New Rhino Rack Platform on ARE Camper Shell

Built and installed a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform on my ARE Z Series camper shell. Bought it from Rack Outfitters in Austin, TX with free shipping and no tax. Easy build and fairly easy to install on the ARE Yakima tracks after some careful measurements followed by a little tweaking. I plan on installing a second over the main cabin roof to continue the rack lines and versatility. The rack runs about 50lbs and is very well engineered and built. Great quality! I plan on using it to attach a couple of ARB awnings and for general utility.

 

Dang..I need to do that. Well done.

 

Looks nice. Do u know how high is it from roof, 4 or 6 inches?

 

From the roof of the shell to the base of the platform is 4.75.”

 

What are the dimensions of that rack? I have the Retrax XR and am looking to put a platform on it, need to get the right one.

 

“60x”54

 

I have one on my tundra, I love it!

 

Having a second installed over the cab next week. Don’t want to attempt drilling, riveting, and waterproofing on my own.

 

Look forward to pics!

 

Frontrunner rack...

 

That looks awesome!

 

Very nice. What ARE shell are you running? Is it reinforced for weight or did it not matter? I have a Z series ARE and I’m know kind of wishing I got the reinforced model rated at 500lbs.

 

Here’s how the second Rhino Rack ended up on my ‘18 Crewmax. Very happy with the fit and how it lines up almost perfectly with the original on my cap. I had a local shop install this one as I wasn’t interested in drilling into my cab and riveting, etc.

 

What size of FrontRunner did you use?

 

That turned out awesome!

 

I went with the V-Series. Not sure what you mean by reinforcement but none added. Are you talking about bed stiffeners?

 

ARE, Snugtop, and Leer make models with much higher weight ratings. Better for RTTs, etc.

 

Oh ok. Mine works just fine without that.

 

That is awesome

 

Were those tracks factory installed?

I got some Thule tracks that I’m going to install myself, and I’m wondering how far apart (center to center of tracks) yours are apart?

 

46” on center is the spread for tracks on the ARE Z. I installed Rhino tracks on mine.

 

The Yakima tracks on my ARE were factory installed.

 

whats the latest with your tundra? We need some pics!

 

Will be posting a new thread soon about an electrical problem that was fixed after almost two years…all well now, however!

 

lookin good! One of my favorites on here.

 

Just about ready to order what I need for the topper platform. Since you have experience with the rhino rack, can you think of any negatives to getting the 76”x54” platform, instead of the 60”x54”? My plan is to run a pair of crossbars on the cab. My thoughts are 4-6” hangover over the bed and cab gap, and 4-6” hangover over the rear of the topper. I would probly run 3 sets of feet rather than 2. Got any thoughts?

Also, are the tracks on your topper the 63” rhino tracks?

 

how are those 37x11.5 treating you? Still liking the Ray 10s and 18”?

 

Holy Moly, I like mucho. They trays really line up well. I just have the tracks ready on my ARE cap. We'll see if I ever get to this level.

 

insert drool here lol……opted for the ARE CX series with the reinforced roof. Really wanted the HD version but bc of the skeleton support frame I wasn’t willing to give up the ability to slide and move rear glass for cleaning
Bad ass rig @Wildtrout !

 

@Wildtrout no issues mounting things from the shell to the roof with all the bed flex? i want to get an awning that runs the length of my truck but bed flex is a concern of mine.