Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
(87 reviews)
Price: $176.00
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Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
Our Price: $176.00
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$248.95
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Rhino Rack Accessories and Parts
- 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
Item # RR-RUSL
Installation Details
Customer Satisfaction Score:
89% were satisfied with this product
11% 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: 4.6 out of 5 stars (87 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: 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: 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: Stacy 10/21/2022
This kayak loader works very well and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
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.
by: 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: Sunshine07/25/2021
We have two 13.5 ft tandem kayaks for the family. They are 80lbs each. The rhino bar makes loading them up easy.
Comments
Still great!
Sunshine - 07/25/2022by: 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: 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 - 01/25/2022by: John06/18/2022
Bought this tool to help me load my Hobie Outback onto my Toyota RAV4 roof racks. It works!
by: 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
by: Gail04/25/2021
We are thrilled with how easily we can now load and unload our kayaks! Wahooo!
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.
-- 
Heather A - 04/13/2018by: CDS01/01/2023
Excellent customer service answered all my questions
by: Dave 07/03/2022
Easy set up and easy to follow instructions. Etrailer shipped the product fast and was in hand in 3 days from ordering.
by: Steve07/31/2022
I purchased this for a compact SUV I'm purchasing. It's arriving in a couple of weeks so I can't give a review on functionality, yet. Overall quality seems to be good. With the SUV being taller than my car, I'm hoping this will help make loading the kayaks easier.
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.
by: William06/27/2020
The Rhino Rack side loading assist "works" as an extra arm for leverage regarding cartop carrying. My experience was mixed.
First, the extentending pole which supports the actual loading arm is poorly manufactured of thin aluminum and plastic for obvious cost savings (no fault of etrailer.com). The twist-lock mechanism in the pole has no "stop/lock" feature so you can keep turning the pole which causes the pole to collapse. This is only slightly annoying.
Next, placing the kayak against the loading padded arm appeared secure. The issue I had was not placing more than a third of my Ocean Malibu Two XL (68 lbs) against the extended arm. As I was adjusting the kayak it proceeded to slip off the arm, downwards, and slid to the ground scraping the side of my car.
Lastly, if you think a $150 item adds value to the experience by saving you some physical exertion reevaluating your needs is reasonable. However, the detailing bill I am to pay for the scratches on my car door will not justify this purchase.
by: Thomas 11/02/2022
Exactly what I was looking for to load my tandem kayak
by: Michael09/05/2021
A good idea and the steel bars are well made.
No way that it fits my Thule wing bars with Yakima Jay Low cradles. Fortunately, someone invented duct tape, zip ties and other assorted stuff, which allows me to use this as a square pipe attachment as long as I bring along a small ladder to secure the inward end of the pipe.
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: Bill 07/23/2021
Works with the Inno Aero bars I just purchased from ETrailer for
My Lexus RX 350. I got the
Longest bars that would fit 54 from 51 rear that provide several inches of overhang. Rhino Rack side
Lifter works well, I protected the towers with a cloth as the bar lays against the plastic towers. I was able to lift a 90 pound 16 foot OT discovery canoe onto the roof effortlessly.
by: Mitchell 08/24/2022
Best device to get kayak on car
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: Doug 06/08/2021
This works great. I had a 60 lbs canoe that was quite wide and a little cumbersome to work with but the Rhino loader made it easy. Be careful of the side of your car when you set it on the loader. But so easy to pick up end on the ground and lift it on to the car rack. Needed something to be able to load canoe by myself and this was great.
by: Chris 07/09/2022
As advertised this product makes loading and unloading my kayak much easier and safer
25
87
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See what our Experts say about this Rhino Rack Accessories and Parts
- 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... - Will the Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader # RR-RUSL Fit Crossbars on a RAV4The Rhino Rack Universal Side Loader, # RR-RUSL, has been confirmed to work with the following crossbars: Rhino Rack Vortex, Euro, and Heavy Duty Prorack P, Whispbar, Trade, and Whispbar HD Thule Square Bars, Aero, and AeroBlade If your RAV4 is equipped with one of these styles of crossbars, the Universal Side Loader, # RR-RUSL, will work for you. If you have OEM crossbars or crossbars which aren't listed, test fitting has not been completed so we could not guaranty a fit. In this case,...
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.
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... - 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... - 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.
view full answer...
- Will the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Fit Factory Crossbars on a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLEThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL comes with several brackets that work with numerous brands of aftermarket crossbars but none specific to OEM crossbars. I am confident that at least one set of the included brackets could be modified to work but there isn't one that is a for sure, custom fit for the factory bars on your 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE. It would work fine with the J-Style kayak carrier though so no worries with that part!
view full answer... - Does Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL Fit Yakima Jet Stream CrossbarsYes, the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL that you referenced is compatible with the Yakima JetStream crossbars that you have. I attached a review video for this kit for you to check out as well.
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... - Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Compatibility with 2017 Nissan Pathfinder OEM Roof RackThe Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount # RR-RUSL will work well with your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder because the factory roof rack has a lifted and curved crossbar so it will sit above the factory side rails. You will be able to use this side load assist without any issues. This is a great option for you.
view full answer... - Compatibility of the Rhino Rack Load Assist Bar with SportRack Semi-Custom Roof RackThe RhinoRack Load Assist Bar, part # RR-RUSL will be able to attach to your SportRack Semi-Custom bars. Be sure to follow the Load Assist bar's included instructions to get the best fit with its included clamps.
view full answer... - Support Leg Length of Rhino-Rack Universal Side Load AssistThe support leg of the Rhino Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL extends 87-1/8 inches, or 7 feet, 3-1/8 inches. The 2016 Ford F-150 has a listed height between 75 inches and 77 inches but you will want to double check by measuring from your roof rack to the ground. Chances are that you will have plenty of room to be able to use the Rhino Rack Load Assist; I've added a link to a video review for you to take a look at as well.
view full answer...
- 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... - 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.
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... - 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.
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...
view full answer... - Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist For Side Loading a Stand Up PaddleboardI have a recommendation as we do not currently have a rolling bar like the Yakima ShowBoat roller. I Recommend the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL is a great way to help load your Stand Up Paddleboard on the roof of your 1996 Toyota Landcruiser. It will allow you to side load your paddleboard much easier and you do not have to worry about the front of the board falling hard on the front crossbar like some rear load assists. It has a universal mounting system that will allow...
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... - 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...
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