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A River Quiver is a vehicle-mounted fly rod transport system designed to carry fully rigged rods safely at highway speed. It mounts to your roof rack, truck bed, or cargo rails and keeps rods locked, padded, and protected from wind, vibration, dust, and impact — without making you break your rig down at the end of every trip.

Standard River Quiver — carries rods fully rigged up to 10'4". The right choice for most anglers on most vehicles.

ShortCut River Quiver — carries rods folded in half (up to 10'4") in a compact 5'8¾" carrier. Best for smaller vehicles, reduced overhang, or truck bed installs.

Truck Bed River Quiver — mounts inside your truck bed via cargo rails or direct panel attachment. The most discreet option — rods are out of sight and locked.

Euro River Quiver — carries rods up to 11'4" fully rigged, using a rigid 12" aluminum Euro Extension Kit. The only system in the category that carries four rods over 10 feet.

The 2-Banger holds two rods, is narrower (8" wide), lighter, and works with more rack setups. It is the right starting point for most customers.

The 4-Banger holds four rods and is wider (14.2"). It requires a more structured rack with at least 33" of crossbar spacing. Side mounting and overland basket racks are more challenging with the 4-Banger due to its width and weight.

Standard: 10'5¾" long · 2-Banger 22 lbs / 4-Banger 44 lbs · Height 7.4"

ShortCut: 5'8¾" long · 2-Banger 15 lbs / 4-Banger 25 lbs · Height 7.4"

Euro: 11'5¾" long · 2-Banger 24 lbs / 4-Banger 47 lbs · Height 7.4"

Truck Bed: 68.75" (rods to 10'4") or 59.25" (rods to 9'6") · 2-Banger 15 lbs / 4-Banger 22 lbs

Height off the crossbar ranges from 3⅜" to 6" depending on the mount selected.

If your rods are 10'4" or shorter, a Standard River Quiver works. For rods up to 11'4", you need the Euro River Quiver, which includes a rigid 12" aluminum extension. The extension adds full-length protected rod channel — not a plastic cap or telescoping sleeve. It's the only system in the category that carries four fully rigged Euro rods.

Yes. The ShortCut is built for exactly this situation — it carries rods folded in half in a carrier less than 6 feet long, dramatically reducing overhang. It comes with Rod Chairs to keep folded rods organized and tangle-free, so you still arrive ready to fish without rigging in the parking lot.

• Standard: up to 10'4" fully rigged
• ShortCut: up to 10'4" folded in half
• Truck Bed: up to 10'4" (68"+ config) or up to 9'6" (60–68" config)
• Euro: up to 11'4" fully rigged

The River Quiver has the largest internal tube diameter in its category and fits virtually all 8–12 weight reels, including large arbor saltwater rigs up to 5" in diameter. A small number of oversized reels are known not to fit: the Tibor Pacific, Siegler XBF, and a handful of oversized Cheeky reels. If you're unsure about your reel, contact us before ordering.

Yes, as long as the fighting butt is under 4 inches. Fighting butts longer than 4 inches may not clear the reel box opening.

Yes. The River Quiver holds rods side by side in the extrusion tubes. You can mix lengths as long as all rods fit within the maximum length for that model. Rod Chairs and Rig Wraps can help keep rods separated and organized during transport.

Rig Wraps are full-length braided sleeves that slide over fully rigged rods before loading into the River Quiver. They protect the rod blank, guides, and cork from abrasion, prevent hooks and flies from snagging adjacent rods, and keep multi-fly rigs tangle-free. They are especially useful for anglers running multiple flies, fishing heavy rods, or anyone who does not clean their River Quiver regularly. The tighter weave resists hook penetration — and if a hook does push through, it removes cleanly.

Rod Chairs are small foam saddles that clip onto a rod section to space and buffer rods inside the River Quiver extrusion. They prevent rods from shifting, rattling, or contacting each other during transport — especially useful on rough or unpaved roads.

Rod Chairs are included with every ShortCut and Truck Bed River Quiver, where they also hold folded rod sections in place to prevent tangles. They can be added to any River Quiver setup.

A few things to know:

• Rod Chairs can be lost in wind when loading or unloading — keep track of them at the tailgate
• For fully rigged multi-fly rigs or heavier rods, Rig Wraps provide tighter control and are often the better choice
• Rod Chairs and Rig Wraps can be used together for maximum organization

Yes, with a small adjustment to how the reel sits on the rod. Because Spey and switch rods have longer butt sections, connect the reel to the back butt section using a reel cover or rubber band before loading. When you arrive at the water, simply re-attach the reel into the reel seat and you are ready to fish.

The ShortCut River Quiver comes with Rod Chairs — small foam saddles that clip onto your rod section to keep it secure and organized while folded in half inside the carrier. They are simple to attach and remove, leaving you ready to fish quickly when you arrive.

Rig Wraps are a great complement to Rod Chairs, especially for multi-fly rigs or heavier rods. The braided sleeve slides over the full rigged rod before loading, preventing hooks and flies from snagging guides and adjacent rods. Rod Chairs and Rig Wraps can be used together for maximum organization.

Standard Mount — works with most factory crossbars, Yakima, and Thule-style bars. The most common choice for straightforward roof installs.

Quick Release Mount — removes the entire River Quiver without tools in seconds. Best if you remove your Quiver frequently for garages, shared vehicles, or seasonal storage.

Low-Profile T-Track Mount — for racks with integrated T-track crossbars (Yakima, Thule, Rhino-Rack, Front Runner, and many overland platforms). Adds the least height of any mount option. Note: included hardware is 18mm square — some platforms like Prinsu or Sherpa may require different hardware.

Truck Bed Mount — attaches to cargo rail T-tracks or directly into the bed panel. Rigid mounting surface required — gaps under drop-in bed liners cause flex and should be avoided.

• Low-Profile T-Track Mount: less than 3" off the crossbar — lowest profile available
• Quick Release Mount: approximately 4" off the crossbar
• Standard Mount: approximately 5" off the crossbar

The total height added to your vehicle depends on how high your crossbars already sit. Always measure your overall vehicle height with the River Quiver installed and note it — especially for garages and parking structures.

Yes. For crossbars thicker than 1.5" with the Standard Mount, you will need Extended Mounting Bolts. These add 1" to the standard bolt length. This is also required if you are using a spacer kit.

It depends on the mount:

• Standard Mount — does not include a lock, but can be upgraded with custom locking bolts. These use unique bolt heads and a matching coded key to further secure the River Quiver to your roof rack.
• Quick Release Mount — includes a uniquely keyed lock.
• Low-Profile T-Track Mount — includes security bolts for additional convenience and security.

This is the most common QR installation issue and has two causes:

• The mount was not pivoted before fitting. The latch must open fully — vertically — before the strap can seat around the crossbar. Pivot the mount until the latch opens all the way.
• The strap is not loosened enough. Loosen the strap adjustment bolt until the strap can comfortably seat around the crossbar, then gradually tighten until the latch closes firmly and cleanly.

Never force the latch closed. Adjust the strap tension until it closes naturally.

• Mini ratchet with 4mm hex bit — the fastest and easiest way to drive coupler and mount bolts. Much more efficient than a standard 4mm Allen wrench, especially in tight spaces. Highly recommended.
• 4mm hex wrench (included multi-tool works, but a mini ratchet is easier)
• 10mm nut driver (for T-stud nuts on risers)
• Measuring tape
• Marking utensil

An installation multi-tool is included with every River Quiver. For truck bed installs, you will also need a drill and 3/8" hex bit for direct panel attachment.

The coupler joins the two extrusion halves into one continuous tube. Getting it right protects your rods:

1. Support both halves on a flat surface — keep them level and even.
2. Apply gentle inward pressure at the joint while starting all bolts by hand. If a bolt won't start by hand, stop and realign — do not force it.
3. Tighten bolts evenly, alternating back and forth. Do not fully tighten one before the others.
4. Check the seam — there should be zero gap between the extrusions. Even a small gap creates a catch point inside the tube that can scratch or damage rod blanks.

Wider spacing is always better — it reduces leverage, flex, and vibration at each mount point.

• 4-Banger: 33" minimum
• 2-Banger: 28" minimum
• ShortCut: no strict minimum, but must be fully supported by two crossbars

• Mounts are fully seated with no movement
• Bolts are firm — not over-cranked
• No gap at the coupler seam
• Reel box opens and closes without interference
• Hatch or tailgate clears the reel box
• Vehicle height is recorded

After installation, drive a short distance and recheck all hardware. Recheck before trips, after rough terrain, and at regular intervals.

Yes — the River Quiver can be mounted reel box up, reel box down, sideways, or hanging below a compatible rack. There is no performance difference between orientations when the system is clean, properly installed, and maintained. The T-tracks on both top and bottom of the extrusion support all orientations.

1. Use a 4mm hex wrench to remove the existing coupler bolts. Remove the top and bottom couplers and separate the two halves.
2. Place the Euro Extension between the two halves. Use the original couplers plus the additional set included in the kit. Tighten all bolts evenly — no gap between extrusions.
3. If your mounting brackets need to shift position to align with crossbars, loosen the riser nut with a 10mm nut driver, slide to the correct position, and retighten.
4. Reinstall on the vehicle. Confirm the reel box does not block the hatch. Tighten mounting hardware evenly from side to side.

Important: Do not install more than one Euro Extension Kit per River Quiver, and do not use one on a Quiver already 11'4" or longer.

Yes. Most SUVs with a rear hatch require both mounting brackets to be on the rear half of the coupler to avoid hatch interference — this is normal and does not affect performance. Simply move the mounts to the opposite mounting track and mount the River Quiver reel box up. The River Quiver performs identically in any orientation — reel box up, reel box down, sideways, or hanging below the rack. If needed, the rear Riversmith logo can be flipped and re-adhered.

This is common on some earlier-generation vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner and Honda CRV. If your crossbars sit less than 1.5" above the roofline, the standard mounting bolts may be too long and require shorter bolts, sold separately. This is common on earlier generation Toyota 4Runner and Honda CRV factory racks. Contact us with your vehicle year and model and we can confirm the correct hardware before you order.

Yes — a roof rack with two crossbars is required for any roof-mounted River Quiver. If you own a pickup truck, crossbars are not required. The Truck Bed River Quiver mounts directly into your truck bed via cargo rails or panel attachment — no roof rack needed.

The River Quiver is designed to mount to virtually any crossbar type with the correct mount:

• Works well out of the box: Yakima, Thule, most factory crossbars, standard 18mm T-track bars
• Works with hardware confirmation: Prinsu, Sherpa, CBI, 8020-style racks, basket racks — these may require non-standard T-track hardware or additional planning
• Known difficulty (4-Banger): Rhino-Rack Pioneer platforms — slat spacing often does not align with the 4-Banger's mounting tracks. A 2-Banger typically works on these platforms.

If you are unsure about your specific rack, contact us before ordering.

Usually yes, but overland racks vary widely. Platforms from Front Runner, Gobi, Leitner, and RSI work well with the LP T-Track Mount. Prinsu, Sherpa, and 8020-style racks may require non-standard T-track hardware — the included hardware is 18mm square and may not match. Contact us with your rack brand and we can confirm before you order.

Yes — if your truck has factory cargo rails, the Truck Bed Mount uses T-track slot nuts that slide directly into the rails with no drilling required. The direct-panel attachment option does require drilling. Both hardware sets are included with the Truck Bed River Quiver. Do not mount through a drop-in bed liner unless it is fully flush to the bed panel — gaps create flex in the mount.

GM (Chevrolet/GMC) and Dodge (Ram) trucks do not have factory cargo rails that are directly compatible with the River Quiver Truck Bed Mount out of the box. You have several options, ranging from simple to DIY:

Option 1 — Direct drill-in (simplest and most common)
The most straightforward solution for any truck bed. The included self-tapping screws have a maximum 1.25" plunge depth, reduced to approximately 1" by the thickness of the mount itself. This does not come close to penetrating the outer bed panel. Step-by-step instructions are in the truck bed installation video.

Option 2 — Built Right Industries MOLLE Rack (no-drill, GM HD only)
For 2020+ Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, the Built Right Industries Bedside MOLLE Rack is the cleanest plug-and-play solution we have found. It attaches without drilling and provides a solid mounting surface that works with the River Quiver and a wide range of other truck accessories.

Option 3 — Aftermarket T-track rail (requires drilling)
A low-cost option that adds a proper T-track rail to your bed. Measure and dry-fit carefully before committing — usable rail space in most GM and Dodge beds is limited, and the rails may not align with existing attachment points. Front Runner T-track anchors via etrailer are a cost-effective choice. Two units are usually sufficient and take up minimal space.

Option 4 — 80/20 extruded aluminum (DIY, requires careful measurement)
80/20 extruded aluminum is a flexible and affordable material that can be used to build a custom mounting rail. This is not a direct-fit solution — precise measurement and careful drilling are required. Best for anglers comfortable with DIY fabrication.

Option 5 — Unistrut channel with factory tie-down points (GM, where present)
If your GM truck has factory tie-down anchor points in the bed, Unistrut channel can be mounted to them without drilling. This video shows the concept. All of these aftermarket rail options will allow the River Quiver to be removed when needed.

Not sure which approach is right for your truck? Email us with your year, make, and model and we can point you in the right direction.

Yes. The Truck Bed Mount can be adapted to Ford BoxLink cleats for a clean, no-drill installation. The adaptation requires four M6 bolts, M6 nylon lock nuts, and flat washers to bridge the BoxLink plate's non-standard opening. Contact us or visit our installation guides for full hardware details.

No — and intentionally so. A fully sealed tube traps moisture inside, which increases the risk of corrosion, mildew, and rod damage over time. The River Quiver is designed to shed water but breathe. The main long-term risk is not occasional rain but dust buildup — fine road dust clings to the polypropylene liner and can act like abrasive grit against rod finish. Regular cleaning prevents this.

1. Remove all rods.
2. Rinse the extrusions with water.
3. Apply mild soap inside.
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
5. Allow to dry completely before reloading rods.

The liner is soft and protective when clean. A dirty liner is the problem — regular rinsing is the solution.

1. Is the reel box lid closing completely and latching?
2. Is there a gap at the coupler seam between the two extrusions?
3. Is the reel box out of alignment from impact or installation?
4. Is the Quiver mounted in a way that increases direct water exposure?

If none of these resolve the issue, contact our team.

• After a short drive following initial installation
• Before any fishing trip
• At regular intervals during the season
• After driving on rough or unpaved roads

Yes. The River Quiver is designed to stay on year-round so your rod is rigged and ready no matter the season. Check hardware more frequently during winter months if you drive in salted or wet conditions, and clean the extrusion interior at the start and end of each season.

Riversmith recommends hand-washing your vehicle while the River Quiver is attached. If you use an automatic car wash:

• Brushless car washes may be acceptable as long as you have adequate clearance and the wash is marked as rooftop-accessory friendly — but note that sensors may not accurately detect the River Quiver, which could cause damage.
• Brushed car washes should be avoided entirely. The attachment points between the crossbars and your vehicle roof are the likely failure point under brush contact — the same risk that applies to any rooftop accessory.

When in doubt, hand wash or visit a touchless wash.

The River Quiver uses a reinforced lock tongue and groove system that cannot be breached with basic hand tools. Keys are proprietary with more than 30 possible codes — the chance of a key from another River Quiver opening yours is extremely low. For additional mount security, the optional Mount Lock Kit replaces standard mounting bolts with tamper-proof locking bolts and a unique coded driver.

Common causes are road dust, tree sap, or debris inside the lock mechanism. Try compressed air to clear dust. Do not use WD-40 or other lubricants — lubricants attract dirt and make the problem worse over time. If the lock remains jammed, contact us — a replacement lock is often the cleanest solution.

The first step is finding your key code. Your key code can be found in five possible locations:

1. Written in your User & Installation Manual
2. Written on your Quality Control Checklist
3. Written inside your Installation Guide
4. Stamped on the outside of your lock (metallic locks only)
5. Recorded in your product registration — email info@riversmith.com to request your code if you believe you registered

If you have your key code and your River Quiver is registered, purchase a Replacement Key Set here.

If you cannot find your key code, you will need to purchase and replace your River Quiver lock.

Watch this video for more information →

Newer River Quiver locks stay locked when the lid is properly closed — reducing the chance of accidentally leaving the reel box unlocked. Older push-button style locks could be closed without actually locking. If you have an older unit and are unsure whether your reel box is locking, always confirm the key actuates before travel.

Reel Box Pads are adhesive foam pads that install inside the reel box to cushion your reels, reduce noise, prevent movement during transit, and protect reel finishes. They are highly recommended for anyone carrying large, expensive, or saltwater reels.

1. Clean the reel box surfaces with water and paper towels.
2. Let dry, then wipe again with rubbing alcohol.
3. Identify each pad using the actual-size outline templates with adhesive side down.
4. Dry fit all pads before removing any backing. Repositioning once the adhesive contacts the surface is often not possible.
5. Install pads 25, 28, 35, and 35C first, then install divider pads DBL, DBR, DLL, and DLR.

Riversmith offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original purchaser against defects in workmanship and materials, subject to these conditions:

• Purchased from Riversmith or an authorized dealer
• Original purchaser can provide proof of purchase
• Product installed, used, and maintained per the official guide
• Replacement parts are Riversmith-manufactured

The warranty does not cover misuse, overloading, modification, improper assembly, aftermarket hardware, cosmetic damage, loss, theft, or normal wear and tear.

View full warranty →

Modifications and DIY reel box replacement are not recommended. Reel boxes are attached with aircraft-rated rivets and require precise alignment, proper tooling, and lock tuning. Improper work can damage the extrusion, liner, or lock system — and any work performed outside Riversmith manufacturing or approved service conditions may void your warranty. Contact us if you need service.

Every River Quiver is assembled, inspected, and shipped from Boulder, Colorado by a small team of fly anglers who use the same gear they build. When you contact support, you talk directly to the people who design and service these products — not a call center.

The Convoy line is Riversmith's purpose-built bag system for anglers who travel hard. Each bag is designed for a specific situation — traveling by air, organizing gear at the vehicle, keeping gear dry on the water, or carrying the essentials on foot. Together with a River Quiver, they cover gear protection from roof to river.

Convoy Duffel — for anglers who travel by air or road and want structure, waterproofing when needed, and light weight. Not a stiff dry bag — a smart, organized hauler.

Convoy Gear Roll — for anglers who gear up at the truck or lodge. Opens flat, hangs anywhere, carries rods, waders, boots, and includes a changing mat.

Convoy Travel Pack — for fly fishing travel by air. Holds up to six 4-piece rods up to 10 feet plus 3–4 days of clothing. Built to protect gear when checked.

Convoy Hauler (45L or 60L) — for guides and boat anglers who need waterproof gear storage that works on the water. Roll-top seals out weather; side-panel zipper gives quick access without unrolling.

Convoy PackOut Bag — the lightest, most compact option. Clips to a wading belt, raft frame, or cooler handle. Includes a washable trash bag — the only pack in its class with a built-in litter solution.

No rod bag qualifies as guaranteed carry-on luggage. Most airlines use limits around 22", and a 9-foot 4-piece rod is often 27" even without a tube. Airlines enforce these limits inconsistently — what clears one gate may be gate-checked at the next. The Convoy Travel Pack is designed with a rigid chassis specifically to protect your rods when the bag is checked, not to avoid checking. We never promise carry-on access. Read more about traveling with fly rods →

Yes. The Convoy Hauler uses a recessed roll-top closure that provides 100% waterproof sealing when engaged — no submersible zipper required. A waterproof side-panel zipper also allows quick access to gear without opening the roll-top, so you are not fighting the bag every time you need something on the water.

The 45L is right for day trips, skiff missions, and compact travel. The 60L is built for multi-day floats, extended trips, or anyone packing serious volume. If you're unsure, consider how much gear you carry on a typical full fishing day — the 45L handles most day scenarios cleanly, while the 60L gives you room to pack for multiple days without compressing everything.