Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions and answers so you can travel safely with your equipment on your next adventure.

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    Roof Racks

    HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MODEL PIONEER PLATFORM I HAVE?

    Let’s face it, it’s no easy feat to remember the model of every single product we’ve ever bought. If you’re struggling to decipher the difference between the 4, 5 and 6 Series Pioneer, take a look at the images below for a front profile peek.

    HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ROOF RACKS FIT MY VEHICLE?

    Simply use the "Fit My Vehicle" tool to view all the racks available for your vehicle.

    THE SYSTEM I WANT ISN'T AVAILABLE, CAN I GET A CUSTOM RACK?

    We don't offer custom fitments. Our roof racks are specifically designed, engineered and tested to fit each make and model of vehicle. If you can't find what you're looking for on our site, get in touch with your nearest Rhino-Rack dealers that can be found on our dealer locator page.

    CAN I GET A COPY OF MY ROOF RACK INSTRUCTIONS AND FITTING SUPPLEMENTS?

    Yes, you can find your roof rack instructions by selecting your vehicle using "Fit My Vehicle" and finding your roof racks. You`ll find all necessary documents under the documents tab on the rack page.

    CAN I INSTALL THE ROOF RACKS MYSELF?

    Many of our roof racks can easily be installed at home, however, we recommend some roof rack systems such as trackmounts and backbones are installed by an authorised Rhino-Rack dealer. Always follow the instructions and be aware some systems do not come with all the necessary tools for install. See our Fitting Times guide on which systems we recommend are installed professionally. If you have any issues installing a product, please contact your nearest dealer for help and refer to the instructions.

    WILL MY OLD ROOF RACKS FIT MY NEW CAR?

    Most likely not. To ensure a safe and effective fitment, roof racks may vary greatly between vehicles depending on the roof design. To check cross compatibility, you need to know the product codes for your current system and cross-reference that information with the product breakdown on the systems available for the new vehicle. While some roof racks will fit multiple vehicles if you are unsure you should visit your nearest dealer for further details.

    WILL THE ROOF RACKS WORK WITH MY SUNROOF?

    In many cases, the roof racks will be compatible with the sunroof version of a vehicle. You should check if there is an "important note" on the roof rack system, as this will detail any considerations like sunroof compatibility. We recommend caution is taken when operating a sunroof with roof racks installed for the first time and be aware of how your cargo may affect the sunroof operation.

    WHAT IS THE ROOF RACK LOAD RATING?

    There are a number of things to consider when working out your vehicle’s load rating, and we want to help you understand the capacity of your racks and vehicle roof. Firstly, different vehicles have different roof ratings. You need to know the load rating of your vehicle. This information will be easy to find in your vehicle’s owners manual.

    Secondly, there are a few different load ratings you need to understand. There are on-road and static ratings for all vehicles, as well as off-road ratings for vehicles that can travel off-road.

    On-road refers to the load rating of a vehicle when traveling on a sealed road.

    A static rating is the load rating of a stationary vehicle, and is necessary if you’re using a rooftop tent for example.

    The off-road load rating refers to a vehicle traveling on an unsealed road that does not contain a surface protection layer. Sometimes, manufacturers will list the load ratings in the vehicle’s Owners Manual, however, you can calculate the off-road load rating yourself using the formula provided in your product fitting instruction.

    Lastly, it is important to remember, if you buy an accessory or holder and attach it to your rack or tray, you must also include the weight of these in your cargo allowance.

    It is very unsafe to overload your vehicle. The “she’ll be right” approach is not appropriate in this context, and failure to follow the load ratings in each circumstance could result in damage to your vehicle, potential loss of your load, voiding warranty or insurance or cause traffic accidents. It’s illegal to overload your vehicle.

    HOW DO I STOP THE NOISE MY ROOF RACKS MAKE?

    Our high-end roof racks have been designed with rubber inserts to reduce noise and prevent whistling. Incorrect installation is the most common cause of noisy roof racks. Check your product`s instructions to make sure the rubber strips are installed correctly in the channels both topside and underside of your roof rack bars. The rubber inserts should be cut to the correct length and fitted inside the channel so there are no gaps. Lastly, ensure your end caps are installed and locked before driving. Learn more here.
    If the noise still persists, check with your nearest dealer for further options.

    HOW DO I CLEAN MY ROOF RACKS?

    Do not take your vehicle through automotive washing stations with your roof racks installed. Hand wash the racks with soap and water. Do not use any abrasive materials. If in doubt check your product instructions.

    Accessories

    CAN I GET A COPY OF MY ACCESSORY/PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS?

    Yes, you can find all relevant the documents on the products page under the "documents" tab.

    HOW CAN I TELL IF AN ACCESSORY WILL FIT MY ROOF RACKS?

    Rhino-Rack accessories are compatible with most roof racks fitted with a channel, however, you should check the roof rack compatibility on the product page to find out if a fitting kit is required.

    WILL THULE ACCESSORIES FIT MY RHINO-RACK ROOF RACKS?

    Most Thule and Rhino-Rack accessories are cross compatible though there may be some exception, we recommend you use Rhino-Rack accessories for our roof racks as they are specifically designed for this purpose. However, if you already have an accessory you want to fit we recommend you visit a Rhino-Rack dealer, they can help you with a fitting kit to fit the accessories to our roof racks.

    WILL VORTEX BAR ACCESSORIES FIT MY PIONEER SYSTEM?

    Check the product roof rack compatibility as some accessories will fit, otherwise, you can use a VA bar adaptor to mount Vortex accessories to your Pioneer System.

    General

    I LOST MY RHINO-RACK KEYS, CAN I GET REPLACEMENTS?

    Yes, you can order replacement keys through your nearest dealer or you can get replacement locks.

    CAN I GET ALL MY LOCKS TO USE THE SAME KEY?

    Yes, check out our MasterKey range you can easily replace the locks on your racks and accessories with one key.

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET SPARE PARTS?

    You can order spare parts from your local dealer. Your local dealer should be able to identify the part number required and order it for you. Otherwise, you can find part numbers in the fitting instructions provided with your product.

    WHERE CAN I PURCHASE RHINO-RACK PRODUCTS? DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

    We do not sell directly to customers, however, you can find your Local Dealer or view a list of our International Dealers.

    QUESTION NOT ANSWERED?

    Please contact your local dealer for questions regarding specific vehicle fitments, returns, or product faults.

    Rack and Platform Assembly and Fitting Times

    Below are fitting time charts that give you a guide on how long it would take a trained and authorised Rhino-Rack dealer to fit roof rack systems to your vehicle.

    Product

    Time

    Tools Required

    Installation

    Removable (2500, SX and StealthBar)
    30 - 45 Mins
    Self-Install
    Factory Mounting Points (RCH, RCL, RVP)
    60 - 90 Mins
    Installer Recommended
    Trackmount
    2 Hrs
    Installer Recommended
    Canopy Trackmount
    2.5 Hrs
    Installer Recommended
    Pioneer Systems
    1 Hr
    Installer Recommended
    Removable (2500 Factory Mounting Points)
    1 Hr
    Self-Install
    Gutter Mount (RL)
    45 Mins
    Installer Recommended
    Quickmount Base (Rivited)
    2 Hrs
    Installer Recommended
    Backbones
    90 Mins
    Installer Recommended
    Pioneer Flat Pack or AT Tray
    1 Hr
    Self-Install

    Accessories Assembly and Fitting Time Guide

    Below are fitting time charts that give you a guide on how long it would take a trained and authorised Rhino-Rack dealer to fit roof rack systems to your device

    Product

    Time

    Tools Required

    Installation

    Awnings
    15 Mins
    Self-Install
    Recreational Accessories
    20 Mins
    Self-Install
    Pioneer Nautic Kayak Loaders
    90 Mins
    Installer Recommended
    Boat Loader
    4 Hrs
    Installer Recommended
    Luggage Boxes
    15 Mins
    Self Install
    Luggage Baskets
    30 Mins
    Self-Install
    Ladder Rack System
    3 Hrs
    Installer Recommended

    Still Need help?

    We have a range of resources to help guide you in selecting the perfect solution for your vehicle.

    Whether you're looking for guidance on what roof rack is right for your vehicle or lifestyle or how to install some of our most popular products, explore our range of buying guides, installation videos and FAQs for more information.