Aerodynamic, aluminum crossbar lets you build an aftermarket roof rack for your vehicle. Full-length bar provides plenty of space for carriers and accessories. Vortex strips in C-channels reduce wind noise. Includes theft-deterring plastic locks.
Features:
Specs:
This low-profile, aerodynamic Vortex Aero crossbar lets you replace a damaged bar, add a third bar to an existing rack, or build a stylish aftermarket roof rack from scratch. The crossbar requires a pair of Rhino-Rack legs (manufactured in 2014 or later) and a custom fit kit to mount it to your roof. This bar extends past the roof rack legs to maximize the space for mounting carriers and accessories. Rubberized Vortex strips in the crossbar's top channel disrupt airflow for a quiet ride, and the bar is constructed of aluminum so it won't rust. The crossbar also includes Secure Core endcaps with plastic locks to help deter theft of channel-mounted accessories.
The rubberized Vortex strips in the top channel of this 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 crossbar cuts through the air with minimal drag - even at highway speeds.
The Vortex Aero crossbar is made of structural-grade anodized aluminum with an H-shaped internal extrusion. This extrusion strengthens the bar without adding a significant amount of weight. And the aluminum bar won't rust so you can leave it on your roof year-round.
The 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.
The 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 strip in the top channel comes in 3 pieces, so it's 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 bar, and the Vortex strip provides a shock-absorbing, no-slip cushion for any accessories that rest on it.
The 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 crossbar and help to secure channel-mounted accessories to the crossbar. For maximum security, you can upgrade to endcaps with all-metal lock cores (RRVA-LEC2 - sold separately).
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hey guys. It's Randy here at etrailer.com. Today we're doing a demo on the Rhino Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars. These are aluminum aero-shaped crossbar, of course they're designed to work with your Rhino Rack fit kit or leg kit, those are going to be sold separate.As you can see here, this is going to give us a spot on our roof to clear up a lot of space inside our vehicle. We've got a bike rack attached here, simply comes down, straps right around it. Gives us a excellent way to get that transported if we don't want something hanging off the back of our vehicle or if we don't want to take the whole thing apart and try to shove it inside.The aluminum crossbars are going to be lightweight and they're going to be very corrosion resistant, we're not going to have to worry about any kind of corrosion and eventually it dripping down on our vehicle.Now these crossbars are available in several different lengths, so depending on smaller vehicle, larger vehicle, we're going to have the right crossbar to match up with your vehicle.
They're also going to be available, not only the black that we see here, but silver. If you don't like the way a black roof rack looks, you can see with this silver side rails kind of blend in a little bit more if we had silver. That's kinda going to be up to you.The end cap here is something that they have provided a plastic core lock for. You just place this in here, rotate it to the unlock position, that's going to slide off for us. These can very easily be replaced with a locking core if you want a keyed lock to keep everything safe and secure, you can go that route also.Not only does our strip here keep our items from sliding side to side, but it's also going to protect the channel underneath from things running down in and for T-Slot type accessories this thing can be cut, put right back in.
This is going to do an excellent job of eliminating any noises that wind comes across. It won't get in that channel, we're not going to hear any of it.The bars are anodized fully through. Even on the inside here, if moisture happens to get in there and collect, we're not going to have to worry about corrosion. These give us excellent strength. You can see it's hollow, that helps it to stay nice and lightweight, but we have all the integral support here, gonna make 'em extremely, extremely durable.
They will really exceed well past that 165 pound weight rating that they offer, but it's not something you wanna do.The larger rectangle that we have here, that's where we slide in any of the foot pegs that we might need to match our particular vehicle.To ensure that you're accessories that you already have are going to fit or to ensure that you're getting the right accessories, just want to give you the dimensions real quick on our crossbars. From our front edge to our rear edge, we've got about 3-1/8 of an inch, then from the bottom up to the top, it's going to be an inch and 3/16. As long as your accessories are designed to fit that, which most of 'em on the market today are, won't have any issues.I really like the way this roof rack system looks. There are roof rack systems however, that will not overhang like this. Overhanging like what we have here, that gives you additional room for accessories and stuff.
Some people they'll prefer more of a factory look or more of a sleek look. In that case, I think I'd recommend one of the roof rack systems that come and end in the foot pack. We'd have our bar that comes over, but it's going to end right here in this area and be a little bit more sleek than what we have here with our overhanging aero bars from Rhino Rack.That's going to do it for our look at the Rhino Rack Vortex Aero Roof Rack Crossbars.
Ratings & Reviews
Been wanting to get a roof rack for my small Honda H-RV suv for some time now. Finally decided to pull the trigger on one and opted for this Rhino rack system.
Watching the etrailer install video and following the manufacturer's instruction, the front rack went on easily and perfectly. However, the rear track turned out to be a very long process. Why? Because I thought the manufacturer's measurements for the rear was an error. After the rack was assembled, it didn't seat into the roof channel at all. It appeared to be well short. So, I proceeded to use my mechanical ingenuity to get this rack to fit on my own. After a lengthy span of time and numerous adjustments, I'd come to realize that the manufacturer's measurements were correct. The footing did not sit perfectly until the unit was fully tightened against the vehicle. Live and learn.....once again.
The rack is absolutely solid, and looks very clean and sharp on top of the H-RV. I could not detect any additional noise while driving, even at highway speed.
The main purpose of this roof rack was for transporting my recreational kayak. I was not aware that these bars had a rubber strip running along the entire top of the bar. This turned out to be perfect for the kayak. Now, I didn't need to buy a specific kayak cradle. The kayak, one strapped down, is held absolutely secured to the rack.
I am very happy with this product! Once again, etrailer comes through perfectly with another of my order. Prompt service and indepth product info are the reasons why I shop here!
I posted a detailed review with photos in my fit kit review by Anthony. If your thinking of getting a rack system this is the one to get and etrailer is the place to get it. This is a fabulous design. Strong and aerodynamic.
Ordered Item: Y02-500B to mount over my Tonneau cover on my 2015 Ford F150 with a 6.5' truck bed. Mounted side rails that crossbars slide in to a piece of 2"x1" aluminum square tubing. Mounted to truck bed with compression stake pocket inserts. 65" crossbars were 2" short and had to order Item: RRVA180B-2 to get the 71" crossbars. Had to customize several parts but overall I am very happy with the outcome as there is not many options that are minimally invasive for a permanent installation. (Zero holes were drilled into truck bed all mounting was completed with compression stake pocket mounts. I am able to use all attachments for summer and winter activities. (bike mounts, snowboard mounts, paddle board SUP mounts, and fishing rod mounts) Picture with my Thule SUP Taxi mounts. Plus rack is easily removed with 4 bolts. Can also access and use bakflip tonneau cover by removing crossbars in less than 20 seconds.
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 the complete 2500 Series system which included the crossbars, legs and fit kit for my 2018 Honda Fit so I could transport my kayak.. They were well packaged and their quality is quite evident. I did struggle a little following the assembly instructions but with some patience and watching a video it went well. Two items to be aware of. The front and rear leg clamps are of different lengths with the longer clamps going on the rear crossbar. The other issue was positioning the crossbars. After following the measurements for attaching the legs to the crossbars it was quite clear that the measurement for the rear crossbar was wrong. Placing the legs as instructed didn't allow the rear crossbars to be the 29 17/32 inches from the front crossbar but required me to move it back to 31 1/2 inches. There is a very faint whistle while driving around 30 to 35 mph but it's not annoying. I was so pleased with the fit and finish I went ahead and purchased the Rhino Rack S-loader to make it easier for me to lift my kayak onto the crossbars. I would definitely recommend both items.
You have to order the cross bars and connector hardware separately. I also ordered the end cap locks.
I consider myself a pretty good DYI person and it took longer than I expected according to other reviews on here to get everything installed and overlapping the same on both sides.
Once installed the crossbars are very solid. I do get noticeable wind noise at say 70+MPH.
I installed these on a 2020 Jeep GC Overland and they look and function great! Was a bit concerned about the sun roof retraction with the bars, but there is plenty of clearance. No issue.
I for sure recommend the Rhino Rail crossbars. Etrailer is a great site to get the bars. Given the COVID issues and supply chain breakdowns retailers are facing, they still had everything I ordered to me in a very reasonable time frame.
I have been using etrailer for many years and have never had a bad purchase. We are about to start traveling quite a bit with our 5th wheel. Putting our kayaks on the back of the trailer was not an option. I researched several roof top carriers and this package was by far the best value and quality. The Rhino rack is awesome, works extremely well with kayak "J" carriers and installed relatively easy. There was an issue with the measurements for the underside channel covers. For my Ram, they were short. But I always use the old adage of measure 2, 3 or 4 times. Cut once. Saved me a few problems here. As alway7s with etrailer, we are very pleased with the product, the serv ice and the information before purchasing.
This roof rack works great! At first I was skeptical about putting a rack on my IS250, but it couldn't have turned out better. Paired with the Yakima Highroad, I can easily transport my bikes around without worrying about anything coming loose while driving. The installation instructions for the legs and bars are pretty straightforward. Takes about 30-45 minutes total to install.
Great sturdy rack. I put it together myself and have already started using it. I was concerned that it would cause leaks in the door the way it has to mount..but its Florida and its rainfall in the past few days and no leak! The weak link would be the end caps..two do not lock on and im concerned the will fly off at some point.
These things are the real deal. Very strong and very durable. I haven't had any issues with them. They have been very helpful with my painting company getting ladders around. Absolutely pleased with the rhino rack and with etrailer.com. Costumer service was top notch!
Love the bars, I had gotten the other rack parts from different suppliers. I love the look and sleek design of the Rhino Rack. I did the 2500 vortex on a 2016 Subaru Impreza sedan and it fits great and looks even better.
This is a great roof rack, VERY sturdy once attached! I used it to carry two kayaks on the freeway multiple times and it was flawless. It is quite loud, but that is to be expected with this type of roof rack. Having the sunroof open doesn't help either... :-)
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.
The rhino rack is well made but suffers from the flat bottom rubber feet. Since nearly all cars and trucks have roof seams, foot pads should be stepped to engage the seam like other racks such as Thule does. It's unlikely that very many different shapes would be needed to fit most vehicles. Rhino tech didn't agree with my assessment.
At first I didn’t know how to get the end pieces off because I thought it was locked and didn’t know where the key was. After pulling one of the ends pieces off, I saw that the blue key was inside the crossbar next to the measuring strips. Took me a minute but figured that part out, but the instructions were easy to follow. Can’t wait to test it out on my Kayaks! I have this installed on my Toyota Corolla LE 2013.
Great addition to the bed track of my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz! I got these for my rhino rack rod holder since they made such noise on the oem roof rack. So happy I went with rhino rack. You can't beat the price and the quality is as good if not better than Thule or Yakima. Highly reccomend.
Purchase for a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, black rails. Perfect fit.
etrailer.com's videos and additional customer support made the purchase of a Rhino Rack system from them for our 2010 Malibu a no brainer. The rack fit the car perfectly, and with the videos and clear instructions that came with the kit, I got it installed on the car with only one misstep. The instructions came the the measurements in centimeters and inches. I didn't have a metric tape measure, and ended up messing up converting fractions to decimal.
My Daughter is going to college 500 miles away and is moving into an unfurnished apartment and needed to pick up some small furniture that wouldn't fit in her Malibu. She purchased several items from Facebook Marketplace and was able to transport a twin bed and mattress, a medium sized desk and some dining room chairs (in several trips) with no problems.
The only thing I can think of to improve the installation would be to have the Inches measurements in decimal or to include an inexpensive metric tape.
These slick looking, quality made, aluminum, aero bars came with the RLCP25 kit, to fit my FJ Cruiser. It didn't have the big, bulky, useless for carrying much of anything factory rack.
I like the look of the full size racks/ baskets, but didn't want to spend $800 + truck freight to get one. These cross bars are perfect for carrying my 14' canoe, plus whatever else with various cargo carrying accessories.
They are light, yet combined carry near 100+ lbs. of gear.
There is a rubber strip in the top slot, bottom slots and plastic strips to seal those, once you slide the feet in the correct distance to be even on both sides for your vehicle, and black, plastic end caps to finish it off.
You'll need a tape measure and 10mm socket wrench to attach to the feet, then re-tighten periodically for safety.
They look great on mr ride, and I can deal with the rubbing/ humming sound, after putting them on, although it does sound like my tires rubbing the fender wells...
We had the challenge of how to carry 2 kayaks this summer in addition to hauling a 30 foot gooseneck horse trailer. We have F450 crew cab with custom truck bed. We hoped to use the "head ache" bar on the truck bed to support the rear sets of Swagman Rincon supports and purchased a single Rhino Vortex bar for the forward sets on top of the cab. We have 10.5 and 12 foot kayaks and this looks to be an excellent solution. The kayaks are clear of the gooseneck trailer even in a "jackknife" position. Please note the truck bed is extra long therefore there is plenty of room forward the nose of the trailer. We have not hauled yet but will convey any issues if there are any. eTrailer tech support was excellent. Product shipped as projected. Installation took approximatly 3 hours.
This review is for the Rhino Rack Vortex Aero Aluminum-Silver crossbars and
associated legs and custom fit kit (RRVA137s-2, DK284, RRRLKVA) necessary for a naked roof installation on a 2018 Honda CR-V. Just enter the model and year of your vehicle and etrailers website will tell you exactly what additional items are necessary to complete the install. etrailers installation instructions and videos are very helpful. The installation document provided is for more than one vehicle and for more than one style rack, so take your time to understand witch measurements apply to your installation and refer to the installation video if necessary. ON that note: The measurements given for front rack did not fit as nicely on the roof as the rear rack, I adjusted the the front rack measurements slightly. I would suggest trial fitting on your vehicle before cutting the metric rulers to final length. Stick On tags are supplied to indicate front, rear and the location to install on your vehicle. Once the rails are adjusted and tagged you can remove and reinstall the racks very quickly. Korren was very helpful in keeping me informed as to availability of items in stock and email shipping tracking. I am very satisfied with etrailers customer service and happy with the appearance and functionality of the Rhino racks.
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.
Nice rack. Has performed as advertised… I carry canoes and kayaks around in the warmer months, snowboards in the winter, and cargo boxes at various times all year long.
The Rhino Racks work as intended for my bike rack above the bed of my Maverick pickup. Very secure and easy to assemble.
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