Buying Guide - Roof Rack | Rhino-Rack New Zealand

Whether you’re trying to declutter your cargo area or just don’t have the space inside your vehicle, a roof rack will provide you with a space-saving alternative for carrying your gear. Mount bulky items that won’t fit inside your car up top or just keep it clean by placing all your wet, sandy or dirty gear in a rooftop Luggage Box. Sporting gear such as kayaks and bikes? Tradie gear? They can all be mounted on your roof racks as well.

What do you need your roof racks to carry?

When buying a roof rack system, the first step is to think about what you want to carry. After all, there’s no point buying roof racks suited for tradies when you only need them to carry your kayak to the beach and vice versa.

Just like everyone is different, roof racks are not a one size fits all approach. Some people will use their vehicle mainly for camping and need a system to carry their gear offroad and others will need roof racks to suit their outdoor passions, whether it's watersports, bike riding or something else. Many will be looking for roof racks that can take them from work to the weekend.

Generally, you will choose one of two systems for your roof racks. Either a Crossbar-style system or the Pioneer System. If you want to carry a kayak, bike, or luggage box on sealed roads, a roof rack system consisting of legs and crossbars will do the job for you. To carry serious loads to the worksite, head off-road, or you are after the ultimate offering for your vehicle, Rhino-Rack Pioneer systems have got it covered.

To determine which systems can be mounted onto your particular vehicle, use our handy fit my vehicle tool.

Fit My Vehicle

Here’s the lowdown on the different roof rack systems:

Crossbars roof rack system

The crossbars are the usable part of your roof rack system where you will mount your gear and any various accessories. They come in three different styles to suit your needs: Vortex, Heavy Duty and Euro Bars.

	Flush and overhang Lightweight and strong aluminium Black and silver	Vortex is Rhino-Rack’s most popular crossbar for the weekend adventurer. These racks work seamlessly with our recreation accessories such as kayak carriers, fishing and rod holders, luggage boxes, bike racks and ski racks. Aerodynamically designed, Vortex bars have a high load rating and a patented rubber strip to reduce wind drag and noise.
	Overhang Aluminum Black and silver	Heavy Duty cross bars are designed for offroaders and tradesmen and offer a range of trade and off-road accessories to easily transform your vehicle from work to play.
	Overhang Steel Black	Euro bars are designed for those seeking a basic roof rack and are recommended for light use only. They are ideal for those looking for a roof rack system on a budget.

Choosing accessories for your crossbars

Now, this is where it all starts to come together by choosing the accessories to carry your recreational gear. Whether you’re looking for some shade, need something to carry your kayak or surfboard, are into biking or skiing, or are just looking for a general storage solution, Rhino-Rack has you covered with a range of accessories.

Let’s start with shade because no matter what adventure you need to make space for on your vehicle, you’re going to want to protect yourself from the elements at some point.

	Sunseeker 2.0m Awning	For those seeking a lower-cost shade solution, the Sunseeker 2.0m Awning is for you. Perfect for watching sport, camping, picnicking, work lunch breaks or lazy days at the beach, this awning has the added benefit of a UV50+ rating.
	Batwing Compact Awning	Those seeking the ultimate in shade will benefit from a Batwing Awning. Offering 270 degrees of cover, this mould-resistant UPF 50+ awning is the perfect addition to any adventure. Optional side walls can be purchased for easy conversion into a fully enclosed space.

For those into water sports, Rhino-Rack has a great range of kayak carriers. Likewise, for those who need space for colder pursuits, check out our range of snow sport carriers. Bike riders seeking a storage solution that doesn’t require you to dismantle the wheels should consider Rhino-Rack’s Hybrid Bike Carrier.

Anyone heading offroad or on a camping trip may not need a specific carrier but rather just a general storage solution to house a variety of gear. Rhino-Rack has a range of Roof Boxes to suit your needs, allowing you to easily carry more up top and free up valuable space inside your vehicle.

Pioneer Platform System

The Pioneer Platform is the ultimate load-carrying solution for your vehicle and Rhino-Rack offers a solution to fit most 4WDs and utes on the market. The modular system can be customised to suit your individual needs and our latest range of Pioneer Platforms is the most versatile on the market, designed specifically to carry most existing Rhino-Rack accessories.

Check out the Pioneer Platform in action here:

Aerodynamically designed and great looking, the Pioneer Platform system is made from aluminium with fibreglass re-enforced nylon corners. All of this is powder coated in black for increased corrosion resistance.

Wiring for your accessories can be integrated within all extrusions and corners can be drilled/cut to provide access to wiring. In addition, there are extra accessory channels on the front and rear extrusions.

Accessories for the Pioneer Platform System

Over 90 accessories are available for the Pioneer System so rest assured that whatever your needs, Rhino-Rack has you covered. Spend less time packing and setting up and more time enjoying your adventures!

Camping		Strap your esky or large bulky items up top with the Cargo Corner Bracket Kit or secure your gear to a set of Grab Handles. Those carrying shovels and fishing rods will benefit from the Stow iT Utility Holder and the Cam Buckle Kit will suit general items. Of course, we’ve got your gas bottle and shade covered too. For offroaders who’ve upgraded their vehicle and now can’t reach up top, we’ve got you covered with the Aluminum Folding Ladder.
Trade		General loads can be strapped down using either the Pioneer Ratchet Grab, Eye Bolt Kit or Tie Down Points. For those working into the night or early morning, a Work Light Bracket may come in handy as will shade once your lunch break rolls around. Specific gear-carrying solutions include the Conduit Clamp Set, a range of Shovel Carriers and more.
Bike		Cyclists will want to check out the Pioneer Thru Axle Bike Carrier, designed for strength, durability and sway reduction. Throw all your cycling gear up top in a Weather Proof Luggage Bag.
Water		Carry your surfboards or stand-up paddle boards with the Nautic 580 SUP Carrier. The Stow iT Utility Holder can be used to secure your paddles.
Fishing		Strap your fishing rods up top with the Fishing Rod Holder Bracket. For those securing larger items such as surfboards and canoes, you’ll want these Rapid Straps.
Snow		Carry your snow sports gear with Rhino-Rack’s dedicated Ski and Snowboard Carrier, capable of securing either three sets of skis or two snowboards at once. Ski poles can be secured with our versatile Stow iT Utility Holder.