/
Rhino Rack/
Load Extender/
Fits 2 Inch Hitch/
Folding Carrier/
SteelItem # RTL002
Retail:$503.19
Our Price: $244.82
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Carry bigger, longer loads with this hitch-mounted load support. The adjustable-height system includes a 49" long, Vortex Aero crossbar; a tilting mast for easy loading; and a tie-down for transporting a ladder or kayak.
Features:
Specs:
Carry larger and longer cargo on your vehicle's existing roof rack by installing the Rhino-Rack T-Load in your 2-inch trailer hitch. This adjustable-height crossbar system provides the lateral support you need to safely carry long gear such as a ladder or kayak on your roof rack.
The T-Load includes a 49-inch-long, Vortex Aero crossbar that sits parallel to your roof-rack crossbars. The aluminum crossbar is mounted on an anti-swivel plate to ensure stability. And it has a built-in channel for mounting Rhino-Rack accessories such as ratcheting tie-downs and load supports. The crossbar also has a rubber insert in the channel that helps to cushion your load and that provides slip resistance during transport. The insert can be cut to accommodate channel-mounted accessories. An anti-swivel plate provides a stable mounting point for your crossbar. The plate is designed to accommodate a Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero (included) or Heavy-Duty (sold separately) crossbar, so you can swap out the bar depending on the accessories you wish to use with the system.
The height of the T-Load's upright bar is adjustable to match the height of your roof-rack crossbars. This enables you to use the T-Load on multiple vehicles. To adjust the height, simply loosen a nut and bolt, slide the bar up or down, and retighten the bolt. You also have the option to secure the T-Load in place at a fixed height. To mount the T-Load in a fixed position, drill a hole in the bar at the desired height and use the included wire lock linchpin to hold it in place. This option is great for those who will frequently be using the T-Load on the same vehicle - or for those who are always reinstalling the carrier and don't want to line up the height and use a wrench every time. Once your hole is drilled, the system requires no further adjustment, and drilling the hole enables you to simply pull the pin and lower the crossbar for convenient storage when not in use.
The upright bar of the T-Load tilts forward and away from your vehicle for easier loading and better access to the rear cargo area. The bar has a bracket in the base that lets you choose between two angles of tilt.
A rubber mat is provided to serve as a no-slip base for leaning a kayak or canoe onto the crossbar from the ground. To load, place the bow of your watercraft on the mat, lay the other end on the T-Load crossbar, and push the kayak or canoe up and onto your roof rack.
This system includes a pair of load supports that you install by clamping them around the crossbar. The load supports can be positioned anywhere along the bar to accommodate cargo of different widths. Each load support has an angled side and a straight side. For an item with a curved shape - such as a kayak - position the load stops with the angled sides facing each other on the crossbar. For straight-edge items - such as ladders or lumber - position the load stops with the flat sides facing each other.
The T-Load comes with a 51-inch-long nylon strap to use when you are carrying your canoe or kayak hull-side down. The strap - or sling - has buckles that you insert into cutouts on the load stops to anchor the strap in place. When pulled tight, the strap helps to balance the canoe or kayak during transport. Use tie-down straps and bow/stern tie-downs (sold separately) to properly anchor your kayak to your roof when using the T-Load.
Installation Details 
Video of Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today well be reviewing part number RTL002, the Rhino Rack Kayak T-load kit. Well begin our review by installing it on a vehicle. Well simply insert the T-load into the hitch. Well line up the hitch pinhole and insert our anti-rattle bolt. We can then tighten it down with the included wrench. With our anti-rattle bolt tight, our T-load is secured to the vehicle and were ready to use it.
Now our T-load top tube here is able to slide up and down within the lower tube to allow for adjustment per vehicle. To do that well use the included wrench once again, loosen up this hold-down bolt or we can telescope the top tube to match up with our roof rack on the vehicle. When weve matched up the height of our roof rack with our vehicle, we then just tighten it down. Now youll notice your Rhino rack T-load came with a pin and lanyard. As you'll notice here in the lower tube, there is a hole drilled completely through it.
If youre using the T-load on a specific vehicle continuously, and want to maintain that same height, you simply drill a hole through the top tube where you can slide the pin and lanyard through to give you a speedy location when setting it up in the future. With our height set to our vehicle cross bars, well go ahead and lower the T-load down, well pull the pin here at the base of the T-load, and it will simply rock back and stop here at the stop. Well go ahead and leave the pin down for now. Now you'll notice that your T-load does come with a Rhino rack load bar. With the load bar secured to the T-load, it does offer some functionality.
It has the built-in channel, the same as the Rhino rack load bars that you would use on your vehicles roof. With the T-load, youll notice that it comes with two brackets. When loading a kayak, youll want to use the bracket with the angled side facing inward. You can also use the straight side of the bracket here facing inward to help you load other cargo such as wood or paneling onto your roof. The strap is designed to be used with the kayak carrier which is why its on now.
Now, with our kayak carrier loosely assembled so that we can move these back and forth as needed, were going to go ahead and load our kayak. Now, another great thing that Rhino rack thought of was this mat. Well set this on the ground and will allow us to set our kayak on it while we prepare to load it on to the vehicle. So go ahead and set our mat on the ground approximately where we think the back of the kayak will sit. Now weve got our kayak and while resting it on the mat, well lower it down onto the T-bar. We can now do any last minute adjustments to the T-load for our kayak. Now, our nylon strap will act as a cradle through the kayak as we load it up onto the vehicle. Within this position, well simply grab the back of our kayak, lifting it up and sliding it forward onto the roof. And with our kayak loaded on top of our vehicle, well reinsert the pin down here at the bottom of the T-load, well strap down our kayak and just like that, weve loaded our kayak on the roof with only one person. And that will do it for our Rhino Rack Kayak's T-load kit, part number RTL002.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (41 Customer Reviews)
Carry bigger, longer loads with this hitch-mounted load support. The adjustable-height system includes a 49" long, Vortex Aero crossbar; a tilting mast for easy loading; and a tie-down for transporting a ladder or kayak.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. 407390
I have not installed this Rhino hitch rack yet but it looks very stoutly built, high quality throughout. I like the fact it can be used horizontally or vertically and is adjustable. 417135
For me it solved the problem of loading my heavy kayak by myself onto the top of my vehicle safely without hurting myself and doing damage to the vehicle. It also gives you another point to secure the item. 494014
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. 479882
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. 455826
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. 53803
Hi Mark F. Question: You say, in your review, its not as easy as the video. I am 52, 115, female and am trying to figure out a way to load my 16 ft kayak 49lbs onto my xporter rail on my pickup. When you say practice, what does that mean? Do you load it with the kayak cart attached? Or will that be another obstacle? Sorry for all the questions but I dont want to crash it and the weight is an issue. Since you have had it a while now let me know how its working. Thanks Carole P
-- comment by: Carole P - 05/17/2014Another option that you might consider is to use the Thule Hullavator System # TH897XT-AB
Thule Hullavator - Easy Loading (Strut Assisted) Rooftop Kayak Carrier System for AeroBlade Bars
$561.77. This system uses powered struts to assist in loading your kayak on your roof rack system. You start loading at waist level, then use the struts to assist in loading if the rest of the way up on your Thule Xsporter rack system. I would not recommend using the Hullavator system to load your kayak while a kayak cart is also attached.
Rachael H - 5/27/2014Carole P, it would not make sense to me to try to load it with the wheels on. That would definitely be an obstacle. By practice, I mean that you should load and unload your kayak a few times with help around, just in case. In my case, I ran into hiccups that required some forethought to work through. But the specifics of that will be unique to you and your kayak and your vehicle. And maybe you try it out and have no hiccups at all.I will say that I am coming up on nearly 2 years now of using this product, and I am still very happy with it. I still use it! It has held up just fine. And I load and unload my kayak now with hardly a thought.I obviously dont know you at all, but when you say you are 52 and 115 lbs, I picture a small woman and that could be a concern with this. Even with this product, you still need to be relatively fit and strong to lift and maneuver most of the weight of the kayak.
-- comment by: Mark F - 05/28/2014So far so good; came on time, in good condition, and went together easily. The Yak is loaded up and ready for tomorrow's trip around Tilghman Island. 437753
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 . 168604
Rhino T-Rack arrived on time and in good condition...went together as advertised. Took a couple of tries for me to get the routine down but it definitely will help me load my 16 ft. kayak by myself. Trying it out tomorrow!! 714995
At 72 loading our kayaks on the to of my Outback was getting increasingly difficult. Not any more. The T-load carrier was easy to assemble and a great tool for guiding the kayaks up on to the J carriers. Also will be able to slide my 28' ladder on the roof now. Great product great delivery and service. Thank you, Glenn Freebody 711914
Good product! 706869
Excellent product. Works as specified! 698740
I bought this product to make it easier for loading my 2018 Hobie outback kayak on top of my 2007 Toyota tundra. Hobie recommends that this Kayak be transported topside down, so that eliminates using the strap. So when trying to slide the kayak on the bar without the strap the rubber pops off the crossbar. My biggest problem is when the hitch pin is at its farthest location and the bar is lowered all the way, The tailgate hits the bar . It is a very sturdy product and I’m sure that it would work great for other kayaks and on a vehicle that does not have such a big tail gate but unfortunately it did not work out so good for me . 693390
This loader is amazing...I easily load a 4' x 14' Sunfish sailboat at 120lbs easily without damaging my 2005 Nissan Armada...super sturdy...exactly as advertised. Note:. I order the extra heavy bar and did not need it! Now I take my sailboat with me while I pull my travel trailer. You won't be disappointed. Etrailer ROCKS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE...THEY HUNTED DOWN ALL INFO NEEDED TO MAKE THE PURCHASE...give DENA W a big raise!!!!!! 693019
Easy to install and looking foward to getting the kayak on the roof as it should be easier to load with the T Rack acting act my 2nd set of hands excited about the adjustable height an tilt features to 691444
Could not be happier. Very nice product. I built a wood sea kayak and this carrier works perfectly. Great quality. Easy to install, works as advertised. 550308
Perfect fit and look, thanks George even with 35" spare on the back. Headed to Montauk later to try the new racks out 461512
A bit heavy to keep taking on/off the truck, but I've used it for everything from loading my kayak to carrying extended loads. The bar leans back far enough for me to flip down my tailgate. I can't upload a video to the etrailer site, but here's a link to one that shows a mock up I did to see if it would work with a canopy on the truck (it does). Kudos to etrailer who was very easy to work with when I discovered a part missing on my original shipment. 456693
Works like I expected. Once assembled, I practiced in the driveway and had no issues with solo loading on my first trip. 443897
Easy-to-use, makes loading a heavy kayak manageable for one and easy for two. 431081
Just got it and seems like a solid, well built product. Also makes loading my 14" Hobie Kayak easy. 422781
Product was shipped and delivered quickly. Product was exactly like described just like other purchases from this site. Thanks and I'll be back. 394576
Very pleased with this product so far. Received, assembled, and installed yesterday so still need to give it a field test. Form and fit and overall quality are excellent and height adjustments accommodate both our 2006 4Runner and 2004 Sequoia. The threaded hitch receiver pin is a little quirky and I am researching locking hitch pin options. Delivery was much quicker than expected and follow-up communications from etrailer were first rate. Thanks! 388249
I purchased this product to transport 14' and 17' home-built kayaks with my 2017 Santa Fe. I wanted support further aft than the factory bars allowed so I did not need bow or stern straps supporting the kayaks. The unit went together well with good-quality instructions (except for a couple minor errors in the full exploded view) and high-quality hardware. Although the tools supplied were reasonable, you will still want to have your socket set handy for a couple of the bolts. It was easy to adjust to the necessary height and provided good support to the kayak. On the Santa Fe, the supplied tools will not allow you to tighten the anti-rattle bolt as the receiver pin is recessed too far so a 3/4" box-end wrench or ratcheting box-end wrench is necessary. The unit is heavy, too heavy for the target application. I believe it to be excessively overbuilt in order to use the same material the factory uses in class 2 or 3 hitches. With a rated support capacity of 125 lbs, lighter materials could have been used and the full assembly easier to lug about. For this reason, I'm deducting a star. I did try the tilt load feature as shown in the Etrailer video without the same success. My kayak was longer and heaver and I did not feel I had adequate control over the tilt function. I'll practice this feature, will probably find it useful in the future or with lighter/shorter kayaks. 355389
Since it is mid winter in New England, I will not be able to test out my RTL002 for a few months. But, I assembled it today. It is an extremely high quality device. The parts are all very high grade and should be very durable. The engineering is excellent. The designers seem to have thought of everything. I expect it will give me years of service. A very good value for the cost. 343305
Just assemble the Rhino-Rack's T Loader, manual was +&~ . Couldn't find a video to help! But got it done with common sense. The maker or designer did a high tech design for it's function. Haven't attached to my veh. Hitch yet, but believe will be what I need to get my Kayak onto my veh. Roof rack system. I'm of age 81an sole, so I guess this hardware is a good replacement of my wife or another person! Lol Thank you, ETT I don't 285644
Great attachment to my pickup to haul our paddleboards. Love the fact that so much is included as part of this product, including lock and key for the hitch pin! 271620
My package arrived this afternoon, in good shape. I opened the package, everything present and in good condition. I have as of yet to install it on my car, as I don't have my 12' kayak yet. The installation instructions and the online video are awesome. etrailer has never missed the mark with me yet. All the items I have ordered have been first rate, shipped and received on time. You will always be my first choice for my etrailer needs. 262954
Great service! So far so good. Highly recommend etrailer.com 259026
Fast delivery, great product! 257904
Used hitch rack this weekend to haul ladder back and forth to different jobsite's and it worked out great. Construction is high quality. Very simple to assemble as well. 252883
I had to buy an extension because it didn't reach past my Jeep's spare tire.... 242756
I have read other reviews about etrailer's excellent service with fast delivery and they sure did not let me down, the service was absolutely superb. I will definitely be ordering from etrailer in the future. 240948
Great product to load a Pro Angler 12, definitely a one person operation. The only hiccup was the fender washers for the square nut were the wrong size for the inside diameter and had to find a larger size (inside diameter). Other than that, it was a breeze to assembling it. 217997
As advertised. 182771
After studying the product on the Internet and UTube I decided it was the right solution for my situation ( one man canoe loading on an SUV). I assembled it yesterday and used it today. Everything went as planned. The construction is heavy gauge steel. All pieces line up exactly. No missing pieces. Functioned as I expected. Couldn't be happier. Best to watch the UTube assembly video if you are not mechanical like me. I also suggest getting the locking hitch pin. It's a small price to protect this unit. That would be rbca019. So nice to buy something not made in China and made well. 133490
Works well. 120967
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 68992
Jeremy any pic of your Kayak on your jeep? I have a wrangler wsoft top would like to see your system.Thanks for your time Steve
-- comment by: steve M - 01/17/2014Rack works perfectly on my 2013 JK with 2 receiver. When installed, the racks vertical posttube rack butts up on stock spare tire. So if you have a larger spare mounted on tailgate, may be an issue. On the front, my light bar is used with Rhino Rack for kayak. Works great for me since I use up/down soft top a lot. Very clean install and setup, and well built.
-- comment by: Jeremy - 02/06/2014Thanks for coming back and following up with us!
-- Patrick B - 2/10/2014Jeremy, I like it locks great going to look into getting the same setupThanks fro sharing the picture Steve
-- comment by: steve M - 02/10/2014Review from a similar Rhino Rack T-Load in Hitch Cargo Carrier
Bought to help load kayak on my 2012 ford transit connect . I think my van may be a little too tall , after putting a noticeable dent on my dent free car I couldn't wait to sell . Other than that , well engineered , solid and heavy !! 419108
Review from a similar Rhino Rack T-Load in Hitch Cargo Carrier
I have a lifted Ford F250 Crew Cab with an over the cab carrier rack. The Rhino-Rack T-Load Assist and Support bar for 2" Hitch Balls made loading and unloading my two Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0 kayaks much easier. Without this product loading and unloading my kayaks would have taken a lot more effort and a lot more time. The product does have a little side to side play but I solved that issue by attaching rigid straps from the ends of the product support bart to the rear tie downs on the bed rails of my truck. I shopped around and etrailer.com had the lowest price and free shipping, so this was a win-win-win situation that I am very pleased with. 404514
Review from a similar Rhino Rack T-Load in Hitch Cargo Carrier
Looking to the future is why I ordered RRRTL001. Right now it fits perfect for my 2000 Durango. I was worried how it would work out if I get a Jeep Wrangler. The spare tire might not give me enough clearance. I don't have to worry since I can always get an extended receiver. Installing this product on a hitching ball is a piece of cake. Its worth the investment and it is made to last. I have already recommended this product to my friends. Most of all, the customer service I received from etrailer is excellent. I am, and will be a returning customer. 272947
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