Van Pipe Carriers

This is the choice worth getting right first, and the difference matters more than most buyers expect. Picking the wrong one can mean marked stock, or simply paying for protection you do not need.

At a glance

Unlined pipe carriers

An unlined carrier is open from end to end, with no internal lining taking up space. That gives it the higher capacity of the two — 66 x 15mm tubes against 59 in the lined equivalent — and the lower weight, at 12.74kg against 17kg, which puts less load on your roof rack. Pipes sit directly against the aluminium interior, so softer or more valuable materials can pick up light contact marks in transit.

Best for: plumbers and heating engineers carrying mainly copper tube. Copper handles direct contact without any practical issue, and the extra capacity and lower weight make unlined the better day-to-day choice.

Lined pipe carriers

A lined carrier adds an internal PVC lining between your pipes and the aluminium shell. You give up some capacity and carry a little more weight in exchange for a protective barrier along the full length of the tube.

Best for: anyone carrying plastic pipe, pre-finished materials, or stock where a surface mark means it cannot be used.

The Rhino PipeTube Pro replaced the earlier RP21 and is the benchmark for van pipe carriers. Both variants share the same body: 6063A T6 aluminium with 30% glass-filled nylon nose cones, in a powder-coated black finish. Aluminium does not rust, so the carrier keeps its integrity and appearance through years of rain, road salt and UV. An anodised silver finish is also available.

Specification

Why it is built this way

• Dual access. Twin openings at both ends let you load and unload from either side of the vehicle, instead of threading every length from a single point.
• Integral locking. The lock is built into both nose cones rather than relying on an exposed padlock shackle, so it is more tamper-resistant and there is nothing separate to lose.
• Weather sealed. A hidden rubber O-ring in each bulkhead keeps the contents dry when the carrier is closed.
• Fits what you already have. Supplied with a standard fitting bracket and spacers, compatible with Rhino roof racks and roof bars and most other systems.