Rhino rack or Yakima tracks on truck topper?

[ragsman]

I plan to order an Ozark truck topper (Ozark) and it has the option to install either Rhino or Yakima roof rack tracks on it. I can't seem to find any good comparisons for this, so I'm not sure which options to choose. The topper has a huge load rating (1500 lbs I think). I may get a rooftop tent in the future. What are the advantages/disadvantages of either of these systems? thanks

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[HooliganActual]

I have used both in the past on different vehicles and can't say I have complaints with either. I currently have Rhino Racks on all 3 of my Jeeps and they have been problem free.

The one variable that I might offer is this: my Alu-Cab topper has it's own rack options and so I did not need the Rhino Rack there...however, I did install a Rhino Rack Backbone with Pioneer Platform on the Gladiator cab in order to mount my solar panels. So...if you ever think you may want to expand your rack from only having one on the topper (which might be filled up by an RTT like mine is) to having one on the topper AND one on the cab, then going Rhino Rack may at least allow you to have the same rack with interchangeable bits and bobs that could be swapped back and forth. I'm not aware of Yakima making an option like the Backbone system for the Jeeps...I assume that all of their racks are still the style that clamps onto the rain gutters.

EDIT: I should point out that the reason I went Backbone on the cab for something light like solar panels is primarily because I was trying to "future proof" things. It's solar panels now, but if in the future I want to remove the panels and mount, for example, a full size spare on the rack, then the Backbone is ready to handle it.

 

[ragsman]

I have used both in the past on different vehicles and can't say I have complaints with either. I currently have Rhino Racks on all 3 of my Jeeps and they have been problem free.

The one variable that I might offer is this: my Alu-Cab topper has it's own rack options and so I did not need the Rhino Rack there...however, I did install a Rhino Rack Backbone with Pioneer Platform on the Gladiator cab in order to mount my solar panels. So...if you ever think you may want to expand your rack from only having one on the topper (which might be filled up by an RTT like mine is) to having one on the topper AND one on the cab, then going Rhino Rack may at least allow you to have the same rack with interchangeable bits and bobs that could be swapped back and forth. I'm not aware of Yakima making an option like the Backbone system for the Jeeps...I assume that all of their racks are still the style that clamps onto the rain gutters.

EDIT: I should point out that the reason I went Backbone on the cab for something light like solar panels is primarily because I was trying to "future proof" things. It's solar panels now, but if in the future I want to remove the panels and mount, for example, a full size spare on the rack, then the Backbone is ready to handle it.

thank you! this type of information is what I was hoping for!

 

[Fpolanco]

I think Yakima does make a Backbone-like product but double check to be sure…

To build on what @HooliganActual said, this is one I keep in the back of my mind once I start modifying stuff: if you’re gonna do extensive traveling, keep in mind the need for parts if something breaks and which brand my be easier to find away from home.

Either way, that’s a sweet looking topper!!

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I plan to order an Ozark truck topper (Ozark) and it has the option to install either Rhino or Yakima roof rack tracks on it. I can't seem to find any good comparisons for this, so I'm not sure which options to choose. The topper has a huge load rating (1500 lbs I think). I may get a rooftop tent in the future. What are the advantages/disadvantages of either of these systems? thanks

You may, or may. Or know. There are two different load ratings, dynamic and static…. The more important is dynamic as its weight while driving. Most fiberglass toppers are around 250-300#’s max dynamic.

 

[Jaxmax]

At their website, I did not find the rating of the roof, but the 1500lb. Rating is the Load master slide out bed rack. Their picture of the roof top tent is on Yakima rails and bars. I like the Yakima system I have that fits the RSI cap I have, the bars are easily removable for when not needed. Putttibg a heavy rack on top of the bars adds weight not really changing the four points of contact on the fiberglass roof, you could add a third bar in middle of tent perhaps. I think that putting a rod top tent top, you need to know the static and dynamic rating. Heavy duty fiberglass tops usually have a metal frame inside to support the racks on top……Jack

 

[ragsman]

thanks again for all the comments! This topper is built with a new manufacturing process, it's super light and strong. The static weight limit is 1500# and dynamic limit is 750#, and I think the topper only weighs around #75 (maybe not including certain options). Here is a pretty good overview of it on YouTube : Venturous Ozark truck topper. There is a new product launch promotion going on right now that will give a bunch of free upgrades if the topper is ordered by the end of February (I found that info in this thread)

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