Carry bigger, longer loads with this hitch-mounted load support. The adjustable-height system includes a 49" long, Vortex Aero crossbar; a tilting mast for easy loading; and a tie-down for transporting a ladder or kayak.
Features:
Specs:
Carry larger and longer cargo on your vehicle's existing roof rack by installing the Rhino-Rack T-Load in your 2-inch trailer hitch. This adjustable-height crossbar system provides the lateral support you need to safely carry long gear such as a ladder or kayak on your roof rack.
The T-Load includes a 49-inch-long, Vortex Aero crossbar that sits parallel to your roof-rack crossbars. The aluminum crossbar is mounted on an anti-swivel plate to ensure stability. And it has a built-in channel for mounting Rhino-Rack accessories such as ratcheting tie-downs and load supports. The crossbar also has a rubber insert in the channel that helps to cushion your load and that provides slip resistance during transport. The insert can be cut to accommodate channel-mounted accessories. An anti-swivel plate provides a stable mounting point for your crossbar. The plate is designed to accommodate a Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero (included) or Heavy-Duty (sold separately) crossbar, so you can swap out the bar depending on the accessories you wish to use with the system.
The height of the T-Load's upright bar is adjustable to match the height of your roof-rack crossbars. This enables you to use the T-Load on multiple vehicles. To adjust the height, simply loosen a nut and bolt, slide the bar up or down, and retighten the bolt. You also have the option to secure the T-Load in place at a fixed height. To mount the T-Load in a fixed position, drill a hole in the bar at the desired height and use the included wire lock linchpin to hold it in place. This option is great for those who will frequently be using the T-Load on the same vehicle - or for those who are always reinstalling the carrier and don't want to line up the height and use a wrench every time. Once your hole is drilled, the system requires no further adjustment, and drilling the hole enables you to simply pull the pin and lower the crossbar for convenient storage when not in use.
The upright bar of the T-Load tilts forward and away from your vehicle for easier loading and better access to the rear cargo area. The bar has a bracket in the base that lets you choose between two angles of tilt.
A rubber mat is provided to serve as a no-slip base for leaning a kayak or canoe onto the crossbar from the ground. To load, place the bow of your watercraft on the mat, lay the other end on the T-Load crossbar, and push the kayak or canoe up and onto your roof rack.
This system includes a pair of load supports that you install by clamping them around the crossbar. The load supports can be positioned anywhere along the bar to accommodate cargo of different widths. Each load support has an angled side and a straight side. For an item with a curved shape - such as a kayak - position the load stops with the angled sides facing each other on the crossbar. For straight-edge items - such as ladders or lumber - position the load stops with the flat sides facing each other.
The T-Load comes with a 51-inch-long nylon strap to use when you are carrying your canoe or kayak hull-side down. The strap - or sling - has buckles that you insert into cutouts on the load stops to anchor the strap in place. When pulled tight, the strap helps to balance the canoe or kayak during transport. Use tie-down straps and bow/stern tie-downs (sold separately) to properly anchor your kayak to your roof when using the T-Load.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (81 Customer Reviews)
Carry bigger, longer loads with this hitch-mounted load support. The adjustable-height system includes a 49" long, Vortex Aero crossbar; a tilting mast for easy loading; and a tie-down for transporting a ladder or kayak.Product shopped immediately, arrived as scheduled. Had installed and kayak on top of car within two hours of opening box. Very simple. I am 67, still go to gym a lot, but my joints ache and back is feeling the years, so this makes loading of my 85 lb kayak now very easy. Worked smooth first time, though practicing the balance while unloading and rocking the bar back is important. I previously used a Yakima Bar Extender, (pic attached) which was fine for my previous lighter kayak. But I did scratch the side of my car many times with the Yakima system when unloading, and nearly dropped the heavier yak several times because the Yakima bar sagged under the extra weight of the newer yak. I just got a new Subaru and dearly wanted to avoid any scratches. This Rhino Rack seems perfect option, kayak is always under control, and is very secure.
Bought this for a 2015 Jeep Cherokee to load a Hobie Passport and it works great. I was hesitant about carrying the kayak with just the two cross bars. This third wing helps to load and secure the kayak. Loading - I spread the goal posts wide enough for the beam of the boat and lift one end onto it. When lifting the other end and sliding onto the roof rack, the goal posts keep the boat from sliding laterally too much. Securing - I narrow the goal posts to fit the boat and secure at three points: the two roof rack cross bars and the Rhino Rack. The front and back are narrow enough to prevent the boat from sliding forward or backwards so no bow or stern lines needed. It is a bit pricey, a bit heavy, and awkward to store, but it gives me a lot of peace of mind that the kayak isn't going anywhere while I'm on the freeway. Plus it was one of the few that was adjustable enough to get to the same height as the roof rack cross bars.
I screwed up with the rubber strip into the crossbar. I thought it went inside the groove and cut it to fit over the channel nuts. The instructions should be more specific to going on top of verses inside the crossbar. My mistake and should of looked closer before installing.
Jenny N - 01/13/2022I assembled the T-rack without full instructions (steps 4-19 missing). I looked for them online & the same steps were missing. Also missing is one small bolt 32mm used to attach the wide bar to the top of the T. There were 2 bolts in the package, but one is 4 mm. I had to use it, but cannot cut the rubber strip to fit as it is raised due to the extra length. Taped it up for use. Also, it does not load as all the videos show. The tight fit of the vertical bar results in it having to be forced into place. So, along with the weight of the sea kayak (@50lbs) I am forcing the rack into position so I can fasten the kayak down. It does help a bit with loading, but not in the way it was advertised to work. I am disappointed.
Sierra K - 10/07/2021I purchased the T Load support bar system for my 2013 Ford F-150 FX4. My kayak is a Seda Glider, weighing 42 Lbs and 19ft long. I’m so glad I opted for the T Loader, as my long kayak would be next to impossible to load onto the cab roof racks without the T Loader. With the T Loader, I can completely load my kayak while standing behind the truck with no stress or strain. I’m 68 years old and about 6’ tall. I honestly don’t think I could load my long kayak without the T Loader! My complete Rhino Rack system was not cheap, but it is very strong and stable on the road at 70MPH. This system enables me to take my kayak anywhere I want to go, safely and without hassle.
great product! got it to haul my kayak on my unlimited rubicon (soft top) instead of installing a full roof rack. worked out great. easy install, well built, and removeable. good price too. i highly recomend
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-- Patrick B - 2/10/2014I bought this load assist bar for my hobie pro angler 14 ft . This was the first time using both of them . It went well they are some down falls with it but I would still highly recommend it . My vehicle is a 02 ford excursion. The t bar loader is well built but my first problem is that the hitch pin is a little short but still works and it is the wrong diameter for the size of the hole it should be a 5/8 pin size instead of 1/2 inch diameter. The second thing is, and it might be because of my vehicle, the height it extends to is a little short for my rig. It still does the job just fine but there is no rear end support witch is not a big deal for me . One thing you have to be carful of is when you are unloading your kayak the t-bar does fall towards you . I do use a small step ladder after I have the kayak on the roof to adjust it. Without the t-loader it would be nearly impossible to do it .
Good quality, feels like it will work great. The only reason it didn't get a 5 star rating is the cross bar was not pre drilled like it was suppose to be and there's no rubber strips that goes in the bottom to stop whistling noise. But overall a very good product.
The rack is great. Assembly was very easy. My only issue was the aluminum cross bar was not predrilled to mount to the rest of the frame. Not a huge deal for me but it could be for others.
used this to haul a 12 foot Fishing Kayak on a Subaru Outback. This makes is so easy to load and unload , well built and sturdy--
The unit is much more stable than expected. No rocking or swaying even with a side wind. The canoe is easy to load, I come in from the drivers side, set one end of the canoe in between the uprights and then move over to the truck and set the other end on the bar across the extended cab and then just lift it over. Of course the 5th wheel is not in this picture but that is why we load over the front.
Truly I'm super grateful because it was delivered much faster than I expected. thank you for your attention
This T-bar is the ticket when loading a Hobie PA-14 on the top rack of a lifted Jeep JK Unlimited Rubicon by myself.
Missing multiple parts. So had to cancel trip to the lake. The packaging needs to be updated so parts cant go missing during shipping.
Sierra K - 08/30/2021I bought this product to make it easier for loading my 2018 Hobie outback kayak on top of my 2007 Toyota tundra. Hobie recommends that this Kayak be transported topside down, so that eliminates using the strap. So when trying to slide the kayak on the bar without the strap the rubber pops off the crossbar. My biggest problem is when the hitch pin is at its farthest location and the bar is lowered all the way, The tailgate hits the bar . It is a very sturdy product and I’m sure that it would work great for other kayaks and on a vehicle that does not have such a big tail gate but unfortunately it did not work out so good for me .
Kevin - 08/25/2020Delivered on time and no issues with assembly. Instructions were clear and all parts were included. Seams to be very well built. Have not used it yet.
Rhino T-Rack arrived on time and in good condition...went together as advertised. Took a couple of tries for me to get the routine down but it definitely will help me load my 16 ft. kayak by myself. Trying it out tomorrow!!
Steven M - 10/09/2020Product came packed well and was easy to assemble with all necessary wrenches included
This thing is amazing! So far, I’ve used it solely with my 39 lb Maas 24 sculling shell. It was fairly simple to load my boat before, but with the t-bar load assist and support - Wow!!! The device itself was fairly easy to assemble and install. I was originally expecting the T-bar in March, but etrailer was able to ship mine mid-January! Thank you to Kyle, who helped me order the right components, and to Mariah A, who straightened out my order, and kept me apprised of shipping dates, etc. Great staff etrailer! Please thank your staff. I will definitely recommend the t-bar and etrailer.com to my rowing friends.
I've owned the product now for about 2 months. I use it to load/unload a Hobie Mirage Outback kayak on/off the roof of a 2007 Honda Pilot. I'm very happy with the product; however, it has taken some practice to get "good" at using it. It's not all as easy as the online videos would make it appear, but it does make the job as easy as I can imagine it being. And I tried several other options before this one -- the T-Load is the best of the bunch. It's just that there's no getting around the physics of lifting and pushing a 65-lb bulky kayak onto the car roof, and there is no substitute for having another person around to help you. Short of that, this is the next best thing. I am a relatively small guy (5'7") and I have gotten so that I can load/unload the kayak by myself without it killing me, so it fulfills my purpose for it. That's not to say that it is effortless though. Some tips if you are considering this product: - With the T-Load extended out, the rear hatch of the Pilot can be opened, with about 6 inches of clearance from the bar. Very nice. However your hatch must open up; you would not be able to open the hatch on, say, a RAV4 that opens to the side. - Practice with it first at home with another person around to jump-in if you get stuck. There are nuances to it that simply require some practice to learn. And to a large extent, the "nuances" have much to do with what you are loading/unloading -- in my case, my Hobie kayak, which has to be flipped hull-side up for transport, and that has to be done while it is on the T-Load because of the rudder, then I have a fishfinder mount that gets stuck on the strap and must be lifted over it, etc. All of which is manageable once you've done it a few times, but can otherwise get you in trouble if you're not prepared for it -- thus have a buddy around to help the first few times. - Wear gloves, especially if you are sweaty or just coming off the water (assuming you are using to load a kayak). Sweaty hands will slip and get you in trouble quickly, especially if you're alone. My fishing gloves with a rubber coating solve that problem. So I give the product two thumbs up. It is very rugged and well constructed. It is my first Rhino Rack product, and my impression from it is that Rhino Rack delivers quality products. I expect this thing to last a long time. And my purchase through eTrailer was also very good. No issues at all.
Another option that you might consider is to use the Thule Hullavator System # TH897XT-AB
Thule Hullavator - Easy Loading (Strut Assisted) Rooftop Kayak Carrier System for AeroBlade Bars
$611.41. This system uses powered struts to assist in loading your kayak on your roof rack system. You start loading at waist level, then use the struts to assist in loading if the rest of the way up on your Thule Xsporter rack system. I would not recommend using the Hullavator system to load your kayak while a kayak cart is also attached.
Rachael H - 5/27/2014The experience with E trailer was excellent, the customer suport, the product, evrething, even the marketing on line
Very well built and engineered! Bonus pin key lock was nice. Instructions could have been a bit more complete. Never mentioned rubber strip that needed to be cut and installed midway through assembly.
Very impressive piece of equipment! Haven't had a chance to put it into action yet but sure it will work great for loading my fishing kayak! Instructions were east to follow and it was a plus that assembly tools were included! E-Trailer was a great company to buy from!
Perfect fit and look, thanks George even with 35" spare on the back. Headed to Montauk later to try the new racks out
The Rhino-Rack does solve my problem of loading my kayak without fearing I might damage the truck. Initially I hoped the Rhino-Rack and a Back-Rack up front would be sufficient to transport and support my kayak. While off-roading, the sway of the Rhino-Rack was extreme. I did add supporting cables to the Rhino-Rack but this did not help. I had to add a ladder rack in the rear to support the kayak without fear of losing it on the road. This combination of the Rhino-Rack, Back-Rack and rear ladder rack works great.
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