River Quiver
FLy rod roof rack reviewed by Men's Journal
River Quiver
Close up of the open reel box of the river quiver fly rod roof rack. Shows how this rod carrier can hold up to four fully rigged fly rods
River Quiver
rod vault
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
fly rod carrier for car
River Quiver
fly rod roof rack - river quiver
two banger fly rod holder
River Quiver
fly rod holder mount for car
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
Close up of the open reel box of the river quiver fly rod truck rack. There are 4 fly fishing reels of varying sizes inside with varying colors of line. The metal of this river quiver is black.
Close up of the river quiver logo on the side of the black metal of the 4-banger river quiver’s rod casing. The logo says “river” in black text and “quiver” in blue text with a matching blue image of fishing bait hitting the water. The background is white.
Close up of the river quiver logo on the side of the silver metal of the 4-banger river quiver’s rod casing. The logo says “river” in black text and “quiver” in blue text with a matching blue image of fishing bait hitting the water. The background is blurred out but looks vaguely like vegetation.
Close up of the black lock on the shiny black plastic reel box of a river quiver fly rod holder.
River Quiver
Close up of the black couplers on a black 4-banger river quiver. Metal looks brushed and spotless. The background is white.
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
Close up of the open reel box of the river quiver. There are 2 reels of varying sizes inside with varying colors of line. The metal of this river quiver is silver.
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
River Quiver
rod vault with padding
River Quiver
River Quiver

River Quiver


Fly Rod Roof Rack

The original rooftop fly rod carrier, built to keep rods rigged, secure, and ready to fish the moment you arrive at the water.

"The River Quiver keeps my rods rigged, secure, and ready the moment I pull up to the water. Every serious angler needs a River Quiver." -Landon Mayer (Professional guide and author)

*Mounts Included With All Purchases*

👇
Will it fit on your rack?
Click below for the full mounting guide and compatibility details.
Mounting Guide

Riversmith offers four distinct mounting systems, each designed for a specific vehicle and rack type. Select a mount below — or email us before ordering if you're unsure.

No results found. Email us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Standard Mount 15–25 min · ~5" height · most compatible +
Standard Mount
Recommended tool: A mini ratchet with 4mm hex bit is significantly faster than a standard Allen wrench, especially in tight crossbar spaces.

Best For

  • Most factory crossbars <1.5" thick and 3.5" wide
  • Installs where vehicle height is not a concern
  • Most cost-effective mount option
  • Reel box down on bars <2" above the roofline

Watch Out For

  • Bars >1.5" thick need Extended Bolts
  • Bars <1.5" from roof need Short Bolts
  • Check hatch clearance before final tightening
Common Questions
My crossbars are thicker than 1.5". What do I need?

Extended Mounting Bolts (sold separately). These add 1" to the standard bolt length. Also required with any spacer kit.

My factory crossbars sit very close to the roof. What do I do?

If crossbars sit less than 1.5" above the roofline, you need Shorter Bolts (sold separately). Common on early Toyota 4Runner and Honda CRV. Email us your year and model if unsure before ordering.

Can I add a lock to the Standard Mount?

Yes. The Mount Lock Kit replaces standard hardware with tamper-proof locking bolts and a uniquely coded driver. Available in standard and extended lengths.

Can I mount both brackets on the rear half of the River Quiver?

Yes — normal and perfectly acceptable for most SUVs with a rear hatch. Move mounts to the opposite mounting track and mount reel box up. The River Quiver performs identically in any orientation.

Low-Profile T-Track Mount ~7 min · <3" height · lowest profile +
Low-Profile T-Track Mount
  • Mount Time~7 minutes
  • Height Added<3" off crossbar — lowest available
  • T-Track Hardware18mm square — included
  • SecurityUnique key driver included
  • ToolsMini Ratchet or 4mm Allen + 10mm Nut Driver
Not all T-tracks are the same. Included hardware is 18mm square — standard for most Yakima, Thule, and similar platforms. Prinsu, Sherpa, 8020-style, and many overland racks use a different size. Confirm your track size before ordering.

Best For

  • Factory and aftermarket crossbars with integrated T-tracks
  • Rhino-Rack crossbars
  • Overland-style rooftop and bed racks
  • Hanging below a rooftop tent on a bed rack
  • Lowest possible mounting profile

Watch Out For

  • Non-18mm T-track platforms need hardware from rack manufacturer
  • Install security caps only after all bolts are fully tightened
  • Check reel box clearance — mount sits very low
Common Questions
My rack uses a different T-track size. What do I do?

Contact your rack manufacturer for the correct T-track hardware spec and source matching hardware. Platforms commonly requiring non-standard hardware: Prinsu, Sherpa, CBI, 8020-style racks. Email us your rack brand and we can advise.

The security caps won't sit flush. What's wrong?

Security caps must go on after all bolts are fully tightened — not before. Remove caps, tighten all bolts fully, then reinstall.

Can this mount be used to hang the River Quiver below a rooftop tent?

Yes — one of the best applications for this mount. The T-track integration is solid and the low-profile design minimizes footprint below the tent or rack.

Quick Release Mount ~3 min removal · ~4" height · widest crossbar range +
Quick Release Mount
  • Mount Time~3 min after initial setup
  • Height Added~4" off crossbar
  • SecurityLock and key included
  • 2-Banger2 mounts — 1 keyed, 1 locking blank
  • 4-Banger4 mounts — 2 keyed, 2 locking blanks
  • ToolsMini Ratchet or 4mm Allen only
Most common issue — latch won't close: The mount must be fully pivoted first so the latch opens vertically before the strap can seat. Then loosen the strap adjustment bolt, seat the strap, and tighten gradually until the latch closes naturally. Never force the latch.

Best For

  • Widest range of factory and aftermarket crossbars
  • Frequent removal — low garages, shared vehicles, seasonal storage
  • Oversized crossbars — strap adjusts across extreme bar shapes and thicknesses
  • Reel box up on 4Runners with factory or Yakima/Thule racks
  • Anyone wanting a key-locking mount

Common Mistakes

  • Not pivoting the mount before fitting
  • Strap not loosened before fitting around crossbar
  • Forcing the latch — always adjust strap tension
  • Forgetting to re-tighten pivot bolt after positioning
  • Driving without locking the mounts
Common Questions
My QR latch won't close. Step-by-step fix?

Almost always one of two causes:

  • Mount not pivoted. The latch must open fully — vertically — before the strap can seat around the crossbar.
  • Strap not loose enough. Loosen the adjustment bolt until the strap seats comfortably, then tighten gradually until the latch closes firmly.

Never force the latch. If it won't close, loosen the strap further and try again.

What step is most commonly missed during QR installation?

Re-tightening the pivot bolt after final positioning. Once the strap is seated and the latch closes, re-tighten the pivot bolt to lock the mount's angle. Skipping this allows the mount to shift over time.

I forgot to lock my mounts before driving. Is anything damaged?

Check all hardware immediately — strap tension, pivot bolt, latch. If everything is tight and nothing shifted, you're likely fine. Always lock mounts before driving.

Truck Bed Mount ~5 min · no-drill option available · most discreet +
Truck Bed Mount
  • Mount Time~5 min after setup
  • Height AddedVaries by bed rail height
  • 2-Banger2 mounts included
  • 4-Banger3 mounts + offset spacers
  • DrillingNot required with factory rails or Ford BoxLink
  • ToolsMini Ratchet or 4mm Allen
Bed liner rule: Do not install through a drop-in liner unless fully flush to the panel. Gaps create flex. Spray-in liners are generally fine.
Ford BoxLink: Adapts to BoxLink cleats using four M6-100×14 bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts (hardware sold separately). Eliminates drilling for the 2-Banger and two of three mounts on the 4-Banger.

Best For

  • Mid-size and full-size pickups with bed rails
  • Rods out of sight and out of the elements
  • Clean, low-profile look
  • No-drill installs with factory cargo rails or Ford BoxLink
  • Trucks with compatible tonneau covers

Watch Out For

  • Tailgate clearance — shift mounts forward if needed
  • 4-Banger requires all three mounts — do not skip the third
  • Drop-in liners with gaps — use spray-in or direct drill instead

GM & Dodge Trucks — No Factory Rails

Chevrolet, GMC, and Ram trucks don't have factory rails compatible with the Truck Bed Mount. Your options:

1
Direct drill-in — simplest. Max 1.25" plunge, reduced to ~1" by mount thickness — clear of the outer panel. Watch installation video →
2
Built Right Industries MOLLE Rack — no drill, 2020+ Silverado HD / Sierra HD only. View at Built Right Industries →
3
Aftermarket T-track rail — requires drilling. Measure and dry-fit carefully before committing. Front Runner T-track via etrailer →
4
Unistrut with factory GM tie-down points — where present. Watch concept video →
5
80/20 extruded aluminum — DIY, precise measurement required. View options at 8020.net →
Common Questions
My tailgate hits the reel box. What do I do?

Shift the mounts forward until the tailgate closes fully. Confirm clearance with the tailgate open and closed, and confirm the reel box lid opens with the tailgate down, before final tightening.

Why does the 4-Banger use three mounts?

The 4-Banger is wider and heavier. The third mount controls flex along the carrier and distributes load evenly. Skipping it creates a flex point that wears hardware over time.

Will the mounting screws go through the bed panel?

No. Maximum plunge is 1.25", reduced to ~1" by the mount thickness. Standard bed panels are significantly thicker. Do not over-torque — snug is correct.

Will it work under my tonneau cover?

Depends on cover type. You need clearance for the reel box lid to open. Measure your available height before purchasing and email us with your cover model if unsure.

General Mounting Questions +
How do I know if my install is correct?
  • Mounts fully seated with no movement
  • All bolts firm — not over-cranked
  • No gap at the coupler seam
  • Reel box opens and closes cleanly
  • Hatch or tailgate clears the reel box
  • Vehicle height recorded

Drive a short distance after install and recheck all hardware. Repeat before trips and after rough terrain.

What is the minimum crossbar spacing?
  • 4-Banger: 33" minimum — wider is always better
  • 2-Banger: 28" minimum
  • ShortCut: No strict minimum — must be fully supported by two crossbars
Reel box up or reel box down — does it matter?

No performance difference in any orientation — up, down, sideways, or hanging below the rack. T-tracks on both top and bottom support all orientations equally. Choose whatever works best for your vehicle.

There is a gap at my coupler seam. Is that okay?

No. A gap creates a catch point inside the extrusion that can damage rod blanks. Disassemble the coupler, support both halves on a flat surface, apply inward pressure at the joint, start all bolts by hand, and tighten evenly back and forth. Never force a bolt that won't start by hand — realign first.

Can I leave my River Quiver on year-round?

Yes. Designed for year-round use. In winter or coastal environments, check hardware more frequently and rinse the extrusion interior at the start and end of each season.

Can I go through a car wash with my River Quiver mounted?

Hand washing is recommended. Touchless or brushless washes may be acceptable with adequate clearance. Brushed washes should be avoided — the crossbar attachment points are the likely failure point, same as any rooftop accessory.

I have a Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform. What works?

A 2-Banger can often work with Standard or QR mounts on the horizontal cross supports. The 4-Banger is more difficult — its mounting tracks are ~5" center-to-center and many Pioneer slat layouts don't match that spacing. Email us your Pioneer configuration before ordering.

Can I mount a River Quiver on an overland or basket rack?

Generally yes with planning. A 2-Banger works in many creative setups. The 4-Banger needs four solid mounting points and sufficient structural rigidity. Email us your rack brand and configuration and we'll advise.

Mounting Dimension Guide +

Use this diagram to understand crossbar spacing and mount placement relative to the coupler before installing.

River Quiver Mounting Dimension Guide
65" clarification: 65 inches is a mount placement reference relative to the coupler — not a minimum crossbar spacing requirement. More than 65" usually allows one mount on each side of the coupler. 65" or less may require both mounts on the reel box side, which is perfectly acceptable.
Regular price $599.99
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

  • 1-Year TroutRoutes Pro Membership Included—Free!
  • Protection from lost or damaged shipments with REDO
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • 30 Day Returns

The #1 rated rooftop fly rod carrier in the world.

  • Strong and aerodynamic, able to withstand shock, wind, & impact loads.
  • Zero noise while driving.
  • Easy to install with mounting options for every car, truck, and roof rack.
  • Padded, locking reel box to protect your rods.
  • Standard Length River Quiver
  • Reel Box Pads
  • River Quiver Keys
  • Top and Bottom Coupler & Bolts
  • Mounts and Hardware
  • Extended Bolts Required for racks thicker than 1.5" with Standard Mount!
  • QR Card Installation Guide
  • Installation Multi-Tool
  • Length: 10'5 3/4" (accommodates rods up to 10'4")
  • Width: 2-Banger 8", 4-Banger 14.2”
  • Height: 7.4”
  • Height off Crossbar: 3 3/8" - 6" Depending on Mounts
  • Weight: 2-Banger 22 lbs, 4-Banger 44 lbs
  • Versatile Mounting Solutions
  • Holds rods up to 10' 4" length
  • Holds rods and reels up to 12 weight capacity
  • Lined with polypropylene liner to protect rods in transit
  • T-track on top and bottom of extrusion for mounting

Due to unprecedented demand, all River Quivers are pre-order only, and will ship in early May.

To see in stock, ready to ship, limited edition River Quivers, click below:

Why You Need a River Quiver


Owning a River Quiver means more time on the water and less time rigging. By keeping your fly rods fully rigged, protected, and ready to go, you can pull up to any river or lake and start fishing immediately. Built with unmatched security and weatherproof durability, the River Quiver keeps your rods safe from damage on every trip.

For anglers who value convenience, protection, and more hours doing what they love, the River Quiver isn’t just a piece of gear, it’s an essential part of the fishing lifestyle.

Security

High-security joint and sturdy locking mechanism makes it almost impossible to break or enter the reel box. Made with AES polymer, this design resists all attempts at destruction.

Ease of Use

Smooth & easy to operate side-swing door with a unique “hold-open hinge” prevents wind from blowing the door closed

Strength

Designed to withstand shock, impact loads, & vibration while still being light for easy installations and less load on your vehicle.

Thoughtful Design, Proven Performance

The River Quiver is engineered to handle every mile of the journey. Its durable materials and reliable construction protect your rods in any weather, while the aerodynamic profile minimizes drag and wind noise on the road.

Designed for ease of use, loading and unloading rods takes only seconds. And with its sleek, low-profile look, the River Quiver blends seamlessly with any vehicle, combining performance with style.

Double Barrel

Tube Construction

Hard, rugged exterior shell, soft interior lining. Designed to protect your rods from anything you can throw at it.
Custom Designed

Aesthetics

Sleek and Aerodynamic. Designed to look good and function flawlessly on any vehicle.

Easy

Installation

Check out our complete user manual and installation videos to get started

Learn More

FAQs

The River Quiver is designed to fit most commercial roof rack systems. In fact, Riversmith engineers haven’t yet found a commercial rack that doesn’t fit. We completed a thorough review of multiple brands and styles of rack to make sure there were no limitations with our product. If the thickness of crossbars is over 1 3/8” it will require extended bolts (Sold Separately). If the crossbars sit lower than average; < 1.5" from top of crossbar to top of roof, it will require shorter bolts (Sold Separately). This is common in earlier generations of the Toyota 4Runner and Honda CRV factory Racks.

Durability and quality were top priorities when developing the River Quiver. It is a product built to last - our engineers have made sure of it through endless testing. We are so sure of the quality and durability of this product that we offer the “Locked & Loaded” limited lifetime warranty free of charge; we want you to feel 100% comfortable transporting your gear with the River Quiver.

Mini Ratchet: Speeds installation of your River Quiver. Includes 4mm Hex Bit to install Mounting Bolts and Coupler Bolts. Also fits Mount Lock Key Bit to speed installation of Mount Lock.

10 mm Nut Driver: A 10mm Nut Driver is required to fasten the mounting bracket.

The spacer kit is available for configurations that require the River Quiver to be mounted higher than the standard mounts allow, such as a car with a spoiler or lift gate. This gives it additional space for the River Quiver to fit securely on the vehicle while not being intrusive. Most rear gates can be cleared without a spacer kit as long as you measure for installation with the gate open.

Our Standard Mount can be upgraded with custom locking bolts. This lock system consists of unique bolt heads and matching key. The mount lock further secures the River Quiver to a roof rack, providing additional peace of mind that your gear will stay where you left it. Additionally, the Quick Release Mounts do come with a unique keyed lock and the Low-Profile Mounts include security bolts for additional convenience and security when mounting your River Quiver.

Extended Mounting Bolts are used to fit larger than normal roof rack bars. If the thickness of crossbars is over 1 3/8” it will require extended bolts.  These bolts are an extended version of the standard mounting bolts that attach the River Quiver mounting bracket to your roof rack. They are 1'' longer in case you have installed a Spacer Kit with your River Quiver fly rod holder or have larger than normal crossbars. We also have the high-security version of the Locking Extended Mount Bolts.

You do need a roof rack with 2 crossbars to attach the River Quiver to your vehicle. If you own a pickup truck, cross bars are not required. Check our Truck Bed ShortCut here.

The short answer is yes, but it all depends on the cross-bar system you have on your vehicle. We have three different mounting options that will accommodate all different roof rack styles and your specific needs. To read more about these mounting options, please click here.

You can most definitely keep the River Quiver on year-round. We designed it to ensure you can have your rod rigged at the ready no matter the time of year you are fishing.

The River Quiver can accommodate spey/switch rods with a minor tweak to how the reel sits on the rod. Simply connect the reel on the back butt section with either a reel cover or rubber band. When you arrive at your fishing destination all you need to from here is to re-attach reel into the reel seat and you are off fishing.

Yes, most SUV's with a hatch require the River Quiver to be mounted with both brackets on rear half of the coupler. This is okay and does not affect the functionality of the unit.

Simply change the mounts to the opposite mounting track and mount the River Quiver Reel Box Up. Reel box up is a very popular, and easy fix; the beauty of the River Quiver is that is can be mounted reel box up, reel box down, sideways, hanging below the rack, whatever you can dream of and will work with your rack/vehicle. You will not see any difference in performance in any River Quiver Orientation. You can simply flip the rear Riversmith logo and re-adhere if needed.

If the crossbars sit lower than average;< 1.5" from top of crossbar to top of roof, it will require shorter bolts (Sold Separately)

Get a Free 1-Year Trial of TroutRoutes Pro with Any River Quiver Rod Carrier

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