Are you unsure how to install your Rhino Racks correctly? Maybe you have purchased a new car and can’t remember how far apart Rhino Racks should be?
Or perhaps you are about to install them and can’t find the user manual? Whatever has led you here today, we have the answers for you!
When it comes to installing roof racks to your car, we know how challenging it can be. The last thing you want to do is install them incorrectly and have your bikes or kayaks fall off while you are driving.
The weight of responsibility to install your racks correctly and have the right distance between them can be crushing and leaves many of us too scared to do it in case they are installed incorrectly.
Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers that you need. Keep reading to find out how far apart Rhino Racks should be and everything else you need to know about them!
Table of Contents
What Are Rhino Racks?
Before we dive in, let’s have a brief recap for those that need it! Rhino Racks are a brand of roof racks and roof bars that are extremely popular with families or avid kayakers.
The durable bars can hold up to 33lbs, these racks are fantastic for storing gear and traveling with it. They are often used for bikes, surfboards, kayaks, or additional storage for luggage when traveling.
The racks fit most major car brands, making them super diverse and suitable for most people. Rhino Racks aren’t too expensive either, making them the perfect choice for anyone on a budget!
You can expect a durable product that is sure to withstand years of traveling and hauling gear.
The racks come in a range of options, whether you are looking for a quick installation or incredibly durable racks, Rhino has an option to suit you!
Now that we have established what Rhino Racks are, let’s move on to find out how far apart they should be.
How Far Apart Should Rhino Racks Be?
Let’s get into it! When deciding how far apart Rhino Racks need to be, you first need to consider the distance between the crossbars. These bars should be installed 27-9/16 inches apart, center on center.
This is the distance Rhino Racks specifies, so it’s best to follow this measurement. You will want to measure the distance from the racks while you are installing them to ensure that this is done correctly.
Why must they be this far apart? Well, this is because Rhino has looked at the strongest points of car roofs to ensure that the weight is spread evenly across your car.
If you were to stretch this distance and install your bars further apart, you could end up placing one at a weaker point on your car, and that could lead to an accident.
Leaving too much distance between these bars can lead to weight not being distributed evenly, which could damage the bars or lead to gear or bikes falling off the rack!
That is the last thing you want as you speed down the highway. Be sure that you measure your crossbars carefully before installing the rack.
When it comes to the racks themselves, there isn’t specific guidance as such that you need to follow. Instead, it is recommended that your racks are 700 mm apart.
This should give you plenty of space to maneuver between the racks with ease. It should also ensure that the loads on the racks won’t touch each other.
Now, this distance will depend on the space you have on your car roof and also the size of the loads you are carrying. If you are placing long or bulky items on your roof rack then you might need to allow more space between them.
To find the best spacing for your roof racks we first recommend measuring your car roof to see how many you can fit on there.
You will then want to allow enough space for your Rhino Rack crossbars to sit comfortably, remember you need to allow 27-9/16 inches between each crossbar.
Once you have done that you can calculate how many sets of these crossbars (and the racks) will fit on the roof.
Start by allowing 700mm between each rack, but be mindful that you might need to allow more space between them if you are carrying large or bulky items.
For example, if you are traveling with a surfboard or a kayak then you might need more than 700mm so you can load and unload other gear and items safely.
How Many Rhino Racks Can I Install On My Car?
The number of Rhino Racks you can fit on your car will depend on the size of the roof. Most cars can get multiple roof racks on, so you don’t need to worry too much about having the space for them.
Instead, it is better to focus on having the space to have them fitted far enough apart that everything is loaded safely and that you can reach everything when the time comes to unload the rack.
You can use our guide for measuring your roof and calculating how much space you need mentioned earlier to see how many Rhino Racks you can fit on your car. Be sure to double-check these measurements too.
The last thing you want is to have ordered too many roof racks and not have the space for them!
Along with having the space for them, you also need to check the weight limit your roof racks have. You don’t want to put too much weight on the racks as it could damage them or the roof of your car.
Be sure to check not only the weight limit of each rack but also your car as a whole. You can find the weight limit of the racks in the user manual or by checking the product description online.
You can also find out how much weight you can apply to your car roof by checking any paperwork that came with your car, or by contacting the manufacturer directly.
When working out how many Rhino Racks you want to put on your car, quickly calculate a rough weight of the items you want to load on them, including the weight of the racks.
You can use this number to determine whether you can safely have the number of roof racks and gear on your car as you would like.
In most cases, you will be fine, but you might need to make some adjustments to ensure that the load is secure and you are safe while driving your car.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Your Rhino Racks should be at least 700mm apart and you should ensure there is plenty of room for you to get your gear or equipment from the rack.
You will also need to ensure that the racks have been installed correctly, with the crossbars having the correct distance between them to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly at all times.
