what's rackin'? the official ors racks direct blog --- mar / april 2008

F.S. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa recently sent us a very nice shot of a Subaru Outback canoe rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system and Thule 579XT canoe carrier. Not only does it look sweet it is also a very rock solid canoe rack setup!

» view Subaru Outback canoe rack install page
» view all Subaru Rack installs
» view Thule 579XT canoe rack product page

vehicle year / make / model: 2002 Toyota Camry 4 door sedan

Question: I need some type of car roof top cargo carrier to transport camping equipment on a 2002 Toyota Camry that has no car rack whatsoever on it currently.

Answer: We highly recommend the Thule 400XT Aero Complete Roof Rack Base System for your 2002 Toyota Camry. It is engineered to fit your vehicle perfectly and is very quick to install (easy-to-follow instructions included). No matter what gear carriers you plan to mount on your roof, you will need a multi-purpose roof rack base system. The Thule 400XT Aero system includes four Thule 400XT Aero Feet, four Thule 2113 Fit Kit Clips (these Fit Kit Clips are specific to your 2002 Toyota Camry) and two load bars (please note the 50" load bars are the recommended length for your rooftop). You will attach the cargo-camping equipment carrier to the front and rear load bars.

Another superb option is the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero complete base rack system. This car rack system works exactly the same way as the regular Thule 400XT Aero system (uses the same Thule 2113 Fit Kit clips too) except that it uses the elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars (the Thule RB53 Rapid Aero bars are the length necessary for your vehicle), which are very sleek and aerodynamic offering a more low-profile, modern and premium looking appearance. You will attach the cargo-camping equipment carrier to these front and rear load bars as well.

We then highly recommend both the Thule 686 Atlantis 1600 cargo box and Thule 603 Ascent 1500 cargo box as superb options for your needs. These cargo boxes will connect directly to both the Thule 400XT Aero system base rack square bars and the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero system base rack Rapid Aero bars. The 686 Atlantis and 603 Ascent both offer excellent cargo volume and are ideal for transporting camping equipment etc. They are both a perfectly sized match for your vehicle as well. These cargo boxes come with locks included for securing your camping equipment inside.

» view Thule 400XT Aero car rack page
» view Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero car rack page
» view Thule 686 Atlantis 1600 cargo box page
» view Thule 603 Ascent 1500 cargo box page
» view example Toyota Camry car rack install page

Steve does nothing but smooth talkin' in this ORS Racks Direct Productions' video review and demonstration of the RockyMounts Lariat & Noose bike racks. Steve explains just why these super-popular fork mount bike racks are great alternatives to competitors' models that can be twice as expensive! The Rocky Mounts Lariat model mounts to both Yakima bars and Thule bars while the Rocky Mounts Noose model can mount directly to virtually all factory rack crossbars, saving you even more money by eliminating the need to replace your factory rack system with an expensive after-market multi-purpose base rack system.

» view all Rocky Mounts bike rack products
» view RockyMounts Lariat / Noose video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2008 Hyundai Accent 3 door

Question: My 2008 Hyundai Accent only has 2 doors (plus the rear hatch door) so the roof is pretty short. Can I still carry a couple of kayaks on this roof top?

Answer: Yes. The key with your 2008 Hyundai Accent 3 door (and most other 2 door cars and regular cab size pick up trucks) is the use of the Thule 477 Short Roof Adapter Kit in combination with the Thule 400XT Aero base rack system. The Short Roof Adaptor Kit quickly installs and allows the Thule 400XT Aero system's two cross bars to be distanced further apart from each other, allowing for a stable platform for safely carrying any item on the roof rack including kayaks. The Thule 400XT Aero Complete Roof Rack Base System is engineered to fit your 2008 Hyundai Accent perfectly and is very quick to install (easy-to-follow instructions included). The Thule 400XT Aero system includes four Thule 400XT Aero Feet, four 2182 Fit Kit Clips (these Fit Kit Clips are specific to your 2008 Hyundai Accent) and two load bars (please note the 50" load bars are the recommended length for your vehicle). You will attach the kayak carriers to the front and rear load bars. And again you will need to also use the Thule 477 Short Roof Adapter Kit in combination with the Thule 400XT Aero system (easy to follow instructions included with the Thule 477 as well).

You can then choose from any of Thule Racks excellent roof mount kayak carriers. All connect directly to the Thule 400XT Aero base rack system front and rear load bars. We do highly recommend the Thule 835PRO Hull-A-Port kyak racks. They are j-cradle style kayak carriers for easy loading/unloading of each kayak. The all-new design of this carrier also allows each cradle to fold down when not in use, avoiding any clearance issues such as a garage etc. And the folded down position when not carrying a kayak is also much more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Order two for carrying 2 kayaks. The Thule Racks 835XTR Hull-A-Port is exactly the same as the 835PRO except the cradles cannot be folded down. Finally, an excellent optional accessory is the Thule 847 Outrigger II lift assist, a lifting assist aid for loading a kayak onto the kayak racks. It is housed inside one of the Thule 400XT Aero base rack system load bars and telescopes out when you need it for loading and unloading the kayak. Then retracts back into the load bar during transport.

» view Thule 400XT Aero car rack page
» view Thule 835PRO kayak rack page
» view Thule 835XTR kayak rack page
» view Thule 847 Outrigger II load-assist page
» view example Thule 400XT / 477 / 835PRO install page

We admit it, even a premium ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration of the Malone HandiRack inflatable car rack probably couldn't be done as well as this excellent video. See how quick and easy the Malone HandiRack really is to put on any car roof top for a temporary solution ideal for setting up a rental car roof rack or outfitting a vehicle that otherwise isn't compatible with any other type of car rack system. Easily one of the most innovative car rack products we've seen in a very long time.

» view Malone HandiRack inflatable car rack product page
» view Malone HandiRack video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2008 BMW X5

Question: I'd like to install the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad Car Rack on my 2008 BMW X5 factory roof rack (no cross bars). I'll be using it to carry a ski box + general uses. Is this compatible with the 2008 BMW X5 factory rails?

Answer: Absolutely! The Thule 450R Rapid CrossRoad complete base rack system is a superb option for your 2008 BMW X5 side rails. Be sure to select the Thule Rapid Aero RB53 load bars length as this is the required size for your BMW X5. You can then mount any cargo ski box or other Thule roof mount gear carriers to the load bars.

» view Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad car rack page
» view example Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad install page

L.H. of Eugene, Oregon recently emailed us some sweet pics of his Toyota Matix roof rack and bike rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 400XT Aero car rack system (using a set of Thule 2119 Fit Kit Clips) and Yakima SprocketRocket fork mount bike rack. Besides being the king of all fork mount bike racks, the Yakima Sprocket Rocket is also compatible with Thule load bars as these photos illustrate. A gorgeous rack L.H.!

» view Toyota Matrix bike roof rack install page
» view all Toyota Rack installs
» view Yakima SprocketRocket bike rack product page

G.L. of Clarksville, Maryland recently sent us some superb photos of his 2008 Honda Pilot roof rack luggage gear bag installation. The setup includes the Thule 866 Escape II waterproof cartop soft-sided bag. We can tell you all day long how great a product is, but nothing beats a customer's personal testimony on how a product exceeds expectations. And this Thule Racks roof bag is a case in point. G. L. says "We went to the beach for a week with three adults and two 10 year old girls and all the vacation stuff all in my 2008 Honda Pilot. The Thule 866 Escape II roof bag was easy to use, secure on the SUV roof (I used the side rails only) for 640 miles without worrying about anything. It was large enough to hold everything we needed and small enough when empty (about the size of a tent) to store out of the way. Thank you for making a product that does exactly what you say it does (so many things today don't perform as expected)." We agree G.L.! FYI - the Thule 866 Escape bag has been discontinued by Thule Racks and is replaced by the even better Thule 867 Tahoe waterproof roof bag. Definitely check this product out.

» view 2008 Honda Pilot roof rack luggage bag install page
» view all Honda Rack installs
» view Thule 866 Escape II product page

vehicle year / make / model: 2002 Acura MDX

Question: Is it possible to carry two kayaks on my 2002 Acura MDX roof rack crossbars (its a factory installed rack)? I have two 10 ft. kayaks.

Answer: You can absolutely carry your 2 kayaks on your Acura MDX factory rack bars. The Thule 835PRO Hull-A-Port kayak carrier is a superb option for your Acura MDX factory rack crossbars. The Thule 835PRO Hull-A-Port is engineered to attach directly to your factory rack, eliminating the need to buy a multi-purpose base rack that converts your factory rack. Also, in addition to making it very easy to load and unload your kayak the j-cradle design of the Hull-A-Port allows you to attach two of them to your factory rack, enabling you to carry two kayaks, because it cradles each kayak in a semi-vertical fashion instead of the kayaks laying flat, creating enough space on your factory rack cross bars to carry two kayaks. Includes all hardware, 2 straps, buckle bumpers and a pair of Thule 855 Quickdraw ratcheting tie down straps for securing boat bow and stern. A very cool feature of the 835PRO is its ability to instantly fold down the cradles flat when not in use. Eliminating any overhead clearance issues and a very streamlined look that improves fuel efficiency when not transporting a kayak. The Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port is exactly the same as the 835PRO except that it does not offer the option to fold down the cradles when not in use.

» view Thule 835PRO kayak rack page
» view Thule 835XTR kayak rack page

ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration all-star actor Steve braves the waters in this epic marine tale of the Yakima Mako Saddles & HullyRoller kayak rack. Steve successfully navigates through all the features that make this kayak rack system one of the most popular configurations available for effortlessly loading a kayak every time.

» view Yakima Mako Saddle kayak rack product page
» view Yakima Hully Rollers kayak rack product page
» view Yakima Mako Saddle / HullyRoller video page

D.S. of Muncie, Indiana just emailed us a fine photo of his Chevy Silverado 2500 pickup truck rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 421 Xsporter truck rack system. A very cool setup because the truck rack can adjust to either the low position (shown in photo) or fully raised to the high position. This truck rack also has locks included to lock the system to the pickup truckbed rails. This is the ideal combination commercial utility truck rack & sport rack. It's very strong for carrying commercial loads, ladders, lumber etc and is also compatible with all of Thule Racks sport gear carriers. An excellent choice D.S.!

» view Chevy Silverado 2500 truck rack install page
» view all Chevrolet Rack installs
» view Thule 421 Xsporter truck rack product page

vehicle year / make / model:
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Top

Question: I am looking to carry one canoe and fishing poles if possible on my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Top. I'm interested in the best easy load options as I will be loading and unloading the canoe solo.

Answer: We highly recommend the Yakima 1A Raingutter Complete Roof Rack Base System for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Top. This base rack system includes four Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers that attach to the Jeep Wrangler Hard Top raingutters, and a pair of heavy-duty Yakima round crossbars that connect to the 4 upright Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers. You will attach the canoe carrier to the Yakima 1A Raingutter system front and rear cross bars. You will need to choose at least the 58 inch length cross bars, as this is the size necessary to span the width of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Top roof.

We then recommend going with the Yakima Gunwale Brackets Canoe Carrier which connects directly to Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers base rack front and rear cross bars. Four Gunwale brackets included and two heavy-duty padded straps included also. For total transport safety we recommend the pair of Yakima bow/stern tie down straps (see accessories at the bottom of Gunwale Brackets product page) for your canoe.

Also, for your needs we highly recommend the Yakima ShowBoat Roller Lift Assist. The Yakima Show Boat Roller system attaches to the 1A Raingutter Towers base rack crossbars and includes a roller that telescopes out over the edge of the rear of the roof top to allow you to place the front of the canoe on it and then roll it into place on the canoe carrier. Then you just retract the Showboat back into its storage position and you are ready to go! Please note that you will also need to purchase an extra set of Yakima 66 inch crossbars which are used as the extensions bars for the Yakima ShowBoat.

And finally, the best fishing rod rack around is a ski rack believe it or not. The ski rack is perfectly suited to carry fishing rods. And best of all you can then carry skis and snowboards in the winter! We recommend the Yakima Powderhound as the ideal fishing rod rack. Attaches directly to the 1A Raingutter Tower cross bars.

» view Yakima 1A Raingutter roof rack page
» view Yakima ShowBoat Roller lift-assist page
» view Yakima Gunwale Brackets canoe rack page
» view Yakima Powderhound fishing rod rack page

Steve leads the way in this ORS Racks Direct Productions' video review and demonstration of the Thule 594 Side Arm bike rack. You'll see first-hand why this upright mount bike rack is such a popular choice for all styles of bikes. You simply will not find an easier roof rack mount bike rack for loading bikes quickly and painlessly every time.

» view Thule 594 SideArm bike rack product page
» view Thule 594 Side Arm video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2008 Scion xD

Question: What do you recommend as the best option for a 2008 Scion xD car rack system. I'm also interested in a noise faring.

Answer: We highly recommend the Yakima Q Towers Complete Roof Rack Base System for your 2008 Scion xD. No matter what gear you plan to carry on your roof, you will need a multi-purpose roof rack base system. The Yakima Q Tower complete car rack system includes four Yakima Q Towers, a pair of Yakima Q8 clips for the front of the roof and a pair of Yakima Q83 clips for the rear of the roof (this Q Clip combination is specific to your 2008 Scion xD) and two cross bars. You can then attach any of the various Yakima Racks roof mount gear carriers directly to the Q Tower front and rear cross bars. The 48 inch cross bars are the recommended length for your Scion xD roof top. Also, the Yakima Racks 44 inch roof fairing is the recommended wind fairing size for your 2008 Scion xD. Attaches directly to the front cross bar.

» view Yakima Q Tower car rack page
» view Yakima 44 inch noise deflector page
» view example 2008 Scion xD Yakima Q Towers install page

You definitely won't want to miss this true story of Steve explaining all the premium features of the Yakima FatCat 6 & FatCat 4 snowboard & ski racks. Combining beautiful sleek design with best-in-class ease of use and universally compatible installation on any type of roof rack including factory racks, the Yakima Fat Cat 6 and Fat Cat 4 ski racks will ensure you're the envy of everyone else in the ski resort parking lot.

» view Yakima Fat Cat 6 ski rack product page
» view Yakima FatCat 4 ski rack product page
» view Yakima Fat Cat rack video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2007 Honda CR-V

Question: I am very new at this and interested in installing a 2007 Honda CRV car rack for carrying 2 kayaks. There is no factory roof rack on the Honda CRV currently however. Should I have bought a CRV that had a factory rack pre-installed or can I use another kayak rack system on this car?

Answer: You can absolutely use an after-market roof rack system on your 2007 Honda CR-V. In fact this roof rack wil be much stronger and durable than the factory rack option anyway. First things first, no matter what gear you plan to carry on your roof, you will need a multi-purpose roof rack base system. You will attach the kayak carriers to the front and rear cross bars. The Yakima Control Tower Complete Roof Rack Base System is engineered to fit your 2007 Honda CR-V perfectly and is very quick to install. Using the set of four Yakima LP10 Landing Pads (necessary for your 2007 Honda CRV and included with Control Towers system), the Control Tower multi-purpose base rack system connects directly to the four fixpoint attachment points in your roof that Honda has made to allow this rack system to install effortlessly and securely. Includes four Yakima Control Towers, four Yakima LP10 Landing Pads and a pair of cross bars. Easy to follow instructions make the installation literally a snap. The Yakima 48 inch cross bars are the recommended crossbars length for your vehicle's roof top and will work well if you choose the j-cradle style kayak carriers (j-cradle style kayak racks transport a kayak in a semi-upright position on the kayak's side). However if you plan to carry two kayaks flat and side by side you will need to choose the 58 inch length crossbars.

You can then attach any Yakima Racks kayak carriers to the Control Towers system cross bars. By far the most popular option is the Yakima BowDown j-cradle kayak rack. This is a universal kayak rack that carries your kayak using a j-cradle design, which also makes it very easy to load/unload a kayak. Compatible with all styles of kayaks. A very nice innovative feature of the Yakima BowDown is the ability to quickly fold the upright cradles down flat when not in use so there are no possible overhead clearance issues when pulling into garages or low-overhang entrances. Also much more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. The Yakima HullRaiser kayak rack is very similar to the Yakima BowDown and is a j-cradle style carrier working the the same way as the BowDown excelt that it doesn't offer the option to fold down flat when not in use.

» view Yakima Control Towers car rack page
» view Yakima BowDown kayak rack page
» view Yakima HullRaiser kayak rack page
» view example Honda CRV kayak roof rack install page

D.O. of Pittsboro, North Carolina has just sent us a great pic of his 2008 Ford Ranger pickup truckbed truck rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 421 Xsporter truck rack. This truck rack is so cool for so many reasons. And check out how in the fully raised position there's plenty of room for Cody!

» view 2008 Ford Ranger truck rack install page
» view all Ford Rack installs
» view Thule 421 Xsporter product page

vehicle year / make / model: 1993 Toyota Corolla

Question: I'd like to carry 2 or 3 bicycles on a strap rack for the trunk of my 1993 Toyota Corolla. I'm interested in something that is both very safe and also looks pretty cool.

Answer: Look no further than the Saris Bones trunk mount strap racks. You'll be very impressed with these beauties for both their wicked cool styling and super solid and safe attachment to your Toyota Corolla. The bike cradles also prevent the bikes from swinging into each other or the rear of your car. The Saris Bones 3 bike rack carries up to 3 bikes and the Saris Bones 2 bike rack holds up to to 2 bicycles.

» view Saris 801 Bones 3 strap rack page
» view Saris 805 Bones 2 strap rack page
» view example Saris Bones bike rack install page

No artsy-european flick, this all-american ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration of the Thule 575 snowboard rack starring Steve is a fast-paced full-throttle explanation of the features that make this snowboard carrier the perfect choice when you want to carry your snowboards on a roof rack.

» view Thule 575 snowboard rack product page
» view Thule 575 snowboard carrier video page