If you enjoy going on outdoor adventures and are always on the go, you’re probably considering a roof rack for your vehicle.
A roof rack helps expand a vehicle’s storage capacity and can transport many heavy objects like travel bags or even kayaks.
Roof racks also have the hidden benefit of increasing your car’s wind resistance!
Rhino, Thule, and Yakima are three of the most popular roof rack brands on the market. Each of these brands flaunts its own set of benefits and can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, but which one is better?
Let’s find out in this Rhino Rack vs Thule vs Yakima comparison!
Overview of Rhino Rack Products
Rhino Rack roof racks are designed for heavy-duty use. Some Rhino Rack products can handle up to 331 pounds. Their roof racks are both sturdy and long-lasting.
There are Rhino Rack products that can easily be adjusted to different lengths to accommodate different needs.
The brand also offers bike racks that are made of lightweight components. They’re quite flexible and have features that can help keep your bike safe in position.
All Rhino Rack crossbars are made of aluminum. They’re coated for added corrosion protection, so they’re highly resilient to rust.
Rhino Rack’s pads, on the other hand, are made of a unique variety of rubber that remains soft and malleable in all weather conditions.
The wind shielding of Rhino Rack products deflects air away from your gear. This removes any whistling noises.
Overview of Thule Products
Thule roof racks are more expensive than Rhino Rack and Yakima roof racks, but they provide excellent value for the price.
They’re built with high-end features that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of their racks are cutting-edge in terms of design and practicality.
Roof racks from Thule can normally hold equipment weighing up to 70 pounds. They might be able to handle more weight, but note that Thule racks’ capacity is limited by the weight limit of the car’s roof.
The aerodynamic bar is at the heart of Thule’s crossbar products. They’re designed like wings that glide through the air quietly. Thule also offers round and square bars.
Thule’s crossbars are easy to use with extras as it has features like T-track attachment hooks and integrated locks.
As for Thule truck bed racks, they’re designed for those who require heavy-duty racks on their vehicles at all times. They’re made of aluminum and can hold up to 1,250 pounds of weight.
Overview of Yakima
People that are on a tight budget but still require functionality can benefit from Yakima’s range of products. They provide great value by keeping a low cost while maintaining high quality.
Yakima products are compatible with most vehicles, making them one of the most popular providers in the current market. Yakima excels at making crossbars, truck racks, and bike racks.
The Flushbar from Yakima is simply the best crossbar on the market today. The bar is so much quieter than other bars.
Yakima presently offers ten distinct cargo carriers/boxes starting from $500. Generally, Yakima cargo carriers are taller. The tall box size provides greater packing room to the user.
Yakima’s truck bed racks are designed to be versatile. Only the support beams are integrated when you purchase one of their truck bed racks. This gives you the freedom to pick a crossbar that is suitable for you. In addition, the supports can be raised and lowered.
Yakima dominates the rooftop bike mount market. They’re also known for their reliable hangers.
Rhino vs Thule vs Yakima: Which Brand is the Best?
When it comes to roof racks, Rhino, Thule, and Yakima are all excellent options. To determine which is the best, consider what you want to use the roof rack for.
Here are some important points that can help you make a decision:
Sports Racks
The Thule has several roof-mounted bike racks and sports carriers to choose from. Rhino Rack is known for producing low-profile ski racks. The Yakima, on the other hand, leads in the rooftop bike mount market.
Verdict
When it comes to bike racks, Yakima is the best. Thule, on the other hand, is the best option for other sports-related carriers because it offers a variety of options.
Wind Fairing
The whistling sound that bars can generate can be extremely irritating. As a result, wind fairing must be made of high-quality materials that are designed to reduce wind noise by deflecting air around your gear, keeping it quiet while you drive.
Verdict
Although the noise levels of the three brands are nearly identical, Thule is shown to be a little quieter than the Rhino Rack and Yakima.
Thule also offers round and square bars designs, which are hard to find in markets nowadays.
Accessories
When it comes to roof racks, accessories can be very crucial. However, not all roof racks accept components from brands other than their own, which might be restrictive.
Verdict
The accessories from Rhino Rack can be applied to other brands’ roofs like the Thule and Yakima. However, some adjustments using a fit kit may be required in some cases.
Not to mention that the rack is compatible with the majority of automobiles and can be used with automobiles that don’t have a hitch mount.
Weight Capacity
Rhino Rack and Thule should be your first choices if you need a roof rack that can handle a lot of weight.
Their racks are constructed from ultra-durable, high-quality materials to ensure that they will not break, shatter, or malfunction over time.
Verdict
For heavy-duty racks, the Thule takes the cake. They’re made of strong materials and have a high weight capacity. Although, of course, the weight may vary slightly depending on the car’s carrying capacity.
Wrap Up
Roof racks may be an optional accessory for your vehicle, but they offer a ton of value that, in some cases, they can be essential.
A roof rack expands your storage capacity and allows you to carry all your gear. However, for the racks to last, they must be of good quality.
Three of the best brands on the market right now are Rhino, Thule, and Yakima. Each is ideal for specific purposes.
For instance, Yakima is ideal for bike racks. Thule is designed to withstand hard use and wind. In addition, the Rhino is ideal for adding extra accessories.
Whichever of these brands you choose, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.