The Wicked-Cool - RhinoRack Pioneer Elevation - Review

I read about and researched roof racks in detail and decided a Rhino-Rack was the right fit for my needs. I chose the Pioneer Elevation with a backbone mount for the following reasons:

• Load rating, 220-LBS
• Aero designed to minimize wind drag and noise on the road
• Non corrosive so it won't rust or fade
• Lot’s of easy fit add-on accessories that I need (can’t wait to add the badly needed bat-wing awning)
• Low-profile (to fit easily under my garage door)
• Looks wicked cool!!!

Here is the MFG URL for more info:

http://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/prod...ation/pioneer-elevation-60-34-x-49-34-_ja9010

My experience so far:

1. Minimal wind-noise. I wish I could never hear wind while driving (ever)... If you never had a roof rack before you will experience some new wind noise (not much) but deal with it… You added a roof rack. Plan on a little bit of new wind noise and adjust your tolerance.
2. If you have an OEM roof rack to be removed , you’ll need to purchase new drip tray molding. No big deal, but it is a budget consideration.
3. The install instructions were informative and easy http://vpm.cdn.rhinorack.com.au/Instructions/Parts/FittingApplications/RTTB1.pdf
4. If you take the time to cut the molding in with some sharp blades and some silicone, the finish can look pretty cool (truth be told I had some expert help from a friend at a local body shop)
5. Rhino-Rack customer service was fantastic!!! With patience and professionalism, they answered every stupid question I had… just ask

 

You still liking it? I notice that you don't have a wind deflector like most racks I see. No issues with that?

 

It's great! No real noise issues but what noise I do hear is coming from the cross bars (accessories) that I added.

I inquired about a wind fairing accessory before I purchased the rack. The RhinoRack sales rep told me that they don't offer one for the Pioneer because its thin, low profile design doesn't require one. From there I read every pioneer product review I could find. None of them complained about wind noise.

 

Thank you for the input. I'm still dragging my feet on what to get. It's between this one and the Prinsu.

 

"Wicked"-cool. From the title I knew you were a masshole, and I mean that in a good way. What do you call an elongated sandwhich? Sub, hoagie?

That is a decent looking rack. I would want those side rails to be more low profile. The base seems to be sleek, but those side bars throw it off in my opinion.