Review: Rhino-Rack for Nissan Patrol Y61

You might know that I frequently take friends out camping in the desert.  There are times when I can’t fit everything I want to take in my roomy Patrol LWB, so I’ve been searching for a roofrack since last winter.

On impulse I bought a cheap and boxy one locally in sanaiya – you cannot believe the wind noise from it, even at 80kph – so I disposed of it by doing a deal with a friend with a noisy old jeep which travels neither fast nor far and it’s doing fine with him.

I trawled the for-sale ads in Dubizzle and found a good roof rack tray, but by the time I added the cost of the legs and cross-bars required to carry it did not seem such a bargain.  There was nothing for it but to dig my hands deeper into my pocket!

The next step was to research all the top international brands and decide which one would be best for me

My criteria was

a) length – at least 2 metres long

b) side rails – looks better and keeps the load in place

c) noise – should not add too much noise when travelling at 120kph

d) accessories – wanted to be able to buy them off the shelf in the UAE

I finally plumped for a Rhino-Rack, supplied by Oomen Jacob and his team at TORC (The Offroad Company).

Their showroom is easy to find (pinned on Google Maps)

Firstly, we sat down over a cup of coffee and talked about….offroading of course!  These guys really know their stuff, not only for roofracks but also for vehicle mods in general.

They asked about the loads I plan to carry and the terrain to be crossed and recommended the the Pioneer Platform Tray with Sidebars as the best option.  To quote from the Rhino-Rack brochure “The Pioneer Platform is made from reinforced nylon and aluminium which creates a lightweight strength that is seriously durable. These non-corrosive Pioneer Platforms have withstood testing in the harshest conditions around the world so you know they can be trusted.”

The TORC team fitted it in a couple of hours in their workshop which adjoins their showroom.

The Y61 has “old fashioned” gutter mounts but TORC has a range of  leg brackets to cover all fixing options. I think it looks good on my car – makes it look like a serious overlander! (wish I’d washed it before these photos were taken tho!)

The Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform covers most of the roof but is situated nearer the back of the car for easy loading (best for short people like me)

The platform and sides are fine to be going on with but in time I will no doubt add some accessories – TORC has a good range in stock which is ideal for impatient shoppers like me – I often take forever to decide on a purchase but once I choose something I want it asap!

It’s not really camping weather in the UAE at the moment but I am planning a trip to the Umm As Sameem in September so I am all set up and ready to go for that!  Thanks to the TORC team for their guidance and for fitting a quality product.  You’ve won yourselves a long-term customer who will definitely be back for more!

TORC – The Off Road Company

Al Quoz – Dubai

Tel 04 331 2533

GPS – N25.137882 E55.233405