Rhino Rack Vortex Roof Rack For 2023 Ford Explorer With Factory Raised Rails

Updated 12/16/2025 | Published 11/06/2024

Question:

The rhino rack site has recommended the RX100 clamps + VA150B crossbars for my 23/Gen 6 Ford Explorer Timberline. Your site has Part Number: RR59XE which I think is the same thing, yes? You have YouTube videos of the Rhino Rack Vortex bars on a Gen 5 wrong generation for me, and of Yakima on a Gen 6 wrong product for me, but neither tell me the distance between. However, I cant find any information on the distance between the bars once mounted on my vehicle. I need to make sure I have at least 47inch between the bars. This is obviously a super common vehicle, do you have a way for me to get this answered? If not, Id be looking at buying something that may not actually work!

asked by: Evan B

Expert Reply:

Hello Evan, thanks for reaching out. The Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack for Raised Rails # RR59XE is a roof rack kit that comes with the VA150B bars and RX100 clamps, so this is exactly the right fit for the factory raised rails on a 2023 Ford Explorer. The instructions for this rack say to space the crossbars 27-9/16" - 31-1/2" apart so while this will be a fit for your Explorer, there would be no way to space them 47" apart.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

12/15/2025

Hey Evan, did the spacing on the Rhino-Rack Vortex roof rack end up working for your Explorer? Knowing how the 27–31 inch range fit your setup could really help others checking compatibility for their Timberline models.

Evan B.

12/15/2025

@JesseM The bars do fit well. A slight bow in the back bar, and that bar sits higher than the front. Depending upon the attchment, like my awning, this can be fixed via the mounting brackets. But in short, yes. RhinoRack customer service sold me on using the Rhino Rack Zwifloc Channel Nuts instead of normal T bolts to attach my awning. I was assured by RR that they would fit into my crossbars, but… they do not! I would absolutely use these if the crossbars had a deeper channel. In the end, I'm using your T bolts.

Jesse M.

12/16/2025

@EvanB Thanks for the update, Evan. Glad to hear the bars fit overall, even with that slight bow in the rear bar. Good call on adjusting the brackets for anything that needs a level mount. And thanks for the heads up about the Zwifloc channel nuts. That’s really helpful info for anyone with the shallower Rhino Rack channels. Sounds like sticking with your T-bolts was the right move in the end.