The Bottom Line
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is a quality universal roof rack with a good warranty. Providing the cost doesn’t discourage you it will make for a great investment. It’s hard to go wrong with such a well-built rack with this many accessories.
At a Glance
Mount Type:
Barefoot Mount
Capacity:
165 lbs
Bar Length:
59.93 inches
Profile:
2500
Rhino Racks have been creating products since 1992. They’re an Australian company that prides itself on offering the best and most diverse roof racks possible.
The roof rack is the ultimate accessory for any vehicle. Whether you’re looking to carry cargo on your roof, kayaks, a bike, or strap some furniture, you’ll need a roof rack. The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 will allow you to carry an array of gear or equipment on your roof while still being able to tow your trailer. Alternatively, use the trailer for your kayaks and bikes, leaving the roof free for one of the Rhino Rack tent options. By the time you’re finished, your car will be a mini-camper.
Here’s what you need to know:
A Bunch Of Strengths
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is more than just strong by name; it’s strong by nature:
Easy Installation
Your Vortex 2500 comes with four legs and a fitting kit. These are designed to fit on any vehicle that doesn’t already have roof bars or gutters. The legs are designed to hook inside your vehicle’s door frame and then lock firmly into position.
You can then place the bars onto your roof. You’ll need to determine the right distance between them, which varies according to your vehicle.
Ensure the clamp is located over the vehicle’s door frame, and then tighten the Allen bolts with the tool supplied. Do the same for all four legs, and you’re done!
It is worth noting that different clamps are depending on your vehicle. Make sure you specify the vehicle when ordering the Vortex 2500. The clamps will be contoured to match the shape of your vehicle’s roof.
Compatible With MasterKey
Although your Rhino Rack is easy to fit, it is not easy to remove unless you have the tool (which you do). However, the feet have space for MasterKey locking cylinders for added peace of mind.
These slide in, locking the covers, making it impossible for anyone to get to the roof rack securing mechanism. In short, the Rhino Rack isn’t coming off unless you want it to.
You can also use chain locks to secure your items to the roof bars, allowing extra peace of mind when leaving your vehicle unattended.
Aerodynamic
Thanks to the addition of rubber strips, the bars are surprisingly aerodynamic and noise-free. These strips are designed to ensure the wind goes over the bars, preventing the tunneling effect that creates whistling. You’ll hardly even notice a difference in your miles per gallon.
Glass Reinforced Nylon Legs
The bars, made from steel, are very strong and durable. They’ll be able to handle as much weight as you want to put on them in conjunction with the maximum load weight of your car. You can check this in your car handbook.
The legs are made from glass-reinforced nylon, making them light but exceptionally strong. If you’ve fitted the Vortex 2500 correctly, it won’t go anywhere!
Accessories
Getting the Vortex 2500 on your vehicle is only the first step. Once it is in the position, you can add any accessories. Rhino Racks have many accessories, including kayak mounts, cargo boxes, and even cargo nets.
But you don’t have to stick to the Rhino Racks accessory list. The majority of providers of vehicle-carrying equipment will be compatible with your new rack.
Customer Service
It’s worth noting that the customer service support team at Rhino Rack is excellent. They will be very helpful and responsive if you have a query regarding your product or installation.
Protection
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is equipped with rubber pads to ensure that no damage is done to your vehicle when installing it. You’ll also note rubber pads are covering the bars as well. This is to protect your bars and the items that you’re carrying.
Negatives
Of course, there are no perfect products!
Fitting
If you don’t get the installation right, you’ll get a lot of wind noise. This isn’t strictly a fault with the Vortex 2500, but checking your fitting before you chase customer services is worth checking.
Cost
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is a solid, well-made rack. But it’s not the cheapest on the market. You’ll need to consider if the cost is worthwhile before you invest. The answer to this will depend on what you’re carrying and how often you carry items.
Comparison with Alternative Options
While the Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is a great product, it competes in a saturated market with a lot of other roof bar racking systems. The table below compares this rack with six similar products that you can consider before making your final purchase decision. We’ve listed the Pros and cons of each, as well as the weight capacity and mounting type.
| Product | Pros | Cons | Weight Capacity | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 | – Aerodynamic design – Versatile accessory compatibility | – Specific vehicle fitment – Some wind noise at high speeds | Up to 75kg (165lbs) | Door jamb clamp-on |
| Thule AeroBlade Edge | – Aerodynamic shape – Quick installation | – Premium price – Need adapters for some accessories | Varies by vehicle | Integrated or raised rail |
| Yakima JetStream | – Aerodynamic design – T-slot attachment system | – Premium price – Requires specific mounts for accessories | Up to 75kg (165lbs) | T-slot |
| Kuat Vagabond X | – Integrated cargo basket – Durable build | – Bulky design – Limited to basket shape for cargo | Up to 73kg (160lbs) | Universal mounts |
| Whispbar Flush Bar | – Ultra-quiet operation – Sleek design | – Premium price – Limited mounting options | Up to 75kg (165lbs) | Integrated towers |
| Prorack S-Wing | – Quiet performance – Easy fitting system | – Limited accessory compatibility – Less aerodynamic than competitors | Up to 75kg (165lbs) | Clamp-on or custom fit |
| RockyMounts Flagstaff Towers and Ouray Crossbars | – Sturdy build – Sleek appearance | – Limited to specific vehicles – Premium price | Varies by vehicle | T-slot or clamp-on |
Note: The weight capacities provided are general guidelines. Always check with the manufacturer for specific weight capacities based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Conclusion
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is a versatile car roof crossbar system that can be used as a base for almost any add-on roof-racking system, whether it be roof bike racks, cargo boxes, cargo baskets, or kayak racks. It’s not the cheapest option on the market but you get what you pay for; this is a high quality product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to install the Rhino Rack Vortex 2500?
Installing the Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 is straightforward. The package includes all the necessary hardware and a detailed instruction manual. Most users can complete the installation in under an hour without professional assistance. The rack system clamps onto your vehicle’s door jamb without the need for drilling, ensuring a secure fit and easy removal if required.
How much weight can the Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 support?
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 has a weight capacity that varies based on the specific vehicle it’s installed on. Generally, it can support up to 75kg (165lbs), but it’s essential to consult your vehicle’s roof load rating and the product specifications to ensure you don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity. Always distribute the weight evenly across the bars.
Can I add accessories to the Vortex 2500?
Yes, the Vortex 2500 is designed to be compatible with a range of Rhino Rack accessories and third-party products. From bike carriers to ski mounts, the Vortex’s T-slot channel system allows users to easily customize their roof rack setup for different adventures and equipment needs.
How does the Vortex 2500 compare to other roof rack systems?
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 stands out due to its aerodynamic design, ease of installation, and adaptability with various accessories. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the sleek design minimizes wind noise and resistance. Compared to other roof rack systems, it offers a great balance between functionality, aesthetics, and affordability.
Will the door jamb clamp-on on Vortex 2500 damage my cars paintwork?
The Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 uses a door jamb clamp-on system that’s designed to be non-invasive and car-friendly. When installed correctly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines, it shouldn’t damage your car’s paintwork.
A UK native, passionate writer, and outdoorsman, Nathan enjoys piercing words together to share his knowledge on cycling, kayaking, and camping in intriguing and engaging ways. As a father to twins and a keen runner, he is passionate about helping people make the most of their time and health.
In these days of COVID-19, it seems anything to do with bikes and kayaks is flying off the shelves, roof racks included. When I first started looking for racks, I wanted cheap, but my options were limited by availability. I found myself looking at this particular rack, and having no other options, bought it. Was this rack ever a surprise! The quality, engineering and instructions are superb. The instructions are tailored to a specific vehicle, and the rack fits precisely. it’s a solid fit, and in my opinion, well worth the money….you get what you pay for.