Choosing a Ski Rack Part 1: On the Roof

Do you have a sedan or crossover vehicle that you have just realized won’t fit your skis and your three friends? Are you wishing you had purchased a mini-van instead? If it’s ski season and you find yourself asking similar questions, maybe it is time to invest in a ski rack. But how do you choose which ski rack to go with? Today we will cover the options for the roof of the vehicle.       

Probably the most important decision to make is whether you would like to invest in a roof rack system or a dedicated ski rack. A roof rack system is a set of crossbars for your car that you can accessorize according to your favourite sports, such as skis, bikes, and kayaks. This is the most flexible option both in terms of other uses and for future vehicles. We will look at various ski rack attachments for crossbar systems in a moment, but let us first look at the dedicated ski rack.               

The Sportrack SX-11 installed on a 2000 Honda Civic using US-287 Clips

 The only ski rack that Rack Attack sells that will carry only skis and snowboards is the Sierra SX-11 by Sportrack. If skiing or boarding are the only sports that your car needs to worry about, this may be the ski rack for you. It can carry up to 5 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards and is fairly easy to install — all you need is a long slot-head screwdriver. It does not fit every car on the road, and sometimes you may need to purchase additional clips, but if it fits your car it can be a very economical solution to carrying your skis.             

 If you are interested in purchasing a ski rack that attaches to a roof rack system (meaning either an aftermarket or factory crossbar), there are a few options before you. The smallest ski carrier we sell is a four-pair. Usually this means that it will carry four pairs of nordic skis or four pairs of older (narrower) alpine skis. Most of these carriers will only fit three pairs of today’s “fatter” downhill skis. There are two ski racks that we sell like this: the Yakima Powderhound and the Thule Flat Top 91724. If you want a ski rack that will carry four pairs of skis no matter how “fat” they are, check out Yakima’s Fat Cat 4, it goes that extra few inches to accommodate modern skis. All of these racks include locks and will fit most factory crossbars.             

An Acura TSX with a Thule 91724 Flat Top on a Thule 480R Traverse

 If you need to carry more skis, you may want to get a larger ski rack. The Thule Flat Top 91725, the Yakima Big Powderhound, and the Yakima FreshSesh will all carry up to six pairs of cross-country skis or five pairs of modern downhill skis.

If you have an extra large crew when heading to the hills, the Yakima Fat Cat 6 will give you a maximum capacity of six pairs of modern downhill skis. Or four snowboards. Or two snowboards and three pairs of skis. Yakima’s ski racks have a feature called a Ski Lift, which enables the ski rack to ”angle up” on one side (as in the picture of the Fat Cat 6 below). This will allow you to better fit certain snowboards — those with bindings that make the boards “sit high” on the rack — by giving you that extra roof clearance you may need.  

A 2009 Nissan Rogue with a Fat Cat 6 on a Yakima Control Tower system

The final ski rack I wanted to mention, Thule’s 91726 Pull Top, is probably the ski rack that is the most user-friendly. The rack itself will actually pull out from edge of the rack, allowing you to load/unload your skis without reaching too far over your vehicle’s roof.  Like all of Thule’s ski racks, it includes locks and will fit on most racks.  And like their 91725 Flat Top, it will allow up to 5 pairs of modern “fat” skis.    

The 91726 Pull Top in the "closed" position on a Mercedes GLK 2010 with a Thule 450R crossbar set

The 91726 Pull Top in the "open" position on a Mercedes GLK 2010 with a Thule 450R crossbar set

If you need any help in choosing a ski rack for your vehicle, please give us a call: 416-424-1201.

Rylan      

Modifying Yakima’s SkyBox to Fit the Nissan Armada

One challenge in the rack world is finding solutions for vehicles whose very design tends to prohibit the accessories we sell. One such vehicle is the Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56. The difficulty we have come across with this vehicle is that the built-in factory rack is fixed in place. Normally we can work with this type of rack, but on such a large SUV, the crossbars sit quite far apart. And, unfortunately, the bars sit too far apart to fit any of the cargo boxes we sell.

So we decided to change the boxes to fit the rack. Only Yakima SkyBoxes can be modified in this way, and only their longer boxes: the SkyBox 12 (along with the Pro models in Silver & Titanium), the SkyBox 18 (including the Silver & Titanium models), and the SkyBox 21 (along with the Silver and Titanium editions).

 

The SkyBox Pro 18 looks like it was meant for the Nissan Armada

  To modify the box, we have to lengthen the internal channels that the mounting hardware sits in. This allows the front “Rapidfire” claw to go further towards the front of the box, and the rear claw to extend further rearwards. And since each mounting claw is only moving a few inches in opposite directions, the box’s stability is not hampered. Of course a modification such as this voids Yakima’s warranty, but Rack Attack Toronto has done at least a dozen over the years, and have not had a problem with any of these modified boxes (not counting an unfortunate parking garage incident!).

The Modified SkyBox Pro 18 in Titanium on the Armada's factory rack

 

Here at Rack Attack Toronto, we pride ourselves on solving the almost-impossible.  If you have a problem, if no one else can help, maybe you should come by our store and see what we may be able to do.

If you have an Armada or a QX56 and are interested in installing a cargo box, or if you have any other questions about our installations or custom work, please give us a call at 416-424-1201 or email toronto@rackattack.com.

Rylan

 

The Yakima LoPro 15: The Apex of Ski Box Technology

Picture a ski box that sits low enough on many roofs to fit into an average garage. Make it long enough to carry even cross-country skis. Throw in some amazingly useful features like an internal light and a cargo-restraining net. Now, what are you picturing? Maybe it looks a little like this:  

The Yakima SkyBox LoPro 15 on a Mercedes Benz S550

 The Yakima SkyBox LoPro 15 is one of the most innovative ski boxes to ever grace our store. While not the first low profile box ever made, it is definitely one of the lowest of the low (in a good way). Many smaller SUVs and Crossovers could even fit into some garages with this box on the roof — with a height of 11.6″ it sits 3.4″-6.4″ lower than Yakima’s other boxes. And sometimes that 3.4 inches is all you need! Another unique feature is the integrated LED light, powered by a small solar panel on the box’s top. Do you really need a lit ski box? Maybe not, but it gets dark pretty early in Canada’s winter, so it’s not going to hurt! 

Let the LoPro Light Up Your Life

The LoPro is certainly an alluring box, with some of the sleekest lines around. Add to that the Titanium colour and the fact that it will fit most types of racks on the market, and you have an elite box that has become the pinnacle of Yakima’s line. 

The Yakima LoPro 15 on a 2005 Audi A6 Allroad wagon

If you have any questions about this box, please email us at toronto@rackattack.com or phone us at 416-424-1201 (or 1-888-77-RACKS for toll free long distance).

Rylan

The Venza has Spirit, How About You?

The 2009 Toyota Venza with Yakima Q-Towers and a Thule Spirit box

 One of 2009’s most popular new vehicles is the Venza, the stylish mid-size crossover from Toyota. Many Venza models include factory-installed side rails that will allow you to put a roof rack on the vehicle quite easily. Yet a number of Venzas have a glass roof — a feature that prevents Toyota from installing side rails at all. So does that leave the Venza without roof rack options?

Not at all.  Yakima has fitted the Venza — moon roof or not — with their Q-Tower system, which I wrote about in my earlier blog entry. The Q-Tower system for the Venza includes the following four components: the Q-Towers, 58″ Yakima crossbars, 2 pairs of Q-83 Q-Clips, and a 4-Pack of SKS lock cores. The Q-Tower system retails for $419 CAD and may be purchased either online or in our store. 

  Once you are set up with the base rack system on your Venza, you can then add various accessories to it, depending on your sporting or travelling needs. A great looking box for this vehicle is the Thule Spirit — at least in our opinion.  

The Black Thule Spirit looks fine atop this Venza!

Available in Black or Silver, the Spirit is one of Thule’s premium boxes. Able to carry skis up to 215 cm, it is one of the longest boxes made today, yet with the Q-Tower placement the back hatch of the Venza is not an issue.  It is a box with a lower profile than most (at 14.2″), and combining this with the Spirit’s sleek lines make it unparalleled in eye-catching aesthetic appeal. In addition, the dual underbelly metal supports lend a rigidity to the box unseen in all but a few other cargo boxes. What this means to you is that its stiffer bottom makes it one of the quietest boxes we sell. And, when it comes to things attached to the outside of your vehicle, quieter is better, especially if you have an all-glass roof. 

If you have any questions about these or any of our other products/installations, please email us at toronto@rackattack.com or give us a call at 416-424-1201.

Rylan

Racking the Cube.

Looking at newer vehicles, the Nissan Cube is definitely one of the most eye-catching. Being decent on fuel economy and pretty spacious inside, it makes a catchy, interesting choice for the urban contractor. But how does one then go about carrying a ladder? The Yakima Q-Tower system is a nice fit that will solve that dilemma with style!

 The Q-Tower system is Yakima’s solution for vehicles without factory racks or rain-gutters, and, using vehicle-specific measurements and clips, gives your car a custom-tailored rack fit.  What we call a “system” includes the Q-Towers, the vehicle specific “Q-Clips” (2 pairs of Q-31 clips in the case of the Cube), Crossbars (of various lengths), and four locks to lock the rack to the vehicle. Once the Q-Tower system is in place on the Cube, it acts as a platform for whatever accessories you need to add to your vehicle.

A good fit!

For ladders, we suggest the Yakima Load Stops (pictured above). The Load Stops will stop the ladder from making any side-to-side movement, and along with strapping it down will keep it safely on your roof. But what if you still need more space for all of your tools? The Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 Titanium will give you what amounts to a small trunk on your roof, but not take up any of your ladder’s valuable rack space.

A good use of space on the Cube's Q-Tower system.

And it can even pull double duty as a ski box on weekends!

The Yakima Skybox Pro 12 completes the ready-for-work look of the Cube

 If you have any questions about these or any of our other products/installations, please email us at toronto@rackattack.com or give us a call at 416-424-1201.

Rylan

Making it Count – The Yakima SkyBox Pro 18

Cross-country skis. Snowshoes. A sled. Add to all of that the family’s luggage for the trip to Grandma & Grandpa’s house, and you have quite the haul for your early January trip to Huntsville.

“No problem,” you say. “It will all fit my 2009 Honda Pilot! There’s plenty of room.” 

But add in three kids and Alfie, your 4-year-old chocolate Lab, and all of a sudden that room has vanished faster than powder on an Ontario ski hill. 

Well, no worries, because a Yakima SkyBox Pro 18 could be the solution that works for your needs.  

Yakima SkyBox Pro 18 Silver on 2009 Honda Pilot

The 18 cubic foot Pro 18 is long enough to fit pretty much any type of ski you can find (over 210 cm), but is also wider than traditional “ski” boxes, making it great for other kinds of luggage. Not to mention those snowshoes, sleds, suitcases that are sitting in your hall waiting to find a spot amidst all the passengers. Included with the Pro 18 is a cargo mat (to avoid scuffing) and a cargo net (to secure your goods). It is available in two colours: SILVER (pictured on the Honda Pilot above) and TITANIUM  (pictured on the Mazda 5 below).     

Yakima SkyBox Pro 18 Titanium on 2009 Mazda 5

The Yakima SkyBox Pro series also comes in other sizes (12, 16, & 21 cubic feet), and will fit direct to most vehicles’ factory racks (or Yakima or Thule crossbars). If you have any questions about fitting the Pro 18 to your vehicle, give us a call at 416-424-1201, or send us an email at toronto@rackattack.com.

Rylan

Thule 422XT Xsporter Pick-Up Truck Rack

The pick-up truck is fantastic for lugging around almost any type of gear you need to transport. But how do you safely carry a kayak or a canoe on a truck without having it point straight up? While there are racks that will fit over the truck’s cab on many models, a better way to carry big loads is using a bed rack — like the Thule 422XT Xsporter.

The 422XT Xsporter is a heavy-duty aluminum, multi-purpose bed-mounted rack that can handle anything from watercraft to drywall. It is similar to Thule’s 375 or 376 pick-up truck racks, except for one key detail: its crossbar has an adjustable height.

A Toyota Tundra Crew Cab with the 422XT in the "down" position

Having a crossbar with an adjustable height means you don’t have to worry about low parking garages when the rack is not in use even if you have accessories on it. It has four different height positions that lock into place using a key. And while it is a great rack for carrying your aluminum fishing boat, it is also designed to be a professional grade ladder and building materials rack with a carrying capacity of up to 450 lbs. on most of the trucks it fits.

Most Thule accessories will fit on the Xsporter rack, either directly on to it or via their “XAdapt” kits (ranging from $15-25). The Dodge Dakota shown below has a Thule Glide and Set kayak rack attachment with the XAdapt3 adaptor kit. The Glide and Set has a soft, felt-coated saddle on the back bar for ease of loading the boat, and a “grippy” rubber saddle at the front to grip the boat.

The Dodge Dakota with the 422XT outfitted with the Thule 883 Glide and Set

 This customer needed to carry a kayak, a canoe, and a ladder (obviously not all at the same time!) on his pick-up. Notice the ”Load Stops” on the driver’s side of the rack — these can be used for canoes, ladders, lumber, or whatever; one set of Load Stops comes included with the 422xt. Whatever your needs, this rack can handle it without stress. And for the not-so-long loads, simply load up in the “down” position, and keep your bed free to fill up with other stuff:

 

Toyota Tundra Crew Cab ready for work or play.

To see if the 422XT will work with your truck, or if you have any other questions, give us a call at 416-424-1201 or email toronto@rackattack.com

Rylan

How to Fit More in Your MINI

Who doesn’t love the Mini Cooper? It is sharp, sleek, and, in a pinch, as mean as it wants to be. Yes, it is “compact”, but there’s always a way to grab some more space for your vacation out of the city — without resorting to renting a van. The best way to increase your cargo capacity is by adding a roof rack and box.

Boosting cargo capacity with style

To put a cargo box on the roof, you first need a set of crossbars strong enough to handle the weight of the box plus whatever you want to put in it. The above picture shows a Thule 400xtr system (at 110 lbs. weight capacity) with a Thule Atlantis 1600 roof box (weighing 42 lbs.)  — giving you about 70 lbs. worth of gear for you to stow.

Rack Attack sells a number of boxes that would fit the Mini, but you want to make sure that they are short enough to not come in contact with the antenna for a nice fit.  

 

A close fit!

We recommend the Thule Atlantis 1600xt box, which is 74″ long. Any longer, and it wouldn’t be such a perfect fit; you would have to either bend or remove your antenna. As an added bonus, this box will fit pretty much all of today’s downhill skis (180cm maximum), or even a couple of sets of golf clubs.

 

Style + utility

To complete the system pictured above, you would need:

• 400xtr foot pack
• RB47 Load Bars
• Fit Kit 2145
• 4-pack of locks
• Atlantis 1600xt black

If you have any questions about this or any other installation, please feel free to give us a call at 416-424-1201

Rylan

2009 Toyota Matrix custom installation

 

 

A while ago, a customer came in with the 2009 model of the Toyota Matrix. If you have a newer Matrix, you probably know that the pre-existing mounting points for a factory roof rack would place the crossbars towards the back of the vehicle – an often very inconvenient place for a roof rack.

While there are roof rack options that will clip around the vehicle’s door frames from both Yakima (the Q-Tower system) and Thule (the 400xt/400xtr system) and these are fine, a third option would be the custom application.

 

Yakima Control Tower system on 2009 Toyota Matrix

This solution gives you an easy-on/easy-off crossbar set that can be installed where ever you would like it attached (for the most part). Its main advantage is that once it is affixed to the roof in the drilled-on positions, it pops off and on in seconds – with no re-measuring necessary. And with a bar spread tailored to your needs, be they kayaks, bikes, skis, or whatever, you get what becomes a personalized roof rack.

 

 

The Control Towers can even be installed around many vehicles’ sunroof

The system pictured on the above Matrix is the Yakima Control Tower system, which includes:

• Yakima Control Towers
• Yakima Landing Pad 7 (qty. 2)
• Yakima 48″ Cross Bars
• Yakima 4-Pack Locks

 

The finished product

 

If you have any questions or hesitations about this type of installation, or would like to inquire about us installing this for you (our installation rate on this type of rack is $90), please feel free to give us a call at 416-424-1201.

Rylan

1979 Corvette: Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack

 

It’s not too often that someone comes into our store with a Corvette. But 1979 Corvette owners need to carry their bikes too, eh?

 

This 1979 Chevrolet Corvette needs to haul bikes.

The only way to carry bikes on such a classic vehicle is to install a trailer hitch (if there is one available) and then install a platform-style hitch-mounted bike rack. The hitch was a fairly straightforward installation, and no modifications needed to be made to the car:

 

The hitch is barely noticeable under the license plate well.

This hitch is a Class 1—meaning it is weighted to 2000 lbs. Gross Towing Weight. In regards to bike racks, this translates into a carrying capacity of 2 bikes maximum. We recommended a platform style of hitch rack for this vehicle, and the customer decided on the SportRack 2EZ rack. The platform rack holds the bikes at a set height, rather than suspending them as do the dual-arm design (or other) style of bike racks. This is an advantage on any car smaller than an SUV, as the bikes’ clearance from the ground is increased. In addition, the platform style of racks will fit almost any frame of bike, a feature that traditional bike racks are lacking.  

 

The SportRack 2EZ ready for bikes.

So if you’re driving a Corvette (or any other vehicle) and need to carry some bikes, give us a call and we’ll see what we can do for you. We love a challenge!

Rylan