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2000 Ford Explorer
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Rhino Rack

Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - Black

Part Number: JA7971
In Stock
$689.97
Roof Rack
Not Confirmed to Fit

2000 Ford Explorer

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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
These quiet, aerodynamic crossbars strap to your vehicle's raised, factory side rails to create a super-strong roof rack. Sturdy, lightweight aluminum crossbars include top channels with noise-reducing Vortex strips. Integrated locks deter theft. Great Prices for the best roof rack from Rhino Rack. Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - Black part number JA7971 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Rhino Rack Roof Rack - JA7971

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Installs on your roof with a kit designed for your vehicle.
  • Low-Profile, Quiet Setup: Aerodynamic, flush design raises only 1-3/8" above side rails to minimize wind noise and drag.
  • Strong, Lightweight Build: Structural-grade anodized aluminum bars with H-shaped extrusion support up to 176 lbs and resist rust.
  • Secure, Theft-Deterring Locks: Built-in keyed locks secure bars to the roof and protect channel-mounted accessories.
  • Versatile Accessory Mounting: Top C-channels work with channel-mounted or clamp-on carriers for cargo boxes, kayaks, or skis.
  • Simple DIY Installation: Rubber-coated stainless steel straps wrap fully around raised rails for solid, tool-free attachment.

Features to know about

Avoid Awkward Overhang: Flush, Factory-Look Bars

The flush design keeps the bars tight to the roofline for a clean, built-in look. Each crossbar ends right at the legs, so there’s no awkward overhang hanging past the sides. The low-profile layout only raises the rack about 1-3/8" above the factory side rails, helping it blend in and stay aerodynamic on the road.

Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar roof rack mounted on raised factory side rails showing low-profile aerodynamic design in black aluminum finish.

Cut Down on Whistling: Aerodynamic Vortex Design

Wind noise can get old fast on long drives. These crossbars use an elliptical shape and rubberized Vortex strips in the top channels to break up airflow. The result is less drag and less whistling, even at highway speeds. The strips also keep dirt out of the channels and give your gear a slip-resistant base.

Front view of Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar roof rack showing aerodynamic elliptical crossbar design with rubberized Vortex strips.

Ready for Every Kind of Adventure: Channel-Mount and Clamp-On Accessory Options

Whether it’s hauling a kayak to the water or packing up a cargo box for a trip, this rack works with both channel-mount and clamp-on accessories. Each bar has a built-in C-channel that accepts mounts for bike racks, ski carriers, and more. The three-piece Vortex strips can be trimmed around hardware so you can keep the channels sealed and quiet when your gear isn’t attached.

Strong Enough for Serious Loads: Lightweight Aluminum Bars with Reinforced Core

The crossbars are built from structural-grade anodized aluminum with an internal H-shaped extrusion that boosts strength without adding bulk. They’re rustproof for year-round use and support up to 176 lbs—always within your vehicle’s roof load limit. The UV-treated, glass-reinforced nylon legs stand up to weather extremes while keeping the setup light.

Lock It Down: Built-In Security for Rack and Accessories

Each leg has a locking cover that secures both the rack and any channel-mounted gear in place. All locks are keyed alike so one key handles the full setup. It’s a simple way to keep your attachments protected when you’re away from your vehicle.

Close-up of Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar locking cover showing keyed lock mechanism securing crossbar to vehicle roof rail.

Specs

Weight and Capacity

  • Rack weight capacity: 176 lbs
  • Always observe your vehicle's maximum roof load capacity

Dimensions

  • Minimum crossbar spread: 27-9/16"
  • Crossbar dimensions (Front): 35-5/8" long x 3-1/8" wide x 1-3/16" tall
  • Crossbar dimensions (Rear): 35-5/8" long x 3-1/8" wide x 1-3/16" tall
  • T-slot dimensions: 13/16" wide x 1/4" tall
  • T-slot top opening: 3/8"
  • Underbar slot: 11-3/4"

Warranty

  • Limited lifetime warranty

RRRSB04B Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Load Bar - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Aluminum - 36" Long - Black

RRRSK01 Short Strap Fit Kit with Locks for Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar - 8" Long - Qty 4

Installation Details JA7971 Installation instructionsAlternate Instructions JA7971 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.5

52 reviews
Review sort icon
These quiet, aerodynamic crossbars strap to your vehicle's raised, factory side rails to create a super-strong roof rack. Sturdy, lightweight aluminum crossbars include top channels with noise-reducing Vortex strips. Integrated locks deter theft.

by:

Everything went as planned and follow up was awesome. I told my rep I needed product by a set date he went and saw they had the product in stock before he took my order and it was delivered as promised. Geoffrey sent a follow up email with his phone number to see if I got the product and needed advice on install. Great customer support.



by:

An etrailer rep was very helpful in making the decision on which rack to buy, and it was shipped within hours of my order (on a Saturday). It was a great experience, and it was the lowest price that I could find.



by:

Easy to install and looks great. It'll be perfect for my kayak as soon as it warms up a little more.



by:

Thrilled I got quick delivery with standard shipping! The product arrived in good care and took maybe 40 minutes to install. Looks great and is sturdy



by:

Perfect fit for our 2013 Ford Flex. It was easy to install and seems to be very secure. We've already used it with our rooftop carrier box and it's worked quite well



by:

Great low profile design. Better than what Chevrolet offers. Holds up great and handled the weight. Easy to install Make sure you have it spaced out to your desired liking otherwise is a little time consuming to move again but otherwise I would definitely buy again.



by:

Pretty simple to install. I did need to adjust the length of the crosssbars to accommodate the diverging rails on my Flex. It worked great. The straps take a little effort to wrap around the rails but that was as difficult as it got.



by:

Great rack for my '23 Outback Wilderness. Lowest profile out there. When installing use fixture point 1 or 2 for the locking strap. If you use 2 it is tight and I had to remove the barrel, attach the strap, and then reattach the barrel. Point 1 is easier and still tightens all the way.



by:

I bought this rack as a Christmas gift for my daughter's 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Wagon. It fit perfectly! It was relatively easy to install with the help of my son-in-law. It is very secure and holds her cargo box very well. After multiple highway trips between Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts it hasn't budged!



by:

It looks great. I have not heard any noise from these bars, so far while driving. The crossbars were installed on a 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. The Rhino-rack hardware kit RSK01 was shipped separately. It contains four CA1319 RSB Short Locking Straps. Hole #1 (i.e. the farthest hole) worked best for the installation.



by:

Very well-made and easy to install. As-advertised, these are compatible with a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. They don't interfere with the operation of the sunroof - this had been a concern but there are no issues at all. They are low-profile and look good on the car. We'll use these to transport a paddleboard and kayak.



by:

I researched low profile bars for 3-4 hours before buying these Stealth Bars. A major reason I went with these is the metal strap inside the rubber band that attaches to your side rails. Other companies just used hard rubber that could easily be slashed with a box cutter.

Of course these lock, which is important. They were also easy to install. I installed one and my wife installed the other.

Thanks etrailer and Rhino Rack.



by:

Great job etrailer!!!! I received a phone call from etrailer about my credit card. Once all was cleared, I received my crossbars in 2 days. I was surprised how quickly I received them.. Installing the crossbars was pretty simple. The first one always takes a little longer; reading the instructions; going slow, making sure I am doing everything right. The second bar took half the time, if that much. The outside noise that other customers complain about, is none existant unless I am traveling over 70mph.Definitely recommend the product.



by:

The stealth bars are sturdy and low noise. But they are so close to the roof of my 2016 Escort that the knobs for attaching the J-hook kayak carrier rub the roof. I put a eighth inch hard rubber pad between the rails and the crossbars and removed some of the unthreaded portion of the knobs to make them fit to my satisfaction.



by:

Looks like good quality product. The only problem was I didn't know what hole to use on locking strap, called Rhinorack.com headquarters. They quickly got info I needed for my vehicle. Wish there was an insert with that info.



by:

2021 Subaru Crosstrek,
Website video
for installation was easy to follow, installed to spec, might have to adjust span when I get my roof basket. Cross bar seems solid, and was what
I wanted, a little better than OEM. Look great



by:

Product fit well, easy to install. I received a new Ford Expedition at work with an aluminum roof. I have an emergency light with magnetic mounts that will not work on the aluminum roof. Purchased these bars and used them to mount the light without having to put holes in the roof.



by:

Rack looks sturdy. For my 2017 vw Alltrack the rear bar could be replaced for a shorter. On my side picture that is as far back the bar will go (item ja7975). Which it worked out for this application if you want the bar further aft a shorter bar will be needed. The front fit well within it’s range. The car tapers towards the back so back bar is shorter. I also dont like how VW put a notch on the bottom rail. It looks like the straps will be easy to cut with a bolt cutter.



by:

Appears to be a well made product. I wanted a low profile rail. I would have preferred a clamp style cross bar, like the Yakiima Whispbar, but they were to wide for my Thule Evolution (ski box), mounting brackets.
You need to be careful when attaching the straps when attaching to the bracket and mounting to the rail. The exposed metal portion is very sharp.
The only con is see to this product is the strap mounting system, its more of a hassle to adjust.



by:

When I ordered this product I was excited to see the reviews said how fast it shipped. I was not so lucky. The item was back ordered and the website did not indicate that. I received an email saying it would ship in a week so I thought it would arrive in a week. I was wrong. When I called about compatibility with attachments they told me it was back ordered and I wouldn't receive it until mid July. That whole ship in a week meant ship from the distributor to etrailer. Then it would ship to me.

Once it arrived we immediately opened it up and started assembling it. When we got to the part in the directions about attaching it to the car the directions said to go to Rhino-Racks website to find out what hole in the y-straps to use for my particular vehicle. Their website does not have an area with a fitment guide as the directions indicate so I had to call. I spoke with Jeff at Rhino-Rack and he said hole number 3. That was impossibly tight and the strap would not reach. I called back to see if hole 2 two would be acceptable and he said it should be hole 3. Well, we went with hole 2 because there was NO way hole 3 would reach the bolt since steel does not stretch.

Upon attaching the strap around the raised roof rails the strap slipped and I quickly found out the steel loop is as sharp as a kitchen knife as it sliced the tip of my finger. It was cut so deeply and cleanly it took over an hour to stop the bleeding. I called Jeff back to let him know about this problem. Aside from thanking me for letting him know, he did nothing to better the situation. I will say, now that my finger isn't gushing blood and the cross bars are securely attached to my 2015 Hyundai Tucson in hole number 2 on all four of the y-straps, I am pleased with the appearance and how quiet they are when driving.

Some cons, aside from the aforementioned:
-The rubber strip caved in when I strapped one kayak just to the cross bars. I will need to order a new one to prevent water from getting inside and to prevent noise. It is very disappointing when you have something for less than a week and you need to replace parts on it.
-The locks are super cheap and it wouldn't take much for someone to break them if they really wanted my cross bars.
-The options for attachments are very limited. In fact, I almost sent these back because I was having a hard time finding kayak attachments that I liked.

I wouldn't order these again knowing the hassle I've gone through with them.



by:

Great product, and great service. It not only works well for our thule top box, but looks good on the flex too. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a dependable set of rails.



by:

Exactly what I was looking for to mount my Thule roof box on my 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness. This kit is truly low profile, sits perfectly on the OBW rails and is very simple to install (just follow the included printed instructions). No wind noise to report, and so far, it's holding up very well.



by:

Great aftermarket cross bar for my Chevy Traverse. I wanted something as low profile as possible so I could still get in my 7ft garage door with a Yakima Alpine lo ski box on the roof. These rails are rock solid and did not disappoint.



by:

Easy to install great quality low profile bars for my OBW exactly what i was looking for !



by:

I got these for my '22 BMW X7. There are really tight on the factory rails to remove/install. Quality of the bars is solid. They do clear the sunroof.


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See what our Experts say about this Rhino Rack Roof Rack

  • Roof Rack for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas with Raised Rails
    Hey Neil, so we have the Malone roof rack part # MPG216 that fits the raised rails of your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas that has channels on top of the bars that you could use with an awning that attaches to channels like the Rhino Rack Batwing # RR33100. Or we have the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform part # RR99QX that fits directly to the raised rails and also works with the Batwing.
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  • Replacement Lock Cover
    Welcome back! I am sorry there are no spare lock covers available for the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Crossbar item # RRRSB04B.
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  • Roof Rack that Can Fit 2022 Volvo CX90 with Flush Rails
    Hey Q, so the # JA7971 that you referenced does not fit the flush rail roof versions of the 2022 Volvo XC90. Instead you'd need a rack like the Thule Wingbar Edge part # TH44JG which does come with everything needed to attach to the flush rails of your roof. The Rhino Rack is designed to fit raised rails which may be where the confusion is.
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  • Recommended Crossbars for a 2023 BMW X7
    To attach a set of crossbars to the raised rails on your 2023 BMW X7, I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack item # JA7971. These crossbars mount directly to the side rails and have more than enough capacity for a bike rack or cargo box. They have a flush design which means the crossbars do not extend past your side rails. This also gives them as low of a profile as you can get, which helps with noise and gas mileage. This StealthBar Roof Rack has a 165 lbs capacity. It...
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  • Recommended Crossbars for a 2023 Volvo XC90 w/ Raised Side Rails
    Yes, there is an option to add just a set of crossbars to your 2023 Volvo XC90 that don't extend past your raised roof rails. I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack item # JA7971. This aero bar roof rack system has a 176 lbs capacity. The included locks will help to prevent theft and the rubberized vortex strips in the top channels dramatically reduce drag and wind noise. I have attached a picture below along with the instructions so you can see what these crossbars look...
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    Image 1 for
  • Will an Older Thule Cargo Box Fit the Factory Roof Rack and Crossbars on a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
    It sounds like you have a previous generation Thule cargo box that used the Quick Grip mounts (the claw). These mounting feet will fit the factory roof rack on your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder. If yours uses U-bolts to mount then you will need to look at the inner width of the u-bolts versus the width of the Nissan crossbars. If you want to compare the cost of the factory roof rack to aftermarket racks I have included a link to the roof racks we carry for your Pathfinder. If you like the factory...
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  • Roof Rack Recommendation for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
    For your 2018 Volkswagen Atlas we have the Rhino Rack roof rack part # JA7971 which will fit and work well. It is designed to attach to the rails on your vehicle that run from front to back.
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  • Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for 2019 Volkswagen Atlas to Carry Skybox Cargo Box
    Yes, the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack # JA7971 for your 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is a fit and a great option to carry a cargo box like a Yakima SkyBox NX 16 # Y95AV. Your sunroof won't be an issue either but due to wind noise you'll want to keep it closed.
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  • Best Flush Roof Rack for 2019 Nissan Pathfinder With Raised Side Rails
    The best flush roof rack for your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder with raised side rails is the Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack because it will give your Pathfinder the look you want, with the bars not extending past your side rails, and because this is an easy to install and durable rack that will allow you to carry any type of gear; this rack is available in either silver or black: - Black: Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack # JA7971 - Silver: Rhino-Rack Vortex StealthBar Roof Rack...
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  • Rhino Rack Roof Rack that Fits 2014 Ford Edge with Raised Roof Rails
    Rhino Rack has an aero bar roof rack option that fits your 2014 Ford Edge with raised rails that fits the rails directly with the part # JA7971 but the other rack you mentioned does not fit your vehicle.
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  • Aero Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
    For a roof rack that looks the most like a factory roof rack we have several options for your 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. First, you can use the Inno bars # INXB108-115 with the flush feet # INXS100 for the OEM appearance. Thule has a similar roof rack, the AeroBlade Edge, in black, # TH7503B-TH7503B, and silver, # TH7503-TH7503. Rhino-Rack has a great option as well, the Stealth Bar, # JA7971, and there is a silver option, # JA7952. Out of all of these options, I recommend the Thule AeroBlade...
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Rhino Rack Accessories

Fit to this rack on your 2000 Ford Explorer

Info for this part was:

Employee Tyler C
Edited by:
Tyler C
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adele M
Updated by:
Adele M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Alex H
Updated by:
Alex H
Employee Carrie F
Updated by:
Carrie F
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Daron K
Written by:
Daron K
Employee Aidan B
Installed by:
Aidan B
Employee John S
Video by:
John S

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