Rhino Rack Backbone System?- Updates?

[Deeds]

Emailed Rhino in regards to the Backbone system for the Fortuner and received the following:

Hi Derek, Unfortunately at this stage I cannot say when the backbone will be available for purchase. Your best option would be to check on the Rhino Rack website under New Products in a few weeks. I will also try to update you of an ETA if one becomes available. Hope this helps, Ashley Duke Customer Service.

I know that @00PLS mentions availability roughly september so maybe he is on track (lets hope so).

See his thread here - https://www.fortunerforum.com.au/for...-fourby-00dznr

I like the system, but the ease of the Front Runner Slimline (and its availability will prbably win out.

Any other updates from anyone?

[Skardo22]

Ive checked other back bone systems for other vehicles and the back bone system is another $500 (roughly) on top of your Pioneer rack and Im sure the larger pioneer rack is $1500. where as the what i can see from front runner its all in one and I've seen it advertised for $1250. So the pricing is making my decision even easier at this stage. Rola rack have a flat rack that fits to their racks and it has all mounting systems for gerry cans, hi lift jacks, max trax etc. So this is even an option as it looks like its easier to install and remove if not required.

https://titantray.com.au/titan-challenge/

[Eastie]

For premium and weight bearing for a tent or heaps of gear I'd go frontrunner, for price and ability to removal rola looks good. I went rhino and regret it. I've managed fleet fitouts before and used rhino, but i wont be touching them agaim for my own gear with the hastle of broken parts out of the box and noise issues they wont acknowledge. Sucks to be one of their non-fleet customers,.

[Deeds]

Yep, saw the titan tray (looks good).

I've always been a Thule man (Nothing for Fortuners, suprisngly) but I like the Rhino Backbone system for all round weight dispersal.

I guess the main thing for me is being a GX unless I go door clamps I have little choice as to what roof racks or tray I can get.

The front runner videos on you tube look amazing with all their gadgets and do-dads (https://www.youtube.com/user/FrontRunnerOutfitter)

[DaveC]

Looks like yakima have joined the party too:

http://www.yakima.com.au/189/Lock-n-...iew/154/Toyota

Looks like a custom tracks system much like rhinorack. I assume the frontrunner is the same (i.e. requires installing tracks) ?

Dave

[Deeds]

From what I can gather the Front Runner uses the existing rail holes to 'bolt on', these holes are under the weather stip on the GX roof.

Others I think involve drilling (Like the Yakima), which im not too keen on.

[DaveC]

Hi Deeds,

I have a GX and I self-installed the rhinorack tracks. There are no existing holes of any kind under those weather strips! (they are simply held down at either end with a plastic clip). You have to drill and rivet. I assume Frontrunner is going to be the same. BTW, on GXL and Crusade, my understanding is that there are some bolt holes (maybe 2), but you still have to drill more holes and add rivets to install the rhinorack system (and probably others).

Dave.

[Deeds]

Hi Deeds,

I have a GX and I self-installed the rhinorack tracks. There are no existing holes of any kind under those weather strips! (they are simply held down at either end with a plastic clip). You have to drill and rivet. I assume Frontrunner is going to be the same. BTW, on GXL and Crusade, my understanding is that there are some bolt holes (maybe 2), but you still have to drill more holes and add rivets to install the rhinorack system (and probably others).

Dave.

Dang, thanks for heads up.

[Skardo22]

Dang, thanks for heads up.

Deeds, have you been updated to a release date for the Rhino Back Bone System?

[Deeds]

Skardo I haven't looked in the past couple of weeks.

I like the aesthetics of the backbone system but last time I spoke to them they said their engineers wanted another trial/test fit.

The Yakima system with tracks looking the best bet so far, coming 2 or 3 bar configuration... plus would be over $500 cheaper (guess).

[Deeds]

Actually, Skardo22 im now off the backbone market.

20-30% Rola @supercheapauto this weekend.

More in my build thread later ☺

[gordo86]

Actually, Skardo22 im now off the backbone market.

20-30% Rola @supercheapauto this weekend.

More in my build thread later ☺

Rola doesn’t seem to have the % off the actual platform just some accessories

[Deeds]

My store did, PM sent.

[alisarwar]

Any update on the availability of the backbone system?

[dcmacca]

Backbone is available! Check the Rhinorack website. RRP $459.