Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long

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.1135541

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

1 year update - I use this rack a lot for weekend trips. 2 minutes only to put on the car or take off. Heavy duty construction. I also use for a fragile 18 ft rowing shell and like the third point of support. I live on coast with salt air, so I occasionally rinse. Also oil the one mounting bolt threads so they stay clean and do not rust. Highly recommend this rack !

Robin - 08/27/2022

147411

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.1329584

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

So far I can't comment on functionality, as some assembly parts were and still remain missing. I did as asked and sent a photo of the bar code on the box to etrailer, but have not received the missing part, so I'm having to fabricate something in order to use it. The attachment hole(s) to the hitch require drilling out in order to take a normal hitch pin and I had to cut 3/8" off to get it to fit my hitch receiver. Maybe it fits CURT hitch receivers, but it's not really standard. Seems well made, but something of a hassle if all the assembly parts are not there and the hitch insert has to be both shortened and drilled out to make a standard hitch pin work with it.1308096

Thats terrible that your packages were missing! I have sent your information over to our customer service department for them to make sure this gets resolved as soon as possible. And it looks like they have gotten this shipped out and it will be delivering to you shortly.

-- Katrina B - 06/20/2022

142006

It does great for extending my pickup bed to support a 12 ft kayak in a short bed pickup. Easy to assemble and if you strap everything down it does not rattle very much. For short day trips it's perfect. I am not sure how long the rubber on the roller will last and it would be nice to know what a person can use for a replacement once it wears out. But it does the job nicely. It is sturdy.1369609

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.985956

Click to Enlarge

This rack has performed great for two intended purposes. I use it as intended, tilted back, to help load a 16.5 ft heavy kayak. While I can still lift my 14 footer up to the rear roller chocks on the roof racks, I can't for the bigger boat. The technique of just putting the bow on the T-Bar band, with the stern on the mat, permits me to then lift the stern and slide the boat forward until the roller chocks are engaged. The web provides a third support for this roto-molded boat, which helps prevent oil-canning of the hull.

The second use with a pad on the cross bar, or using web, is to add a third support for my 26 lb, 19 f, surfski. Especially for long trips.1394512

I purchased the T Load support bar system for my 2013 Ford F-150 FX4. My kayak is a Seda Glider, weighing 42 Lbs and 19ft long. I’m so glad I opted for the T Loader, as my long kayak would be next to impossible to load onto the cab roof racks without the T Loader. With the T Loader, I can completely load my
kayak while standing behind the truck with no stress or strain. I’m 68 years old and about 6’ tall. I honestly don’t think I could load my long kayak without the T Loader!

My complete Rhino Rack system was not cheap, but it is very strong and stable on the road at 70MPH. This system enables me to take my kayak anywhere I want to go, safely and without hassle.898619

Click to Enlarge

Works well but could be more stable. I haul a canoe over my cab while towing my fifth wheel. Not nany options for doing this1439692

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

Click to Enlarge

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 recomend68992

Click to Enlarge

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 - 01/17/2014

2599

Rack 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 - 02/06/2014

2725

Show Replies

Thanks for coming back and following up with us!

-- Patrick B - 2/10/2014

Jeremy, I like it locks great going to look into getting the same setupThanks fro sharing the picture Steve

-- comment by: steve M - 02/10/2014

2764

by: Paul 01/03/2023

Works great makes easy work of getting my sit on top fishing kayak onto the roof of my SUV for transport1492467

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!1403530

I screwed up with the rubber strip into the crossbar. I thought it went inside the groove and cut it to fit over the channel nuts. The instructions should be more specific to going on top of verses inside the crossbar. My mistake and should of looked closer before installing.1236365

We do carry replacement rubber strips, part # RRM626
Replacement Vortex Strip for Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - 15-3/4" Long - Qty 1
$3.19, that are 15.75 inches long. They can be cut down to the length that you need.

-- Jenny N - 01/13/2022

130042

Helpful Link

by: Ashley 11/15/2022

Great product. Helps me get my bulky fishing kayak on top of my SUV by myself. I’m 5’4” so this is a great assistance for me.1468878

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

Click to Enlarge

I assembled the T-rack without full instructions (steps 4-19 missing). I looked for them online & the same steps were missing. Also missing is one small bolt 32mm used to attach the wide bar to the top of the T. There were 2 bolts in the package, but one is 4 mm. I had to use it, but cannot cut the rubber strip to fit as it is raised due to the extra length. Taped it up for use. Also, it does not load as all the videos show. The tight fit of the vertical bar results in it having to be forced into place. So, along with the weight of the sea kayak (@50lbs) I am forcing the rack into position so I can fasten the kayak down. It does help a bit with loading, but not in the way it was advertised to work. I am disappointed.1164404

Very strange about the instructions. We are trying to fix that now! Customer Service will reach out about the wrong bolt.

-- Sierra K - 10/07/2021

122281

I was driving a 2007 Honda FIT for the last 265,000 miles and for many of those miles I had my Hobie Pro Angler 12 up top on an Inno roof rack. I used to easily load it by placing a double folded towed on the rear spoiler and pushing it up that way. Well, one thing lead to another and the FIT is gone and I'm now in a 2022 Subaru Outback. I really wasn't excited about the towel / rear spoiler option so I saw this online an picked it up.

Usage is simple, the product is well built and I look forward to hauling my Hobie 360 around to all my local hot spots1315120

I bought two, one for the front of my RTT trailer & the second one for the rear to suspend kayaks and SUP’s over my RTT. While they are not cheap, they are well built and increase the utility of my off-road trailer 5x. When we are not using the trailer it will also allow my wife to load a kayak on her Subaru without my assistance so it’s a win-win.1329530

Pro:
good build quality.
works excellent.

Con:
cheap plastic hitch lock.
Can't use other hitch pin because threaded.
Did not come with.1332670

by: Jackie 08/17/2022

I am using this to help load and off load a fishing kayak on my Toyota 4 Runner roof. This is so easy to use and make it easy to get my 50 pound kayak lifted with my shoulder issues.1362119

So much easier 1 person loading. Wish it would rigidly attach to hitch. Always a little play1417508

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 - 05/17/2014

4278

Show Replies

Another 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
$611.41. 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 - 5/27/2014

Carole 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 - 05/28/2014

4494

The experience with E trailer was excellent, the customer suport, the product, evrething, even the marketing on line 734055

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

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

Okay too short for my tundra

Kevin - 08/25/2020

97853

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

Click to Enlarge