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Durable nylon legs let you mount Vortex Aero crossbars to your vehicle's factory elevated side rails. Custom-fit leg clamps tighten with included tool for easy installation on your rails. Pair with 2 crossbars to create a complete roof rack.
Features:
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi everyone, it's Evangeline here at etrailer. And today we'll be taking a look at our Rhino-Rack Roof Rack with the Vortex Aero Cross Bars and the SX Series Legs for raised rails, right here on our 2022 Volkswagen Taos. So you have your Taos and you are ready for adventures. You need a little bit more space since you do have a more compact SUV or you wanna carry cool accessories, like a roof basket, kayaks, bike racks on top of your roof. That's where a roof rack like this comes in handy. This creates a system that allows you to carry that extra cargo and those cool extra accessories for your different adventures.
So in this video, we're gonna talk about the pairing of our 49 inch long Vortex Aero Cross Bars with our Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for raised rails. And we're gonna focus on how they work here with our vehicle. That way you can see what features you like or are looking for or need for your different type of accessories and make the best decision for you and your vehicle. The first thing we'll take a look at is overhang. So our overhang is gonna be from the end of the tower to right before the end cap, about an inch and three quarter inches.
That's gonna change depending on where you put this onto your roof, since you do have a little bit of a curve there. So this is helpful if you wanna carry different types of accessories. So let's say you have items that clamp around your cross bar. Can you clamp them to the outside Do you need more overhang Do you need a lift assist Things like that are helpful with knowing the overhang. Another measurement is gonna be roof clearances and that's two different measurements.
So the first is how much space do we have from the top of the roof to the bottom of the cross bar. It sits at about one and three quarter inches which isn't that much. If you have items that clamp around your cross bars, you're gonna need some extra space there, especially if those have U bolts or wing nuts, this isn't that much. So I personally recommend trying to get T-track mounted accessories if you can because you don't have much clearance. Next measurement is the height added to the top of our roof.
So, top of the roof to the top of the cross bars is gonna be about three and a quarter inches of height. This is gonna be where your cargo sits. If you're carrying skis and snowboards, I personally recommend getting one of those carriers with taller bindings, that way they sit higher up off the ground and they're not hitting your roof. So, we do have have other options here at etrailer. Those have those spacers on them. So not only do you need T-track mounted accessories, try to get some good clearance there because it's a very low profile cross bar. So once you take out that end cap, you have these wind strippings on top and then you take that out, you put your T-track accessories in and then you actually cut it to shape around your accessory. So that is probably the only thing I don't like about the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack. In fact, I recommend picking up a bunch of extras of these vortex strips, if you're planning on using those T-track mounted accessories. But on their own, they work great with helping reduce that wind drag and wind noise. Now a low profile roof rack system is not a bad thing at all. In fact, that's what people usually look for because it looks more sleek. It looks more factory. And this has a really good weight capacity that exceeds most factory roof racks. We have 165 pounds of weight capacity. Just remember though, that you are gonna have to add up the weight of your accessory, the weight of your cargo, the weight of your roof rack and make sure all three together do not exceed your actual roof weight capacity. These utilize Rhino-Rack's raised rail towers and you can see how they fit around your factory raised rails on your Taos. Perfect, since you have that rubber on the outside keeping everything nice and sealed and great 'cause they have that strong clamping power. So I'm gonna guide you through the process of installing this roof rack. But first I wanna talk about some extra things, like the materials you'll need to do this properly. Everything you need to install is included with your kit. You're gonna have these special Rhino-Rack Allen key or hex wrench. This is gonna tighten down your towers. You're gonna have the security key, this fits into your end cap and creates a locking mechanism. You can also upgrade these to metal lock cores, we have those right here at etrailer. But something not included, but I recommend adding is get your own tape measure, just to make sure you have everything lined up. Now let's take a look at that process. The install process is gonna be super simple. In fact, Rhino-Rack has what I consider the fastest install amongst the raised rail options. So you're first gonna take off that end cap. You're gonna grab your tower and you're just gonna slide that through that track in the bottom. Make sure it's all the way open. And then, just like that you're ready to put this onto your rails on your roof. So we're gonna take some measurements before we tighten everything down and you're gonna have to take that end cap off actually to tighten stuff down. So measurements is gonna be for cross bar spread first, since you have raised rails, it's really up to you, how far part you want your bars to be, just measure center to center. I'll get mine over to about, let's say 26. That's a pretty good number. So this will push out a little bit further and then get that tightened down on both or leveled on both sides. After you've figured out your cross bar spread before you tighten down, then check your overhang to make sure you have an equal amount on each side. So, I'm gonna put mine to about, I'd like to say two inches or two and a quarter, double check that on each side, it's gonna be a little bit different depending on where you put your cross bars. But once they're the same, you then tighten it down. Once you've tightened down that side as well as all four towers, you're then gonna finish this off by popping your end cap in place, securing it with your included Rhino-Rack security key. And that's it for the install process. Just double check that all your vortex strips look good on top. And then you have your included strips on the bottom, keeping out that air and wind noise. You're ready to load this up and hit the road. So my personal thoughts about this roof rack system is usually on most vehicles with raised rails, I recommend getting longer cross bars that way you can maximize the fact that you have a roof rack system. Now on our Taos, this is the case where I actually recommend these shorter cross bars. That's because your vehicle isn't really that high up off the ground. If you had longer cross bars, you run the risk of hitting your head against them as you get into your car. So that's something that you may want to avoid or if you're fine with longer cross bars because you want those extra space, you can go ahead and take a look at our Rhino-Rack Vortex Cross Bars, that are I believe 54 inches long. Those might be a better fit for you. But as a system, this is super easy to throw onto your raised rails, super quick and easy install, has that great weight capacity, those vortex strips, T-track mounted accessory opportunities. So definitely a good fit for you and your different types of adventures. And that was a look right here at our Rhino-Rack Roof Rack raised rails with the Vortex Aero Cross Bars that are 49 inches long and the towers for raised rails right here on our 2022 Volkswagen Taos..
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (273 Customer Reviews)
Durable nylon legs let you mount Vortex Aero crossbars to your vehicle's factory elevated side rails. Custom-fit leg clamps tighten with included tool for easy installation on your rails. Pair with 2 crossbars to create a complete roof rack.Made really nice. Instructions were easy to follow. At first I read all of the reviews for this model of rack. The only complaint was the whistle you get after the install. I experienced the exact same thing, however I did use the the "cross under bar strip" after my initial test. Took it back out, and there is no wind noise at all. This rack is awesome, and well worth the price.
These are really nice roof racks. On our VW Golf Sportwagen, they look sporty and do not create any wind noise going down the road. We got these to use with the Vortex Aero Crossbars and the mounts are just high enough to work, but not too high to be awkward. The cross bars we got were the perfect width for the car. No issues of passengers hitting their heads on the like with other ill fitting systems. The mounts fit perfectly on the VW factory roof rails that came with the car.
Ian J - 04/15/2021Installed the bars on my 2017 VW Tiguan, happy with the Purchase from etrailer. I had one screw that was stripped out during installation and etrailer was able to get a replacement sent out.
Thanks!
After having this product for a year, I can say we are very happy with it and would most certainly purchase again. We coupled this with the Rhino Rack J hooks to transport our kayak, and have used multiple times without issue. This system fit perfectly on my 2018 Atlas, which unfortunately was totaled, and I was able to transfer to my 2021 Atlas without issue. With the J hooks installed, you cannot open the sunroof on the Atlas, as there is not enough clearance, but once the J hooks are removed and only the crossbars installed, you can use without issue. Of note, you can still use the tilt function with the J hooks installed, just not fully open. I remove the J hooks when I am not transporting my kayak, so this is a non issue for me. Also worth adding, the customer service from etrailer is top notch; they reached out after my purchase to make sure everything was received as needed, and they are also the best priced, by far.
+ Came quickly with no extra shipping charges
+ Easy to install:
Full disclosure -- It arrived in the evening and I had to put one cross bar on to see if it would be easy. It was. But I got distracted, so I have not put the other one on yet.
Will update once I check for sound and actually try to carry something on it.
Only thing that was not clear was what to do with the overhang of rubber stripping after I installed the bar and covered the gap that runs the length of the bar. I hate to cut something to size only to find it might be needed in a less obvious way later on. Adding a picture to the direction showing the overhang being trimmed would be reassuring. Although, it seemed like the obvious thing to do.
Other than that little thing, the rack seems to live up to its billing.
John S - 06/12/2020For the most part I like this rack system. One of the mounts was non operational upon receipt. They replaced it fairly quickly. Rhino was fairly responsive until I got to the hard questions, then they became unresponsive. In my book, they fell down at the finish line and that is why they get a 3 and not a higher grade.
PS I never did get an answer to my question from Rhino :(
Tim B - 07/21/2017Went right on, everything was as advertised. Great looking rack as well.
Quick delivery, easy install- not sure about the 'torque driver' that deflects when you're tight enough. I think someone with small and not strong hands would have difficulty with it. Actually takes quite a bit of force to really tighten them down. But, aside from that it seems very robust- I'll see how it transports my paddleboards and occasional lumber.
Installed in less than 1 hour. Quality crossbar system.
Great product! Works as advertised, no issues after one year of use.
Terrific service, product and price as usual. Very happy with the purchase. Thanks
Easy to install and look great on Suv.
Great quality
Review from a similar SX Series in Roof Rack
Package, both items appeared used, but in good condition. The legs were not in the factory box, but just a eTrailer box. The instructions were hard to follow, even with a little help from YouTube. Just about to test drive to check the noise level. Time will tell, there is soft rubber on the legs and it may be wise to remove these when not in use, especially during Florida summers.
Review from a similar SX Series in Roof Rack
I purchased the Rhino legs, cross bars and J-style kaya carriers together and could not be more pleased with the combination. The system was installed in an evening and used the next day. The legs were very simple to install on the cross bars and then mount on the vehicle.
Review from a similar SX Series in Roof Rack
The instructions is missing the detail about pushing the adjustable leg (the one that grabs the inside of the rail) up toward the top of the leg before sliding the whole leg into the bar’s end. Once you get the idea, it was extremely easy to install. This set up seems to be a universal fit, not specific vehicle. The adjustable plate looks short and only contact about 1/2 in on the inside wall of the flush rail (see pic). I understand that once the whole assembly of 2 legs and the bar is in place it’s rigid and the outside grip on the rail is more important. But I think Rhino-rack could easily make that single part a vehicle specific (longer for the Telluride) to add more security, or at least for the look. I’d like to hear opinions on this from Rhino-rack or etrailer.
Brooke M - 09/21/2021Review from a similar SX Series in Roof Rack
Not my first purchase from etrailer, and it won’t be my last. The research and purchase experiences are second to none.
The racks are just as expected from Rhino Rack. They got here quick, installed in 10-15 minutes, and look great. They easily support my RTT and myself after a big dinner. Excellent quality.
Although, my sticker was messed up! So there. That’s the one con.
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