A1 Roof Racks is clearing out selected Rhino-Rack Bike Carriers.
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Stock is limited as these carriers are on clearance. Once they sell out, they're gone.
Whats the main difference between the RBC008 vs the 053? Is it just one is a tow ball mount and one isn't? Any specific advantages to the 053 that warrants the higher price? Newbie at this so just looking to educate myself - thanks
Functionally, that's pretty much it. There are a few handy features the RBC053 has that make it a little easier to use (like the handles for folding and collapsing the carrier) but you'd be hard-pressed to find much difference between them unless they were sat side by side.The warranty is the same, the capacity is the same etc.I wish I had more to justify the price jump but it's really just that the RBC053 is the 'newer' carrier in the range that dictates that price difference.
The towball mounting on the RBC008 is very secure, but I personally prefer using the hitch if the option exists as it firms everything up a smidge and provides me with more comfort.
FYI - Rhino don't sell replacement straps for the 61018 Thru-Axle Carrier. So, hypothetically, if your partner drives into a low height carpark in your tall vehicle and the straps get ripped in half you're out of luck.
I'm sure we can get you a cradle and strap combination as a spare part, if not the strap itself. Feel free to drop an email with your details to [email protected] and mark it attention Tom and I'll chase it up for you on Monday.
Thanks for the offer but I sorted out something that works (Thule I think). It’s not as long and only one side ratcheting. lucky I don’t have fat tyres.
Genuine question but why get one of these (e.g. RBC008) over one of the cheap ones from Repco, SCA, Anaconda, etc?
Hi!
Great question. There's a few different versions available at SCA/Repco/Anaconda but most commonly it will boil down to 3 things; secure fit, convenience and product support.
The RBC008 has bike frame cradles that distribute weight more evenly across a larger surface area, which means less sway and a more secure hold. Cheaper carriers often use padded arms that, while flexible for fitting more or different types of bikes, can put uneven pressure on your bike frame and cause more movement. Plus, the RBC008 and more expensive carriers like it generally have a better strap system - the straps are held in place by the cradles, so they stay aligned and don’t slip around.
Another thing to consider is security. With the RBC008, you can lock your bikes to the carrier and the carrier to your car. Some budget options might lack these features or require add-ons, which could end up costing you more in the long run.
The convenience factor are things like the tilting design (to allow you to access your boot or tailgate with a fully loaded bike carrier on the car) or how the carrier mounts to the car without (or with minimal) tools. Do the arms fold down conveniently while the carrier is on the car but the bikes aren't loaded? This means you don't have to worry about finding a home for your carrier while you're enjoying a ride on your bike.
Another factor is durability. For instance, the padded arms on some budget carriers can wear out or disintegrate quickly, especially if they’re exposed to a lot of sun and rain. The more expensive gear tends to hold up better over time, which means less hassle and fewer replacements.
The last thing is product support. If something goes wrong, how likely is it that support is going to be a hassle. For a brand like Rhino-Rack, you've got their engineering, warranty support and extensive reseller network to back you up. If something goes wrong and the carrier failing is at fault, you, your bikes and other property damaged are all covered. That's not going to be something exclusive to Rhino-Rack as reputable brands like SCA, Repco etc will all offer the same level of support, it just depends on how many people or hoops you have to go through to access that support.
At the end of the day, it really depends on your situation. If you’ve got a high-end bike or you’re planning to do a lot of highway or off-road driving, investing in a solid carrier like the RBC008 makes a lot of sense. But if it’s just for short trips with a couple of regular bikes, a budget option might do the trick just fine.
Thank you for such a thorough and unbiased answer :)
will the RBC053 fit a toyota landcruiser 200 without towball?