Whether you're going skiing, kayaking or cycling, transporting your equipment can be a bear, especially if you're toting a tandem to Timbuktu.
But there's a solution-actually, several solutions. They're called racks, boxes and baskets, and you've probably seen them in one form or another attached to the roofs or rears of other vehicles.
These accessories can carry cycles, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, skis, snowboards, luggage, and just about any combination of anything you can think of. Ultimately, racks can add over 20 cubic feet of load-carrying space, which frees up room inside your vehicle for, say, passengers.
To the Top
At the heart of any roof-rack system are the two plastic-coated metal bars that essentially bear the weight of whatever it is you plan to carry. These bars attach and lock to your vehicle's internal or external rain gutters or factory rack. Depending on what kind of gear you're transporting, there are gear-specific accessories-cargo boxes and baskets that all attach to the load bars.
Roof racks consist of the load bars and accessories such as a bike mount, kayak stacker and ski carrier. If you're transporting long gear, such as skis, a roof rack is the best all-around choice. Steve Doviak, assistant marketing manager at Thule, Inc, one of the nation's leading rack manufacturers, told MSN Autos, "Our multipurpose roof-rack system is the most versatile system we offer. It enables people to carry bikes, watersport gear, skis and even lumber. It's a system that does it all."
Expect to spend around $200 for the load bars, and then anywhere between $80 to $200 for various accessories. Major roof-rack manufacturers include Barrecrafters, Saris, Thule and Yakima.
For freeing up interior space, a cargo box can be an excellent option, helping store duffel bags, coolers, skis and clothes in a weatherproof shelter on top of your vehicle. Made of durable plastic or fiberglass, cargo boxes keep your gear safe from rain, snow and thieves.
Cargo boxes can store up to 21 cubic feet of gear, with the average-sized box holding 10 to 12 cubic feet. Lori Ostrom, manager of public relations at Yakima, another leading rack manufacturer, told MSN Autos, "The cargo box is one of our best-selling items. It's great for dirty or muddy gear, or if you just want to free up space; plus, it's secure and saves the interior."
Cost ranges from $220 for an entry-level box to over $1,000 for a premium custom-painted one. Key cargo-box manufacturers include Packasport, Thule and Yakima.
Another way to increase cargo capacity is by adding a roof basket, which utilizes steel-wire-mesh construction and a stretch net to secure your gear. Although not as weather protective as cargo boxes, roof baskets add a substantial amount of cargo capacity at a relatively inexpensive price. Figure to spend between $120 and $220, which includes the cost of a stretch net. Baskets are available from several companies including Bauer, Thule and Yakima.
Bringing Up the Rear
The past few years, rear-of-vehicle accessories have become immensely popular-almost as popular as the sport-utility vehicles that seem to sprout them. One official at BVG, the largest seller of vehicle racks in the nation, told MSN Autos, "Of our customers who own an SUV and want to transport bikes, 80 to 85 percent choose hitch racks. Because SUVs tend to be large and are usually equipped with a factory hitch, these racks are more convenient and less expensive."
But SUVs aren't the only vehicles sporting rear-of-vehicle racks. The BVG official noted, "Fifty percent of our passenger-car customers are choosing hitch racks as well. We install a Class-II receiver hitch on the back and nothing touches the car-people love them."
Compared to their rooftop counterparts, rear racks have a number of advantages. They are closer to the ground, making them easier to load and unload-a real benefit if you are short or not very strong. And by creating less wind drag, rear racks give you a quieter ride and less of a dent in gas mileage, according to the Sports Rack.
Furthermore, your gear is less likely to be damaged by flying road debris. Rear racks are also easy to remove when not in use and they free up valuable roof space for a canoe, kayak, surfboard or cargo box-gear that is long, awkward and better suited for the roof.
Rear-of-vehicle racks come in three styles: the popular hitch-mounted rack, which attaches directly to a vehicle's hitch receiver (the 1.25- or 2-inch square located below the bumper); the spare-tire rack, which fastens to the spare-tire bolt pattern on vehicles with external spare tires; and the trunk rack, a gangly looking contraption that use clips, straps and/or arms to affix to a vehicle's trunk lid.
Rear-rack manufacturers include Thule, Yakima, Bauer, Hollywood, and Rhode Gear. Prices range from around $50 for a basic trunk rack to more than $300 for a top-of-the-line, swing-out hitch rack. If your vehicle is not equipped with a factory hitch, expect to pay between $150 and $250 to have one installed.
Although pricey, swing-out hitch racks are extremely user-friendly. In fact, BVG's Revolution hitch rack provides ready access to a vehicle's rear cargo area even when the rack is loaded with up to four bikes.
What Type of Accessory Do I Need?
When determining what type of rack, box or basket is best for you and your vehicle, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What kind of activities do I enjoy? Depending on whether you're a cyclist, kayaker, skier, snowboarder, camper or multisport enthusiast, the type of accessory you need will vary.
2. What do I want to carry, and how many? After you've answered Question # 1, figure out what gear you want to transport, and in what quantity. If you plan on transporting a kayak or canoe, you'll want a different accessory than if you were carrying bikes or skis.
3.What kind of vehicle(s) do I have? The make, model, year and number of doors of your vehicle(s) are all factors in determining accessory type. Moreover, accessories installed by the manufacturer (factory racks, exterior-mounted spare tires and receiver hitches) play in as well.
4. What type of rack is most functional for me? Depending on your height and strength, a roof accessory may pose problems.
Where Should I Purchase a Rack?
Chances are the sports retailer where you bought your gear also sells an accessory to carry it. At the very least, they should be able to inform you of a retailer that does. Another option is to visit the rack manufacturer's Web site or call its customer service number to find a dealer near you.
But if you're lucky, you may live near a retailer that specializes in roof- and rear-rack outfitting, which can save you time and hassle. Sports Rack has 10 stores in California, Utah and Washington, so if you live out West check and see if one is near you.
For installation, some retailers will perform this operation for you. Sports Rack features the nation's only factory-trained installation centers, and can install roof and rear accessories in an hour or two, depending on the accessory. But not every retailer will install your rack, box or basket, which means you may need to break out the toolbox . . . and some patience.
Things to Remember...
- With gear attached to the roof of your vehicle, it is now two to three feet higher, so think twice about driving into a garage or under overhanging tree branches.
- When backing up a vehicle with a rear rack, remember that you have lost a few feet of maneuverability, so that wall is closer than you think.
- Be sure to securely mount all gear and not to exceed the rack manufacturer's recommended weight limit. Loose gear can pose problems for you and other drivers.
- If you're not frequently using your vehicle's rack, remove and store it. Thieves will not only steal your gear but the rack as well. Plus your car will be quieter and more fuel-efficient.
- Want to add a rack to your leased vehicle? No problem. Just be careful not to scratch or damage the vehicle-you'll be charged for any damages at lease end.
Automakers Step Up
Today many vehicles, especially minivans, station wagons and sport-utility vehicles, are equipped with a factory roof rack and/or rear hitch. And because people often lead active lifestyles, more and more manufacturers are offering optional accessories for bikes and other gear, thus eliminating the need for aftermarket systems.
Nissan's 2002 Xterra sport utility is one example of a vehicle offering innovative accessories. On top, Xterra is available with a tubular roof rack rated to carry up to 125 pounds. It also features a removable front basket that can carry up to 30 pounds of wet or dirty gear. A wide range of accessory attachments are also available, including several created by Yakima.
But inside is where Xterra has an edge against the competition. An available interior bike rack can hold two bikes upright and help keep them secure from theft and the elements-qualities no exterior rack can claim.
© 2008 Microsoft