Removing Rhino Rack Vortex Bars and Legs From Vehicle

Updated 09/04/2025 | Published 05/12/2021

Question:

Hi have just purchased a used motorhome and the previous owner had a vortex rack attached to the rear to hold surfboards. I have removed the end plates but am puzzled as how to remove the bar...there is two red plastic l shaped levers which must be something to do with the removal..any help would be great.

asked by: Barry

Expert Reply:

The first thing you would have to do is remove the bars. This can be done by using a 5mm Allen wrench and unscrewing the bolt underneath each foot. Then you would remove the legs from the base. I would use some lube on the locking levers just in case the rack has been stored outside to help loosen the mechanism. To remove the feet you will have to pinch the locking levers while pushing them backwards into the leg cavity. Then you should be able to remove the leg from the base.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

Here is a side view of the Rhino Rack.
(click to enlarge)

Patrick C.

1/7/2025

Hello, I have done all of the above and am still not able to get the red tabs close enough to enable the feet to come out? Anyone else had this issue?

Jon G.

1/7/2025

@PatrickC Are you able to work the red tabs at all, or are they not budging?

Patrick C.

1/7/2025

@JonG they do move but not far enough. I have actually cut one off after two hours of trying and it seeems that they are not allowed to pull close enough together to draw the tabs on the sides in.

Jon G.

1/7/2025

@PatrickC If they've been installed for a long time then it may take a few rounds of lubricant to loosen everything up enough to move them. I'm attaching a link to the installation instructions. If you jump to page 4 it will tell and show you the exact process for adjusting the levers.

Helpful Links

http://vpm.cdn.rhinorack.com.au/instructions/parts/legs/rlt600.pdf