car rack blog | useful car-truck rack information tips etc.

We are happy to announce a new destination for car rack advice... and appropriately enough it's called Car Rack Advice !!! This ain't no candy-coated marketing puff piece either. It comes to you direct from the guys on the front lines at our Vermont warehouse location. Preaching the gospel of all things car rack related are the good folks who answer the phones and emails, pack the boxes and install the car rack systems. So you know this is useful information straight from the source!

Check it out at www.carrackadvice.com

You'll definitely want to check out the Thule Traverse Fit Kit Clips, part of Thule Racks new 480 Traverse and 480R Rapid Traverse roof rack systems for cars, vans, and pickup trucks with no factory racks, factory side rails, raingutters etc. The Traverse Fit Kit brackets are designed with EasyClick technology, enabling the Fit Kits to attach to each 480 Traverse Foot or 480R Rapid Traverse Foot without tools or fasteners. Yet another reason why this system is far superior to any other system in this roof rack application category. Check out the Thule Traverse Fit Kits product page for complete details...

» view Thule Traverse Fit Kit brackets page

Behold the new revolution in roof rack systems for cars with smooth, naked roof tops... the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack system. After 25 years of manufacturing the Thule 400XT Aero car rack system, Thule Racks decided it was high time they invest millions in redesigning a completely new system for vehicles with no factory racks, factory side rails, raingutters etc. The result is the 480 Traverse Foot Pack, a superior system in so many ways. Elegantly simple design, it has 1/2 the components of other comparable systems and requires only half the time to install! Check out the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack product pages for complete details...

» view Thule 480 Traverse car rack system page
» view Thule Traverse 480 Foot Pack page

The premium Thule 480R Rapid Traverse roof rack system represents the new revolution in car rack systems for vehicles with smooth, naked rooftops. The successor to the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero roof rack system, Thule Racks decided it was high time they invest millions in redesigning a completely new system for vehicles with no factory racks, factory siderails, rain gutters etc. The result is the 480R Rapid Traverse Foot Pack, a superior system in so many ways. Elegantly simple design, it has just half the parts of other comparable systems and requires only half the time to install! Check out the Thule 480R Rapid Traverse car rack product pages for complete details...

» view Thule 480R Rapid Traverse car rack system page
» view Thule Rapid Traverse 480R Foot Pack page

We'd like to introduce you to the A21106B SportRack Sherpa 13 soft roof bag. If you are in the market for a cargo luggage carrier solution for your car rooftop, this roof bag might just be the option for you. Besides, you'll still have plenty of money left in your wallet for those gas pump bills. A very inexpensive soft roof bag that can still handle a large volume of cargo luggage gear and connects directly to virtually all factory car racks and aftermarket roof rack systems including Thle Racks, Inno Racks and Yakima Racks crossbars. Considered by many to be much more convenient to install, easier to use and definitely easier to store away than a large hard-shell cargo roof box. Check out the SportRack A21106B Sherpa 13 roof bag product page for complete details...

» view SportRack A21106B Sherpa 13 roof bag page

Meet the extraordinary Thule 665C Transporter Combi hitch mount cargo box. This is quickly becoming a popular alternative to car roof top cargo luggage boxes for several reasons. Firstly, it's located at a much more convenient low height so it's easy to access all your belongings. Secondly, it helps to dramatically improve fuel economy because the cargo box is located behind the vehicle. And thirdly, it just looks very stylish! Thule 665C Transporter Combi box is universally compatible with both 2 inch and 1.25 inch hitches. Ideal for luggage, sports gear, beach and vacation gear, camping equipment, golf clubs and so much more. The Thule 665 Transporter Combi can even tilt down for easy rear of vehicle access. Check out the product page for further details...

» view Thule 665C Transporter Combi cargo box product page

Great news for winter, the Yakima FatCat 4 and Yakima FatCat 6 ski racks-snowboard racks are now available with a pair of Yakima locks and keys included! With just the turn of a key your precious skis and snowboards are now locked inside the 8003077 Yakima Fat Cat 4 and 8003078 Fat Cat 6 ski-snowboard carriers. Also, when the carrier is locked it's also locked to the roof rack crossbars at the same time. Universal clamps included for mounting to factory racks as well as aftermarket base car rack system crossbars from Yakima, Thule, Inno etc.

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

Great news for winter, the Yakima Powderhound and Yakima Big Powderhound ski racks-snowboard racks are now available with a pair of Yakima locks and keys included! With just the turn of a key your precious skis and snowboards are now locked inside the 8003081 Yakima Powderhound and 8003082 Big Powderhound ski-snowboard carriers. Also, when the carrier is locked it's also locked to the roof rack crossbars at the same time. Universal clamps included for mounting to factory racks as well as aftermarket base car rack system crossbars from Yakima, Thule, Inno etc.

» view Yakima Big Powderhound with locks page
» view Yakima Powderhound with locks page
» view Yakima Big Powderhound ski rack video page

Great news for winter, the Yakima FreshSesh ski rack / snowboard rack is now available with a pair of Yakima locks and keys included! With just the turn of a key your precious skis and snowboards are now locked inside the 8003079 Yakima FreshSesh ski-snowboard carrier. Also, when the carrier is locked it's also locked to the roof rack crossbars at the same time. Universal clamps included for mounting to factory racks as well as aftermarket base car rack system crossbars from Yakima, Thule, Inno etc.

» view Yakima FreshSesh with locks page
» view Yakima FreshSesh ski rack video page

Just like the very popular Yakima RocketBox roof box series, Thule Racks has updated their classic Time Travel cargo carrier series with easier installation hardware and even more durable and protective construction. Available in 3 models, the Thule 669ES Mountaineer ES box, Thule 668ES Frontier ES box and Thule 667ES Excursion ES box, there is a size and shape to meet your specific needs. All attach to virtually any factory racks as well as car racks from Thule Racks, Yakima Racks and Inno Racks. Each model also includes locks to secure all your gear inside the cargo carriers. Best of all the Thule Racks Time Travel series still retains affordable pricing so each model remains an inexpensive and cheap cargo roof box alternative to more premium priced models on the market today.

» view Thule 669ES Mountaineer ES roof box page
» view Thule 668ES Frontier ES roof box page
» view Thule 667ES Excursion ES roof box page

Looking to get all that cargo gear, sports equipment and luggage out of your car interior and up on top of your car roof top? Then you'll definitely want to check out the all-new redesigned Thule Atlantis cargo roof box series. This is Thule Racks ultra-premium cargo carrier series that replaces the previous Atlantis models with an all-new reinforced lid, oversized-ergonomic lock knob, easier than ever to use QuickGrip universal mounting system and reshaped aerodynamic design styling that dramatically reduces wind drag and improves vehicle fuel efficiency. Available in both metallic silver and glossy black color options. Great range of sizes to choose from so you can make the perfect selection to match both your vehicle and particular gear and equipment you plan to carry inside the roof box. Compatible with factory racks and any aftermarket roof racks such as Thule Racks, Yakima Racks and Inno Racks. Check out all the models below for complete details...

» view silver Thule 688XT Atlantis 2100 page
» view black Thule 688BXT Atlantis 2100 page
» view silver Thule 687XT Atlantis 1800 page
» view black Thule 687BXT Atlantis 1800 page
» view silver Thule 686XT Atlantis 1600 page
» view black Thule 686BXT Atlantis 1600 page
» view silver Thule 685XT Atlantis 1200 page
» view black Thule 685BXT Atlantis 1200 page

We are rolling out Thule Racks all new line-up of roof boxes. And first up is the Thule 689USXT and 689USBXT Spirit cargo box series. Available in your choice of premium glossy black finish or sleek metallic silver color, the Thule Spirit cargo boxes combine a nice low-profile aerodynamic design without sacrificing the cargo capacity for carrying plenty of gear. 16 cubic feet of space for carrying all kinds of stuff on top of your car roof top. The low-profile also allows for greater access to garages and other low overhangs. The Thule 689USBXT and 689USXT replace the discontinued Thule 689US and 689USB Spirit boxes and include many new upgraded features. See the product pages for complete details...

» view silver Thule 689USXT Spirit roof box page
» view black Thule 689USBXT Spirit roof box page
» view Thule Spirit roof box reviews
» view Thule Spirit roof box customer install pics

For the purists out there, you'll be glad to know Yakima Racks is once again continuing with their wildly popular Yakima RocketBox cargo roof boxes. The series is now updated with easier than ever quick installation hardware that allows the Yakima Rocket Boxes to connect directly to any factory racks as well as car racks from Yakima Racks (obviously), Thule Racks and Inno Racks. All-new easier to use latch system too. The included locks secure all your gear inside the RocketBox cargo carriers. Available in three models: the Yakima 7148 RocketBox 16, Yakima 7147 RocketBox 16s and Yakima 7149 RocketBox 11. Check out the links below for complete details on each Rocket Box model.

» view Yakima RocketBox 16 roof box page
» view Yakima RocketBox 15s roof box page
» view Yakima RocketBox 11 roof box page

Love everything about Yakima Racks all-new SkyBox Pro series of car roof rack attaching cargo boxes but still want the classic, more subdued look of black? The Yakima SkyBox roof boxes are definitely the choice for you then. Same great features, quick installation and ease of use, except that instead of the titanium and sleek silver colors you'll find on the Yakima SkyBox Pro series, the Yakima SkyBox comes in a classic, matte-black color. See all the models below for further details...

» view black Yakima SkyBox 21 roof box page
» view black Yakima SkyBox 18 roof box page
» view black Yakima SkyBox 16 roof box page
» view black Yakima SkyBox 12 roof box page

You'll definitely want to check out Yakima Racks all-new uber premium SkyBox Pro series cargo boxes if you are in the market for a great way to carry and protect all your gear and luggage on top of your car roof. Available in both a gorgeous titanium color finish and a sleek silver color finish, the Yakima SkyBox roof boxes are sure to be the envy of all your friends and passers-by. Great choices in sizes too so you can make the perfect selection to match both your vehicle and particular gear and equipment you plan to carry inside the cargo box. Compatible with factory racks and any aftermarket roof racks such as Yakima Racks, Thule Racks and Inno Racks. Check out all the models below for complete details...

» view titanium Yakima SkyBox Pro 21 box page
» view silver Yakima SkyBox Pro 21 box page
» view titanium Yakima SkyBox Pro 18 box page
» view silver Yakima SkyBox Pro 18 box page
» view titanium Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s box page
» view silver Yakima SkyBox Pro 16s box page
» view titanium Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 box page
» view silver Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 box page

The Malone Auto Racks MPG111MD Stax Pro kayak stacker offers a convenient and affordable way to carry up to four kayaks on any car rack crossbars. This kayak stacker also features folding down kayak stacker upright posts so you can achieve a very clean and low-profile look when not transporting your kayaks. The included proprietary Malone JAWZ universal mounting hardware allows you to connect the MPG111MD Stax Pro kayak stacker to any factory racks (even really big over-sized bars) as well as any aftermarket car rack cross bars from Thule Racks, Inno Racks, Yakima Racks etc. Never worry about rusting or sea-salt corroding this kayak rack either. Designed for years and years of long-lasting use. Malone Racks LifeTime Warranty too. Check out the Malone Stax Pro kayak stacker product page for complete details...

» view Malone Stax Pro kayak rack page

The Malone Auto Racks MPG110MD Saddle Up Pro kayak rack features uniquely innovative technology that allows it to accommodate all sizes and styles of kayaks, from sit-on-top kayaks and fishing kayaks to any recreational kayak and even smaller whitewater kayaks. Also works as a great paddleboard rack, surfboard rack and more! This is accomplished through flexible height adjustment of the saddles. The saddles also automically conform snugly to any kayak hull profile, paddleboard, surfboard etc. Even includes Malone Racks proprietary JAWZ universal mounting hardware for connecting to any factory racks (even really big over-sized bars) as well as any aftermarket car rack cross bars from Thule Racks, Inno Racks, Yakima Racks etc. Malone Racks also throws in a pair of heavy-duty rack straps and also a pair of bow & stern tie-down straps for total transport safety. Never worry about rusting or sea-salt corroding this kayak rack either. Designed for years and years of long-lasting use. Malone Racks LifeTime Warranty too. Check out the Malone Saddle Up Pro kayak rack product page for complete details...

» view Malone Saddle Up Pro kayak rack page

Simply the most affordable, universal and reliable complete canoe carrier solution available on the market today, the Malone Auto Racks MPG112MD Big Foot Pro canoe rack is one of the hottest products this summer. Even includes Malone Racks proprietary JAWZ universal mounting hardware for connecting to any factory racks (even really big over-sized bars) as well as any aftermarket roofrack crossbars from Inno Racks, Thule Racks, Yakima Racks etc. Even includes a pair of heavy-duty rack straps and also a pair of bow & stern tie-down straps. Never worry about rusting or sea-salt corroding this canoe rack either. Designed for years and years of long-lasting use. Malone Racks LifeTime Warranty too. Check out the Malone BigFoot Pro canoe rack product page for complete details...

» view Malone Big Foot Pro canoe rack page

The all-new RockyMounts PitchFork bike rack replaces the discontinued RockyMounts Lariat SL bike rack with great new features and a beautiful new design. The Rocky Mounts PitchFork now offers the option of locking the bike to the rack and the rack itself to the roof rack crossbars. The new quick release offers 12mm of throw, by far the most adjustment of any fork mount bike rack available today. Adjust just once and never have to worry about re-adjusting again. Clears all those pesky safety tabs. The RockyMounts PitchFork now also includes an integrated disc adapter which makes it compatible with any disc brakes etc. No need to buy an additional Disc Brake Adapter Kit like you had to with the Rocky Mounts Lariat SL bike rack model. And the new look of the PitchFork offers a nice, modern, sleek and premium looking appearance. Of course you can still get it in a variety of rainbow color choices as well. And the price tag makes it a very compelling reason for choosing the PitchFork over many other more expensive models from other leading brands. Mounts directly to Thule bars, Inno Racks crossbars and Yakima round bars.

» view RockyMounts PitchFork bike rack page
» view RockyMounts PitchFork installation instructions
» view RockyMounts PitchFork videos

Introducing the most exciting news to hit the hitch bike rack market this year, the Saris T Bones hitch mount bike racks! The Saris T Bones is probably the hardest working rack in the business and it only weighs 10 lbs. Not only does it serve superb duty as a super easy to load hitch bike rack for both 2 inch and 1.25 inch hitches and transport your bikes very safely and securely, it also quickly removes and attaches to the included T-Stand for a very clever and convenient bike storage rack for the home, apartment, condo, office or garage. Wow, that is what we call versatility. And at just 10 lbs it's so easy to carry to and from the T-Stand and your car's receiver hitch. A cool transport bag is also included. The Saris T Bones is available in two versions, the 812 model is for carrying 2 bikes and the 813 model is for carrying 3 bikes.

» view 813 Saris T Bones 3 bike hitch rack page
» view 812 Saris T Bones 2 bike hitch rack page
» view Saris T Bones installation instructions
» view Saris T Bones introduction video
» view Saris T Bones installation video

Owners in the market for a multi-purpose roof rack system for vehicles with fixed attachment points on the car roof top will want to check out all these new Thule Racks Fit Kit Intracker brackets fo use with the Thule 460 Podium roof rack system and Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system. Thule racks is cranking out many Intracker Fit Kit brackets for compatibility with all the new vehicle makes and models that now include integrated fixed point attachments. The list below is the currently available Fit Kit InTracker brackets from Thule Racks:

2009+ Audi A4 (Avant) wagon w/ flush side rails / 4007 Fit Kit Brackets
2009+ Volvo XC60 w/ flush side rails / 4006 Fit Kit Brackets
2003-2008 Subaru Forester w/ factory rack / 4005 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Kia Rondo w/ flush side rails / 4004 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ BMW X5 w/ flush siderails / 4003 Fit Kit Brackets
2009+ Audi Q5 w/ flush side rails / 4002 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Audi Coupe / 4002 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Audi A6 wagon w/ flush side rails / 4001 Fit Kit Brackets
2004+ Mazda 3 4door w/ fixed points / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2004+ Mazda 3 5door w/ fixed points / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Mazda 5 w/ fixed points / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2003-2008 Mazda 6 4door w/ fixed points / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2004-2008 Mazda 6 hatchback w/ fixed points / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Mazda CX-7 / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Mazda CX-9 w/o raised siderails / 3069 Fit Kit Brackets
2009+ Subaru Forester w/o factory rack / 3068 Fit Kit Brackets
2008+ Subaru Impreza / Impreza WRX 4door / 3068 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Jeep Compass / Rallye / 3067 Fit Kit Brackets
2009+ Hyundai Elantra Touring w/o factory rack / 3061 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Mercedes Benz C-Class 4door / 3049 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Honda CR-V (with and without factory rack) / 3042 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Jeep Commander w/ raised siderails / 3040 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Jeep Commander w/ standard crossbars / 3040 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Jeep Commander w/ sport crossbars / 3040 Fit Kit Bracket
2006+ BMW 3 Series 2door / 3039 Fit Kit Bracketst
2006+ Mercedes Benz R-Class / 3038 Fit Kit Brackets
2008+ BMW 1 Series / 3028 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ BMW 3 Series 4door / 3028 Fit Kit Brackets
2003+ Mercedes Benz E-Class 200-500 Series 4door / 3026 Fit Kit Brackets
2008+ Saturn Astra 3door & 5door / 3025 Fit Kit Brackets
2007+ Hyundai Santa Fe w/ flush siderails / 3024 Fit Kit Brackets
2006+ Suzuki Grand Vitara w/ flush siderails / 3024 Fit Kit Brackets
2009+ Ford Transit Connect / 3021 Fit Kit Brackets

Kudos to Thule Racks for this nifty little accessory option for loading a canoe or kayak up onto a car rack canoe carrier or kayak carrier. The Thule 854 Water Slide is a protective mat that simply attaches to the rear roof rack crossbar and covers the rear of the vehicle to simultaneously protect the car roof from getting scuffed up from a canoe or kayak and also provide some assistance in helping to slide the canoe or kayak up onto the car roof top. The Thule 854 Water Slide mat includes a non skid underside so it stays in place when sliding the boat up onto the canoe rack or kayak rack. Check out the 854 WaterSlide product page for complete details...

» view Thule 854 WaterSlide product page

Thule Racks now offers another excellent kayak rack roller solution for folks looking to make it a whole lot easier to get a kayak loaded up on top of the car. Yesterday we highlighted the Thule 887XT SlipStream which offers the ability to fully extend the roller out beyond the rear of the car. This is great for large SUV's, car's with a rear spoiler on the rooftop and any car with a roof rack that is mounted pretty far forward on the roof top. However, for those without clearance issues and are simply seeking a way to easily roll the kayak up onto the roof, then the Thule 884 Roll Model is an excellent solution. This is an all-in-one complete system for carrying a kayak. Includes front and rear saddles as well as integrated rear roller. The only restriction is the rear saddles only mount to Thule square load bars and Inno Racks square load bars. So the 884 Roll Model is not compatible with factory racks, Yakima roof rack round bars etc. Check out the video, instructions and product page for complete details...

» view Thule 884 Roll Model kayak rack product page
» view Thule 884 Roll Model installation instructions
» view Thule 884 Roll Model video

Anyone looking for a really easy way to load any kayak on top of their car will want to check out the all-new Thule 887XT SlipStream kayak rack system. This premium, all-in-one complete kayak carrier includes front and rear kayak saddles and a rear extending roller. Kayak saddles pivot and automatically conform to perfectly fit any kayak hull style. The rear roller fully extends out beyond the rear of the car so the kayak will never come in contact with the vehicle. The Thule 887XT SlipStream is also universal mounting so it connects directly to any factory racks as well as Thule Racks square and Rapid Aero load bars, Inno Racks and Yakima Rack round bars. Check out the Thule 887XT Slipstream kayak carrier product page for complete details...

» view Thule 887XT SlipStream kayak rack product page
» view Thule 887XT SlipStream installation instructions

Thule Racks has jumped into the home and garage storage / organization market with the beautiful new Thule BSTK2 Bike Stacker bicycle storage stand. Ideal for any garage, home, office, apartment and more. Holds 2 bicycles of any style shape or size. Best of all, it's free standing so there's no hassling with mounting the bike storage rack to the wall. Place anywhere you see fit. Strong steel construction with perfect balance that holds even the heaviest of bikes. The Thule BSTK2 Bike Stacker arms indpendently adjust anywhere up and down the bike storage rack for a level that is most convenient for you. Check out the product page complete details...

» view Thule BSTK2 Bike Stacker product page

The WOW factor with Inno Racks just never stops! Check out their all new roof bags. These premium cargo-luggage carriers are a great alternative to hard shell plastic roof boxes which can be cumbersome to install and are never easy to store when you don't need them. The Inno Flex Top roof bags, however, offer virtually the same gear protection, cargo volume and easily fold up compactly for easy storage in any closet etc. Also offers the option to fully fold down securely and flat on car rack for excellent aerodynamics and fuel efficiency when not carrying items inside bag. Fully waterproof roof bags and include locks for securing precious cargo inside the roof bag. Opens from both sides for convenient access from both sides of vehicle. Available in two sizes.

» view Inno Flex Top 18 BRA120 roof bag page
» view Inno Flex Top 10 BRA110 roof bag page
» view Inno Racks roof bag videos

If you are in the market for a pickup truck bed rack system we highly encourage you to spend some time looking over the all-new Inno RT101 and RT102 truck racks. These systems offer many advantages over traditional upright tower truckbed systems. The Inno truck racks simply attach to the pickup truck bed rails and make it very easy to load and unload equipment at a convenient level. Also more aerodynamic and fuel efficient because gear still hides behind truck cab instead of up above. Plenty of room under the Inno truck rack to store cargo and gear in the truckbed too. Two models available: The Inno RT101 is for standard truck beds while the RT102 is designed specifically for pickup trucks with c-channel track systems in the truck bed. Best of all, these systems are much more affordable than virtually all other truck racks on the market today.

» view Inno RT101 /RT102 truck racks

Why waste any unnecessary pickup truck bed cargo space just to carry a bicycle? The all-new Inno Racks Velo Gripper truck bike racks save up to 90% of truck bed cargo space! No need to have to get inside the pickup truckbed to mount the bicycle to the bike rack either. Two Velo Gripper models available to fit any pickup truck: The Inno RT201 is for standard truck beds while the RT202 is designed specifically for pickup trucks with c-channel track systems in the truck bed such as Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra etc. Check out the Velo Gripper bike rack product page for all the details...

» view Inno RT201 /RT202 Velo Gripper truck bike racks

The 422XT Thule Xsporter truck rack is proving to be the run-away hit of 2009, so we thought we'd give it a little spotlight time... Replacing the discontinued Thule 422 / 421 Xsporter truck racks, the all-new Thule 422XT Xsporter features universal compatibility with both full size pickup truckbeds and compact pickup truck beds too. So it now fits all pickup truck sizes. You'll find incredible versatility in this system with 5 positions of multi-height adjustment included. Also includes a set of 4 Thule Xstop Load Stops for lumber, ladders, canoe, etc. Also includes 4 Thule locks. This heavy-duty 6000 aluminum commercial grade system is a beauty to look at and can hold up to 450 lbs. Very easy to install too. Check out product page for all the details on the very popular 422XT Xsporter!

» view Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack page
» view Thule 422XT Customer Install Pictures
» view Thule 422XT Xsporter Customer Reviews

The Thule 515 Prologue Pack is a complete direct-to-factory rack crossbar system designed to safely and securely carry two bikes at an exceptional value. Includes two Thule 515 Prologue fork mounted carriers, the Thule 532 Ride-On Adapter Kit, and 2 Thule locks. Compatible with virtually all styles, shapes and sizes of factory rack crossbars, even fat, oversized bars. Anyone with factory racks will definitely want to check this solution out for transporting bicycles.

» view Thule 515 Prologue Pack page
» view Thule 515 Prologue installation instructions
» view Thule 516 Prologue bike rack page
» view Thule 516 Prologue bike rack instructions manual

Interested in the most talked about cargo roof box on the planet? Well we got it! It's the Yakima SkyBox LoPro of course. A simply dazzling gear box from its beautiful exterior titanium color, to the ultra-low profile design for great aerodynamics, nice fuel efficiency and plenty of clearance under those low overhangs and garages. Ideal for skis and snowboards, but also perfect for all year round use for camping, vacationing, running errands and so much more. Mounts to all styles of roof rack crossbars including factory racks. Yakima Racks throws in great accessories too: a solar light, cargo pad and cargo net. Check this beauty out!

» view Yakima 07171 SkyBox LoPro Box page
» view Yakima SkyBox LoPro Box installation instructions
» view Yakima SkyBox LowPro videos

Yep, it's finally arrived... the long anticipated and amazing do anything Yakima RailGrab Towers roof rack system. Well, maybe it can't clean your toilet (or maybe it can???) but it is compatible with virtually all styles of vehicle factory rack siderails. If your car, van, minivan, SUV or pickup truck has flush side rails, raised rails or even really fat oversized factory rails, chances are the Yakima RailGrab Tower system is exactly what you need. Gone are the days of trying to figure out which roof rack siderail system is the one you need for your specific setup. Just grab the RailGrab Towers and get on with your life!

» view Yakima RailGrab roof rack system page
» view Yakima 0138 RailGrab Towers page
» view Yakima RailGrab Towers installation instructions
» view Yakima RailGrab Towers videos

Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully the hangover's not preventing you from planning to get out and enjoy the spectacular winter we're having. To kick off the year we want to straighten out a confusing issue that's been brewing regarding Thule ski racks-snowboard racks. While the Thule 91726, 91725, 91724 snowboard-ski carriers and 575 snowboard carrier include universal hardware for connecting directly to any factory roof rack crossbars as well as Thule roof rack square load bars and Yakima roof rack cross bars, these ski-snowboard racks require the use of the Thule Xadapt 7 Kit to connect to the elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars and Thule Xsporter truck rack load bars. The Thule Xadapt7 Kit is a set of long bolts that allow the universal mounting hardware included with these ski & snowboard racks to wrap around the Rapid Aero bars and Xsporter bars for a safe, worry-free and very sturdy connection. Please note this Thule Xadapter Kit does not make use of the T-slot channel on the Rapid Aero and Xsporter bars as most of the other Xadapt Kits do. Instead the bolts simply provide the length necessary to properly mount the hardware around these load bar styles. There is no option for mounting the Thule 91726, 91725, 91724 snowboard-ski carriers and 575 snowboard carrier to the slotted channel on these bars. Hopefully this clears things up. And, again, have a great 2009!

» view Thule Xadapt 7 adapter kit product page
» view all Thule ski racks-snowboard racks

Drive a smaller car and add a Thule rack system to increase cargo space and still save money on gas!

Thule Racks has launched a new awareness program to promote the benefits of using a car rack system in this new era of high fuel costs. Combining a car rack system for carrying all your gear on a smaller, more fuel efficient car still dramatically increases gas mileage and saves you a lot of money over time. Just check out the image above which provides some excellent examples of how much more economical and fuel efficient it is to use a smaller car and a car rack cargo carrier system instead of carrying all your gear inside a minivan, SUV and other larger cars. Pretty interesting, huh?

Just drive down the highway these days and you will notice a visible shift in types and sizes of vehicles people are driving. Gone are the days of the bigger-is-better, large minivans and super-sized SUV's. The buzz words now are CUV's, sport wagons and gas-sipping compact cars. However, any active person still has the same ton of sports gear and equipment to haul around. On any given day you are transporting around bike helmets, shoes, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, hiking boots, kayak and canoe paddles, skis, snowboards, baby joggers, groceries, lumber and more. Just because you may have down-sized your vehicle doesn’t mean this stuff is going to be able to transport itself.

With the addition of a car rack system you can safely and easily carry the same amount of stuff (if not more) than you did with a gas-chugging SUV. Thule roof boxes have an available capacity up to 21 cubic feet so you can have the carrying capacity of a Ford Escape on a Toyota Prius. Other excellent options are Thule roof bags and Thule roof baskets. And all these cargo carrier options quickly mount to both factory racks and Thule multi-purpose base roof rack systems. The rear of the car also offers excellent rack options such as a Thule hitch bike rack or Thule hitch cargo box. Hitches are easy to install, fit all styles of smaller cars, not just large gas-guzzling vehicles, and allow you to carry bikes, skis and even luggage, shopping bags and groceries inside a hitch mount cargo box off the back of your car. Thule car trunk racks are another excellent option if you need to transport bikes.

High gas prices may be a shock for North Americans, but they are old news for the rest of the world. Many of the new smaller cars seen on the road in North America have been available in Europe for years. As a global company, Thule Racks has been seamlessly racking these fuel economy cars and can offer first-to-market fit solutions, available through ORS Racks Direct. The North American driving public is learning what the rest of the world has already learned: drive a smaller car and add a Thule rack system to increase cargo space and still save money on gas!

We are really psyched to have a couple of excellent new locking surfboard rack options from SteelCore. They actually can carry much more than surfboards too. Load up a kayak, ski bags, snowboard bags, a ladder and more. The first product is the SteelCore Soft Roof Rack / Travel Rack system. This option is for vehicles that have no roof rack installed. It's kind of similar to the Malone HandiRack inflatable roof rack except that is uses pads with integrated locking straps to secure the gear (the Malone HandiRack is non-locking). An excellent temporary solution for a car rental roof rack too.

The other product is the SteelCore Surf Carrier system which is meant to be mounted to any vehicle that has a roof rack installed, including factory rack crossbars, Thule base racks, Yakima base racks etc. Simply attach the SteelCore crossbar pads onto the roof rack bars and secure the gear using the locking straps that are integrated into the crossbar pads.

» view SteelCore Surf Carrier surfboard rack page
» view SteelCore Soft Roof Rack / Travel Rack page
» view all SteelCore products page

Ready for a very economical solution to carrying a bike on a factory rack without having to hassle with taking the front wheel off first? Yakima Racks has just released the Yakima Raptor Aero upright mount bike rack. The Raptor Aero includes Yakima Universal Mighty Mounts adapters so you can attach the Raptor Aero to virtually any shape or style of factory rack bars. Compatible with just about any kind of bicycle too. Simply mount the Yakima Raptor Aero bike rack to your factory bars, load the entire bike onto the carrier and just tighten down the clamping jaw to the bicycle downtube and you're ready to roll. It's that simple.

» view Yakima Raptor Aero bike rack page
» view Yakima Raptor Aero installation instructions
» view Yakima Raptor Aero video

RockyMounts unveils another slick new bike rack and you can get it here. Known for producing good looking and affordable bike rack alternatives for Yakima rack bars, Thule rack bars and factory roof rack crossbars, Rocky Mounts has released the EuroLariat SL fork mount bike rack. Euro Lariat SL is designed specifically for use on Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Votex roof racks and any car racks with a t-slot channel in them (includes slotted aero bars that come stock on Audi, VW, Mini Cooper, BMW, Mopar (Jeep), Subaru Impreza and Thule Racks Rapid Aero bars.) The Euro Lariat SL has all the same great features as the regular Lariat SL but also includes the mounting hardware necessary for attaching to roof rack bars with slot channels in them.

» view RockyMounts Euro Lariat SL bike rack page
» view RockyMounts EuroLariat SL installation instructions

Worn out, missing or broken RockyMounts parts and bike rack components? No problem, we've got you covered with our growing list of Rocky Mounts parts for the complete line of RockyMounts bike racks. Like our large inventory of Yakima Parts and Thule Parts, we feel our RockyMounts Parts department is yet another excellent reason to shop with ORS Racks Direct. Rest assured we aren't just here today to sell you a new RockyMounts bike rack, we'll be here 10 years from now when you need a RockyMounts spare part or replacement part too!

» view all RockyMounts Parts page

If you are running an over-sized thru axle suspension fork and tired of not being able to mount your bike on a fork mount bike rack then you'll definitely want to check out all the great new suspension fork adapters we now have available. Bikes equipped with all types of thru-axle forks - 15mm, 20mm, 24mm, 25mm and Cannondale Lefty included - can now use a fork adapter and get loaded onto the fork mount bike rack of your choice. This includes all kinds of brands and models of fork shocks including RockShox, Fox, Manitou, Specialized, Marzocchi, Risse, Stratos, White Brothers, Hannabrink, DMR, Magura, Cannondale, Maverick and more.

» view all fork adapters page
» view Yakima 15mm axle fork adapter page
» view Yakima 20mm axle fork adapter page
» view Yakima 24mm axle fork adapter page
» view Yakima 25mm axle fork adapter page
» view Yakima Cannondale Lefty fork adapter page
» view RockyMounts FlyTrap adapter page
» view RockyMounts Maverick fork adapter page

We now have the Yakima LP11 Landing Pads available. This is an excellent solution for mounting the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system to the fixpoints located on the roof of the following vehicles:

2008 BMW 1 Series coupe
2000-2008 BMW 3 Series coupe
1999-2008 BMW 3 Series sedan
1997-2006 BMW 5 Series sedan
2003-2008 Land Rover Range Rover HSE
2004-2008 Mazda 3 4 door
2004-2008 Mazda 3 5 door
2007-2008 Mazda CX-7
2007-2008 Mazda CX-9
2008 Mercedes C-Class sedan
2006-2009 Mercedes CLS-Class coupe
2004-2008 Mercedes E-Class sedan
2006-2008 Mercedes R-Class
2005-2008 Mercedes S-Class sedan
2006-2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Combi
2008 Saturn Astra 4 door
2008 Saturn Astra 5 door
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI 4 door sedan
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI / Outback Sport 5 door wagon
2006-2007 Subaru Tribeca
2008 Subaru Tribeca w/o factory rack only

Many new model cars are arriving off the factory assembly line with fixpoints located on the car roof tops. This is so owners have a choice between a very sleek naked roof, if no roof rack is desired, or popping off the fixpoint covers and mounting a roof rack system to the fixpoints for an integrated and modern look. Previously on the Thule 460 Podium and Thule 460R Rapid Podium systems were available for attaching to the fixpoints on these vehicles. But now Yakima racks is quickly playing catchup with the release of the Yakima #11 Landing Pad.

» view Yakima LP11 / #11 Landing Pads page
» view Yakima LP11 Landing Pad installation instructions
» view all Yakima Landing Pads page

Great news for any of you older model Thule ski rack-snowboard rack owners that thought you were out of luck now that Thule Racks has discontinued the Thule FM1 Fat Mouth. No worries, you can still mount any older model Thule ski racks to factory rack crossbars, the elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack bars etc. Simply use the Thule 753-3998 ski rack mounting hardware kit spare parts bag that Thule Racks is now offering as a replacement for the Thule FM1 Fat Mouth clamps. The Thule 753-3998 ski rack mounting hardware kit includes universal mounting clamps, bolts, tightening knobs and complete instructions - everything needed to mount older model Thule ski carriers to factory racks, elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack bars etc. PLEASE NOTE: The Thule 7533998 mounting hardware parts bag is not needed with current model Thule ski racks and snowboard racks as they already include universal mounting hardware for attaching to factory racks, elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule Xsporter truck rack bars etc.

» view Thule 753-3998 ski rack mounting hardware kit page
» view all Thule ski racks-snowboard racks

Great news all you fuel sipping Toyota Yaris 3 door model owners. Thule Racks has just released the Thule 2196 Fit Kit clips, which means it is now possible to install both the Thule 400XT Aero roof rack system and the Thule 400XTR Rapid Aero car rack system to the Toyota Yaris 3 door model. We all know the Toyota Yaris does laps around other cars when it comes to fuel efficiency, however it's also a bit lacking in the interior cargo carrier space department. But now with the introduction of the Thule 2196 Fit Kit it is now possible to install a Toyota Yaris roof rack and get all that gear on top of the car. The 2196 FitKit clips are already moving at a steady rate, and we anticipate these FitKits to be one of the most popular products we sell!

» view Thule 2196 Fit Kit product page

We recently put together a couple of product galleries showcasing the current options for Thule ski boxes and Yakima ski boxes. A ski box is an excellent alternative to traditional ski racks for transporting skis and snowboards. Ski boxes offer the advantages of full skis and snowboards protection against winter's harsh elements, complete ski box security with locks included so skis and snowboards can remain stored inside the ski box for any length of time, convenience of equipment loading / unloading from either side of the vehicle on most ski box models, universal compatibility with virtually all factory racks as well as any Thule Racks crossbars and Yakima Racks crossbars, plenty of extra room for additional ski and snowboard gear, luggage etc. Plus, ski boxes serve double duty as superb cargo and luggage gear carriers during the warmer months for vacations, camping trips, shopping and so much more.

» view Yakima ski box gallery
» view Thule ski box gallery

Figuring out what each roof mount gear carrier from Yakima Racks and Thule Racks is compatible with can be a confusing process and time consuming as well. For instance, will a specific Yakima or Thule kayak rack, ski rack, or bike rack mount to factory rack crossbars, will it only work on Thule roof rack system load bars or Yakima roof rack system bars etc. We've compiled a couple of very handy gear carrier compatibility charts for quick reference and easily determining what types of roof racks and truck racks a specific roof mount gear carrier will work on. We've also included whether or not a specific Yakima or Thule gear carrier needs adapters to mount to a certain type of roof rack or truck rack crossbars. These Yakima Racks and Thule Racks charts are great reference when selecting all types of roof mount gear carriers including cargo boxes, roof baskets, luggage bags, ski-snowboard carriers, kayak and canoe racks, bike carriers, surfboard racks and more. We really hope these resources are helpful. And as always contact us with any comments or questions you may have. We enjoy the feedback and opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

» view Yakima Racks gear carrier compatibility chart
» view Thule Racks gear carrier compatibility chart

The ORS Racks Direct crew just completed a recent Toyota FJ Cruiser roof rack install for a customer that had no Toyota FJ Cruiser factory rack currently installed. This is an excellent example of how ORS Racks Direct can set you up with everything you need for installing a permanent rack system on a vehicle that otherwise has no options for any other type of after-market roof rack system. For this install the crew simply used two pairs of the Yakima #6 Landing Pads for permanently mounting to the Toyota FJ Cruiser fiberglass roof top. If you have a vehicle with a metal roof then you would choose the Yakima #7 Landing Pads instead. After the Yakima Landing Pads are installed, you can then quickly attach a set of Yakima Control Towers and pair of Yakima cross bars (a pair of 66" length bars was used here) to the #6 Landing Pads or #7 Landing Pads. Thule Racks offers a similar solution using the Thule TK13 Tracker Kits for fiberglass roofs and Thule TK14 Tracker Kits for metal roofs. You then mount a set of Thule 430 Tracker II Feet with square load bars or Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II Feet with Rapid Aero bars to the TK13 or TK14 Kits.

Another great option is to use permanently mounting Thule Tracks or Yakima Tracks. This setup offers the additional flexibility of allowing you to adjust forward and backward exactly where you want the roof rack to sit on the roof because the roof rack can slide along the tracks and then lock into the desired roof rack position. For Yakima Tracks, once the Tracks are installed you simply attach the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system to the Yakima Tracks using the Yakima #1 Landing Pads. And for Thule Tracks you mount the Thule 430 Tracker II roof rack system or Thule 430R Rapid Tracker II system to the Thule Tracks using the Thule TK1 Tracker Kit.

There are many possible applications for using these permanently installing roof racks. These are great options for any car, van or truck that cannot use any other type of roof rack system. Any pickup truck caps, camper shells, toppers and such can use these roof rack systems. And other specific applications like pop-up camper roof tops and certain tonneau covers are ideal for these permently installing systems. Installation is very easy and all components come with easy-to-follow instructions so anyone can perform the install themselves. Minimal tools are required and all hardware and components are included with each system. If you have additional questions about a certain vehicle that you think might be ideal for a permanently installed system feel free to contact us and we can work with you to select the ideal system for your specific vehicle and needs.

» view complete Yakima Control Tower roof rack page
» view complete Thule 430 Tracker II roof rack page
» view complete Thule 430R Rapid Tracker roof rack page
» view Yakima 6 / 7 Landing Pads page
» view Thule TK13 / TK14 Tracker Kits page
» view Yakima Roof Tracks page
» view Thule Roof Tracks page