Now available from Thule Racks are the 480 / 480R Traverse Fit Kits - 1625 for 2012 Audi A7 RS7 S7 Sportback, 1629 for 2011-2012 Kia Optima, 1633 for 2011-2012 Nissan Leaf, 1638 for 2012 Kia Cadenza, 1651 for 2012 Audi A6 S6, 1656 for 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In an ongoing effort to ensure many of the latest cars, vans and pickup trucks are compatible with Thule Racks roof rack systems, Thule is constantly testing, engineering and designing new components to fit new vehicles. Thule has recently released new Thule Fit Kits for use with the 480 Traverse and 480R Rapid Traverse car racks. The latest Fit Kits are the Thule 1656 Fit Kit for 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory racks and 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (bare rooftop) SUV models, Thule 1651 Fit Kit for 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Audi S6 4-door sedan models, Thule 1638 Fit Kit for 2012 Kia Cadenza 4-door sedan model, Thule 1633 Fit Kit for 2011 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Nissan Leaf 5-door hatchback models, Thule 1629 Fit Kit for 2011 Kia Optima and 2012 Kia Optima 4-door sedan models and the Thule 1625 Fit Kit for 2012 Audi A7 Sportback, 2012 Audi RS7 Sportback and 2012 Audi S7 Sportback models.

Image of the 2012 Chariot CX 1 child carrier for use as a baby jogger-baby stroller, bike trailer, ski pulk and more when used with the Chariot CTS conversion kits.

Image of the 2012 Chariot CX 2 two-seat child carrier for use as a double baby jogger-double baby stroller, 2 child bike trailer, ski pulk and more when used with the Chariot CTS conversion kits.

Recently purchased by the Thule Group (parent company of Thule Racks), Chariot Carriers represent the pinnacle of premium, deluxe child, infant and baby transport solutions. Featuring the proprietary CTS (Child Transport System) conversion kits, each basic Chariot carrier (also called a chassis) can combine with any of the various CTS Conversion Kits to serve as a baby jogger, baby stroller, child bike trailer, ski pulk shuttle or hiking tow-behind trailer. The Chariot CX 1 child carrier and the Chariot CX 2 child carrier are the top-of-the-line models, delivering the utmost in luxurious comfort, efficiency and ease of use, as well as high-performance. The CX 1 and CX 2 models both work with all the Chariot Carriers CTS conversion kits – simply attach the CTS Strolling Kit for a single or double baby stroller; the CTS Jogging Kit for a single or double baby jogger; CTS Cycling Kit for a one or two child bike trailer; CTS Cross Country Ski Kit for a ski pulk to tow one or two children while nordic skiing or snowshoeing; CTS Hiking Kit for towing behind you the CX 1 or CX 2 while hiking with the family. Besides the conversion kits, many Chariot Carrier accessories are also available.

ORS Racks Direct has just announced the release of an all-new Super Sale Closeouts and Clearance area on the website. As a division of ORS Direct, it benefits from having access to a broad range of additional categories besides car racks, truck racks and gear carrier accessories. Also sold through its partner websites are other outdoor equipment, clothing and apparel such as cross country skis, backcountry-telemark skis, boots, bindings, poles, snowshoes, Chariot baby joggers-baby strollers, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and much more. Now, after several months of engineering and development, the company is now able to feature a large inventory of discounted products across all partner website platforms. For further information please visit the pressreleases below…

http://www.prleap.com/pr/185034/

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9154994.htm

247pressrelease Super Sale at ORS Racks Direct

Yakima Racks cargo luggage roof boxes kickback rebate program puts money back in your pocket when you buy a Yakima roof box.

Yakima Racks Cargo Roof Box Rebate Program (complete details)

Just launched is the all-new Yakima Racks roof boxes kickback rebate program that saves anyone purchasing a Yakima cargo box a lot of money. Right now if you buy any Yakima SkyBox Pro 21, SkyBox Pro 18 or SkyBox 21 roof box models you qualify for a rebate that puts $125 back in your pocket. Likewise, if purchasing any Yakima LoPro, SkyBox Pro 16, SkyBox 18 or SkyBox 16 roof box models you’ll save $100 through the rebate program. And finally, you’ll qualify for $75 back if you buy any Yakima SkyBox Pro 12, SkyBox 12 or RocketBox Pro cargo boxes. Simply purchase a Yakima gear box, print out the official rebate form, attach a copy of your purchase receipt or online invoice and mail to Yakima Racks – that’s all there is to it! This Yakima Racks KickBacks offer is valid 2/1/2012 – 3/22/2012. Rebate request form must be postmarked by 4/6/2012. Also, Yakima is offering the option to submit a rebate request directly online.

view all Yakima roof boxes

ORS Direct, parent company of ORS Racks Direct, has just announced they have launched their Google+ business page. Customers, anyone involved in outdoor recreation and sport and vehicle transport systems for their gear and equipment can now visit the Google+ page for ORS Racks Direct to join and follow the page, staying current and up-to-date with all company information, promotions and events in the outdoor industry, as well as the car rack and truck rack industries. Furthermore, in conjunction with going live on Google+, the company announced they are currently offering an exclusive promotion for anyone joining and following the ORS Racks Direct Google+ business page with an exclusive coupon offering additional discounts at the e-commerce web site. The company intends to update the Google+ page regularly with information about the latest car rack and truck rack product offerings, installation photos, product reviews, rack videos and more. ORS Direct added that they have also launched Google+ pages for other web properties including ORS Snowsnoes Direct and ORS Cross Country Skis Direct, websites specializing in the winter outdoor gear industry.

Check out this cool video that shows how to mount Thule ski racks (including 92726 Universal Pull Top, 92725 Universal Flat Top, 92724 Universal Flat Top, order model 91725, 91724, 91726 etc.) flush to the Thule AeroBlade load bars, all Whispbar roof rack cross bars, all TracRac truck racks, all Votex brand OEM car racks, Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack cross bars and so forth (these cross bars all share the same feature, a T-slot channel running the entire length of each bar). Using the Thule Ski Rack Flush Mount Adapter Kit the conversion procedure is a quick process that simply removes the Thule SpeedLink Clamp Mounts using a wrench on the 92726, 92725 and 92724 ski-snowboard rack models. Then insert the included T-bolts into the two holes on the underside of each cradle arm and loosely tighten an included wing knob to the end of the T-bolt. Then just slide each cradle arm onto the T-slot channel of each cross bar and then tighten down fully. That’s it! For the older model ski carriers such as the 91726, 91725, 91724, instead of using a wrench you use a drill to simply drill out the rivets that are holding the upper clamp arms onto the underside of each ski carrier cradle arm. Then you follow the same process of inserting the T-bolts into the holes you drilled to remove the rivets. The result of a flush mount ski rack is a much more lower profile, premium looking set up.

view Thule Ski Racks Flush Mount Conversion Kit videos

Here’s a really solid overview of the Thule 460R Rapid Podium roof rack system, featuring the ultra-sleek and whisper-silent Thule AeroBlade crossbars. The informational video includes an installation of the complete car rack system on  rooftop fixed-points for a premium factory rack looking 2011 Honda CR-V roof rack crossbars multi-purpose system. With the system installed you can then connect any roof mount gearcarrier attachments to the AeroBlade load bars. The components used in the 2011 Honda CRV car rack install are the Thule 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack, Thule 3042 Podium Fit Kit and pair of Thule ARB47 AeroBlade load bars. The 460R Rapid Podium system is Thule Racks most versatile roof rack solution, as it is often used for other configurations such as mounting to flush side rails, roof tracks and certain custom, permanent rack applications. There are many Podium Fit Kits available, each designed for a specific application and particular vehicle year/make/model.

Here is a nice follow-up instructional video to watch after viewing the Thule 92724 Flat Top / Thule 92725 Flat Top video. This movie features the Thule 92726 Universal Pull Top ski rack-snowboard rack. It is very similar to the Thule 92725, as it also includes the cool new SpeedLink Universal Mounting Clamps, holds up to 6 pr skis or 4 snowboards (and you can carry skis and snowboards at the same time), and includes locks to simultaneously lock the carrier to the car and equipment inside the carrier. Where the 92726 Universal Pull Top ski rack differs is the innovative telescoping cradle arms that will slide out over the side of the car. This makes it super easy to load and unload the snow boards and skiis.  Then the arms retract back into the stored position on the rooftop. The video provides a great demonstration of how this works. Fits factory racks, Thule AeroBlade, square and round crossbars, Whispbar, Yakima, Inno etc. After watching both videos you will have a good foundation for making a decision on what ski rack is best for your needs.

view all Thule Racks 92726 Universal Pull Top videos

This is a great instructional video for the new Thule 92724 Universal Flat Top ski rack (holds up to two snow boards or 4 pr skis)  and Thule 92725 Universal Flat Top ski rack (holds up to four snow boards or six pr skis). The 92724 replaces the older model 91724 and the 92725 replaces the older model 91725. The biggest improvement is the totally advanced Thule SpeedLink Universal Clamp Mounts integrated onto the underside of the ski carriers. Using a wrap-around strap and tension dial, it is effortless to attach the 92725 and 92724 to any roof rack crossbars, including factory rack cross bars, all Thule load bars (including AeroBlade bars, square bars etc.), all Whispbar and Yakima bars, Inno cross bars and so forth. Thule locks and keys are included for locking the rack to the car and the skis and snowboards to the rack.

view all Thule 92725 / 92724 Universal Flat Top ski rack videos

Awesome instructional video featuring the Thule 450R Rapid CrossRoad roof rack system assembled and installed on a 2008 Volvo XC70 with factory side rails. The components used in this complete all-purpose base rack system configuration are the Thule 450R Rapid CrossRoad Foot Pack and pair of Thule AeroBlade load bars (also, not included but highly recommended by the instructor in the movie is a pack of Thule locks to lock the rack to the vehicle). The AeroBlades are the most advanced cross rails (load bars, cross bars or whatever else they may be called) available on the market today. The silent design ensures a quiet environment free of any noise coming from the roofrack while driving down the highway. The 450R Rapid CrossRoad Foot Pack features super-strength steel straps (encased inside padded rubber) that wrap around any style, shape or size of side rails. Then simply use the hex wrench, that is integrated right into the inside of the end caps, to tighten each strap onto the side rail for a perfectly custom fit. Very easy to switch this system out and place on any other vehicle with side rails as well.