For tradespeople working in plumbing, heating, or construction, getting pipes to site safely is as important as any other part of the job. A damaged length of copper or plastic pipe isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s lost time and money. Roof-mounted pipe carriers solve the problem, but not all are built equally. This guide compares the Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 — the current model replacing the RP21, now available in a sleek black finish — against four leading alternatives, so you can make an informed choice.
At a Glance: Pipe Carrier Comparison
| Pipe Carrier | Price (inc VAT) | Material | Length | Security Lock | Weather Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 | £230.99 | 6063A T6 Aluminium | 3m | ✅ | ✅ |
| Van Vault S10520 | £184.99 | Steel | 3.152m | ✅ | ✅ |
| Aero-Tech 3m Pipe Carrier | £77.00 | Unspecified | 3m | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hunter GS795 Bracket Set | £163.38 | Steel | Varies | ❌ | ❌ |
| TopSystem Transport Tube | £517.06 | Unspecified | 4m (2-section) | ✅ | ❌ |
Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 — £230.99 inc VAT
alt=”Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 universal van pipe carrier” width=”1024″ height=”770″ />The Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 is the benchmark against which other van pipe carriers should be measured. Built from T6 Aluminium Alloy — the same grade used in aerospace and automotive applications — it strikes an ideal balance between strength and weight. Unlike steel alternatives, aluminium won’t rust, meaning it maintains its integrity and appearance even after years of exposure to rain, road salt, and UV.
Installation takes around 15 minutes and is designed as a one-person job — supplied with a standard fitting bracket and spacers compatible with Rhino roof racks, roof bars, and most other systems. The locking system is integral to both nose cones rather than relying on an exposed padlock, and a hidden rubber O-ring seal in each bulkhead creates a watertight barrier when closed. The RP31B also carries full professional safety accreditation with crash-tested bulkheads — an important detail for tradespeople working under health and safety obligations.
Key strengths
- 6063A T6 Aluminium body with 30% glass-filled nylon nose cones — lightweight, corrosion-proof, and built to last
- Integral locking on both nose cones — more tamper-resistant than an exposed padlock shackle
- Hidden rubber O-ring seal in each bulkhead — watertight when closed, keeping pipe contents dry in all conditions
- 66 × 15mm tube capacity (unlined) — dual end openings for fast loading from either side
- 50kg maximum load — crash-tested bulkheads with full professional safety accreditation
- 15-minute one-person installation — supplied with bracket and spacers, fits Rhino racks, bars, and other systems
- Available in three lengths: 3030mm, 4060mm, 5090mm
- RRP £339.52 — currently £230.99 — significant saving on list price
Verdict: The standout choice for tradespeople who need a reliable, theft-resistant pipe carrier that will last the life of the van.
Van Vault S10520 Security Tube — £184.99 inc VAT
Van Vault is a well-established name in van security, and the S10520 Security Tube reflects that pedigree. Its heavy-duty steel shell offers genuine resistance to forced entry, and the locking mechanism is robust by any measure. For tradespeople working in high-theft areas, this level of physical security is reassuring.
The trade-off is weight. Steel is considerably heavier than aluminium, which has a knock-on effect on fuel consumption and payload capacity — a real consideration if your van is already carrying tools and materials. The additional bulk can also make fitting and daily removal less convenient. At £184.99 it’s the closest rival to the Rhino on price, but once you factor in the extra weight and the long-term cost of potential corrosion (steel requires maintenance aluminium simply doesn’t), the gap in value narrows significantly.
Key points
- Heavy-duty steel construction — excellent physical resistance to attack
- Secure locking mechanism — strong deterrent against opportunistic theft
- Heavier than aluminium alternatives — adds to payload and affects fuel economy
- Susceptible to corrosion over time — requires maintenance in wet or salty environments
- £184.99 — cheaper upfront, but running costs may be higher
Verdict: A credible option if security is the absolute priority and weight isn’t a concern, but the Rhino RP31 offers better all-round value for most tradespeople.
Aero-Tech 3m Pipe Carrier — £77.00
The Aero-Tech is the budget option in this comparison, and the price reflects it. At £77.00 it’s accessible for tradespeople who need a temporary or occasional solution, and its lightweight design makes it easy to handle. For a sole trader doing the odd job that requires pipe transport, it may do the job in the short term.
However, the compromises are significant. There’s no integrated locking system, which means pipes — and the carrier itself — are vulnerable to theft whenever the van is left unattended. The construction lacks the weather-sealing of the Rhino, leaving pipes exposed to rain ingress and road dirt. Over time, the build quality is unlikely to match the demands of daily professional use, meaning replacement costs could quickly erode any initial saving.
Key points
- Very low entry price at £77.00 — accessible for occasional or light use
- Lightweight and easy to handle — simple to move between vans
- No security locking — unsuitable for unattended parking in public
- Limited weather protection — pipes exposed to rain and debris
- Build quality may not suit daily professional use
Verdict: Fine for very occasional use, but not recommended for tradespeople who rely on their pipe carrier every day. The cost saving over the Rhino RP31 is quickly lost if pipes are damaged or stolen.
Hunter Plumbing Pipe Carrier and Bracket Set GS795 — £163.38 inc VAT
The Hunter GS795 takes a different approach — rather than a fully enclosed tube, it uses a bracket-and-carrier system. This can make it easier to load and unload pipes quickly without threading them into a tube, which some tradespeople prefer for shorter or varied pipe lengths.
The downsides are meaningful, though. Without an enclosed tube design, pipes are exposed to the elements during transit, and there’s no locking mechanism to deter theft. For jobs where you might leave the van parked on a residential street for several hours, that’s a genuine vulnerability. The steel construction also brings the same long-term corrosion concerns as the Van Vault. At £163.38 it sits in an awkward middle ground — not cheap enough to be a throwaway solution, not capable enough to replace a properly enclosed, lockable carrier.
Key points
- Open bracket design — easier loading for varied or short pipe lengths
- No enclosed tube — pipes exposed to weather and road debris in transit
- No security locking — pipes and carrier vulnerable to theft
- Steel construction — heavier and susceptible to rust without maintenance
- £163.38 — mid-range price without mid-range capability
Verdict: The open bracket system suits occasional, flexible loading, but the lack of security and weather protection makes it a poor choice for everyday professional use.
TopSystem Transport Tube 4000mm 2-Section — £517.06 inc VAT
The TopSystem stands apart from the others in one key respect: its adjustable 2-section design extends to 4 metres, making it the go-to option for anyone regularly transporting longer pipe runs. If your work frequently involves 4m lengths — common in commercial heating or larger domestic installs — this is worth serious consideration.
The price, however, is a steep £517.06 — more than double the Rhino RP31 and over six times the Aero-Tech. For most plumbers and heating engineers working with standard 3m pipe lengths, that premium isn’t justified. The carrier also lacks the weather-resistant sealing of the Rhino, which is a notable omission at this price point. It’s a specialist tool rather than an everyday solution.
Key points
- 4m adjustable 2-section design — essential for longer pipe lengths
- Locking system included — reasonable security for the price
- No weather-resistant sealing — a significant gap at this price point
- £517.06 — significantly more expensive than all alternatives
- Overkill for standard 3m pipe work — best suited to specialist applications
Verdict: Only worth the premium if you’re regularly carrying 4m-plus pipes. For standard 3m work, the Rhino RP31 is the better investment at less than half the price.
Conclusion: Which Pipe Carrier Should You Choose?
Each of these carriers has a use case, but for the majority of plumbers, heating engineers, and contractors who need a dependable, daily-use pipe carrier, the Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 is the clear recommendation. It combines the three things that matter most on a working van: security against theft, protection against the elements, and construction quality that holds up over years of use — all at a price that represents genuine value against its RRP.
The Van Vault offers strong security but carries a weight penalty. The Aero-Tech is cheap but lacks the features a working tradesperson depends on. The Hunter bracket set suits occasional use but leaves pipes exposed. The TopSystem earns its place only if 4m pipe lengths are a regular requirement.
If you’re equipping a van for the long term, buy once and buy right.
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| Daily professional use, 3m pipes | Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 |
| High-theft area, weight not a concern | Van Vault S10520 |
| Occasional use, very tight budget | Aero-Tech 3m |
| Flexible loading, varied pipe lengths | Hunter GS795 |
| Regular use of 4m+ pipe lengths | TopSystem Transport Tube |
Order the Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 Today
RRP: £339.52 — Now £230.99 inc VAT (£192.49 ex VAT)
Fits most commercial vans in around 15 minutes.
Buy the Rhino PipeTube Pro RP31 — £230.99
Need to kit out a fleet? We support large orders and are happy to discuss requirements for any number of vehicles.
