what's rackin'? the official ors racks direct blog --- may / june 2008

We now have a new video available for checking out the Thule 518 Echelon bike rack. Ryan does a fantastic job demonstrating the features of this premium fork mounting style bike rack. Yeah you may already know what styles of roof rack bars it's compatible with etc. but our new Thule 518 Echelon video let's you see what makes this such a superb carrier. For starters, the Thule Racks designed Equalized Twin Cam (ETC) clamp for the bicycle fork is pretty much the coolest clamping system available on any fork mount style bike rack.

» view Thule 518 Echelon bike rack product page
» view Thule 518 Echelon video page

C.C. of Medway, Massachusetts recently sent us some fabulous pics of the brand new 2008 Hyundai Elantra kayak rack he installed. The system includes the Thule 400XT Aero car rack system with Thule 2142 Fit Kit clips, Thule 477 Short Roof Adapter Kit and Thule 835PRO Hull-a-Port kayak rack. Looks awesome C.C.!!!

» view 2008 Hyundai Elantra kayak rack install page
» view Thule 835PRO kayak carrier product page

T.P. of Egg Harbor, New Jersey has emailed us several excellent shots of his 2008 Honda Civic coupe 1-1/4 inch hitch mount tray style bike rack installation. The setup includes the Yakima StickUp hitch bike rack and Yakima LockUp locking system. These photos illustrate the universal appeal of the Yakima StickUp including that it works with both 2 inch and 1.25 inch trailer hitches, is compatible with all styles, shapes and sizes of bicycles and looks equally well at home on both small compact cars and large SUV vehicles. Thanks so much T.P.!

» view 2008 Honda Civic coupe bike rack install page
» view all Honda Rack installs
» view Yakima StickUp hitch bike rack product page

vehicle year / make / model: 2007 Honda Odyssey

Question: I have a 2007 Honda Odyssey roof rack system with just the factory side rails currently. What is the best way to get crossbars onto the side rails so I can attach some gear carriers.

Answer: An excellent choice for your factory rack side rails is the Yakima Lowrider Complete Roof Rack Base System. The Yakima Lowrider system will fit your 2007 Honda Odyssey perfectly and is very quick to install (easy-to-follow instructions included). It is a multi-purpose base rack that attaches directly to your factory rack side rails, creating a system that can handle the load capacity of bikes, skis/snowboards, kayaks, canoe, surfboards, cargo and luggage etc. The Yakima Lowrider base rack system includes four Lowrider Towers that clamp right onto your Honda Oddyssey side rails and a pair of cross bars that connect to the four Lowrider towers. The various Yakima roof mount gear carriers will then attach directly to the Lowrider front and rear cross bars. The 48 inch cross bars are the recommended length for your rooftop.

» view Yakima Lowrider car rack page
» view example Honda Odyssey rack install page

Another edge-of-your seat thriller starring Steve in this ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration of the Thule 883 Glide & Set kayak rack. Compatible with all styles of kayaks and fully equipped to mount directly to any factory rack bars as well as Thule bars and Yakima cross bars, the Thule 883 is the ideal choice for many configurations.

» view Thule 883 Glide & Set kayak rack product page
» view Thule 883 Glide & Set video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2006 Honda CR-V

Question: I need to transport a couple of sea kayaks on my 2006 Honda CRV. The CRV currently has no type of car rack on it so i'm looking at needing some kind of general purpose base roof rack system along with the kayak carrier attachments I think.

Answer: Yes you are correct, no matter what gear you plan to carry on your roof you will need a multi-purpose roof rack base system. You can then attach the kayak carriers to the front and rear cross bars. An excellent option for your 2006 Honda CR-V is the Yakima Control Towers & Landing Pads Complete Roof Rack Base System. Using the set of four Yakima #8 Landing Pads (included with Control Towers), the Control Tower multi-purpose base rack system connects directly to the fixpoint pre-placed points in your roof that Honda has included on the 2006 CR-V rooftop to allow this rack system to install effortlessly and securely. This system includes four Yakima Control Towers, four Yakima LP8 Landing Pads and a pair of cross bars. Easy to follow instructions make the installation a snap (no drilling required). The 48inch cross bars are the recommended crossbars length for your CRV roof top. However if you plan to carry two or more kayaks flat and side by side then you will need to choose at least the 58 inch length crossbars. If you decide on the j-cradle style kayak carriers, however, you can still use the 48 inch length cross bars.

You can then attach any of Yakima's excellent kayak carriers directly to the Yakima Control Tower base rack cross bars. A superb setup for one person to effortlessly load and unload a kayak is the Yakima Mako Saddle / Hully Roller combination. The Mako Saddle / Hully Roller combination works with all types of kayaks and consists of one pair of Yakima Mako Saddles attached to the base rack front cross bar and one pair of Yakima Hully Rollers attached to rear cross bar. You'll need to purchase two pairs of each for carrying two kayaks. (Attach the 2 pairs of Mako saddles to the front crossbar and the 2 pairs of HullyRollers to the rear crossbar). The Yakima LandShark kayak carrier is a great reliable and value-priced all around kayak transporting solution. Attaches directly to the base rack front and rear cross bars. Purchase two for carrying two kayaks. The Yakima HullRaiser is a universal kayak system that carries your kayak using a j-cradle design, which also makes it very easy to load/unload a kayak. Attaches directly to the base rack front and rear cross bars. Purchase two for carrying two kayaks. And finally, probably the most current kayak rack on the market today is the Yakima BowDown. This j-cradle style kayak carrier works exactly the same way as the HullRaiser except that it allows you to fold the upright cradles down when not in use so there are no possible overhead clearance issues when pulling into garages or low-overhang entrances. The folded down position is also more aer-dynamic and fuel efficient. Purchase two BowDowns for carrying two kayaks.

» view Yakima Control Tower car rack page
» view Yakima Mako Saddle kayak rack page
» view Yakima HullyRoller kayak rack page
» view Yakima LandShark kayak rack page
» view Yakima HullRaiser kayak rack page
» view Yakima BowDown kayak rack page
» view example Honda CRV kayak rack install page

Things start heating up as David strips down to bare all the details of the Yakima StrapThang surfboard rack in this ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration. Simply attach the Yakima Strap Thang to Yakima base rack system crossbars for a super-easy to use surfboard carrier that'll last years and years. Use in combination with a pair of crossbar pads for total board protection and rock solid stability during transport.

» view Yakima StrapThang surfboard rack product page
» view Yakima Strap Thang video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2008 Ford Taurus X

Question: I'd like to take advantage of my 2008 Ford Taurus X roof rack side rails to install a roof cargo carrier to carry luggage and camping equipment. What do you suggest as the best option for my needs?

Answer: The Thule 867 Tahoe roof bag is an excellent option for your 2008 Ford Taurus X factory rack side rails. The Thule 867 Tahoe bag attaches directly to the factory rack side rails, no crossbars necessary! This is an excellent camping equipment and luggage gear carrier that offers great carrying capacity, is all-weather resistant and quickly attaches & removes and folds for easy storage when not in use. The cargo capacity of the Thule 867 Tahoe bag is larger than any other car roof bag and most hard shell cargo boxes, providing a whopping 17 cubic feet of cargo space for luggage and cargo gear. Plenty of room for the camping equipment and luggage needed for an entire family on vacation.

» view Thule 867 Tahoe roof bag page

J.P. of Bennington, Vermont recently sent us some awesome photos of her Jeep Grand Cherokee factory roof rack mounted kayak carrier installation. The setup includes the Malone Autoloader Xv kayak rack. We are really psyched to be offering the Malone Racks as they are made right here in New England. The Malone racks have very innovative and unique features not found on competitors' models. We definitely recommend checking out our Malone kayak rack selection. The Malone AutoLoader is very cost effective, works on all types of factory racks and has integrated load ramps built into the bottom of each cradle so it's very easy to slide the kayak right up and into place. Thanks for the great pics J.P.!

» view Jeep Grand Cherokee kayak rack install page
» view all Jeep Rack installs
» view Malone Autoloader kayak carrier product page

S.L. of Syracuse, New York recently emailed us some very nice pics of her Ford Escape kayak rack installation. The setup includes the Yakima BowDown j-style kayak rack attached directly to the Ford Escape factory rack bars. We particularly like these images because they show how cleanly the Yakima BowDown cradles can fold down flat when they aren't being used to carry a kayak. And you can see how S.L. does have plenty of room left on the Ford Escape factory cross bars to attach another set of Yakima Bowdown cradles if she wanted to carry a second boat. Very nice S.L.!

» view Ford Escape kayak rack install page
» view all Ford Rack installs
» view Yakima BowDown product page

K.L. of Sacramento, California has just emailed us a couple great pics of her 2000 Jeep Wrangler Hard Top roof rack cargo carrier installation. The setup includes the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system (using two pairs of the Yakima LP6 Landing Pads for the Jeep Wrangler fiberglass roof top) and Yakima SpaceCadet 15 luggage and cargo gear roof box. The Yakima Racks Control Tower multi-purpose base rack system serves as a rock solid foundation for attaching any roof mount gear carriers to it. And the Yakima SpaceCadet 15 roof box looks just superb on the Jeep Wrangler. Thanks K.L.!

» view Jeep Wrangler roof cargo carrier install page
» view all Jeep Rack installs
» view Yakima Control Towers roof rack page
» view Yakima SpaceCadet 15 roof box page

Steve takes on a familiar role as a Vermont pickup truck owner well versed in the features of the Yakima Outdoorsman 300 truck rack. Available in two sizes for full-size pickup trucks and compact pick-up trucks, the Yakima Outdoorsman 300 truck rack is the perfect combination commercial utility rack and sport gear rack. Rugged enough for carrying all kinds of construction and contracting materials and equipment such as ladders, lumber etc. And the Yakima round bars make the truck rack compatible with any of Yakima Racks roof mount sports gear carriers too.

» view Yakima Outdoorsman full-size version product page
» view Yakima Outdoorsman compact version product page
» view Yakima Outdoorsman 300 truck racks video page

C.E. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania just emailed us some superb photos of her Jeep Patriot kayak rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system and 2 Thule 835PRO kayak racks. This is an excellent example of why the 835PRO is such a grand slam hit with kayakers. It works with all types of kayaks, can instantly fold all the way flat when not in use (perfect for pulling into your garage or other low overhangs etc) and eliminates the need to use extea long cross bars because the kayak carriers use up much less crossbar space due to the j-cradle design. Thanks C.E. and awesome setup!

» view Jeep Patriot kayak rack install page
» view all Jeep Rack installs
» view Thule 835PRO kayak rack product page

vehicle year / make / model: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

Question: I have the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 4 door sedan model and just looking currently for a multi-purpose car rack system for the vehicle.

Answer: We highly recommend the Yakima Q Towers Complete Roof Rack Base System as a superb general purpose 2008 Honda Civic hybrid car rack system. The Yakima Q Tower system is engineered to fit your vehicle perfectly and is very quick to install (easy-to-follow instructions included). 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 system includes four Yakima Q Towers, a pair of Yakima Q99 clips for the front and a pair of Q131 clips for the rear (this Q Clip combination is specific to your 2008 Honda Civic hybrid) and two cross bars. You can then attach any of the various Yakima roof mount gear carriers to the Q Tower front and rear cross bars. The 58 inch cross bars are the recommended length for your 08 Honda Civic roof top.

» view Yakima Q Tower car rack page
» view example Honda Civic Hybrid car rack install page

The plot thickens as Steve uncovers for you all the incredible features of the Yakima HullRaiser Aero kayak rack in this ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration. Sure you probably know j-cradle style kayak racks offer so many benefits for kayak transport, but you'll be amazed at just how much the Yakima HullRaiser Aero outclasses just about any other model in the j-kayak rack category. Mounts to any factory rack bars as well as Yakima bars and Thule bars, and the Yakima HullRaiser Aero is also compatible with any style of kayak.

» view Yakima HullRaiser Aero kayak rack product page
» view Yakima HullRaiser Aero video page

vehicle year / make / model: 2007 Dodge Charger

Question: Because my 2007 Dodge Charger has a large rear spoiler I'm not really very interested in a trunk mount bike rack so I'm hoping to install a Dodge Charger roof rack to carry a couple of bikes.

Answer: We highly recommend the Thule 400XT Aero Complete Roof Rack Base System for your 2007 Dodge Charger. 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 2175 Fit Kit Clips (these Fit Kit Clips are specific to your 2007 Dodge Charger) and two load bars (please note the 50" load bars are the recommended length for your rooftop). You will attach the bike carriers to the front and rear load bars.

Another superb option is the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero complete base rack system. The Thule 400XTR exactly the same way as the regular Thule 400XT Aero system (uses the same Thule 2175 Fit Kit clips too) except that it uses the elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars (the 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 appearance. You will attach the bike carriers to these front and rear load bars as well.

You can then choose from any of Thule's excellent roof mount bike racks. All connect to the Thule 400XT Aero and Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero base rack system load bars. Please note that certain Thule roof mount bike carriers require a set of Thule Xadapt adapters when mounting to the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero load bars. All roof mount Thule bike carriers mount directly to the regular Thule 400XT Aero load bars however.

If you prefer a fork mount bike rack (removal of the front wheel required) then we highly recommend the Thule 518 Echelon. This is a fork mount bike rack that offers quick and easy loading and holds the bikes very securely when in transit. Works with both road bikes and all styles of mountain bikes, full suspension mtn bikes included. There is no other fork mount carrier available that will get your bike loaded up and secured this fast every time. The Thule 517 Peloton is also a fork mount bike rack that offers excellent quick loading technology and holds the bikes very securely when in transit. Works with both road bikes and all styles of mountain bikes, full suspension mtn bikes included. The Thule 594 SideArm is the leading upright mount bike carrier. No need to take the front wheel off first. Loads and unloads effortlessly. The Thule 599XTR Big Mouth Upright bike carrier is an excellent no frills, value priced upright mount carrier. This universal carrier works with all types of bikes.

» view Thule 400XT Aero car rack page
» view Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero car rack page
» view Thule 518 Echelon bike rack page
» view Thule 517 Peloton bike rack page
» view Thule 594 Side Arm bike rack page
» view Thule 599XTR Big Mouth bike rack page
» view example Thule 400XTR / 517 Peloton install page

You'll be amazed at Andrew's ability to balance details with entertainment in this ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration of the Thule 554XT Hang-Two surfboard rack. No other surfboard-sailboard carrier pulls off the combination of affordable value, ease of use and universal compatibility.

» view Thule 554XT Hang-Two product page
» view Thule 554XT surfboard rack video page

D.G. of Flagstaff, Arizona recently emailed us a couple great photos of his 2006 Honda Ridgeline bike roof rack installation. The setup includes the Yakima Q Towers roof rack system (using the Yakima Q99 clips and recommended 58 inch length cross bars), 2 Yakima 8002000 Viper bike racks, 2 Yakima 8002067 Wheel Fork bicycle wheel holders and 2 Yakima 8001115 Wind Jammers (eliminates any possible roof rack noise). A simply superb truck rack cab roof setup for the Honda Ridgeline models with no factory rack. And besides the Yakima bike carriers, the Yakima Q Tower universal system can handle any other Yakima Racks roof mount gear carriers you want to attach including ski-snowboard racks, surfboard racks, canoe and kayak racks, roof cargo carriers such as a roof box, luggage bag or gear basket and more. Very nice D.G.!

» view Honda Ridgeline bike truck rack install page
» view all Honda Rack installs
» view Yakima Q Tower roof rack page
» view Yakima Viper bike rack page
» view Yakima Wheel Fork wheel holder page
» view Yakima Wind Jammer faring page

J.L. of Manila, Philippines recently emailed us some awesome photos of his Toyota Land Cruiser hitch mounted platform style bike rack installation. The setup includes the Thule 916 T2 platform bike rack for 2 inch trailer receiver hitches. Just a fantastic setup on this vehicle. Thanks J.L.!

» view Toyota Land Cruiser hitch bike rack install page
» view all Toyota Rack installs
» view Thule 916 T2 product page

A.M. of Amherst, Massachusetts recently sent us some superb pics of her Subaru Forester roof rack and cargo luggage box installation. The setup includes the Yakima Locking EZ Rider car rack system and Yakima SkyBox 18 roof box. The Yakima EZ Rider system is specifically engineered to mount to low-profile factory rails such as those found on the Subaru Forrester. And of course the Yakima SkyBox 18 gear box looks just brilliant mounted onto the roof rack crossbars. We love it A.M.!

» view Subaru Forester car roof box install page
» view all Subaru Rack installs
» view Yakima Locking EZ Rider product page

vehicle year / make / model: 1994 Ford Bronco

Question: I'm looking into installing a 1994 Ford Bronco roof rack for carrying 2 kayaks. The 1994 Ford Bronco has raingutters on it so I think I need a system that attaches to those. Do any car rack companies still make roof racks for raingutters. All the cars I see on the road these days are gutterless.

Answer: We highly recommend the Yakima 1A Raingutter Complete Roof Rack Base System for your 1994 Ford Bronco. This base rack system includes four Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers that attach to the Bronco's raingutters, and a pair of heavy-duty round crossbars that connect to the four upright Yakima 1A Towers. You can then attach any Yakima kayak carriers to the Yakima 1A Raingutter front and rear cross bars. You will need to select the Yakima 66 inch cross bars length for your roof top. This length will also allow plenty of room to transport 2 kayaks at the same time.

You can then attach any of Yakima Racks excellent kayak carriers directly to the Yakima 1A Raingutter base rack cross bars. An excellent option for your setup is the Yakima Mako Saddle/ Yakima Hully Roller combination. The Mako Saddle/Hully Roller combination works with all types of kayaks and consists of one pair of Yakima Mako Saddles attached to the base rack front cross bar and one pair of Yakima Hully Rollers attached to rear cross bar. This is an incredibly easy and hassle free loading/unloading system, especially if the person is loading/unloading alone. You will need to purchase two of each for carrying two kayaks.

» view Yakima 1A Raingutter Towers roof rack page
» view Yakima Mako Saddles kayak rack page
» view Yakima HullyRollers kayak rack page
» view example Yakima Mako Saddles-HullyRollers install page

ORS Racks Direct Productions video review and demonstration A-list actors Steve and Andrew steal the show in these very informing videos of various car rack locking systems. Each of these locking options does an outstanding job of securing your gear on any roof rack setup.

» view SteelCore lockable straps product page
» view SteelCore locking straps video page

» view Lash Lock cable product page
» view LashLock cable lock video page

» view Kayak Lasso lock product page
» view Kayak Lasso lock video page