by Rack Magic Woman on November 16, 2011
Q: I have a 2010 Ford Flex with a Vista roof. Want to carry skis . Not sure if I want a Thule “bin” style carrier, or an actual ski clamp. Nothing on the car right now, but appears to have channels to fit something. Have read various website forums, where Ford does not recommend putting anything on a Vista roof (huge sunroof)….but everybody does it. Would love some direction.
A: First you will need a base rack system. Thule lists their 480 Traverse Roof Rack System (includes 480 Traverse foot pack, LB58 load bars and 1518 fit kit) as compatible with your 2010 Ford Flex with dual sunroofs (assuming this is the same as the Vista roof). As for whether to go with a cargo box (bin?) or a ski rack, that is personal preference, but here are some things to consider: Obviously the ski rack is going to be much cheaper than a cargo box. On the order of $300+.
If you want a classic ski rack, our best value at the moment is the Thule 91725 Universal Flat Top ski rack for $117.95.
However, the cargo box will hold more skis and other gear and will keep your gear safe from the elements, including road salt. And you can use it all year round for other gear such as fishing rods, camping gear, etc, etc. They install in a matter of just a couple of minutes so you can easily remove it when you don’t want it on the car.
I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix with an Thule Atlantis 1200 on it.
2005 Toyota Matrix with Thule Atlantis 1200 Roof Box
Very useful and looks great.
You can also read a similar Q&A regarding this very same circumstance here.
Tagged as:
Ford Flex
by Rack Magic Woman on November 8, 2011
Q: I just got a rockymount board rack for my car but i need the roof bars for my 2 door car. i drive a 99 ford escort zx2 and cant find roof bars for a 2 door car just 4 door any way you can help me out?
A: The only base rack fit for that car I can find is the Inno IN-SU with the K526 fit hooks and B117 bars. Because your car is a 2-door, you also need the short roof adapter, which helps compensate for the limited bar spread on most 2-door sedans.
by Rack Magic Woman on September 20, 2011
A: I’m in the Air Force serving in Japan - I’m in need of a snowboard carrier (for two snowboards) and hopefully a cargo carrier to fit on the roof, but I haven’t found a manufacturer that makes anything for the vehicle. So the following is a list of vehicle specs and questions.
Car Specs- 1997 Honda Accord Stationwagon. It has factory roof channels. The mounting holes are 3.5” apart and the overall dimensions are 1.5” by 4 ¾”. The space between the roof rails is 41” and the length is 31 inches between the forward and aft mounting points.
I will be buying a 2011 (or 2012) Ford Explorer when I return to the states. I would like to reuse the carriers on the Explorer. I understand the base will not be able to be reused, but I would like to reuse the rest. Is this possible?
A: The two vehicles you mention use two very different roof racks systems. The Accord wagon would use the Thule 400xt rack and the Explorer would use the Thule 450 Crossroad. You could use the Thule 92724 to carry your two snowboards on either rack/vehicle. What you described are the mounting points for the Honda factory installed raised side rails. If you were able to obtain and install these raised side rails, you could then use the 450 Crossroad rack.
by Rack James on August 25, 2011
Glorious shot of a Ford E350 van rear mount bike rack for receiver hitch using the heavenly Thule 916XTR T2 hitch bike rack with the Thule 918XTR T2 2 bike add-on.
“Going to the chapel and we’re gonna…go biking?” It looks like that is in store for the folks cruising in this Ford E350 van hitch platform bike rack for 4 bikes using the Thule 916XTR T2 hitch mount bike rack with the Thule 918XTR 2 bike add-on.
by Rack Magic Woman on August 16, 2011
Q: Can you tell me if the Saris Bones 2 will work on both the Ford Edge and the Honda Civic 07? I’m pretty sure the Honda is no problem but the Edge isn’t in their fit guide & I’ve seen things about additional accessories that may be required for glass hatch vehicles and Internet blogs stating people’s opinions that they think it should work but due to the upper spoiler on the edge saris doesn’t actually say it will.
A: You’re right, the Civic is no problem. The Edge however, is a problem when it comes to trunk racks. Saris does not list any of their models as compatible with the Edge and the same goes for Yakima and Thule. The Edge is unfortunately just one of those vehicles that isn’t compatible with trunk racks. If you want to carry bikes on the back of your vehicle, you will need to have a receiver hitch installed and then you are free to select any of the hitch mounted bike racks available. Hitch racks are a bit more pricey than trunk racks, but they are the best way to carry bikes on the rear of a vehicle.
by Rack James on August 16, 2011
This Ford Focus rooftop cargo box could use a proper base rack system, such as the Thule 480 Traverse system with Fit Kit 1565 or the Yakima Q Tower base system with Q102 Q-Clips.
I had to get a shot of this Rack King cruising down the highway because no one would’ve believed me. I got the shot then I slowed down and let him get a few miles ahead, which I assumed would be a safe enough distance. With a set of foam canoe blocks, a pair of Yakima crossbars, and a pair heavy duty straps running through the interior of the car, this Ford Focus luggage box system is held together with a homemade base rack system and a prayer. If all goes well, it just might not fail at 65 mph. However, just to be safe and prevent a potential catastrophic rack disaster, I would strongly recommend investing in a proper base rack, such as the Thule 480 Traverse base rack with Fit Kit 1565 or the Yakima Q-Tower System with Q102 Q-Clips. As far as the luggage box mounted to this “base rack system” it is doing the job, but in case you’d like to view a wider range of options, there are a lot of rooftop cargo boxes available to choose from in various shapes and capacities.
by Rack Magic Woman on July 27, 2011
Q: I’m looking for a bike roof rack for my 2010 Ford Mustang. Can you please recommend one for my car?
A: The best option we have it the Yakima Q Tower System (using at least 58” bars and two Q78 clips) with an additional component called the Yakima Q Stretch Kit . The Stretch Kit allows for greater bar spread from front to rear bar, thus increasing the versatility of what can be carried. You’ll have 30” of spread and can carry a maximum of 100lbs. You are a bit limited in that Yakima does not want any long items (over 10 feet) carried on the car.
by rackdawg on July 2, 2011
Image of the all-new Trac Rac TracONE pickup truckbed ladder rack system, an economical, one-size-fits all solution for virtually all truck bed sizes.
Now available from the TracRac Truck Rack Company is the TracRac TracONE truck rack-ladder rack, a complete system that fits virtually all makes and models of pickup trucks from Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota etc. Essentially it is a more budget priced version of the TracRac T-Rac G2 model, as the TracONE delivers the same materials constuction, design and installation hardware but does not include some of the upgrades available on the T-Rac G2 such as ARC Side Cleat Tie-Downs, tool box mounting kit, overhead HD Load Stops etc. The TracRac TracONE is a super-duty commercial work rack that can carry up to 800 lbs of cargo, yet the entire system weighs just 50 lbs. Built of premium aluminum with a double-powder coated finish for protection against corrosion as well as marks and scratches. The TracRac TracONE truck rack features superb styling that looks great on any pickup truck. Very easy to install and requires no drilling. Just use the included clamps to secure onto the pickup truckbed rails. Optional accessories also available for use with the system.
Tagged as:
commercial truck rack,
ladder rack,
pickup truckbed racks,
Trac Rac truck racks,
TracRac TracONE,
Truck Racks
by rackdawg on June 30, 2011
Picture of the all-new TracRac G2 truck rack system, America's original sliding truck rack system for pickup trucks. Includes new features.
Improving on the original TracRac sliding truck rack-ladder rack system, the 2nd generation version called the TracRac G2 sliding truck rack delivers all-new features and even more industrial strength. The TracRac G2 truck rack-ladder rack can now haul up to 1250 lbs on the 100% rust free super-duty aluminum cross bars. The total truck rack system only weighs 80 lbs. Now includes integrated ARC Side Cleats on each of the four upright towers, providing for more versatility with tie-down configurations. The included base rails provide a custom fit on virtually all pickup truck makes and models. Many TracRac truck rack accessories are also available for use with the Trac Rac G2 system, including TracRac tonneau cover that integrates with the Trac Rac G2 truck rack system; MDP cantilever extension that adds over 32″ of cab protection when hauling extra long loads; TracBox, a low-profile tool box for the pickup truckbed; cargo divider; tool box mount kit for using tool box brands other than TracRac; heavy-duty ratching tie-downs; kayak rack and more. The TracRac truck racks fit guide is a handy tool to determine Trac Rac G2 ladder-rack-truck rack compatibility and/or the correct model for your specific pickup truck year / make / model. Ideal for virtually all Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota pickup trucks and more. The TracRac truck rack company is owned by Thule Racks, as Thule recently purchased the TracRac company.
Tagged as:
commercial truck rack,
ladder rack,
pickup truckbed racks,
Trac Rac truck racks,
TracRac,
TracRac G2
by Rack Magic Woman on May 3, 2011
Q: We have a 2008 Ford Taurus sedan, and will be taking a trip –two hockey bags will take up most of the in the trunk – need to be able to fit 2-3 suitcases worth of additional “stuff” in a roof bag any suggestions? I can’t seem to find the Thule rack that will fit our car.
A: The Thule 480R Roof Rack and Thule 480 Roof rack will both work with your 2008 Ford Taurus sedan. The difference between the two is that the Thule 480R is simply just a more upscale looking ( brushed aluminum, aero shaped crossbar) version of the 480. The Thule 867 Tahoe bag is a good recommendation for your suitcases as it has max capacity and weather-proofing.
by Rack Magic Woman on April 28, 2011
Q: I have a 2007 Ford Focus wagon with factory roof rails and crossbars. What would I need in order to haul two kayaks? I have an Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL, 13.4 feet long, 34” wide and weighs 61 pounds, and a Heritage Redfish 12, 12’3” long and 30” wide, 55 pounds.
A: Although your Ford Focus has factory crossbars, they are not designed to carry that much weight. To properly carry your kayaks, you will need a new base rack system. The Thule 450 Crossroads base rack system attaches to your side rails and can support up to 165 lbs. Once that is installed, I would recommend two sets of the Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port Pro kayak racks to carry your boats.
by Rack James on February 23, 2011
by Rack James on January 25, 2011
Great shot of a 2010 Ford Fusion Ski rack using the INNOvative Inno MV276 Magnetic ski rack-snowboard rack on the trunk.
Here’s a great option to transport skis and snowboards without needing to invest in a complete rack system. This 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan ski rack is using the Inno MV276 Magnetic ski-snowboard rack to transport a pair of skis. The Inno MV276 can carry up to 2 pairs of skis or one snowboard and it requires no drilling or complicated mounting. All you do is stick in onto smooth flat metal and you’re good to go. Generally, the carrier is attached to the roof, but as you can see in this photo, the trunk works perfectly well.
Complete install details for 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid ski-snowboard rack.
by Rack Princess on January 20, 2011
by admin on November 22, 2010
Image of 2002 Ford F250 truck bed rack featuring Thule-DeWalt 376 Pro truck rack system.
This truck rack for a 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty pickup truck is rugged and strong with a 750 lb load capacity. Featuring the Thule DeWalt Pro Series 376 truck rack, this utility & contractor grade truck rack is useful for many applications and is a system that can use multiple attachments to carry ladders, construction equipment and other necessities.
More info on 2002 Ford F250 truck rack…
by Rack Princess on November 11, 2010
Image of 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew pickup truck rack. Features Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack. Includes Thule Xstop load stops so rack can be used as pickup truck canoe rack as in this picture.
A heavy duty pickup truck rack for a 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew, the Thule 422XT Xporter truck rack shown here mounts to the Ford F150 pickup truck bed and includes a set of Thule Xstop load stops which are perfect for using the pickup truck rack to carry a canoe, ladders, lumber and more. It also includes Thule locks and keys so you can lock the truck rack to the pickup truck.
More info on 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew pickup truck rack.
by Rack Princess on October 25, 2010
Image of factory roof bag for 2008 Ford Taurus X. Consists of Thule 846 Quest roof top cargo bag. Cargo bag attaches directly to 2008 Ford Taurus X factory rack siderails.
Sometimes simple works best – a roof cargo-luggage bag for a 2008 Ford Taurus X that attaches directly to the Ford Taurus X Factory roof rack side rails is perfect if you need a little extra room inside your vehicle. No need to install additional attachments or base rack system. Just load the Thule 846 Quest roof bag with your gear, attach roof bag to your Ford Taurus X factory rack and go!
More 2008 Ford Taurus X Roof Bag details.
by Rack Princess on October 19, 2010
Photo of Hitch Bike Rack for 2003 Ford Explorer featuring Thule 914XT Roadway Hitch Bike Rack for 4 Bicycles
This 2003 Ford Explorer Hitch bike rack is a 4 bike hitch rack for 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch hitch receivers. It is the Thule 914XT Roadway Hitch Bike Rack and it carries up to 4 bicycles on vehicles like the 2003 Ford Explorer with 1 1/4″ hitch receivers . The Thule 914XT tilts down for access to rear of vehicle and features Thule 955 No-Sway cages.
Click for complete 2003 Ford Explorer Hitch Bike Rack product details…
by Rack James on September 14, 2010
by Rack James on September 10, 2010
Customer install shot of a 2008 Ford Taurus X hitch bike rack for five bikes using the Yakima DoubleDown 5 hitch bike rack.
If you have five bikes to carry, you need a good hitch bike rack. That is exactly what this 2008 Ford Taurus X hitch bike rack has going on using the Yakima DoubleDown 5 hitch bike rack. The DoubleDown 5 works with both 2″ and 1 1/4″ receiver hitches, and assuming your vehicle has a hitch, it works with just about any vehicle.
Install page for 2008 Ford Taurus X hitch bike rack for five bikes.
by Rack James on August 7, 2010
Lovely montage of photos starring a 2008 Ford F-150 Crew Cab kayak trailer using the Malone MPG461G Kayak Trailer package complete with two Malone AutoLoader kayak racks.
This 2008 Ford F-150 kayak trailer uses the Malone MPG461G Microsport trailer package which comes with two Malone AutoLoader kayak racks. This is a great way to transport kayaks as it makes loading and unloading as easy as can be, it leaves the roof and bed open for carrying more gear, and the kayaks always have a place for storage when not in use.
Install page and complete details for 2008 Ford F-150 Kayak Trailer.
by Rack James on July 14, 2010
This 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bike and Canoe Rack easily transports one canoe and two bicycles using: for the roof, the Yakima Railgrab roof rail system which attaches to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Track factory side rails, and the Yakima Gunwale Brackets Canoe Carrier. The Tonneau cover bike rack uses the Yakima Control Tower base rack with two pairs of the Yakima Landing Pad 6 and two Yakima High Roller Bike Racks.
This is how you do it folks. This is a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac canoe roof rack and Tonneau cover bike rack using all Yakima racks. Mounted to the ’10 Ford Explorer factory side rails is the Yakima RailGrab rail rack system with Yakima 48″ round crossbars. Attached to the roundbars is the Yakima Gunwale Brackets canoe rack, which comes with the necessary straps and tie downs. On the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Track Tonneau cover is the Yakima Control Tower base sytem attached to the tonno cover using two sets of the Yakima Landing Pad 6 Permanent Landing Pads for tonneau covers, camper shells, etc. Mounted to the yakima 48″ crossbars are two Yakima Highroller bike racks. If my math is correct, a Yakima SKS 8 Lock Pack would lock down the two Yakima base rack systems and the two Yakima bike racks, and all with one Yakima SKS key.
More photos and omplete installation details for 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Canoe Rack and Bike Rack.
by Rack Princess on July 2, 2010
2001 Ford Econoline Van canoe rack and luggage bag. Combination includes Inno IN-AD Raingutters roof rack , Inno BRA120 Flex Top 18 Cargo bag and Inno IN762 Canoe Pads.
If you want to carry a canoe on a 2001 Ford Econoline 250 Van roof top canoe rack and still have room for all your other gear this set up works well. It consists of the Inno IN-AD RainGutters Roof Rack with an extra pair if IN-AD Stays and an extra single Inno crossbar, the Inno BRA 120 Flex Top 18 Cargo Roof Bag and Inno IN762 Canoe pads. The Inno BRA 120 Flex Top 18 roof bag for a 2001 Ford Econoline van has 18 cubic feet of storage space and folds up when not in use.
Read more info on this setup of a roof top canoe rack for 2001 Ford Econoline Van…
by Rack Princess on June 23, 2010
by rackdawg on June 16, 2010
by Rack James on June 16, 2010
Customer install photo of a 2004 Ford Escape hitch bike rack for a 2" receiver hitch using the Yakima SwingDaddy 4 Bike hitch mounted swing away bike rack for 2" receiver hitches.
The Yakima Swing Daddy hitch mounted bike rack for 4 bikes looks great installed in the 2″ receiver hitch on this 2004 Ford Escape. As seen in the picture of this 2004 Ford Escape hitch bike rack, when you want easy access of the rear of the vehicle without needing to first remove all the bikes from the rack, a “swing away” rack is what you need. The Yakima SwingDaddy bike rack, which works only with 2″ receivers, can carry up to four bikes safely and securely. It comes with the Yakima Lock Down Security system which locks the rack to the receiver and locks the bikes to the rack.
complete details for the 2004 Ford Escape Rear Mounted Hitch Bike Rack
Tagged as:
bike hitch rack,
Ford Escape,
trailer hitch rack,
Yakima SwingDaddy
by Rack James on June 14, 2010
Swell picture of a 1993 Ford Explorer surfboard roof rack using the Yakima Control Tower Complete system (Yamika Control Towers, 2 sets of Yakima Landing Pads #1, Yakima 48" bars) and a set of Yakima surfboard pads.
Well this 1993 Ford Explorer surfboard roof rack is still looking good. It’s key to a long life? Clearly the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system on top, which uses two sets of Yakima LP1 Landing Pads to connect the Yakima Control Towers to the Ford Explorer factory tracks (replacing the weak, incompatible factory rack system). Wrapped around the Yakima 48″ crossbars is a set of Yakima surfboard pads and locking it all down is a set of the Yakima SKS 4 lock pack. I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t point out the absence of the Yakima Strap Thang surfboard carrier, so here I am, pointing it out. My guess is the little dog ran off before he could install it?
Complete install details for 1993 Ford Explorer Surfboard Rack.
Tagged as:
Ford Explorer,
surfboard pads,
surfboard rack,
Yakima Control Towers,
Yakima Landing Pads
by Rack James on May 24, 2010
by rackdawg on May 10, 2010
- Excellent photo of a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Super Cab canoe truck rack system using the Yakima Q Towers Half Pack, Yakima Outdoorsman 300 pickup truckbed rack and Gunwale Brackets canoe carrier.
The perfect picture to illustrate how to transport a canoe or any long items such as kayaks, ladders, lumber and more on a pickup truck. This customer installation features a 1999 Ford F250 canoe truck rack that is configured using the Yakima Q Tower Half Pack mounted to the Ford F-250 Super Duty cab roof (Q Tower Half Pack includes a pair of Yakima Q58 clips, pair of Q Towers and a single crossbar), full-size model Yakima Outdoorsman 300 truck rack half set mounted to the Ford F-250 pickup truck bed rails (Outdoorsman 300 Half Set includes a pair of upright Towers and also using a single crossbar of the same length as used on the Q Tower Half Pack cab roof rack) and Yakima GunWale Brackets canoe rack mounted to the crossbars.
1999 Ford F-250 canoe truck rack install details
Tagged as:
canoe rack,
Ford F250,
Truck Racks,
Yakima Gunwale Brackets,
Yakima Outdoorsman 300,
Yakima Q Towers
by rackdawg on April 17, 2010
A fabulous customer install photo of a 2008 Ford F450 truck rack for bikes using the Thule Racks 916XT T2 mounted to the front hitch receiver on the Ford F-450.
A dynamite example of how to bring those bicycles along when hitting the road towing a camper. This 2008 Ford F450 front hitch bike rack is using the Thule 916XT T2 platform bike rack for 2 inch hitch receivers. You won’t find a better hitch bike rack than the Thule T2 916 XT bicycle carrier. It includes many premium features such as all locks for locking the T2 to the pickup truck and the bicycles to the rack, convenient low level height for easy loading and unloading of bikes, compatible with all styles and sizes of bicycles, folds up when not needed, and many more cool features.
2008 Ford F450 front hitch bike rack install details
Tagged as:
Ford F450,
Thule 916XT 917XT T2,
Truck Racks
