Rhino-Rack Backbone Mounting System for Pioneer Platform
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2011 Lexus ES 350
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2011 Lexus ES 350
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The Backbone adds support to your factory hard top so you can carry more gear on your roof rack. Provides mounting points for a Pioneer Platform or up to 3 Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero or Heavy-Duty crossbars.
Features:
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Great quality and was easy to install as the directions were simple to follow.
Nice and sturdy but was a PIA to install… prepare to give yourself a few hours to button this up securely on your roof.
I find it cumbersome to work with for what I needed using various carriers. It looked like a versatile setup, but in practice, for my needs, it falls short.
It is a good starting point to improve on the stock FJ rack. I have had several different setups mounted to the Backbone, but eventually found a used Pioneer Platform that works best. The whole system from Rhino Racks is overpriced for what it is.
Best backbone I could find for a custom build. Flat lower profile more practical for my needs. Thanks guys!
Delivered fast and it fits well. Took me 1.5 hrs to install but could be less.
Excellent product. Be aware that you WILL have to cut into the gutter guard to install this. I used a Dremel with a grind wheel to cut a roughly 2" x 1.75" square to reveal the second bolt insert hole in the center mount.
Best price on the part. Fast shipping. The install video made it a breeze. Rhino rack was a little lazy with the written directions and stamping all the parts. The etrailer video for 2015 JKU was needed.
Great prices on great products!
Great product... I think the best roof rack option for a Jeep Wrangler.
It took me about three hours to install, by myself. Not a hard install. Just follow the instructions and, the etrailer installation video was very helpful also.
I have used the Rhino Rack backbone system on a previous Jeep and it worked well. Installation instructions were clear. Definitely recommend.
Also a word about etrailer. I have ordered a few times from etrailer. These folks have great prices and have really fast shipping. They are quick to respond to questions and have great follow up after the sale (5 star).
Backbone installed- waiting for feet to attach crossbars
Platform racks are the best in the market I think. I'm removing my Platform rack from my 2007 Jeep Sahara JKU and installing it to my 2021 Rubicon JLU. That shows my love and devotion for this very durable and such a beauty to look at system. Had this rack on close to 5 years and still looks amazing. I'm not installing this rack anytime soon. Just wanted to make sure I have the Backbone system for my new JLU when the time comes. Pic of my red JKU with rack attached. Hopefully I can update with my black JLU pics later.
It’s a good product. The only install issue I ran into is the drill bit I used (dewalt) for the front two holes on the hard top wasn’t long enough to work with the included drill stop and I ended up scratching the paint on the roll bars. I installed mine over the top of a carpet headliner with dynamat underneath. I did a “soft install” of the roof rack (used regular nuts instead of nylock, low torque, and no sealant), removed it, then put in the mat and headliner, then finished the roof rack install. Multiple cross country trips with my pioneer platform and no issues with excessive noise and no water leaks.
Excellent product, very well engineered. ETrailer is great with shipping time and communication as always. The instructions aren't perfect and its much easier for me to follow a video. Both RhinoRack and another site have great install videos. Took me a couple hours just taking my time and being careful. I had to loosen the hard top to access the front spacer install but otherwise its very simple just follow the directions carefully when drilling thru your hard top. Measure twice cut once mindset.
The only negative was my package had been ripped open some and one of the parts had protruded and gotten scuffed up a bit. The powdercoating is pretty durable because it cleaned up well and is not noticeable really where installed. The price is also iffy. Its very well engineered and works really well, but for what it is from a material input cost... seems about 20% to high.
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Dustin
3/11/2026
The only issue I’ve had after a year of use is the threads getting dirty in between trips with a RTT on. Maybe include some plastic fill plugs? I didn’t want to leave bolts threaded in for fear of seizing or dissimilar metal corrosion. Also, for the price legs should come with.