Crossbar Track Bolts -- My Findings. What Are You Using?

[Riviot]

Today's rabbit hole is about T-bolts, square head bolts, t-slot bolts, track bolts, or whatever the internets may be calling them at any given moment (and to help others search for this thread in the future). I got cheap Amazon bolts last summer to mount my kayak rack to get it to the cabin/lake not far away, but it's time to replace with the real deal. Below are things I've found that'll work, pros/cons, links, and price per bolt.

What are y'all using out there? Any good deals we're missing?

Thanks to @jjswan33 for supplying great t-bolts and his previous links to Rhino-rack parts on eTrailers, it really helped me narrow the search today and get good data. Pics below.

Amazon
T Slot Bolts for Thule, Yakima Roof Rack Cross Bars, Platform, Cargo Basket, Stainless M6 / M8 x 30mm/35mm/65mm Square T Track Bolt Adapter to Secure Bike/Ski/Kayak Rack, Solar Panel, Awning https://a.co/d/4jKv8pr
Cheap, long, sharp edges. $1.33/ea

McMaster Carr
https://www.mcmaster.com/product/91465A158
Cheaper, thick head. $1.46/ea

eTrailer

Yakima replacement
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y8880184.html
Expensive, long. $5.56/ea

Rhino-rack provided/suggested by @jjswan33
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RR72XB.html
Perfect size, very secure, higher quality. $6.50/ea

Rhino-rack that looks like same above, but individual and cheaper?
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RR89HB.html
Same as above? $3.41/ea

Rhino-rack square head, m8 bolt
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RR93XB.html
Perfect fit! $4.50/ea

Rhino-rack square head, m6 bolt
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RR53XB.html
Same as above but different bolt size, $3.00/ea

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[booslim45]

These are what I used and I just bought a couple of locking nuts. I found that the 30mm was too long.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Bolts-Stainless-Anchoring-Straps/dp/B0BHY8MN9W/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2G5OZWSPI5HQV&keywords=M8+x+25mm/35mm/65mm+Square+T+Track+Bolt+Adapter&qid=1681352253&s=industrial&sprefix=m8+x+25mm/35mm/65mm+square+t+track+bolt+adapter,industrial,118&sr=1-2

 

[shrink]

Cheap, long, sharp edges

Cheaper, thick head

Expensive, long

Perfect size, very secure, higher quality.

 

[crp6789]

3/8" stainless carriage bolts, washer and nuts from any hardware store works great for me.

 

[Dark-Fx]

3/8" stainless carriage bolts, washer and nuts from any hardware store works great for me.

I've had issues with them getting jammed because the square part of the head isn't quite large enough to stop it from trying to rotate. They are good in a pinch but I wouldn't plan on using them long term.

 

[crp6789]

I've had issues with them getting jammed because the square part of the head isn't quite large enough to stop it from trying to rotate. They are good in a pinch but I wouldn't plan on using them long term.

Mine do not seem to have that issue but YMMV

 

[WattTruckMatt]

I've had issues with them getting jammed because the square part of the head isn't quite large enough to stop it from trying to rotate. They are good in a pinch but I wouldn't plan on using them long term.

Same here. Ordered some Rhino-Racks square bolts. Thanks @Riviot !

 

[jjswan33]

FYI I have a couple of these left over (and no longer own Rivian crossbars):

Rhino-rack square head, m8 bolt
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RR93XB.html
Perfect fit! $4.50/ea

If anyone in the Sandy area is in desperate need of a couple hit me up with a DM.

 

[Phatman113]

Amazon
T Slot Bolts for Thule, Yakima Roof Rack Cross Bars, Platform, Cargo Basket, Stainless M6 / M8 x 30mm/35mm/65mm Square T Track Bolt Adapter to Secure Bike/Ski/Kayak Rack, Solar Panel, Awning https://a.co/d/4jKv8pr
Cheap, long, sharp edges. $1.33/ea

I used these, no issues with them...

 

[Stationmaster]

This information is great. Thanks to all.

 

[Riviot]

I used these, no issues with them...

They don't seem too long for flimsy? Look like weak welds to me.

 

[Phatman113]

They don't seem too long for flimsy? Look like weak welds to me.

So far, no concerns, just holding my ski/board mounts, so nothing super heavy. I might not use them for a RTT or heavy box...

 

[ansky]

3/8" stainless carriage bolts, washer and nuts from any hardware store works great for me.

About to do a write up for a Roam box install in which i used 3/8 carriage bolts. Had my shop shave down the dome and they work perfectly, and come in endless sizes.

 

[moosehead]

Great topic. I bent a set of flimsier versions so went ahead and paid a premium for me RE robust set from trailer like others above.

I also prefer a good aftermarket set of solid bars, locking components, etc. These may look nice but do not have the same fit and function. YMMV.

 

[camaroz1985]

Amazon
T Slot Bolts for Thule, Yakima Roof Rack Cross Bars, Platform, Cargo Basket, Stainless M6 / M8 x 30mm/35mm/65mm Square T Track Bolt Adapter to Secure Bike/Ski/Kayak Rack, Solar Panel, Awning https://a.co/d/4jKv8pr
Cheap, long, sharp edges. $1.33/ea

I have my awning and shower mounted with these.

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