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Built for off-road use, this platform's large, flat surface accommodates loads of all shapes and sizes. Compatible with many Rhino-Rack accessories, including light brackets, cargo bags, and awnings. Requires fit kit (sold separately).
Features:
Specs:
Note: Load capacity of your roof rack is divided by 1.5 when you are driving off-road.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (159 Customer Reviews)
Built for off-road use, this platform's large, flat surface accommodates loads of all shapes and sizes. Compatible with many Rhino-Rack accessories, including light brackets, cargo bags, and awnings. Requires fit kit (sold separately).
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I did a lot of research before settling on this roof platform. I’m really happy with the build quality and once it’s all together it has a lot of strength and versatility. My ONLY complaint is that the “Quick Foot” mounting feet for the factory rail that was sent to me did not have matching key codes. The codes are clearly listed on the boxes and someone at etrailer.com didn’t bother to grab a matching set. Bummer.
After waiting for shipping and finally pulling it all out for the install I was too far into the project to ask for replacement feet. I just installed what was sent.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
The instructions on etrailer were way better than the ones that came from rhino. The rack is awesome seems to be well built I would highly recommend it to anybody looking at doing any over-landing or tent roof camping
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
This platform rack perfect fit to my 2020 DURANGO GT. Easy assembly, easy installation and removal. I bought 2 years ago a trailer hitch receiver (code C13182) from your company and also satisfied with its use. I recommend ETRAILER.COM to all my friends. Thank you.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
We bought the Pioneer Platform to go ontop of our Ford Excursion. I called to make sure that this was the model that came with the mounts that fit in the factory luggage rack rails. etrailer was super helpful over the phone. They had really good customer service. We put the Smittybilt Overlander XL rooftop tent on the platform. It all works great. I'd highly recommend etrailer to anyone everyone.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Purchased this about a month ago after having a mediocre cargo basket that started to rust after 2 weeks. This platform is not only more convenient and adaptable but it looks [really] great! Took some time to assemble but I made that every piece fit and lined up correctly. Nice finish and strongly constructed. I should have gotten this first! I also got the matching rail system to complete the set-up. Highly recommended. Shout out the the staff at etrailer for again for the great communication from start to finish!
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Great fit with the Rhino Rack backbone for Gladiator and the Bestop Sunrider.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I called etrailer to verify fitment on my 2013 Ford E-350 XL. Everything arrived sooner than quoted, and instructions were clear. It took me approximately 6 hours to assemble by myself. I had 3 buddies over to put it on the van because it is ~100lbs and 100”x62”. We put towels on top of the van and slowly slid the fully assembled rack on top of the van. It took a while to level everything (30 mins?), but overall went on well and looks great.
The instructions didn’t clarify where the C-channel bars are supposed to be spaced to, but I used basic math skills and spaced each C-channel evenly spaced. It feels very strong. I believe it was 33mm on center for each C-Channel.
Looking forward to camping in a few weeks!
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Very nice rack. It holds well and not too noisy when on the highway. I did drill a couple holes in the rack to hold my roof top tent down. Also like how many accessories are available for the Pioneer Platform Rack.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Very nice platform that fit my needs. Costs a bit more than some others, but once it is put together it is very solid. I like the eco-system of tie-downs, mounts, etc. that you can get for it. Those accessories are what really makes it worth it. The flexibility of the channels makes mounting everything easy and quick. This rack doesn't come with the specific mounts for any vehicle, so make sure you look for whatever you need to attach it to your rack as well. Assembly took longer than I expected (about 3-4 hours, including mounting to my vehicle), with over 100 bolts to assemble. Comes with a nice torque wrench that helps a lot. Instructions were good overall, but pay attention to the screws for the corners, as they are mislabeled. Also, measuring guidelines painted on the side rails are nice, but they are not perfectly aligned on the left and right side. I found it easier to use a tape measure and pencil to make sure the cross supports were straight. While I didn't use them yet, this rack also has internal wiring channels enclosed in the perimeter frame that I could see being very useful.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Rhino rack builds a great product. The armada backbone and pioneer platform are sturdy and fit well. Customer service and shipping from etrailer were flawless.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I ordered the Rhino Rack Platform Rack with Backbone System for my 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to enable it to mount a rooftop tent. The rack is expensive at about $1600 all in, but I have no question about this rack’s capabilities and it looks awesome. I prepped myself by watching several different videos, including etrailer’s installation video. Everything went fairly well, but I encountered a couple of minor issues.
First, when I bolted the platform extrusions to the end rails from the bottom of the rack, I didn’t pay attention to the topside of the extrusions. After completing this and turning the rack right side up, I found that each screw had forced the ends of each extrusion up slightly so that they were not flush to the end rails. I am debating whether to leave this as is or to remove each screw and add another washer to relieve the pressure it is causing.
Second, although I carefully placed the rear and middle brackets in position and was careful with the drilling template for the front bracket, there was still some misalignment that couldn’t be overcome by the small ovals where the legs connect to the platform. I had to expand these ovals by drilling them wider. Eventually I got a good fit.
Finally, the quick mount legs required two different keys to remove the platform. This was caused by the quick mount legs coming in the form of two separate kits. One kit contained two legs and one key (no spare) and the other kit had four legs and two keys. The key numbers from these two sets were different. I contacted etrailer, but they had no control over the key set packaging and referred me to Rhino Rack. Rhino Rack was very responsive and sent me new cylinders and keys so that I had locks that were all keyed the same, as well as having a total of four matching keys.
We haven’t used the rack yet, but I love the styling and enhancement it gives my Jeep. Just check out my picture...
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
The RINO RACK AND PIONEER PLATFORM are a great addition to my little Wrangler.
etrailer folks were very helpful in determining exactly what I wanted and needed. The assembly instructions are very good - even though there are a lot of parts to assemble. I was able to complete the assembly by myself (with help getting the top off the jeep.) If I can offer a recommendation from my experience, I would pre-assemble the entire unit with the mounting brackets finger-tightened to the platform AND THEN set it on the roof - to insure that the holes needed to be drilled are in exactly the right spot. I had to re-drill two holes and maybe that was my own fault, but until I did, i could not get the platform to rest in the mounting brackets.
All that said, I am VERY PLEASED with the RINO RACK product. It is very secure, easily accessible, very low profile (3" from roof to top of rack), large platform that still allows removal of the Freedom Top on my rig. It will give me the extra carrying capacity as we tow the jeep behind the motor home from Arizona to Alaska and hit lots of back country for tent camping in the process!!
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I bought this roof rack to mount on my 2018 Toyota TRD Off Road 4Runner. The reason I purchased it was because of the versatility that this product offers. There are many roof racks out there for my vehicle. Some are cheap and some are expensive. Some racks are smaller and some are full size. I was looking for a rack that wouldn't break the bank as well as cover a majority of the roof (without drilling). I have two young kids and I'd like to get them out more. Hence, buying the 4Runner as well as the rack. This rack will enable me to load a ton of stuff on it in the future such a roof top tent, awning, etc. Even though I'm somewhat handy, the installation did take around 3-4 hours. I did have one other person helping me. I highly recommend having an additional set of hands helping during the installation. The sides rail installation was easier than I thought it would be. The platform itself took longer to install. Overall: very happy with this product. I highly recommend it.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Fantastic rack, easily modified to accommodate tents/cargo/whatever. It's not quiet though, so do yourself a favor and get the faring.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I installed this on a '99 Lexus LX470 (Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series). I have had 0 issues with this rack and the options are seemingly endless.
Here is what I've had mounted to this rack:
1- Black Oak LED 40" light bar using Rhino Rack brackets
2- Max Trax recovery treads
3- Jerry Can
4- Mountain bike - had to spend 100 on correct rail/fork mount, but it works flawlessly
5- Oz Tent Foxwing awning - used Rhino Rack Foxwing brackets
6- Shovel / Hi-lift jack dual brackets - only had shovel mounted
7- Tepui Roof Top Tent - Kukenam Ruggedized - used Eezi Awn K9 brackets and made it super easy to mount.
My ONLY complaint is that for a rack this expensive (all racks are expensive) I wish they would rivet a metal "RHINO RACK" logo to the product. The decals start peeling after a short time and makes a really great quality rack look cheap.
I will also add this note: Add-ons and all the extras get really expensive. It's like stepping into vacuum for your money. Once you get over the initial investment, you've only just begun. Now, you've got to mount things to it and that's where you really have to PLAN IT OUT AHEAD OF TIME. You need to have a game plan of what you want to do with it, otherwise you will have a boat load of bolts/brackets/clamps etc. that you end up not using. There are usually more than one way of getting something attached. So, ask yourself if you really need that 100.00 bracket or if a ratchet strap will do the same thing. Also, don't get overcome by the "coolness" factor. Do you REALLY need that Hi-lift jack, or do you just want to keep up with all the Jeepsters out there. If you take that approach, you'll be ahead of the game.
I deducted one star for the decals and for all the accessories being so overly expensive....but they DO WORK REALLY WELL.
This is not a mark on Etrailer. Etrailer is AAA+ Their customer service is top notch and have always provided me with great communication and service.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
I have been looking a long time for a good roof rack for my 2018 Toyota 4Runner and decided on the Rhino Pioneer Platform with the Backbone mounting system.
Removal of the factory side rails was very easy. Putting the platform together was relatively easy and installing the Backbone mounting system in the existing factory holes was also quiet easy. Attaching the platform to the Backbone mounting system was a bit more challenging for me. I tend to take my time and double check everything as I go. Total build and installation time was approximately 6 hours. The end result is fantastic, it looks great, is very solid, will easily accommodate my needs (Rooftop Tent, lumber trips to Home Depot, Kayak, Mountain Bike, etc.). I have taken a couple of trips on the highway 80MPH and the wind noise is noticeable but acceptable. I will probably purchase the wind deflector and hope this will also positively impact the gas mileage.
The people at etrailer are exceptional to deal with! Their pricing is good, their communication is excellent, shipping was fast, the packaging was perfect with all parts well protected and nothing missing. If you have any questions about the product or installation, they are knowledgeable and happy to help.
The rack is solid, good looking, and well made. At this point my only concern is the high price for various accessories. I highly recommend this roof rack system and dealing with etrailer is a pleasure.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Bought the Rhino Rack 60 x 54 platform to mount over the bed of my '20 Jeep Gladiator. Then I will mount a Thule Cargo Box onto platform for additional storage of camping gear.
I decided to go Rhino Rack because it really gives you options. I like the antenna mount options for my CB and Ham radio.
Top quality materials and finish. Much nicer than I had anticipated.
Package came well packed and in good order. But be advised it's pretty heavy.
Assembly will look quite daunting at first. I would advise finding an elevated surface that is larger than the platform you purchase. One easy way is to empty your garage and get two 3 x 6 folding tables or 2 sawhorses and a piece of plywood. Put down a light colored cloth or blanket on work surface as not to scratch your platform.
Make sure you received the size you ordered prior to opening box.
Unpack box and find hardware box. I had a small clear plastic fishing lure organizer in which I put all hardware in. Trust me, there's a lot of hardware. You may then count all hardware against packing list if you wish.
Set that hardware aside. Preview instructions as they are fairly clear. Then just lay out all the pieces upside down in the order they go together making sure all parts are accounted for. Then follow the instructions and you should be good to go.
Have no hesitations in buying from etrailer. There customer service is fantastic and returns are super easy.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Rhino rack pioneer platform JA8200 for Land Cruiser 80 Series. Awesome product, aluminum high build quality, low profile and round edge design that matches well with 80 Series's curvy line. I decided on this rack for #1 functional reason, "fitting into my garage" after my rig's been lift and upsized tires. #2 reason is aesthetics fitting the LC80. ARB was too high on profile, other one piece design was too bulky for shipping. Great product. The only minor issue I had was the 80 Series has a bit curvature (~1/4") on rain gutter, with highest point at the middle area. This requires a bit adjusting/playing with foot positioning and use of shimming. eTrailer customer service was great, with Bryan sent me the missing part once notified. Great place to buy with free shipping.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Excellent build and fit for the 2019 RAM Power Wagon WITH a sunroof. I would highly recommend using additional RTV to seal the holes. It barely clears the Sat antenna and the sunroof. The satellite radio cuts off easier because of the rack being on top of it. Instructions are clear enough for a DIY-type person to get this done properly.
The rack, just like any roof rack does introduce more wind noise at high speed.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Overall, I like the rack. I use it for a hard shell RTT and it has held up well through several camping and off-roading trips. I chose this rack for the low profile look, weight and mounting system.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Well I must say I am impressed--with the Rhino Rack and etrailer! This big ole Pioneer platform package arrived really quickly and was in perfect shape in and out--none of this already opened noise you hear about from sketchy vendors. The platform quality is also really good; I didn't expect it to be so good. I also really like how low it sits; they were obviously designing this to fit the Outback just right. I am a happy camper! Thanks etrailer for making this process worry/pain-free.
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Looks great very streamline
Review from a similar Pioneer in Roof Rack
Fantastic experience! I spent weeks researching rack options for my GX460. At the end of my rope with literally NO good options, the good folks at etrailer talked me thru some great ideas and I went with the RhinoRack Universal Platform, attached to Yakima RailGrab Towers. My etrailer order was delivered within 48hrs and installed within another 12hrs. Great fit, great look. No rattles and surprisingly, no wind noise. I’ll be back for accessories! GREAT experience.
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