RCH Legs vs Backbone Legs for Pioneer Platform Roof Rack on 2017 GMC Yukon XL

Question:

I’m getting a 2017 Yukon XL and it appears to have three locations for bar attachments with these legs on the flush mount side rails. If I’m using the pioneer platform, should I have three sets of these legs or just two? Would the additional set of legs increase my load weight for the platform? Or is that overkill? What is the difference between using the leg attachments and the backbone system?

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

Having three sets of mounting points on the flush side rails on your roof is normal. You would still only need two legs. Getting three would not increase your weight capacity on your pioneer platform. If anything, three legs would be used if you're mounting three crossbars to increase the amount of surface you can put stuff on. In that case, just get a platform so that you can use ALL the space.

Now, let's compare the RCH Legs # RRRCH4 with the Backbone Mounting System # RR68AB that comes with the Pioneer Platform. Usually, people would get the RCH Legs plus a custom-fit kit # RRRCP43-BK if they already have Rhino-Rack Crossbars or the Pioneer Platform # RR75TB. If you use the legs with the platform rack, you might get a little extra clearance compared to the backbone mounting system, but anything mounted to the platform rack should use the t-track channels and won't need as much clearance underneath anyways.

All in all, the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack with Backbone Mounting System # RR68AB is a complete and awesome system as is. The Backbone System will bring the platform tight against your side rails, creating a more low-profile and streamlined roof rack.