Go Rhino Sport Bar 2.0 install lessons learned

I installed a Go Rhino Sport Bar 2.0 a couple of weeks ago and learned a few things that will help out the next person who does this.
Before you start, watch some installation videos. Go Rhino does one themselves on a Tacoma. They are a good overall guide, but there are a few things they leave out.

1. First off, make sure you have all the parts. I've seen a few reports of people missing something. It's better to discover it before you begin than halfway through the assembly.
2. leave all the bolts loose until you have it installed on your truck. You will need to make adjustments along the way.
3. When installing the side panel pieces, screw in the side that has 3 screws on the same bar first. It is a tight fit. Once these are in, it will be easier to put in the last 2 screws.
4. If you are planning on installing lights on the bar (or even considering it), now would be a good time to run a string through the shorter bar on the driver's side. It will be much easier than doing it after installation. Tie the ends off and put ductape around them to keep them in place.
5. When fitting the bar on your truck, put down painter's tape to determine where to drill holes. Do NOT use the rubber gaskets as a guide. They are not an exact match to the holes on the sport bar.
   1. Mark ALL the hole locations on the tape, not just the three you want to drill. Our beds have some spacer holes in the metal under the bed liner that you will not see until you drill the pilot hole. Having all the holes marked means you don't have to set the sport bar back on the truck to find another spot to drill.
6. The instructions say to use a 17/32" drill bit. No one has a 17/32" drill bit. I had to order one online. DON'T order one online! The rivnuts are not exactly 17/32" and you will need to use a stepless bit anyways to make the hole slightly larger. If you have a 1/2" (or even 3/8" in a pinch) use that. After you have the hole, use a stepless bit (I picked one up at Harbor Freight for around $4) and keep test fitting the rivnut as you drill until it fits. Make sure you don't make the hole too large.
7. The kit comes with this handy tool to set the rivnuts. If you watch the Go Rhino video on youtube you will notice they conveniently skip the part where they use the tool. There is a reason for this. If you try to use their "tool" you will break your arm, break your truck, or both. Check out other videos of people trying to use a rivcert with a bolt and a couple of wrenches. This is another instance of having the right tool to do the job. Amazon has a rivnut tool for around $65. They have several less expensive, but none of them can handle the 3/8" rivnut that we need. The tool works like a dream and is worth it.
8. after bolting it to your bed, make sure the top piece is level before you tighten it. It has a tendency to lean backwards if you aren't careful.

That's it! enjoy your new sport bar.

 

Please post a few pics of the bar on the truck. I've been somewhat interested in the 2.0 bar. Thanks!

 

Yes, pics please.

 

I'm not sure on the lights. They would be so far back that they would have to be pointed up pretty high to avoid hitting the roof. Maybe with a lightbar in the grill it would give good coverage.

 

Nice! Hood decal is next for me too!

 

Wow!!! I have been looking at these bars for a year now.....just not sure. The above pics are a great selling point. They look great and gives your tacos a nice look!!!! Great job!!!!

 

Looks good, what does that bar cost?

 

Great post and thanks for the info! I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on this bar. I like the fact that it is compatible with most tray covers, but I don't like the fact that you have to drill into the bed. Black horse customs has a classic roll bar that utilizes the factory bed rails, but not compatible with tray cover. What are your thoughts on designing something like a right angle bracket that bolts or rivets to the Go Rhino Sports bar and then bolt to the factory bed rails?

 

Damn! I think I live next to you off of Well Branch, I drive the blacked out 2016 TRD Sport DCSB maybe a few houses down. I've always liked the look of the sports bar, A LOT. Almost pulled the trigger a few times, for me personally, I fold down the back seat head rest for blind sport purposes to see out the back side of my truck. Does this cover up the whole spot when you look back out the window?

 

The problem with connecting to the bed rails is that, to get to them, you would need to pass through where a bed/tonneau cover would be. That's why the GoRhino bar has to bolt directly to the bed.
I suppose it would be possible to use a tri-fold tonneau and drill holes in it for the mounting bracket, but that means that you would never be able to completely remove the tonneau without removing the bar. It also means that the holes would allow rain to get in.

 

Hey, yeah, I remember your truck!
The side panel that sits between the bars has holes in it, almost mesh like, to allow you to see through it. Personally, I've never had a problem with it. Also, the side panel is removable if it causes a problem. You can come by some time and take a look and see what you think.

 

Bought one, should've researched it better but stuck with it, but not gonna drill into my brand new PRO. So I want some adapters to attach this to the existing bed accessory rail on my tacoma!!!

If I could do that and then weld this bitch solid, would prolly throw it on the truck. Right now it just takes up storage space

 

Yes I agree with you. I like this bar, but I'm not going to drill into my bed. If you don't mind, when you make the brackets, share some pics! Thanks!

 

looks great! and nice future reference for folks looking to install it

 

Just a Quick Question... What Holes Did work. I am about to install this on my Pro and didn't want to install by feel. Any Advice is greatly appreciated

 

Matt I didnt drill into my bed, instead i bought a set of pretty legit camper clips, and installed a lock on it. the bar is removable without damaging or leaving holes in the bed of my truck.

 

I love that idea- I have a retrax power cover- The side bars would sit below the retrax...
But you made me think- I can't use the clamps because of the bed cover....
BUT- The retrax is made of metal....
I wonder if i can drill the retrax side rails and bolt thru it.. Gears are turning on this one...

 

hmmmm.. i tried to google the retrax to get an idea of how they work.... it seems like the retrax and the go-rhino bar would conflict in any install method no?

 

It can- The rhino Base support is a C-Channel with an open back (Some photos show the back closed, but the one i ordered is opened)