Can I Use Rivets To Install the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells Instead

Question

Question:

Can you substitute the thru bolted tracks for rivet on tracks, I need to mount this system on a steel roof

asked by: Jim S

0

Expert Reply:

Hey, Jim.

You can definitely use rivets instead of the T-bolts to attach the tracks for the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells # Y02-480B to your roof.

We’re not able to swap the bolts out for rivets before shipping, but you should be able to find suitable rivets locally.

What are you going to be putting this on?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

0

Rhino-Rack Camper Shells
(click to enlarge)

Jim S.

3/2/2026

On a grand caravan with a bare roof

Gwendolyn Y.

3/2/2026

@JimS Makes sense. We don't have any custom kits so this would be a really great option for your van.

Jim S.

3/2/2026

@GwendolynY Ok so for the individual parts to create the special rivet down kit comes out to 730.00, the kit that is designed for camper shells is 559.00 , so with that being said you said I can rivet down the tracks for the camper shell instead of useing the t bolts correct? So I will probably go that way

Gwendolyn Y.

3/2/2026

@JimS I don't see why you wouldn't be able to. You would just have to make sure that it's secure to your van roof. I'll also say that using any hardware that it doesn't come with would void any sort of warranty.

See All (5) Replies to Jim S. ∨

Jim S.

3/2/2026

I didn’t mean can I substitute the t bolts for rivets I meant can you send me the rivet on tracks that you sell for the racks instead of the bolt on tracks, I saw on the website there are rivet on specific rivet on tracks , just want to make sure they will work with the rest of the components

Gwendolyn Y.

3/2/2026

@JimS The Rhino Rack tracks that use rivets would be part # RRRTV128, then you would need to get part numbers RRRLT600 and RRVA137B-2.

Jim W.

3/3/2026

@JimS I used Riv-Nuts and 3M 2 sided tape on my bare roofed Chevy Sonic. It has held up fine for years hauling kayaks and a canoe. I first rolled the rails to match the contour of the roof.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/3/2026

@JimW That's awesome that you got them to fit on top of your Sonic. How often are you taking the kayaks or the canoe out on the water?

See All (5) Replies to Jim S. ∨

Tyson S.

3/3/2026

Depending on your use the rivets would potentially be less effective for attaching the rails for the roof rack . The bolts are very solid and virtually impossible to tear off while a rivet would have less grip on the shell.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/3/2026

@TysonS Thanks for your input, Tyson. That's good to hear about the bolts. I know a lot of people have used them for unconventional ways so knowing the t-bolts are super solid is helpful. What have you been carrying with the rack?

Tyson S.

3/3/2026

@GwendolynY Roof Top Tent, fishing poles, camping gear. These racks are very solid and work wonderfully.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/4/2026

@TysonS Knowing that you mount a tent up there definitely backs up how solid it is.

Ron

3/5/2026

I agree that you could use rivets, but I think the tea bolts are so much stronger and with hauling kayaks from Wisconsin to Montana I don’t want them to come off the top of my truck topper. We’ve been out there in back twice with about 150 pounds worth of kayaks in the arrow bars and kayak holders a great job.

Gwendolyn Y.

3/5/2026

@Ron That's quite the drive. You were headed to Billings or Bozeman? I know there are countless places to kayak there.

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Can I Use Rivets To Install the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells Instead

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