Troubleshooting Plastic Endcaps That Won't Stay In Place On Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbars

Updated 01/04/2025 | Published 08/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$222.69

Rhino-Rack Locking Endcaps for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Metal Cores - Qty 4

(145)

$39.99

Question:

After locking the endcaps, I can just pull them off. This cant be right as it defeats the security. I am also concerned they may fall out or be pulled out by the aerodynamics. It seems that I am seating the endcaps but it looks to me that the clasp on the lock is not engaging the slot on the bar. Any suggestions on what I should do? Thanks. PS. These are Vortex crossbars VA126B

asked by: Andrew G

Expert Reply:

Regarding the endcaps popping out on your Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - 49" # RRVA126B-2, this is not a common occurrence and I have not heard of this happening before. Make sure the rubber strip, or anything else for that matter, is not getting caught between the crossbar and endcap. Then make sure you are fully pushing the plastic endcaps into place and locking them all the way with the included key. If you are still having issues then let me know and we can dig deeper into the issues you are having.

I also recommend upgrading to the metal lock endcaps: Rhino-Rack Locking Endcaps for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Metal Cores - Qty 4 # RRVA-LEC4. This will do a better job of keeping channel-mounted accessories safe and secured and tend to hold up better than the included plastic locks.

expert reply by: Andrew N

David

5/14/2024

I'm having the same problem. The end locks tabs are not appropriately engaging the slots on the bar. I've already lost one end cap due to this.

Andrew N.

5/15/2024

@David If the above method didn't work, I would say that your end caps are either worn out or they are defective. If you purchased them recently then maybe it would be under warranty.

Bryce

12/16/2024

Just opened all the boxes and installed rack with vortex cross bars. I have the same issue with the plastic end caps not locking in place when turning the plastic lock with the little blue key. Tried all four ends then took one crossbar off to get a better look. What I discovers is that even though the end cap is pressed as far as will go on the end of crossbar and the plastic lock is as far into end cap as it will go, the end of the plastic lock lock which looks like a “T” is still short of the little cut out in the end of cross bar by 1-2 mm. It can’t engage the cut out. Same on all four ends. Either the cut out is too far from end of cross bar or the plastic locking thing is too short IMO. What do I do now?

Andrew N.

12/16/2024

@Bryce Hey Bryce, I'm reaching out to Rhino Rack to figure out what's going on here. Sorry for the delay, but I will get back with you as soon as I get an answer from them.

Bryce

12/18/2024

@AndrewN Ok great.! I contacted them also after my message above (by phone). The rep I spoke to said he had not heard of the issue before and for me to take photos. Working on that. I purchased from etrailer though. Hence my reason for reaching out to you first. I can send you same photos if you would like .

Andrew N.

12/18/2024

@Bryce That's great to hear, I hope they get back with you or me ASAP! Sorry to keep you waiting. Yes, if you have photos to send, that would certainly help understand what is going on. Feel free to send those over to the email address you get this response from.