MB factory roof rack system
- Thread starter dynaco1
- Start date
Altered Sprinter
Happy Little Vegemite
Thule your end, Rhino Pro Rak and Thule our end, there are slight variations as to cosmetic and construction minus the MB logo. MB charges more for the product marketed MB it may be slightly better with the build.???
Cheers Richard
Cheers Richard
dynaco1
Member
Based on excellent pictures and some estimated dimensions from Altered Sprinter, I have decided to investigate a lower profile and quieter roof rack system. Altered Sprinter mentioned Rhino.
I spoke with Rhino N.A. in Denver and decided to try their elliptical, more aerodynamic cross bars. This should reduce the overall rack height to 4 inches from the top of the MB factory c-track. Rhino has a 20% factory rebate promotion now, which makes the total cost for a pair of 71" wide cross bars and four bases $280 after free shipping.
I spoke with Rhino N.A. in Denver and decided to try their elliptical, more aerodynamic cross bars. This should reduce the overall rack height to 4 inches from the top of the MB factory c-track. Rhino has a 20% factory rebate promotion now, which makes the total cost for a pair of 71" wide cross bars and four bases $280 after free shipping.
dynaco1
Member
The Rhino rack system arrived from eTrailer. The Rhino feet hardware kit does not allow their bases to attach to the MB factory-installed C-channels properly. etrailer has passed the buck to Rhino. Now, I am waiting for a Rhino application engineer to respond with a possible solution....or maybe not. In the meantime, my $280 is tied-up. Maybe I should have purchased the MB racks.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Altered Sprinter
Happy Little Vegemite
Somethings not right on that one, as Rhino an Australian company along with his brother Prorak both fit the NCV.
I could find out for you with OE aftermarket numbers, I'll assume Rhino USA sand Oz have both identical numbering codes.
Cheers Richard
I could find out for you with OE aftermarket numbers, I'll assume Rhino USA sand Oz have both identical numbering codes.
Cheers Richard
Boxster1971
2023 Sprinter 2500 144wb AWD
What Rhino code number for the leg bases did you get? I wanted a low profile so I got Rhino code RLTPMV which are only 2 inches tall but are designed for the Porsche Cayenne/VW Toureg. I had to trim them on one end with my table saw to get them to fit properly.
The Rhino Rack code RLTF, which are 3 inches tall, are suppose to work on the Sprinter.
Altered Sprinter
Happy Little Vegemite
Update but limited on time till tonight.
RLTFMS Two and Four bar systems.
Model variants:SWB/LWB for MB Sprinter....VW Crafter MWB/LWB
Which varinat for length did you get?...They do fit.
There is removal of torx screws and replaced by legs/lugs.
Instructions are specific as to loads and placement of Chanel nut positioning where the bar crosses over plus sealants for waterproofing/ including rail bar removal if going through an automated car wash.
Cheers Richard
RLTFMS Two and Four bar systems.
Model variants:SWB/LWB for MB Sprinter....VW Crafter MWB/LWB
Which varinat for length did you get?...They do fit.
There is removal of torx screws and replaced by legs/lugs.
Instructions are specific as to loads and placement of Chanel nut positioning where the bar crosses over plus sealants for waterproofing/ including rail bar removal if going through an automated car wash.
Cheers Richard
dynaco1
Member
Rhino USA sent me a small hardware package via priority mail. Looks like it could be an improved version specifically for MB factory-issued Sprinter roof channels; could do the trick. Will not know for sure until it warms-up enough to melt the ice and snow on my roof mounting channels....
Last edited:
dynaco1
Member
The temperatures finally rose above freezing yesterday. Amen.
Robert at Rhino Rack USA in Denver worked diligently to help me fit the 71" (1800mm) Rhino Aero crossbars to the MB factory-installed roof rack channels. Thank you, Robert.
Hopefully, Rhino will utilize the detailed photographs emailed to them to assemble a kit for others to purchase.
My plan is to add a ~60" x ~48" meshed- basket or slatted-platform to the crossbars for cargo, like sandy beach chairs or wet swim toys.
Robert at Rhino Rack USA in Denver worked diligently to help me fit the 71" (1800mm) Rhino Aero crossbars to the MB factory-installed roof rack channels. Thank you, Robert.
Hopefully, Rhino will utilize the detailed photographs emailed to them to assemble a kit for others to purchase.
My plan is to add a ~60" x ~48" meshed- basket or slatted-platform to the crossbars for cargo, like sandy beach chairs or wet swim toys.
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BikeJozz
Member
Bumping this thread for a new question:
Anyone used Rhino Rack's C channels instead of the Mercedes ones? I don't have the OEM tracks on my van and the $$ MB is asking for the tracks is about 4 times the cost of the Rhino tracks.
I would like to know if the C channel cross section dimensions are the same in case I want to use Fiamma brackets made for MB OEM tracks.
emailed Rhino a few weeks ago with no response. Resent email a few minutes ago.
J.
Anyone used Rhino Rack's C channels instead of the Mercedes ones? I don't have the OEM tracks on my van and the $$ MB is asking for the tracks is about 4 times the cost of the Rhino tracks.
I would like to know if the C channel cross section dimensions are the same in case I want to use Fiamma brackets made for MB OEM tracks.
emailed Rhino a few weeks ago with no response. Resent email a few minutes ago.
J.
Boxster1971
2023 Sprinter 2500 144wb AWD
I've ordered many items from etrailer.com - they have great customer service. I'm using Rhino-Rack cross bars for my solar panels, but my Sprinter came with OEM roof rails so I can't help the OP much.
- - Mike
2013 Airstream Interstate from 2012 Sprinter 3500 tall & long
- - Mike
2013 Airstream Interstate from 2012 Sprinter 3500 tall & long
If you know you are going to go with Fiamma awning, you may want to get the factory rails.
The brackets are fitted ONLY for the factory racks. Height, and width and channel width comes into play, as well as relativity to roof height from the bottom of the rain channel.
Someone else has already found this out for us.
I'm sure you can make it work with some rigging and shimming/grinding, so just know what you're getting into.
I bought 10' L track to use as rails and once I saw this info, that put a stop to my install for the time being.
The brackets are fitted ONLY for the factory racks. Height, and width and channel width comes into play, as well as relativity to roof height from the bottom of the rain channel.
Someone else has already found this out for us.
I'm sure you can make it work with some rigging and shimming/grinding, so just know what you're getting into.
I bought 10' L track to use as rails and once I saw this info, that put a stop to my install for the time being.
I am searching for a roof rail option for a 2011 Freightliner 170WB hitop. I am told that the channels were "optional" in some of those years. I can get channels from THULE and piece them together to the desired length. I'm wondering if the whole headliner has to be removed to fasten these into place? Is there a better option than THULE? I want to use thule feet and rapid aero bars to cut down on noise.
Robert Sprinter
New member
Hi everyone,
Please tell me where to get the OEM extension of the roof racks (middle part of roof racks)
Thank you
Please tell me where to get the OEM extension of the roof racks (middle part of roof racks)
Thank you