Track based roof racks....why so much?

[AussieAnth]

Looking into roof racks for the MN dual cab, and its clear the track mounted systems, in particular Rhino Vortex RLT, seem to suppor the most weight and eliminate the scratching/rubbing/denting issues with the clamp style racks.

What I can't get my head around is, why are they double the price? This does not include installaton by the way.

The Rhino Vortex 2500 (clamp style) bars are about $320 a pair
The Rhino Vortex RLT (track style) is $634 including 2 bars.

Basically the only difference is you're also paying for the tracks that fit into the channels. Not a lot of extra hardware.
You can even buy just the tracks, without the cross bars for aroud $300.

How do Rhino justify charging more for the tracks than they do for the heavy duty cross bars themselves?
I haven't had a good look up close, so maybe someone with track mounted system can shed some light on this. Is the track system really that complicated & expensive looking?

Seems to me like buying a car but paying more for the wheels than you do for the rest of the car.
Are Rhino just gouging because they know some people will pay a premium for the better system, even if it doesnt cost that much more to make?

Has anyone found a good track based system thats cheaper than the Rhino?

[Taggy]

I came across this last week

Got a quote to fit black track mounted vortex bars and it was $815 at one place $770 at another.

Hopefully can find a cheaper option

[Mudme]

Tjm did mine they were around $800 it's a decent install I don't know that I'd want to be the one drilling into my roof

[AussieAnth]

Yep, RoofRackCity quoted me $150 installation on top of the $634, which makes it harder to justify going track over clamp style racks.

[Robby]

Have a look at kaymar they do their own roof track mounting system the quote I was giving for a complete package with tradie rack ($1046)was a little cheaper then rhino, I still went with Rhino as I already had the feet and cross bars so only needed roof tracks which I installed myself. Hope that gives you another option.

Cheers Robby

[RHKTriton]

That's just plain criminal for a couple of aluminium extrusions.

Might be able to repo a set off a car at the wreckers?

[ag9111]

The extrusions are curved in two directions to follow the roof line and are a different profile for each vehicle so small production runs on each die.
The extrusions are then drilled and counter sunk to suit the feet.
Expensive for the material you are supplied with, yes.
Engineering that goes into the product would be comprehensive to say the least.
Is the final product expensive, yes, but what option do you have.

No affiliation

[MN GLXR]

I waited for a 20% off sale at Auto One and installed myself. It is pretty simple job for drill, sikkaflex and rivet gun.

[triton_guru]

Anyone know where i can get the savana roof racks lol

[Cowboy Dave]

Try this?

http://www.prorack.com.au/cars/mitsubishi/triton/2007/doublecab4doorute-131081

[AussieAnth]

The only thing I dont like about the ProRack track mounted stuff is, according to the pictures, the tracks are not mounted down inside the channel, like the Rhino stuff is. Its placed up on top next to it. Seems like the rack would be more secure with the tracks mounted down in the channels.

I assume that Mitsubishi make the roof channels specifically for roof racks? Is there another reason?
I looked under the black rubber strip recently and noted its full of leaf debris and other crap, so Im tempted to remove the strip all together. Looks like a rust catcher to me.

Anyone do this or know of another purpose for it?

[Cowboy Dave]

I don't think it is designed for roof racks at all. I always assumed it was where they joined the panels together or else just served like a strengthening rib.

I was more wondering if you could use them in the channel anyway?

ARB sell some little feet for platform racks that you could theoretically mount to the vertical faces of those channels?

[Crash486]

I was under the impression that this roof style was introduced to remove the older seam gutter that used to be the norm. Reduced wind noise , improved aerodynamics etc

[AussieAnth]

Anyone looked under the rubber strip that covers the roof channel? Mines full of crap. I guess a good blast with the hose would clear it out but removing it all together might be better, unless it reduces noise?

[Duck]

In the land of everything for nothing, when a company can design something specific that fits the bill & has the consumer wanting for it then yes you ask more money.

It then comes down to how much you want that particular thing, so they try to to just put it with in the justification band so it is a bit more but it is a bit better. every leader in there industry does this, look at Miele, Engel, Liebherr & Toyota ( put that in for a stir ) to name a few when the consumer no longer wishes to pay the premium the prices are adjusted.

What are you carrying on the roof racks ? Do they need to be heavy duty ? I know how you feel there are plenty of things that I really want but can't justify the extra in price.

I would think that the rubber strip is there to stop noise, just like the rubber on the roof racks

[AussieAnth]

In the land of everything for nothing, when a company can design something specific that fits the bill & has the consumer wanting for it then yes you ask more money.

It then comes down to how much you want that particular thing, so they try to to just put it with in the justification band so it is a bit more but it is a bit better. every leader in there industry does this, look at Miele, Engel, Liebherr & Toyota ( put that in for a stir ) to name a few when the consumer no longer wishes to pay the premium the prices are adjusted.

What are you carrying on the roof racks ? Do they need to be heavy duty ? I know how you feel there are plenty of things that I really want but can't justify the extra in price.

I would think that the rubber strip is there to stop noise, just like the rubber on the roof racks

The roof racks will be for occasonal use, and the heaviest things might be a 25kg gazebo, skis & snowboards, or a bit of fire wood. Sometime in the future it might take a couple of jerry cans on longer journeys, but mostly for lighter/longer awkward stuff that would otherwise go diagonally inside the canopy & kill my perfect game of tetris !!

[AussieAnth]

I waited for a 20% off sale at Auto One and installed myself. It is pretty simple job for drill, sikkaflex and rivet gun.

Thought I'd check out this "Auto One" mob, and wouldnt you know they currently have 20% off Rhino.

Ordered the Vortex RLTF track mounted kit for $507. I'll self install as well.

[Taggy]

I waited for a 20% off sale at Auto One and installed myself. It is pretty simple job for drill, sikkaflex and rivet gun.

Thought I'd check out this "Auto One" mob, and wouldnt you know they currently have 20% off Rhino.

Ordered the Vortex RLTF track mounted kit for $507. I'll self install as well.

Thanks for the heads up Anth and also the PM reply

Now i just need to figure out the closest Auto One store and order myself a set of these racks

[AussieAnth]

Felix at the Broadmeadows store sorted me out.

Pretty happy with the customer service so far. They took my inquiry, called me back twice while they chased it with the supplier, and got me exactly what I wanted at the 20% discount.

Its a sad world when that kind of basic customer service really impresses these days.

[aids84]

Just ordered the Rhino track mount system with the vortex bars from my local parts store (Pro-Parts). Told 'em Auto One were doing 20% off and they matched it gotta be happy with that.

[Duck]

All sorted then, post some pictures when you have then installed

[moses]

Just ordered the Rhino track mount system with the vortex bars from my local parts store (Pro-Parts). Told 'em Auto One were doing 20% off and they matched it gotta be happy with that.

What was the final $ figure? Been tempted to get a set for a while

[AussieAnth]

Just ordered the Rhino track mount system with the vortex bars from my local parts store (Pro-Parts). Told 'em Auto One were doing 20% off and they matched it gotta be happy with that.

What was the final $ figure? Been tempted to get a set for a while

Mine was just over $500.

[aids84]

Just ordered the Rhino track mount system with the vortex bars from my local parts store (Pro-Parts). Told 'em Auto One were doing 20% off and they matched it gotta be happy with that.

What was the final $ figure? Been tempted to get a set for a while

Mine was just over $500.

Yep I paid 515, there was a little bit of postage thrown on top

[Mudme]

I paid around 800 fitted from tjm