ped down to a 3, and its still regarding those lockable plastic cover at the end of the bars.. Ive lost 2 of them! The bars fit well, these covers dont hold on place.
Very nice bars that I mounted on a 2019 Highlander. I have owned multiple vehicles with Thule square and Yakima round bars that were noisy. These are so quiet I don’t know they are there. Very sturdy, and the rubber insert helps to keep load from sliding.
The Rhino Rack is very well made. I installed it my self on our 2016 Ford Escape, but had an assist from my wife to fine tune it at the end. There was no whistling or any other distracting wind noise on our 3,500 mile drive to visit family out West. A Sear's Cargo Box was easily mounted to the Rhino Rack and it remained centered and secured at western highway speed limits plus. The included locks on the roof mounts were the selling point for me. The Rhino Rack remained securely mounted to the roof with no additional adjustments or tightening being needed. Great Product. Donna P. @ etrailer was super with the order.
Do you have a question about this Roof Rack?
Condition: Installed
Notes: Item has been installed/test fit and is missing one of the top rubber strips.
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Michael J.
2/11/2018
It is working very well. I have had others ask me about it, as well as sharing info myself and referring them to you. Im still loving it. Will use even more this summer. Three kayaks Ive loaded max. Also building materials not at the same time. And it looks so stylish, I leave it on year round. Also, people are jealous of the non slip grip.Thanks for following up.