Rhino Rack Pioneer Tray - which size did you buy and why?

[thrasherdave]

Definitely remove the roof rails and fit the six legs as per other posts. You won't want to remove the rack all the time as it is such low profile and does not detract from the looks of the vehicle in my opinion. Only when you want to polish the roof once a year.

Hey, tdprado and Sydneydude,
could you pls advise the overall height to the top of the platform? I note Sydneydude has a 40mm lift but don't know about tdprado's rig.

[jonoxplor]

I've heard that they can leak into the roof?

[fido666]

You won't want to remove the rack all the time as it is such low profile and does not detract from the looks of the vehicle in my opinion.

Might have to if we can't stay under the 2.0m height limit at out local shopping mall. We fit with the factory rails and sportz bars, not sure how much extra we have to play with though.

You only want to buy the rack once, don't you?

Yes but it is an extra $320 odd to ditch the factory rails and use the RLCP legs for an extra 25KG of capacity. I still haven't been able to confirm if we save any height doing that too.

[alexchatz]

Bigger is better - check out my build thread

[thrasherdave]

Does anyone know if the RLCP legs mounted directly to the roof sit higher than if you mount the platform to the factory rails using SXB feet?

+1

I have a restricted height issue, *but* I already have three Sportz bars mounted on the factory rails, so I presume it would be considerably cheaper to utilise these if possible.

DaveO

[tdprado]

Definitely remove the roof rails and fit the six legs as per other posts. You won't want to remove the rack all the time as it is such low profile and does not detract from the looks of the vehicle in my opinion. Only when you want to polish the roof once a year.

If you ever want to carry a second spare tyre up the front of the rack, you will need the stronger mounting points.

You only want to buy the rack once, don't you?

[fido666]

I used the legs that come with the platform. If you go to an outlet it should be easy to identify what's right for you.

I'm pretty sure it's the RLCP legs you need if you remove the rails. They aren't cheap at around $300 for the set. Does anyone know if the RLCP legs mounted directly to the roof sit higher than if you mount the platform to the factory rails using SXB feet?

[Sydneydude]

So is it still an SXB platform you use with the legs or some other variant? I can't seem to find the SXB legs on the Rhino Rack site, only the RLCP ones.

I used the legs that come with the platform. If you go to an outlet it should be easy to identify what's right for you.

[Jkspinner]

Hi TD
You do not need the cross bars, you only require the feet. The rack has its own integrated cross bars. Rhino also recommend the 6 mounting points for the 1900mm rack, and if you intend to keep the factory roof rails one, then the 1500mm platform

I ended up taking the smaller platform back yesterday and ordered the larger platform. Hopefully will be in stock later today or Monday.

Talking with the manager of Roof Racks Galore who has the larger platform on his 150 Prado, identical to craigm's, he agreed that the larger rack will make some wind noise when unloaded, but once the space between the slats is covered with whatever you are carrying, the majority of the noise goes away.

To go to a six leg mounting system down the road though would be a costly exercise, because not only would I have to buy the six mounting legs, I would also have to buy the 3 cross bars and associated bits for mounting.

Thanks to those who replied

[fido666]

The holes can be covered with covers that come with the legs. 6 bolts. Easy.

So is it still an SXB platform you use with the legs or some other variant? I can't seem to find the SXB legs on the Rhino Rack site, only the RLCP ones.

[Sydneydude]

I'm aware of the reduced weight carrying limit. If using the legs and you remove them then don't you need to keep the rails to cover up the holes left?

The holes can be covered with covers that come with the legs. 6 bolts. Easy.

[fido666]

the bag is from in front camping gear, Victoria www.infrontcampinggear.com.au

OK, thanks for the link.

If you asked me I'd avoid that set up and get the legs, don't use the rails. First, that configuration seems less safe, second you can "only" load up to 75kg (incl the platform), third it is easy to remove the platform with the legs, just 6 bolts.

I'm aware of the reduced weight carrying limit. If using the legs and you remove them then don't you need to keep the rails to cover up the holes left? To use the legs isn't it a different part no for the rack as well?

[Sydneydude]

That's a lot of gear, good to know it all fits? Which roof bag is that? I see the front and half-side rails are the same price as a pair of side rails, you make a good point about sudden braking.

the bag is from in front camping gear, Victoria www.infrontcampinggear.com.au

Planning to leave the rails on so we can remove the platform at will.

If you asked me I'd avoid that set up and get the legs, don't use the rails. First, that configuration seems less safe, second you can "only" load up to 75kg (incl the platform), third it is easy to remove the platform with the legs, just 6 bolts.

[fido666]

The longer 1900+ fits perfectly. In the picture you'll see the roof bag. Inside is a F30 Jet-tent (150cm long), Sidewalls for the tent, 4 self inflatables, poles, tarps, mesh, sleeping bags, 4 chairs, 1 Table).

That's a lot of gear, good to know it all fits? Which roof bag is that? I see the front and half-side rails are the same price as a pair of side rails, you make a good point about sudden braking.

PS: The platform does not obstruct the sunroof at all

Good to know!

Are you going to remove the roof rails, how much height do you need to open the sunroof?

Planning to leave the rails on so we can remove the platform at will. The sunroof is just a tilt slide one it doesn't go that high. I was more concerned about the rack covering the opening and blocking out the sun/moon, looks like I need not be concerned based on SydneyDude's post.

[JPH]

Fido we use the rhino eye bolts on mine, they work extremely well, you can slide them up and down the entire length of the rack. Are you going to remove the roof rails, how much height do you need to open the sunroof?