Is Molding Removed Installing Backbone Mounting System for Pioneer Platform Rack on 2017 Ford F-250

Updated 12/17/2019 | Published 12/15/2019

Question:

I am looking at the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform for my 2017 F250 crew cab. I noticed in the backbone installation instructions that the ditch molding must be removed, exposing the ditch and several bolts. Some of the bolts are replaced with the backbone installation bolts. However, once the backbone is installed, there does not seem to be a replacement molding to cover the ditch. Is that an oversight in the instructions? The installation would look rust if there is not plastic molding that fits around the new backbone. I noticed on some other videos that some vehicle installations include a new plastic molding, but not the F250. Can you confirm that the backbone installation is indeed intended to keep the molding ditch exposed?

asked by: Bob O

Helpful Expert Reply:

When installing the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack with Backbone Mounting System on your 2017 Ford F-250 # RR93ZW, the molding is left exposed where the backbone mounting system installs.

I have added a photo a customer sent in of this system installed on their 2017 F-250 Super Duty so you can see what I'm referring to. You can also see that the molding ditch on their truck is painted, which should negate the issues with rust you were understandably concerned about.

expert reply by: Kyle S