To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
This heavy-duty, aluminum crossbar works with Rhino-Rack legs to create a sturdy roof rack or ladder rack for your naked roof. The square bar has a built-in C-channel for mounting Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty, contractor-grade accessories.
Features:
[NLA]Rhino-Rack HD Crossbar - Silver - 59" Long - Qty 1:Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today, we're gonna be taking a look at a solution for some of those heavier kayaks and the solution to this is the Rhino-Rack T-Load Assist bar. So this is gonna be a hitch mounted accessory for your 2" hitch receiver. The nice thing about it is we fold it back like this. We can go ahead and take this up, get it kind of lined up with it. And typically we have the back end kind of slide out on us, but it does come with a little pad to protect your kayak from scratches, but also allowing it not to slide around. So now, if this is done, we'll take it.
Clean it up. And I'm not really holding a whole lot of the weight. Which is nice. So now we can get it up here. Situate it.
And then tie it down. So this is a lot easier, especially as the weight start to go up. This kayak's not that heavy, but some of those fishing kayaks they get kind of up there. So this is definitely gonna be the easiest way to load that thing up. What comes with the kit is these little load stops.
So the angle right here, this is for your kayaks, but we can take this off, swap it around and then the flat side's gonna be for your lumber or ladders. You can tie down your kayak like you normally do. Cool thing about this is on the end, what I would do is to take this, throw it over the top. And use this as a strap. It's already there.
It's nice and perfect length this, go in there, tie it down. And if we did have these load stops a little bit closer, the nice thing is we have this little piece underneath here to protect the for many scratches. And the way you adjust these load stops is squeeze them up a little bit, slide it on down. Done deal, if you really needed to do that. But then when I unload it, obviously the center of our kayak is a little bit wider, but just know you do have these adjustments here on both sides. Very easy, you don't need a tool or anything. You're good to go. This is basically just your Rhino-Rack, aero bar it's made of aluminum. It's got an aerodynamic shape to it, and it's about 49" long, which is pretty good for most loads. We wanna make sure that our whole entire setup's gonna work with your kayak. If you have a really, really heavy kayak just make sure it's not gonna be exceeding 165 pounds. So depending on what kind of car you have, what kind of rack you're working with, ladder rack or roof rack you can use the included tool to adjust this with the telescoping system. So once we loosen this up a couple turns, where we need it to. Lower it if we want to. Raise it up, if we really want to. tighten it back up. And once we find that perfect little spot for your kayak What you can do is come down to this little hole. We'll go ahead and tighten it up. And then with the hole, we'll just take a little drill bit. Drill this out right there and then do give us a clip to go through it to mark our spot. So we can adjust it real low to put it in our garage. And then whenever we want to use it, drill that hole, put this in and you know, you're all ready to rip. As you can see, it's perfectly level. Didn't take me a whole lot of time to get it level. And I think that's pretty neat. We can also do some more adjustments. We have a hole here, hole here or we can take the bolt out all together and that's gonna change how far it goes back. So in the highest setting, doesn't come back a whole lot. Not much at all. So that's how mark goes back there. And that's it upright. Let's take it off. Go to the second setting. Let's see how far it goes back. This is what we we're using earlier which this will change depending on what kind of roof you have and what kind of vehicle you have. So there's that one. And then let's take it out all together. Let's see. And that's kind of a lot. So it all just depends, just know you have adjustability there. And whenever we have it all loaded up we're gonna have this hole right here which we can take this through and it's gonna be locked into the place. Looking down further on our shank, again, this is where your 2" hitch receivers. We are gonna get an anti-rattle bolt on the end of it with a lock. So a lot of these accessories don't come with locks. This one does, which is awesome. And the anti-rattle bolt, what that does is just make sure it's nice and secure to your hitch. So you're not gonna hear any rattling at all. We're ready to catch some fish, pull the pin unstrap your yak, and then grab your yak. Go down like this, pull your yak. Put it down on the pad. Grab your yak and hit the water and catch some fish. I do like how they have the strip here because I wasn't hearing the plastic on the aluminum rubbing. So that's good, it's not gonna scratch your kayak. So it's always nice that you buy something, that's gonna protect your investment. And whenever we're done, you can either leave it down, If you really wanted to. Just prepare for loading it up put the pin in, call it a day. Or if you are planning on putting it into your garage, what you can do is just loosen this up, take it down, undo the bolt and the lock and put it somewhere in your garage, just store it away. Comparing the Rhino-Rack Load Assist to some of the other ones on our website. I think this one's gonna be the one that's more customizable. Meaning some of them just have pre-drilled holes. This one, you put it to where you need it. You drill the hole and it's set for you. It does come with some load stops which have two different configurations for heavy wood and stuff like that, but also your kayaks. And it does have a little strap which kind of acts as a roller bar. The other ones on our website you to grab a roller bar separately. I think the roller will be a little bit nicer to use compared to just a strap, but this one just comes with it and it worked just how it should have. So I definitely think that this one's gonna be for those heavier kayaks and even the other ones as well. You know, you're really gonna need a lot of help getting those really heavy kayaks up on onto your roof. I don't think this is going to speed up the process a whole lot with your normal kayaks. I'd rather just man handle it and put it up on there. Or also just check out our load assist kayak carriers, if you do have a lighter kayak and you just want a little bit of help. And that's pretty much it for a look at the Rhino-Rack Load Assist and I'm Adam at etrailer..
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (156 Customer Reviews)
This heavy-duty, aluminum crossbar works with Rhino-Rack legs to create a sturdy roof rack or ladder rack for your naked roof. The square bar has a built-in C-channel for mounting Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty, contractor-grade accessories.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
I 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 .
Just got this in and installed last week. I used it for the first time this weekend and it worked great. It is MUCH easier to load my kayak on the Thule TracRac on my pickup. I need to work out how to slow the descent rate of the support bar when putting up or taking down the kayak. If you are putting the kayak up with it and need to lower it for some unexpected reason, the bar will come back at you fast. You might need some quick reflexes to keep it from hitting you. Having a full size pickup, I was pleased to see the hitch mount had two holes in it so I could bolt it in the hole closest to the end to give it the extra length needed to allow the tailgate to open fully without hitting the bar (when at the 45 degree angle). The nylon strap across the support bar is handy but I am wondering if it would be better to not use it when putting the kayak up onto the truck. Some trial and error may be needed to minimize the chance of getting hit on the noggin but it isn't a big deal right now. I have a few ideas to try (or suggestions from the Rhino-Rack people might be good).
I'm only giving it 4 stars just because of the rapid descent issue (which admittedly could be my fault for a lack of being able to find anything in the instructions about this) and I can't give it 4.5 stars. I think it is a great product though and it only took me about 45 minutes to install. (I'm a slow, methodical reader.)
A representative told me that my pickup tailgate would open without hitting the vertical support in the lowered position, but it did hit. Disappointed.
The T-loader was easy to assemble and worked as promised in the specs and videos. It has made loading my 16.5 foot kayak much easier, and it is now essentially a one person job.
I really think that this is a great product for the price (i.e., I felt like I was getting something which should cost more than it did). I have a very heavy fishing kayak and am not a spring chicken so it took a couple of times & a Youtube video to figure out how to use it but it worked fine after figuring that out.
This rack makes it easy for me to load my kayak on the rope of my Equinox by myself. Don’t have to worry about hitting the car. Also gives a 3 point to tie down to. Hauled my kayak from Montana to Florida with no problems.
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.
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.
Using this on a 2021 Honda Passport. The rack works as shown on videos although it will take some getting used to using it with a Hobie Outback Kayak. Assembly was pretty easy; to me, the video was much better than the instructions. A lock does come with it, but had differing opinions whether it did or didn’t so I ordered a lock that I’ll be returning.
The hitch pin for this uses a threaded bolt and the assembly does rattle a bit when installed.
The Rhino Rack Load Assist looks like it will satisfy my need completely. I have an inflatable dinghy, which weighs the same as a kayak. The Load Assist will help me place the dinghy on the roof racks of my Toyota Highlander! The packaging was well worn when the product arrived at my home but the double packaging by etrailer.com ensured all parts arrived safely.
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.
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.
Took a minute to put it together, but it is solid and should work great.
Overall it was fairly easy to assemble. The non-slip mat was much different and flimsy compared to the reviews and videos I watched on this product. As for ease of use it made loading my 100lb fishing kayak a breeze. Ensure you fully tighten the bolt in the hitch receiver or you’ll have too much play in the upright when loading.
Solid product
Worked okay, except for the fact that the included hitch pin lock didn’t work for me. I have a recessed tow hitch on my Tesla Model Y, and as a result there is not enough room to operate the included lock and key that is in line with the hitch pin. Having a hitch lock with a key hole that was angled 90 degrees towards the rear of the vehicle would have helped. That, or including a shorter hitch pin so that I could thread it in from the left and lock in on the right would have helped.
This makes putting my 17 foot kayak on top of my 4Runner by myself so easy. Using this means the kayak doesn’t damage the paint. It’s super easy to use.
Very well made, Works with my tal F350 roof rack.
easy to remove when not in use and takes up Zero space to stow.
I thought this would be a game changer for me getting my 60lb kayak on the roof of my Outback, but it’s not. I still need a ladder to strap it down and pull it off, besides having to install it and a u clamp to eliminate the sway. Not what I expected. Save your money… buy a trailer!
Item was well packaged and all parts included. Easy assebmly.
Well constructed of heavy materials. Once the screw in hitch pin is tightened (with the included wrench), the rack stays put with no rattle. A plastic lock was included for the hitch pin. Metal would probably have been better but it works as is. The instructions were OK with just pictures and no word descriptions and it took me about 40 minutes to assemble. I have a 17 foot composite canoe that was difficult to load onto my crew cab truck Yakima roof racks by myself. This product works as intended and I am able to load my canoe by myself. I'm 5'7" and had to let the canoe drop the last several inches onto the rack as I couldn't reach high enough as it pivoted forward. I may try attaching a rope to aid in controlling the canoe as it moves forward toward the roof rack. The pivot point of the rack to swing forward and aft is a bit snug and is a little difficult to get it to move. Hopefully that will get smoother with more use and maybe some lubricant. I drilled the optional hole for the permanent height adjustment and the material was very heavy to drill. Overall an excellent product and I highly recommend it.
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.
The experience with E trailer was excellent, the customer suport, the product, evrething, even the marketing on line
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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