Rhino Rack
Rhino Rack: Vortex, Pioneer 6 Platform, Backbone Roof Racks, Rooftop Tents & Overlanding Systems for Every Vehicle Platform
Rhino Rack is one of the largest roof rack manufacturers in the world and one of the most established brands we carry at Off Road Tents. Our Rhino Rack collection covers the full lineup of Vortex 2-bar and 3-bar aerodynamic roof racks, Pioneer 6 flat platforms in every size configuration, Pioneer 5 platform systems, the Backbone structural mounting system for Jeep Wrangler and other heavy-loadout platforms, Heavy Duty RLT600 and 2500 racks, soft-shell rooftop tents, and complete Sprinter and van overlanding kits. Give us a call at 844-200-3979 and we'll help you spec the right Rhino Rack setup for your vehicle.
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Who Is Rhino Rack?
Rhino Rack is an Australian roof rack manufacturer founded in Sydney in 1992 that has grown into one of the largest and most respected roof rack brands globally. If you've spent any time in the overland community, particularly around Toyota, Jeep, Land Cruiser, or van-based builds, you've almost certainly seen Rhino Rack hardware on serious rigs. The brand's reputation comes from Australian overland engineering heritage where roof racks aren't a lifestyle accessory but a fundamental part of how vehicles are equipped for extended outback travel, and that heritage shows up in the depth of the product line and the vehicle coverage.
The catalog structure reflects that comprehensive approach. The Vortex line is the aerodynamic aluminum bar range with 2-bar and 3-bar configurations, various mounting foot systems (RCL, RCH, RLT, RLTP, RLTF, SG, SX), and finishes for essentially every vehicle platform. The Pioneer Platform is Rhino Rack's flat platform rack line, with Pioneer 6 as the newer refined design featuring tapered edges and modern mounting geometry, and Pioneer 5 as the established design with more sizing options. The Backbone system is the structural mounting standard that reinforces the vehicle roof with mounting plates for significantly higher weight capacity than a typical bar rack, primarily used on Jeep Wrangler and Land Cruiser 200 platforms. And the Heavy Duty line (RLT600, 2500) is the commercial-grade bar range for work truck applications and buyers running heavy loaded configurations.
Beyond the roof racks themselves, Rhino Rack builds the complete overlanding accessory ecosystem: soft-shell rooftop tents, awnings, ladders, cargo baskets, kayak and paddle sport mounts, bike carriers, and complete overlanding kits for Mercedes Sprinter, ProMaster, and other van platforms. The van kits are particularly notable because they bundle the rack, ladder, awning, and mounting hardware into one purchase for buyers who want the whole van overlanding solution from one brand rather than assembling it piecemeal. And the vehicle coverage across the entire catalog is genuinely extensive, spanning Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia; Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator; Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, Ranger, Bronco; Ram 1500, 2500, 3500; Chevy Silverado, Colorado, Suburban; GMC Sierra, Canyon; Honda CR-V, Ridgeline, Pilot; Nissan Titan, Frontier, and dozens more platforms.
Featured Rhino Rack Products
Rhino Rack Vortex RCL 3 Bar Backbone Roof Rack (Jeep Wrangler JL 2019+)
Price: $1,469.95
Type: Rhino Rack Vortex Backbone / rhino rack vortex / rhino rack backbone / rhino rack jeep / rhino rack roof rack | Fits: 2019+ Jeep Wrangler JL
The Vortex RCL 3 Bar Backbone system is the heavy-duty flagship Rhino Rack setup for the Jeep Wrangler JL, combining the aerodynamic Vortex bars with the structural Backbone mounting system that reinforces the roof for significantly higher weight capacity than a typical bar rack. Three-bar configuration for maximum accessory mounting real estate. Best pick for JL Wrangler owners building for hardshell rooftop tents, heavy overland loadouts, or maximum accessory mounting flexibility.
Standout features: 2019+ Jeep Wrangler JL vehicle-specific fitment • 3-bar Vortex aerodynamic configuration • Backbone structural mounting system • Higher weight capacity than typical bar racks • Heavy loadout and hardshell RTT compatible
Rhino Rack Vortex SG Black 2 Bar Roof Rack (Jeep Gladiator)
Price: $348.99
Type: Rhino Rack Vortex SG / rhino rack vortex / rhino rack gladiator / rhino rack jeep / rhino rack roof rack | Fits: Jeep Gladiator
The lowest-priced featured product on this page and the entry-level Rhino Rack Vortex setup for the Jeep Gladiator. Two-bar aerodynamic configuration in black finish with the SG mounting foot system. Handles typical roof rack use cases (rooftop tent, awning, cargo box, kayaks) without stepping into the heavier Backbone or Pioneer Platform tiers. Best pick for Gladiator owners who want proper Rhino Rack hardware at the most accessible price point in the lineup.
Standout features: Jeep Gladiator vehicle-specific fitment • 2-bar Vortex aerodynamic design • SG mounting foot system • Black finish • Entry-tier Rhino Rack pricing
Rhino Rack Pioneer 6 Platform 71" x 56" (Legs + Cap Topper System)
Price: $1,619.96
Type: Rhino Rack Pioneer 6 / rhino rack pioneer 6 / rhino rack pioneer platform / rhino rack pioneer / rhino rack roof rack | Fits: Truck caps, toppers, camper shells
The Pioneer 6 Platform in the 71" x 56" size with the legs and cap topper mounting system is Rhino Rack's flat platform solution for truck owners running a cap, topper, camper shell, or contractor topper on the pickup bed. Turns the top of a shell into a full flat platform for rooftop tents, cargo, or overland accessories. Pioneer 6 is the newer refined platform design with tapered edges and modern mounting geometry.
Standout features: Pioneer 6 refined platform design • 71" x 56" large platform size • Cap topper mounting system included • Tapered edge aesthetic • Truck cap and camper shell compatible
Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform 84" x 49" RLT600 (Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen)
Price: $1,497.98
Type: Rhino Rack Pioneer / rhino rack pioneer platform / rhino rack 4runner / rhino rack roof rack | Fits: 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner
The Pioneer Platform in the 84" x 49" configuration with the RLT600 heavy-duty mounting system is Rhino Rack's full-roof flat platform for the 5th Gen 4Runner. Vehicle-specific mounting using the RLT600 track system integrates with the 4Runner's factory roof geometry. Larger 84-inch platform length gives you nearly the entire roof for accessory mounting real estate. Best pick for 4Runner overland builders wanting maximum platform mounting space.
Standout features: 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner vehicle-specific fitment • 84" x 49" full-roof platform size • RLT600 heavy-duty mounting system • Maximum accessory mounting real estate • Compatible with rooftop tents and heavy loadouts
Rhino Rack Soft-Shell Roof Top Tent
Price: $1,799
Type: Rhino Rack Roof Top Tent / rhino rack roof top tent / rhino rack tent | Fits: Rhino Rack roof rack systems and compatible platforms
The Rhino Rack Soft-Shell RTT is the brand's rooftop tent for buyers building around a Rhino Rack platform who want a same-brand tent solution rather than mixing brands. Traditional soft-shell fold-out design with mattress included. Best pick for Rhino Rack rack owners wanting single-brand ecosystem integration for the whole rooftop tent setup rather than pairing a Rhino Rack platform with a third-party RTT.
Standout features: Rhino Rack ecosystem integration • Traditional soft-shell fold-out design • Mattress included • Single-brand build compatibility • Compatible with Rhino Rack platforms and standard mounting systems
Rhino Rack Mercedes Benz Sprinter Overlanding Kit
Price: $2,397.93
Type: Rhino Rack Sprinter Kit / rhino rack sprinter / rhino rack roof rack | Fits: Mercedes Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes Sprinter Overlanding Kit bundles a complete Rhino Rack van solution into one purchase. Rack platform, ladder, and mounting hardware sized specifically for the Sprinter platform. Rather than assembling a van overland build from individual pieces across multiple orders, the kit ships as a complete solution. Best pick for Sprinter owners doing their first serious van overland build who want the whole rack ecosystem from one brand.
Standout features: Complete Sprinter van overlanding solution • Rack platform, ladder, and mounting hardware bundled • Mercedes Sprinter vehicle-specific fitment • Single-purchase van build kit • Rhino Rack ecosystem integration
Full Rhino Rack Comparison Table
Compare every featured Rhino Rack product side by side to find the right rack or system for your vehicle.
| Product | Category | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex RCL 3 Bar Backbone (Wrangler JL) | Heavy-duty structural rack system | 2019+ Jeep Wrangler JL | $1,469.95 |
| Vortex SG Black 2 Bar (Gladiator) | Entry-tier aerodynamic bar rack | Jeep Gladiator | $348.99 |
| Pioneer 6 Platform 71" x 56" (Cap Topper System) | Flat platform for truck caps/toppers | Truck caps, toppers, camper shells | $1,619.96 |
| Pioneer Platform 84" x 49" RLT600 (4Runner 5th Gen) | Vehicle-specific full-roof platform | 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner | $1,497.98 |
| Soft-Shell Roof Top Tent | Soft-shell rooftop tent | Rhino Rack and compatible platforms | $1,799 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Overlanding Kit | Complete van overlanding rack kit | Mercedes Benz Sprinter | $2,397.93 |
Which Rhino Rack Is Right for You?
Rhino Rack covers essentially every roof rack use case across essentially every vehicle platform, so picking the right rack comes down to what you drive, what you're mounting, and how heavy the loadout is going to be. Here's how to think about it.
Vortex 2-Bar or 3-Bar (Entry to Mid-Tier Aerodynamic Racks)
The Vortex line is Rhino Rack's aerodynamic aluminum bar range and the entry-to-mid tier of the catalog. 2-bar Vortex configurations handle typical roof rack use cases (rooftop tent, awning, cargo box, kayaks) at the most accessible price point. 3-bar Vortex configurations add a third mounting bar for buyers running more accessories or wanting more distributed load points. Vortex uses different mounting foot systems (RCL, RCH, RLT, RLTP, SG, SX) depending on your vehicle's factory roof geometry. Best pick for buyers who want proper Rhino Rack hardware for standard overland use without stepping into the heavier structural systems.
Backbone System (Heavy-Duty for Jeep Wrangler and Land Cruiser)
The Backbone system is Rhino Rack's structural mounting standard, primarily engineered for Jeep Wrangler (JK, JL) and Land Cruiser 200 platforms. Rather than bars mounting to factory roof points, Backbone uses reinforcement plates that mount through the roof to give the rack significantly higher weight capacity than a typical bar rack. This matters for buyers running hardshell rooftop tents, heavy overland loadouts, or maximum accessory configurations on the Wrangler or Land Cruiser platforms specifically. Best pick for Jeep Wrangler and Land Cruiser 200 owners building for serious loaded configurations.
Pioneer 6 Platform (Modern Flat Platform Design)
The Pioneer 6 Platform is Rhino Rack's newer flat platform design, featuring tapered edges and refined mounting geometry compared to the established Pioneer 5. Available in a wide range of sizes from 43" x 56" through 106" x 58" and larger, with multiple mounting configurations including vehicle-specific setups and universal cap topper mounting for truck caps and camper shells. Best pick for buyers wanting a modern flat platform aesthetic across a wide vehicle or configuration range.
Pioneer 5 Platform (Established Flat Platform Design)
The Pioneer 5 Platform is Rhino Rack's established flat platform range with the deepest sizing and vehicle-specific configuration options across the catalog. Available in sizes from small platform racks through the largest configurations, with vehicle-specific mounting for Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, Jeep Wrangler, and many other platforms. Slightly older aesthetic than Pioneer 6 but broader configuration availability. Best pick for buyers wanting proven platform depth with vehicle-specific fitment options.
Heavy Duty RLT600 and 2500 (Commercial-Grade Bars)
The Heavy Duty line uses commercial-grade construction for buyers running work truck applications, service vehicles, or maximum loaded configurations that exceed typical Vortex capacity. The RLT600 and Heavy Duty 2500 configurations handle heavier loads across trades applications, contractor work, and serious overland use where the Vortex tier doesn't provide enough capacity. Best pick for buyers who genuinely load the rack heavy or use it in commercial applications.
Van Overlanding Kits (Sprinter, ProMaster, and Van Platforms)
The Van Overlanding Kits bundle a complete Rhino Rack van solution into one purchase for Sprinter and other van platforms, including the rack, ladder, and mounting hardware sized specifically for the van dimensions. Best pick for van owners doing a first serious overland build who want the whole rack ecosystem from a single brand rather than assembling it piecemeal.
Soft-Shell Rooftop Tent (Same-Brand Build Integration)
The Rhino Rack Soft-Shell RTT is worth considering if you're building around a Rhino Rack platform and want a same-brand tent for aesthetic and ecosystem consistency. Traditional soft-shell fold-out design with mattress included. For buyers who don't care about single-brand ecosystem integration, our broader RTT catalog (iKamper, Roofnest, Alu-Cab, 23Zero, Guana) offers more options.
The simple decision rule: Standard aerodynamic roof rack for typical loads, Vortex 2-bar or 3-bar. Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser with heavy loadout, Backbone system. Modern flat platform, Pioneer 6. Vehicle-specific flat platform with proven sizing, Pioneer 5. Work truck or heaviest loaded configurations, Heavy Duty RLT600 or 2500. Sprinter or van build, Van Overlanding Kit. Single-brand RTT integration, Rhino Rack Soft-Shell RTT.
Rhino Rack vs Other Roof Rack Brands
Buyers researching Rhino Rack usually cross-shop the other major roof rack brands. Here's the honest comparison from our experience selling across the roof rack category at Off Road Tents.
Rhino Rack vs Front Runner Slimline II: Both are premium overland roof rack brands with global distribution. Front Runner wins on the depth of the Slimline II accessory ecosystem (hundreds of accessories from Front Runner and third-party brands designed to mount to the Slimline II standard), on the specific flat platform aesthetic that many overland builds prefer, and on the strong overland community brand recognition. Rhino Rack wins on the breadth of product line options (Vortex bars, Pioneer platforms, Backbone system, Heavy Duty range give more configuration options than Front Runner's more focused catalog), on the vehicle coverage across dozens of platforms including many that Front Runner covers less deeply, and on the Backbone system which is genuinely unique in the market for structural roof reinforcement. For flat platform accessory ecosystem, Front Runner. For product line breadth and Backbone-capable platforms, Rhino Rack.
Rhino Rack vs Prinsu Design Studio: Different design philosophies. Prinsu uses the low-profile aluminum flat platform design that sits close to the roofline with a minimalist aesthetic. Rhino Rack's Pioneer platform is also flat but sits slightly higher, with more configuration options including cap topper mounting for truck shells that Prinsu doesn't cover. Prinsu wins on the low-profile aesthetic and on the American brand alignment. Rhino Rack wins on the broader product line (bars, platforms, Backbone, Heavy Duty all in one catalog vs Prinsu's platform-only focus), on the vehicle coverage breadth, and on the accessory ecosystem depth including Rhino Rack's own RTT, awning, and van kits. For low-profile aluminum minimalism, Prinsu. For comprehensive rack ecosystem, Rhino Rack.
Rhino Rack vs Yakima and Thule: Both Yakima and Thule are the major consumer roof rack brands with strong retail distribution, OEM partnerships, and mainstream brand recognition. Yakima and Thule win on the broadest availability, on the retail dealer network depth, and on the specific consumer-focused features (bike carriers, ski racks, kayak mounts) that appeal to buyers doing less serious use. Rhino Rack wins on the overland-specific product line depth (Backbone system, van kits, dedicated overland platforms), on the Australian overland engineering heritage that shows up in construction quality on heavy-loadout configurations, and on the accessory ecosystem specifically for overland use rather than lifestyle sports. For general consumer roof rack use, Yakima or Thule. For serious overland and heavy-loadout use, Rhino Rack.
Rhino Rack vs BajaRack: Both are established overland roof rack brands, BajaRack focusing primarily on the Toyota-family lineup. BajaRack wins on the specific tubular aesthetic that some builds prefer and on the deeper Toyota-focused catalog. Rhino Rack wins on the much broader vehicle coverage beyond Toyota (Jeep, Ford, Ram, Chevy, van platforms, plus many more), on the multiple product line options (Vortex, Pioneer, Backbone, Heavy Duty vs BajaRack's more focused approach), and on the global brand distribution. For Toyota-only builds with tubular aesthetic preference, BajaRack. For broader vehicle coverage and product line options, Rhino Rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Rhino Rack Vortex, Pioneer, and Backbone?
Different product lines solving different problems. Vortex is the aerodynamic bar range (2-bar, 3-bar) for standard roof rack use with rooftop tents, awnings, cargo boxes, and typical accessories. Pioneer Platform (Pioneer 5 and Pioneer 6) is the flat platform range for buyers wanting a full-surface mounting platform rather than parallel bars. Pioneer 6 is the newer design with tapered edges. Backbone is the structural mounting system that reinforces the roof with mounting plates for higher weight capacity, primarily on Jeep Wrangler and Land Cruiser 200 platforms. Pick Vortex for standard use, Pioneer for a flat platform aesthetic, and Backbone for heavy loaded Wrangler or Land Cruiser builds.
Does Rhino Rack fit my vehicle?
Almost certainly yes. Rhino Rack has one of the deepest vehicle coverage catalogs in the roof rack industry, spanning Toyota (Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia), Jeep (Wrangler JK/JL, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Compass), Ford (F-150, F-250, F-350, Ranger, Bronco, Escape), Ram (1500, 2500, 3500), Chevrolet (Silverado, Colorado, Suburban), GMC (Sierra, Canyon), Honda (CR-V, Ridgeline, Pilot), Nissan (Titan, Frontier), Subaru (Forester), Volkswagen, Mazda (CX-5), Mercedes (Sprinter), and dozens more platforms across dozens of model years. If you have a specific vehicle, call us at 844-200-3979 with year and model and we'll confirm the right Rhino Rack configuration.
Can I mount a rooftop tent on any Rhino Rack roof rack?
Most Rhino Rack platforms support rooftop tent mounting, but capacity varies by rack line and RTT weight. Vortex 2-bar handles typical soft-shell RTTs. Vortex 3-bar or Pioneer platforms with more mounting bars handle heavier configurations. Backbone systems handle the heaviest loadouts including hardshell RTTs on Jeep Wrangler and Land Cruiser platforms. Heavy Duty RLT600 and 2500 configurations handle serious loaded use. If you're pairing a Rhino Rack with a specific RTT from our catalog, call us at 844-200-3979 with the rack and tent models and we'll confirm compatibility before you order.
What is the Rhino Rack Backbone system?
The Backbone system is Rhino Rack's structural roof reinforcement standard for buyers running heavier loadouts than a typical bar rack can support. Rather than the rack bars mounting to factory roof points, Backbone uses reinforcement plates that mount through the roof to create a stronger anchor structure for the rack. This gives you significantly higher weight capacity, which matters for hardshell rooftop tents, heavy overland cargo, and maximum accessory configurations. Backbone is primarily engineered for the Jeep Wrangler (JK and JL) and Toyota Land Cruiser 200 platforms where the roof structure benefits most from the reinforcement approach.
Should I buy Rhino Rack or another premium roof rack brand?
Depends on what you value most. Rhino Rack's advantages are the breadth of product line options (Vortex bars, Pioneer platforms, Backbone, Heavy Duty all in one brand), the extensive vehicle coverage, and the Australian overland engineering heritage. Front Runner has the deepest accessory ecosystem for the Slimline II flat platform standard. Prinsu has the lowest-profile American aluminum aesthetic. Yakima and Thule have the broadest consumer retail distribution. For serious overland use across a wide range of vehicles, Rhino Rack is one of the safest choices. For niche-specific needs, another brand may fit better. Call us at 844-200-3979 with your vehicle and use case and we'll help you compare across brands.
Why Buy Rhino Rack from Off Road Tents
We're an authorized Rhino Rack dealer, which means every rack, RTT, and van kit we sell carries the full Rhino Rack manufacturer warranty. You're getting a genuine product with genuine support, not a gray-market unit from a random online seller.
We ship every Rhino Rack product for free, which matters on the larger platform racks and van kits where shipping charges from other retailers can add real cost. Beyond shipping, we help with the questions that come up before and after the purchase. Which Rhino Rack line (Vortex, Pioneer 5, Pioneer 6, Backbone, Heavy Duty) fits your specific vehicle and loadout? Which mounting foot system does your vehicle's factory roof geometry require? How do you pair a Rhino Rack platform with a specific rooftop tent from our catalog? Call us. These are questions we answer every day.
We carry the full Rhino Rack catalog alongside every other major roof rack brand at Off Road Tents. If you're weighing Rhino Rack against Front Runner Slimline II, Prinsu, BajaRack, Yakima, or Thule for a specific vehicle and use case, we can give you an honest recommendation based on selling across the category. We're not pushing one brand over another. We're pushing the right rack for your specific vehicle and build.
Related Collections
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The full roof and bed rack catalog including Rhino Rack Vortex, Pioneer, and Backbone systems alongside Front Runner Slimline II, Prinsu, BajaRack, Kuat Ibex, Leitner Designs, and other premium and mid-tier rack brands across every mounting style.
All Roof Top Tents
The full rooftop tent catalog for buyers pairing a Rhino Rack platform with an RTT setup, including iKamper, Roofnest, Alu-Cab, 23Zero, Guana, and other premium and mid-tier RTT brands across hardshell and softshell designs.
Toyota 4Runner Accessories
The full Toyota 4Runner accessory catalog for buyers building out a 4Runner with a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform or Vortex bar setup, plus armor, ladders, suspension, and other 4Runner-specific overland components from every major brand we carry.
Toyota Tacoma Accessories
The full Toyota Tacoma accessory catalog for buyers building out a Tacoma with a Rhino Rack Vortex or Pioneer setup, plus armor, bed racks, suspension, and other Tacoma-specific overland components from every major Toyota accessory brand we carry.
Need Help Picking the Right Rhino Rack Setup?
Tell us your vehicle (year, make, model), what you're mounting (rooftop tent, awning, cargo, kayaks), and whether you want a standard bar rack, flat platform, or heavy-duty Backbone system. We'll help you spec the right Rhino Rack setup for your specific build and confirm the mounting foot system that fits your vehicle's factory roof geometry.
