To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
When you want to bring along kayaks, cargo boxes, or camping gear, space on the roof matters. The Rhino-Rack Vortex system gives you two full-length aluminum crossbars that measure 46" long x 3-1/8" wide x 1-3/16" tall. The overhang design gives you extra bar space for mounting multiple accessories side by side. Strong aluminum construction supports up to 165 lbs while staying lightweight and corrosion-resistant for long-term use.
Long highway drives can turn noisy with bulky roof bars, but the aero-style shape and rubberized Vortex strips help smooth airflow. These strips fill the top channel to reduce drag and wind noise, turning long road trips into quieter, more relaxed drives. The aerodynamic design also helps improve fuel efficiency when you’re fully loaded up for a cross-country haul.
When you leave your gear on top of the car overnight or at a trailhead, security matters. The integrated plastic locks in each crossbar help deter theft of channel-mount accessories, while lockable cover plates on the legs secure the rack itself to the vehicle. For extra peace of mind, you can upgrade with all-metal locks (RRVA-LEC4 – sold separately) for added protection.
You don’t need a shop to get this rack ready for action. The complete system includes two Vortex crossbars, four 2500 Series legs, and a custom fit kit that attaches directly to fixed mounting points on the roof. Once installed, the rack feels solid and stable—ready to take on kayaks, bikes, or whatever else your trip demands.
Whether it’s hauling paddleboards to the lake or strapping down a cargo carrier for vacation, these bars work with most bike, watersport, snow, and cargo carriers. The top channels accept channel-mount accessories for a sleek setup, while the rounded bar profile also fits clamp-on mounts. That means one rack can handle all kinds of adventures without needing extra hardware.
Alternate Instructions
Ratings & Reviews
I was able to transfer my Rhino Rack bars and 2500 series platforms from my C-Max to my Mazda 5 with just changing the foot kit from one specific to the C-Max to the fixed point type for the Mazda 5. Some savings from buying a new setup entirely. I took the risk the bars' length might be an issue - turned out okay.
*** In changing the roof rack from one car to another, make sure to buy 4 total of the measuring strips for the roof racks (#RRM641). I didn't think to buy these until I put the rack on and heard whistling at high speed.
The Rhino system works great the way it is. I'm going camping next week and took the two bars out of the closet and right onto the car. No adjustments were needed. The feet fell right into the roof line where I initially set it up. All I had to do was clamp it down. Last weekend I had the basket up there with two fully loaded RTIC coolers probably pushing 150 pounds with no problems. For this trip I have my Yakima easy load bike racks on the roof. They clamped right onto the Rhino bars and they're in a much better position for loading and unloading than my last truck.
I'm very happy with the product and not expecting anything else. Thanks for following up.
The rack was shipped within a day of order and delivered on the expected date. I got email updates with the order confirmation and shipping information. Etrailers provided excellent customer service. The web site allowed me to select the product with confidence that I was getting the right rack for my 2015 Subaru Legacy.
Assembly and installation were easy using the provided instructions. It probably took about 45-60 minutes to complete. I especially liked the measuring strips that Rhino provides. It makes setting the foot width on the bars painless.
I have not used the rack yet, but it's a solid mount and I do not expect any difficulties. It also looks good on the car.
I purposely left the cover plates off in the pictures so the clamp mechanism was visible.
I purchased Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars with Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs (RRRLKVA) and Fit Kit (DK284) for my 2020 Honda CR-V EX Hybrid. The rack was easy to assemble and took about an hour. The only tool not supplied that you need is a sharp knife or scissors to cut the rubber strips to length. Once assembled, the installation took about 30 minutes, making sure to measure accurately for placement. I used blue painter's tape to initially mark the locations. I then placed the white marking arrows (supplied) to align with the marks on the tape. I then removed the tape, placed the racks aligned with the arrows, and tightened the clamps.
This product seems well made and engineered (I'm a retired mechanical engineer). Kudos to Rhino-Rack and to etrailer for selling it.
I decided on the 65” instead of the recommended 59” for my 2018 F250 Crew. Before I did I called etrailer to confirm that the crossbar would be ok using the custom DK Fit and Rhino Rack 2500 series legs. The guy confirmed and I placed the order. Everything does fit and quality is great but all I received was measurements using the 59” bar. Something is different between these two bars and etrailer couldn’t help me out.
I figured it out myself and determined the bracket distance on the bar so it fit properly.
Rhino Rack should offer the proper bracket measurements for all 3 Areo Crossbars ( 59, 65 and 72 ) as they pertain to Ford F-250 “17” and up. They all fit - as bracket is in the same spot on the truck.
Great quality solid rack. I’d give 5 star if it wasn’t for this
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!
Oh ya. awesome low profile rack. Making it look real nice, just order a wind fairing to lower the wind noises.
Purchased a Rhino Rack custom fit rooftop system, along with the kayak rack to hold two kayaks and the Swagman rv bike rack. Made several trips and they all work great! Included photos to share.
The Rhino Rack is very well made. I installed it my self on our 2016 Ford Escape, but had an assist from my wife to fine tune it at the end. There was no whistling or any other distracting wind noise on our 3,500 mile drive to visit family out West. A Sear's Cargo Box was easily mounted to the Rhino Rack and it remained centered and secured at western highway speed limits plus. The included locks on the roof mounts were the selling point for me. The Rhino Rack remained securely mounted to the roof with no additional adjustments or tightening being needed. Great Product. Donna P. @ etrailer was super with the order.
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.
Its been one year since I installed the Rhino Rack crossbars and I have absolutely no issues. The main use is to carry my Kayaks on my 2013 Subaru Impreza utilizing Yakima JayLow kayak carriers. The only caveat is to be sure to properly cut and install the plastic channel inserts (underside) or you will experience an annoying whistling sound. If you're looking for high quality crossbars, I highly recommend these.
I bought this last yr to haul my kayaks on my Toyota camry. Being 5'2", getting them on top of my SUV was next to impossible for me and my daughters. Since then, I have traveled from Michigan, all the way to the west coast with two 13' ft kayaks. These racks have been absolutely perfect in every aspect. I mounted them myself, and checked them regularly to see if they needed adjusted. Not once did they loosen or move. They with stood Traveling with speed limits reaching 80 mph on I84, along with the windy weather on our cross-country trip. My car moved around from the high winds, and the racks stayed put. These racks have by far reached and surpassed every expectation I had when purchasing them. I would not recommend another. Only thing I would recommend is showing installation for both front and back bars, since the measurements are slightly different for both. As I had to figure this out my self, after watching the installation video. Thank you Rhino for providing such a high quality product.
I am getting a bit of whistling at around 15-20 mph, but it doesn't happen all the time and can only hear it if sunroof is open. Do not notice any additional noise compared to no roof rack if my sunroof is closed, even if windows are open. Feels very strong once installed and install is pretty straightforward. Still feel it deserves 5 stars as I believe some noise is expected.
Purchased these bars for my 2017 VW Tiguan because they had the highest load rating. I hope to carry a Tepui Car Top tent on these, and they should be able to handle the load just fine since they are very well built.
Exactly what I needed to replace the factory cross bars to make it easier to take off my roof top tent. Easy to install and secured nicely to the factory rails.
These racks are great. I looked at so many and finally decided to go with these and very glad I did. The quality is great, not hard to put together, and not too loud. Although, sunroof open would cause bugs to fly in after bouncing off these so don’t do that.
First off, ordering and delivery couldn’t have been simpler. The flaps on one end of the box were open but luckily it was on the packing paper end of the box so nothing was lost.
As for installation, I’m a computer guy and while I can get a job done with instructions, it normally takes me well longer than estimated. Not true with this rack... after an initial read through of the instructions it took less than 35 minutes to get it installed by myself.
My ‘21 Toyota C-HR has drill outs for the feet to connect to so no measuring front/back was required which I believe saved a ton of time.
Overall I couldn’t be happier... I head out to pick up m,y kayak next week for the maiden haul!
The instructions were clear and the rack installed perfectly. I am impressed with the custom foot mouldings that match my car's contours exactly, and the rack is still as tight as when I installed it 4 weeks ago. I have been using it frequently to pick up 8' lumber for a large shelving project I have underway, and I hope to soon use it to carry my kayaks. The rubber strips on the top hold the lumber so securely I have no worry of having the load slip off the car. The two negatives I have are: (1) the crossbar end-caps consist of 2 locking and 2 slip-ons. I have come out to my car to see 1 of the slip-ons half slipped-off and I expect I will lose one or both of them in short order; and (2) the instructions should put the forward bar at least 1 inch further forward. As you will see in the photo, Rhino's guidelines result in the front bar being higher than the back bar, which results in additional wind pressure on the goods being carried. Finally, I would like to thank etrailer for shipping the product exactly as promised and also for packaging the entire order in an additional box as I requested. I found your service to be outstanding! You are welcome to post my comments and or photo if you should wish to.
Installed the Rhinorack system on my 2018 Honda HR-V to replace my Thule Evo system which would whistle at 50mph+. Installation was very straight forward with easy to follow instructions. Rack fit great, feels solid and no whistling or wind noise at highway speed! Highly recommend!
i George from etrailer,
The rack is awesome! Strong, firm hold and nice looking. When doing surveys, I put my ladders on the rack.
I highly recommend this etrailer.
Great bars - very quiet, solidly built, and nice looking. I put these on my Mercedes E350 Wagon. I can fit 4 bikes or a narrow Thule box and 2 bicycles (with pedals removed). Definitely would recommend Rhino Rack.
The Rhino Racks Vortex Aero are solid. My first drive with them was to Brighton Utah from Riverside California. They were not only secure throughout the drive and hard winds, they were also reasonably quiet. On top I attached a Thule Force L 628 roof box and it fits perfectly. The only complaints I have are how difficult it was to install the racks to my fixed points. It took several friends, a mechanic, and two days to get everything right.
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.
Got this for a 2015 Prius. High quality works great. Use their measurements included as a guide and measure everything out yourself before cutting the spacers and when installing. I had to make minor adjustments to make it perfect.
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.
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