Allen vs Rhino Rack Roof Racks: Which Brand Fits You?
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This comparison looks at the Allen vs Rhino Rack roof rack options for carrying outdoor gear. Both brands offer durable carriers designed for vehicle roofs or trunks. The Allen Sports Deluxe is a trunk-mounted bike rack. The Rhino Rack Ski Arm is a roof-mounted carrier for winter sports. You need to decide between carrying bicycles or skis. The mounting style and intended cargo define the main difference. Your choice depends on whether you prefer trunk or roof attachment.
Key differences
| Aspect | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | Rhino Rack SKI ARM 4-Pair Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Type | Trunk | Roof |
| Capacity | 4 bikes | 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards |
| Construction | Not listed | Heavy duty aluminum |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces | 3 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack if
- You need to transport four bicycles and prefer trunk mounting.
- You want a lightweight carrier that folds flat for storage.
- You drive a sedan or hatchback without roof racks.
Choose Rhino Rack SKI ARM 4-Pair Universal if
- You need to carry skis or snowboards on a roof rack.
- You want heavy duty aluminum construction for durability.
- You need a carrier that works with universal roof racks.
Verdict: Choose the Allen Sports Deluxe if you primarily need to carry bicycles on a trunk. Choose the Rhino Rack Ski Arm if you need to transport winter sports gear on a roof rack. The decision rests on your cargo type and vehicle mounting options.
Allen vs Rhino Rack Comparison
Mounting Type
The Allen Sports Deluxe uses a trunk mount design. It attaches directly to the rear of your vehicle using straps and a padded lower frame. This method does not require existing roof rails. In contrast, the Rhino Rack Ski Arm is a roof-mounted carrier. It requires a compatible roof rack system on your vehicle for installation. It uses universal mounting brackets to attach to most roof racks. You must have the necessary roof infrastructure to use the Rhino Rack option. The Allen rack is self-contained for trunk mounting, while the Rhino Rack relies on your vehicle's existing roof rack system.
Bike Capacity
The Allen Sports Deluxe is designed specifically for carrying bicycles. It has a stated bike capacity of four bikes. The structure uses individual tie-downs to secure and protect each bicycle during transport. It folds fully flat for storage when not in use. The Rhino Rack data does not list a bike carrying capacity, as it is designed for winter sports and long gear. It holds up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards. It can also function as a fishing rod or wakeboard holder in summer. For bike transport, the Allen rack is the only viable option among these two products.
Ski and Board Capacity
The Rhino Rack Ski Arm offers significant capacity for winter sports gear. It holds up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards simultaneously. The internal dimension is twenty inches, allowing for substantial load volume. The external length is twenty-five inches. The Allen Sports Deluxe data does not list ski or board capacity, as its design is focused on bicycle transport. It lacks the specific arms and locking mechanisms needed for skis. If you need to transport skis or snowboards, the Rhino Rack is the clear choice. The Allen rack cannot accommodate this type of gear based on its specifications.
Build Material
The Rhino Rack Ski Arm is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum. This material choice provides rust and corrosion resistance, which is important for outdoor gear exposed to the elements. The build is designed for durability during frequent use. The Allen Sports Deluxe data does not explicitly state its primary build material, though it mentions a padded lower frame for vehicle protection. It features individual tie-downs and side straps for stability. While the Rhino Rack specifies its aluminum construction for longevity, the Allen rack focuses on a sturdy design for trunk mounting. The specific material composition for the Allen rack is not detailed in the provided data.
Security Features
The Rhino Rack Ski Arm includes security features for your gear. It comes with one set of two lockable arms and four keys. This allows you to lock your skis or snowboards to the carrier. The mechanism is master key compatible for added convenience. The Allen Sports Deluxe uses individual tie-downs to secure bicycles, but the data does not mention integrated locking mechanisms for the bikes themselves. It relies on straps for lateral stability. For secure transport of high-value winter sports equipment, the Rhino Rack offers built-in locking hardware. The Allen rack focuses on securing bikes through tension and padding rather than integrated locks.
Which Allen or Rhino Rack fits you
You need to transport four bicycles easily
The Allen Sports Deluxe rack holds four bikes securely. Its trunk mount design attaches directly to your vehicle without needing roof rails. The padded lower frame protects your car's finish. It folds fully flat for compact storage when not in use. This single configuration simplifies setup, allowing you to install the assembled rack in seconds.
You carry skis or snowboards on a roof rack
The Rhino Rack Ski Arm holds four pairs of skis or two snowboards. It mounts universally to most roof racks with included brackets. The heavy-duty aluminum construction resists rust and corrosion. The release mechanism works with gloved hands, which is useful in winter. It also fits fishing rods or wakeboards for year-round outdoor gear transport.
You want a simple, compact bike carrier
This Allen Sports Deluxe model features a sturdy design that fits most sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. Individual tie-downs secure each bicycle while protecting the frames. The left and right side straps provide lateral stability during travel. Its lightweight construction makes it manageable to handle. You get a reliable solution for bike transport without complex installation steps.
The products compared
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
Best for: carrying 4 bikes on a trunk
- Bike Capacity
- 4
- Mount Type
- trunk
- Folding
- folds fully flat
- Use
- Bike
- Weight
- 6.4 ounces
View on Amazon: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Affiliate link
This is the Allen Sports Deluxe trunk mount rack, designed to carry four bicycles. It features a single configuration design that simplifies installation and folds fully flat for storage. The padded lower frame protects your vehicle, while side straps provide lateral stability. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, it is a lightweight option for sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs.
Pros
- Carries up to 4 bikes
- Folds fully flat for storage
- Padded lower frame protects vehicle
- Fits most sedans and SUVs
Cons
- Trunk mount only, not roof
- No roof rack compatibility
- Heavy load capacity not listed
Good fit if
- You need to transport 4 bikes
- You want a trunk-mounted solution
- You value easy flat storage
Skip if
- You require roof rack mounting
- You need a roof box
- You prefer dedicated roof carriers
Verdict: Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Rack is a practical trunk-mounted carrier for carrying four bicycles, not a roof rack solution for cargo.
Rhino Rack SKI ARM 4-Pair Universal
Best for: carrying four pairs of skis
- Mount Type
- roof
- Vehicle Compatibility
- most roof racks
- Ski/Board Capacity
- 4 pairs skis or 2 snowboards
- Dimensions
- 28.7 × 6.69 × 5.91 inches
- Weight
- 3 pounds
View on Amazon: Rhino Rack SKI ARM 4-Pair Universal Affiliate link
This Rhino Rack ski arm holds four pairs of skis or two snowboards. It uses universal mounting brackets for most roof racks. The aluminum construction is rust-resistant and weighs three pounds. The arms lock with a master key system. You can use it for fishing rods or wakeboards too. The design fits glove-friendly operation for winter use.
Pros
- Holds four pairs of skis or two snowboards
- Universal mounting fits most roof racks
- Lockable arms with master key compatibility
- Glove-friendly release mechanism
- Rust-resistant aluminum construction
Cons
- Only carries four pairs of skis
- Requires separate roof rack installation
- Limited to specific winter sports gear
Good fit if
- You need to transport four pairs of skis
- You already have a compatible roof rack
- You want a lockable secure storage option
Skip if
- You need to carry more than four pairs of skis
- You do not have a roof rack installed
- You prefer a single-piece cargo box solution
Verdict: Rhino Rack Ski Arm 4-Pr Universal FIT is a secure, universal carrier for four pairs of skis that fits most roof racks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | Rhino Rack SKI ARM 4-Pair Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Capacity | 4 | not stated |
| Mount Type | trunk | roof |
| Folding | folds fully flat | not stated |
| Vehicle Compatibility | not stated | most roof racks |
| Ski/Board Capacity | not stated | 4 pairs skis or 2 snowboards |
| Use | Bike | Ski/Snowboard |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces | 3 pounds |
| Dimensions | not stated | 28.7 × 6.69 × 5.91 inches |
| Size | 4-Bike | 25inch external, 20inch internal |
| Color | Red/ Black | Black |
| Model | 104DB-R | 574 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Allen rack for roof cargo?
No. The Allen Sports Deluxe is a trunk-mounted bike rack. It is designed to carry four bicycles on the rear of your vehicle. It is not a roof rack solution for general cargo. You cannot mount it on your roof rails for carrying boxes or other items.
Does the Rhino Rack ski arm fit my car?
It is a universal carrier designed to fit most roof racks. The Rhino Rack SKI ARM attaches to existing roof bars. It is not a standalone rack. You must have compatible roof rails or crossbars on your vehicle to use this ski and snowboard carrier securely.
How many bikes does the Allen rack hold?
The Allen Sports Deluxe holds four bikes. It is rated for a bike capacity of four units. This makes it suitable for families or groups transporting multiple bicycles. The design focuses on securing two bikes per side on the trunk mount frame.
What is the weight of the Rhino Rack ski arm?
The Rhino Rack SKI ARM weighs three pounds. This lightweight design helps minimize the impact on your vehicle fuel economy. The compact size includes dimensions of twenty-eight point seven inches in length. It is easy to handle and install on your roof bars.
Can I carry snowboards with the Rhino Rack arm?
Yes. The Rhino Rack SKI ARM is designed for ski and snowboard use. It accommodates four pairs of skis or equivalent snowboard volume. The universal fit allows you to transport winter sports gear securely on your roof rack system without damaging your equipment.
Is the Allen rack heavy to install?
The Allen Sports Deluxe has a listed weight of six point four ounces for the model specification. However, this likely refers to a component or label weight. The full trunk mount system includes straps and a padded frame. Installation requires attaching these straps to your vehicle trunk area securely.
What color options are available for these racks?
The Allen Sports Deluxe comes in a red and black color scheme. The Rhino Rack SKI ARM is available in black. These colors are standard for their respective models. The color choice does not affect the mounting capability or cargo capacity of either carrier system.