by rackdawg on April 12, 2010
Photo of a 2008 Toyota Highlander bike roof rack and cargo-luggage rack setup using the Yakima RailGrab Towers complete kit, Yakima SkyBox 21 luggage box and Thule 594XT SideArm bike racks.
A very nice demonstration of how to get those bicycles and cargo-luggage gear out of the car and up on the car roof top! This 2008 Toyota Highlander roof rack with cargo box and two bike racks is accomplishing this task using the Yakima RailGrab roof rack kit mounted to the 2008 Toyota Highlander factory side rails, while a Yakima SkyBox 21 roof box and 2 Thule 594XT SideArm bike racks are attached to the RailGrab base rack system crossbars.
2008 Toyota Highlander bike roof rack and cargo box install details
Tagged as:
Thule 594XT Sidearm,
Toyota HighLander,
Yakima RailGrab,
Yakima SkyBox 21
by rackdawg on April 12, 2010
This picture demonstrates the use of the Yakima Q Towers roofrack and RockyMounts Pitchfork bike rack (2 carriers) used as a 2007 Toyota Prius bicycle roof rack. A wind fairing is also attached.
RockyMounts bike racks are an excellent, lower cost alternative for those interested in a fork mount style bicycle carrier (the front wheel is removed and the bike fork attaches to the bike rack quick release skewer). The photo above shows a 2007 Toyota Prius bike roof rack that uses two RockyMounts Pitchfork bike rack carriers attached to the Yakima Q Towers car rack multi-purpose base rack system (Q Towers mount to the Toyota Prius car top using a pair of Yakima Q124 clips and a pair of Yakima Q5 clips; two Yakima 58 inch cross bars are also used; these components are all included with the Yakima Q Tower complete roof rack system). Also a large size 44 inch Yakima rack fairing is connected to the front base rack crossbar.
2007 Toyota Prius bike rof rack install details
Tagged as:
RockyMounts PitchFork,
Toyota Prius,
Yakima Q Clips,
Yakima Q Towers
by rackdawg on April 8, 2010
Picture of a 2010 BMW 328i car rack with roof mount bike racks. The Thule 460 Podium roof rack is mounted to the 2010 BMW 328i fixed attachment points located on the car top using the Thule 3039 Podium Fit Kit brackets (included with the 460 Podium complete system).
Many vehicles available today feature attachment points on the roof top (called fix-points), allowing for the mounting of an aftermarket roof rack system to these fix-points. The customer installation photo shown above is an excellent example of this. This is a 2010 BMW 328i roof rack that is using the Thule 460 Podium car rack system mounted to the 2010 BMW 328i car rooftop fix-points. The Thule 3039 Podium Fit Kit brackets (included with the complete Thule Racks 460 Podium car rack system) mount directly to the fix-points. The result is a premium, sleek and integrated looking roof rack system.
2010 BMW 328i roof rack install details
Tagged as:
BMW 328i,
thule 460 podium,
Thule Fit Kits
by rackdawg on April 7, 2010
Picture of the new RockyMounts TieRod factory rack mount bike rack. Includes many new premium features such as full system bicycle and bike rack locking options, universal factory rack crossbars compatibility and stunning good looks.
Once again RockyMounts Bike Racks blows away the competition with a new product offering that does what no other bicycle carrier is able to accomplish – premium design styling, rugged durability, easy and effortless installation and easy loading and a a price tag that leaves it’s competitors in the dust. What is this new Rocky Mounts Bike Racks product you ask? It is the RockyMounts TieRod bike rack. It replaces the RockyMounts Noose bike racks, and one glance at the new RockyMounts TieRod and you’ll agree this indeed represents the latest in factory rack mounting bike rack innovation. And as always with RockyMounts car rack bicycle carriers you can choose from a full spectrum of color options.
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
RockyMounts TieRod
by rackdawg on April 6, 2010
A great way to save money if you want to carry your bikes on a factory rack is to use the Thule 532 Ride-On adapter kit. This picture shows a 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon factory rack with bike racks mounted using the 532 Ride-On.
Shown above is a 2000 Subaru Legacy roof bike rack system that is using the Thule 532 Ride-On adapter kit mounted to the Subaru Legacy factory crossbars. The bike racks are then connected to the 532 Ride-On cross bars. This is a nice option for saving a substantial amount of money when planning to transport bikes on factory car rack cross rails.
2000 Subaru Legacy factory roof bike rack install details
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
Subaru Legacy,
Thule 532 Ride-On
by rackdawg on April 6, 2010
Picture of a 2008 Honda Civic EX 2-door coupe bike roof rack and fairing setup using the Thule 480 Traverse car rack system (with Thule 1557 Traverse Fit Kit clips), Thule 872XT wind fairing and Thule 594XT Sidearm bike rack.
An excellent example of how to set up a sweet looking 2008 Honda Civic bike roof rack system. The 2008 Honda Civic EX Coupe 2-door model is using the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack (which includes the 480 Traverse Foot Pack, Thule 1557 Traverse Fit Kit clips and a pair of 58″ length load bars), size large Thule Racks 872XT wind fairing and the Thule 594XT Sidearm car rack mount bike rack. This customer installation was performed in Charlotte, North Carolina and the owner uses it to carry his mountain bike all over the southern USA.
2008 Honda Civic bike roof rack install details
Tagged as:
Honda Civic,
Thule 480 Traverse,
Thule 594XT Sidearm,
Thule Fit Kits
by rackdawg on March 18, 2010
This Subaru outback roof rack gets it all done! Features in this photo is a 2008 Subaru Outback roof rack and bike rack (also carrying whitewater kayaks on the car rack cross rails).
This customer installation image demonstrates the versatility of a multi-purpose base rack system. The configuration of this 2008 Subaru Outback wagon roof rack and kayak & bike rack includes the Yakima RailGrab roof rack kit (includes four RailGrab Towers and a pair of 58 inch crossbars which attaches to the Subaru Outback factory rack side rails), a Yakima Steelhead bike rack mounted to the crossbars, a Yakima 32 inch wind-noise deflector fairing and a pair of kayak straps for holding all those river kayaks and paddles on the car rack cross rails.
2008 Subaru Outback kayak & bike roof rack install details
Tagged as:
roof rack,
Subaru Outback,
Yakima RailGrab,
Yakima Steelhead
by rackdawg on March 17, 2010
An outstanding customer installation photo featuring a 2009 VW Jetta factory roof rack mounting bike rack using the 8002098 Yakima ForkLift fork mount bike rack on VW rack cross rails.
This installation picture features a great example of just how perfectly the universal mounting Yakima Forklift bike rack works on factory racks. The 2009 VW Jetta factory rack has the Forklift attached directly to the cross bars using the universal hardware integrated into the Yakima Forklift. This exceptional wonder of a roof mount bicycle carrier works on virtually all styles of factory rack cross rails as well as any after-market roof rack cross bars from Yakima, Thule, Inno and more. Using an optional Yakima lock, the Fork Lift will also simultaneously lock the bicycle to the carrier and the ForkLift itself to the car rack cross rails. Features a host of other outstanding bells and whistles. Plus it’s just plainly one attractive looking piece of art up on top of any vehicle.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta bike rack install details
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
VW Jetta,
Yakima ForkLift
by rackdawg on March 15, 2010
A superior solution for the ultimate integrated car roof rack system look, this customer installation photo features a 2003 Honda Civic car rack with bike racks using the Yakima LP7 7 Landing Pads with Control Towers and two Yakima HighRoller bike racks.
Seeking an alternative solution to non-permanant roof rack systems, which can sometimes diminish the fast, moderm look of a vehicle? This photograph highlights a 2003 Honda Civic roof rack with bike racks that delivers a more integrated and low-profile look. The Yakima #7 LP7 Landing Pads are permanently mounted to the Honda Civic roof top, and then the Yakima Control Towers are attached to the LP7 Landing Pads. Two Yakima HighRoller bike racks and the 44 inch large Yakima Fairing are connected to the Control Tower 48 inch cross bars. Yakima locks and Yakima Accessory Lock Housing Units are used to secure everything.
2003 Honda Civic car roof bike rack install details
Tagged as:
Honda Civic,
LP7 Landing Pads,
Yakima Control Towers,
Yakima HighRoller
by rackdawg on March 11, 2010
This 2010 Nissan XTerra factory roof rack mount bike rack photo of a customer installation includesthe Yakima HighRoller bike rack attached to the 2010 Nissan XTerra car rack factory bars using a set of Yakima Mighty Mounts adapter clamps.
A shining example of how to carry a bike on a factory roof rack, this customer install picture features the Yakima HighRoller bike rack mounted to the 2010 Nissan XTerra roof rack factory cross rails using a set of Yakima MightyMounts universal adapters. The Mighty mounts attach to the Nissan XTerra crossbars and the HighRoller then connects to the MightyMounts. A premium bicycle carrier with all the bells and whistles. Ideal for all styles, shapes and sizes of bicycles.
2010 Nissan XTerra roof rack mount bike rack install details
Tagged as:
Nissan XTerra,
Yakima HighRoller
by rackdawg on March 5, 2010
Standing beside this awesome Honda Pilot roof rack setup for carrying skis and a bike are Mr. Reeder, Yakima Racks Sales Rep, and Shawn, ORS Racks Direct Operations Manager.
Lucky us for a recent visit from Mr. Reeder, Yakima Racks Sales Rep. A great day was had by all at ORS Racks Direct, as we spent the day discussing all things concerning Yakima Racks… exciting new products are now available for 2010, including the Yakima FrontLoader bike rack, Yakima SpareTime spare tire mount bike rack, Yakima EvenKeel kayak rack etc. Of course, before Steve had a chance to jump back in his car and head back home, we were able to capture yet another poor quality image (due to using a Blackberry camera and foggy weather) of his sweet Honda Pilot roof rack for carrying skis and a bike. The Yakima RailGrab roof rack is mounted to the Honda Pilot factory side rails and the Yakima SkyBox LoPro ski box and Yakima SprocketRocket bike rack are attached to the RailGrab cross bars. Pictured along with Mr. Reeder is Shawn, ORS Racks Direct Operations Manager, obviously involved in high-level rack science discussions.
Tagged as:
cargo roof box,
Honda Pilot,
Yakima RailGrab,
Yakima SkyBox LoPro,
Yakima SprocketRocket
by rackdawg on February 11, 2010
Image of the Thule Racks 513 Domestique fork mount bike rack. Clamps directly to any factory racks as well as aftermarket car rack crosbars from Thule, Inno, Yakima etc.
Thule Racks has launched a new fork mount bike rack called the Thule 513 Domestique. This car roof top bicycle carrier stands apart from other fork mount style carriers offered by Thule Racks because the Thule 513 Domestique is equipped to clamp directly to factory roof rack crossbars, no adapters required. It also works on after-market car rack system cross bars from Thule, Yakima, Inno etc. Also features a racy, aerodynamic look that looks great on all vehicles. Also optionally locks the bicycle inside the carrier and Domestique itself to the car roof rack.
Tagged as:
513 Domestique,
bike roof rack
by rackdawg on February 9, 2010
Image of the 8002103 Yakima FrontLoader upright mount bike rack. Compatible with all styles and sizes of bikes. Also mounts directly to any roof rack cross bars, including factory racks, Yakima, Inno, Thule cross bars etc.
Expanding on the ever popular, universal mounting Yakima Forklift fork mount bicycle carrier, Yakima Racks has launched an all-new upright-mount bike rack called the Yakima FrontLoader bike rack ( 8002103 ). Besides offering the latest in easy bike loading and unloading convenience, the Yakima Front Loader also requires no tools or adapters for connecting to factory racks or aftermarket car rack system crossbars from Yakima, Thule, Inno etc. The FrontLoader can also simultaneously lock the bicycle to the carrier and the FrontLoader itself to the vehicle. Beyond these very cool new features, this bicycle carrier also delivers top-notch design styling and eye-catching good looks.
Tagged as:
bike roof rack,
Yakima FrontLoader
by Rack James on December 6, 2009
Toyota Highlander Hybrid bike rack using Thule 450 Crossroads rack system with Thule 599XTR Big Mouth upright bike carrier and Thule 518 Echelon bike rack and Thule XG-12 tire chains
You never know when you might run into snow on your way to your favorite bike trails. This Toyota Highlander Hybrid is prepared if that may be the case. Mounted to the Toyota Highlander factory side rails is the Thule 450 Crossroads racks system with not one but two premium Thule bike racks. On the right is the Thule 599XTR Big Mouth upright bike rack and on the left is the Thule 518 Echelon fork mounted bike rack. In the event of inclement weather, this Toyota Highlander has a pair of Thule XG-12 tire chains.
Tagged as:
Snow Chains,
Toyota HighLander
by Rack James on December 1, 2009
Honda Pilot roof top cargo system using Yakima Railgrab sytem with Yakima Skybox LoPro roof box, Yakima Sprocket Rocket bike rack and Yakima Kayak Stacker with Yakima RackandRoll trailer with Yakima ForkLift bike tray. Phew.
Either this person is the ultimate rack star or our Yakima rep. Either way, someone knows how to use auto racks to carry lots and lots of gear and cargo. From the top of this 2006 Honda Pilot is the Yakima Railgrab system mounted to the factory side rails upon which is mounted the Yakima SkyBox LoPro cargo box, the Yakima Sprocket Rocket fork mounted bike carrier, and out of view but nonetheless present is the Yakima Kayak Stacker. On the roof of this Honda Pilot alone, a bicycle, two kayaks, and lots of gear can be safely and securely carried. But that wasn’t enough for this rack king of the road. To really go over the top, this Pilot is towing a Yakima RackandRoll trailer with 66″ roundbars which can carry just about any Yakima, (such as the Yakima ForkLift bike rack pictured here) Thule, Inno, Malone, or RockyMounts accessory, as well as general cargo such as cardboard boxes, held securely down with Yakima Heavy Duty loadstraps. There’s not much room left over to rack this ride, but in this case, I think that is ok.
by Rack James on November 5, 2009
Customer install picture of Toyota Matrix using Yakima Q Tower base rack system with Thule Ascent Cargo box and Yakima Sprocket Rocket bike racks.
These folks went on a crosscountry road trip in their Toyota Matrix and were able to take plenty of gear and toys with room to spare inside the vehicle. For a base rack, they are using the Yakima Q Tower complete system. On top is a Thule 604 Ascent 1600 Cargo Box. For bike transport, they are using a pair of Yakima Sprocket Rockets. Just goes to show that you don’t need a van to carry everything you need to have an amazing trip.
by Rack James on October 21, 2009
Q: Does anyone make a rooftop car rack system for a 2008 Range Rover? I’ve checked both Yakima and Thule and nothing is coming up. They only offer racks for Range Rovers with factory racks and mine has none. I want to carry two bicycles and maybe a kayak. Thanks!
A: You’re right, Yak and Thule don’t provide a fit, but Inno does makes a base rack system that will attach to the naked roof of your Range Rover. It is the Inno IN-SU complete base rack system. It is a great rack system with corssbars that are identical to Thule’s. With the IN-SU system installed, you are free to mount virtually any bike carrrier or kayak carrier you like. A few good examples: Inno INA383 Fork Lock II and Inno INA450 Kayak Rack.
by Rack James on October 7, 2009
Audi A4 roof bike rack with Thule 400XT roof racks and Thule 518 Echelon bike tray
The Thule 400XT base rack system installed on this Audi A4 adds a sporty flair to this fine vehicle, but its main purpose, of course, is carrying a bicycle on the roof. The Thule 518 Echelon does a great job of that and is in fact Thule’s most secure roof top bike carrier.
Tagged as:
Audi A4,
Thule 518 Echelon
by Rack James on October 7, 2009
by rackdawg on October 5, 2009
Yakima Raptor bike rack review by 'Brian'. He has mounted 2 Raptor bike racks to his 2004 Toyota Sienna.
This Yakima Raptor bike rack review is by ‘Brian’. He is using the Yakima Raptor as a 2004 Toyota Sienna bike roof rack system for carrying his sons’ bicycles.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
“As our boys grow, their bikes will obviously grow with them. The Yakima Raptor works perfectly to eliminate the need for a new bike mount as their bikes get bigger. Since the Raptor doesn’t utilize the front forks to mount, it doesn’t matter how small or large the bike is, it will always work. And with a great price, you can’t ask for anything more.”
all Yakima Raptor bike rack reviews
Tagged as:
Toyota Sienna,
Yakima Raptor
by rackdawg on October 5, 2009
Yakima Forklift bike rack by 'Tim'. He attached the Fork Lift to his 2010 Pontiac Vibe factory rack cross bars.
This Yakima Racks Forklift factory rack mounting bike rack review is by ‘Tim’. He is using the Yakima Forklift bike rack as a 2010 Pontiac Vibe bike roof rack.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
“The Yakima Fork Lift bike racks are perfect! I needed to get a rack that would work with my 2010 Pontiac Vibe factory crossbars that would actually allow me to lock the bike to the car without using a cable that would bounce around and scratch something. This was the ONLY bike rack that I could find that offered what I wanted. I put the ForkLift bike racks on “backwards” so I was also still able to open the hatch on the back of my 2010 Pontiac Vibe. It works great!”
All Yakima ForkLift Bike Rack Reviews
Tagged as:
Pontiac Vibe,
Yakima ForkLift
by rackdawg on October 4, 2009
This photo demonstrates an efficient way of carrying 4 bicycles using a 2004 Toyota Sienna bike roof rack system that includes the Yakima RailGrab Towers & 58" crossbars, Copperhead and Raptor bicycle carriers.
This customer installation photo captures just how nicely a family can outfit a 2004 Toyota Sienna roof rack and bike carriers setup for carrying 4 bikes for the entire family, both adults and kids. A very slick system that includes the Yakima RailGrab car rack base system mounted to the 2004 Toyota Sienna roof rack factory side rails. 2 Yakima Raptor bike racks and 2 Yakima Copperhead bike racks are then connected to the RailGrab roof rack system crossbars. This Toyota Sienna car rack setup can also carry all types of other gear and equipmetn by simply attaching other gear carriers to the RailGrab cross bars.
2004 Toyota Sienna car rack and 4 bike racks install details
Tagged as:
Toyota Sienna,
Yakima RailGrab
by Rack James on October 2, 2009
by rackdawg on September 30, 2009
Thule Racks 598 Criterium upright mount bicycle carrier
Considered by many to be the perfect bicycle rack, the Thule 598 Criterium bike rack accomplishes the previously impossible feat of combining beautiful design styling with incredibly easy to use functionality. The perfectly contoured bike tray lines and sleek clamping arm make the Thule 598 Criterium a perfect match for any modern make and model of vehicle. Attaches directly to Thule and Inno Racks square cross bars as well as Yakima round crossbars. Also mounts to the Thule Rapid Aero bars and Thule Xsporter truck rack using the Thule Xadapt8 kit. Connects to factory racks when used on the Thule 532 Ride-On factory rack adapter kit. Compatible with virtually all styles, sizes and shapes of bicycles. Fits any bike tire width up to really fat 2.6 inch tires, so it fits kids bikes and adult bikes alike.
Thule 598 Criterium bike rack video
Tagged as:
Thule 598 Criterium
by rackdawg on September 29, 2009
Q: I really wanted to use the Saris Bones 3 bike trunk rack on my 2008 Toyota Highlander. But it looks like it is not compatible with this vehicle? Can you confirm this? Also, are there any other trunk bike rack models you could recommend? I’m open to bike rack options for the 2008 Toyota Highlander factory rack if no trunk mount bike rack options are available.
A: Unfortunately there are no trunk bike racks compatible with your 08 Highlander. You do have some great options for factory rack mount bike racks however. A very popular model is the Yakima ForkLift bike rack. This carrier offers the industry’s best factory rack mount engineering and has a host of features for easy bicycle loading and unloading. If you are looking for more economical options we recommend the SportRack ABR611 Nomad bike rack and SportRack ABR622 Nomad bike rack models.
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Q: I have a 2007 Hummer H3 and it appears to have some type of side rails on them. But they are not typical siderails I don’t think. It doesn’t look like I can just attach a roof rack to the siderails so that i can have crossbars to then attach gear carriers for carrying bikes and snowboards. What system do I need for a 2007 Hummer H3 roof rack systemthat would include crossbars?
A: You are right. You would not install a typical roof rack system designed to attach to factory side rails. In fact your 2007 Hummer H3 has factory installed fixed-points located on the side rails. You can attach a roof rack to the fix-points. We recommend the Thule 430 Tracker II with the TK12 Tracker Kit. The Thule TK12 Tracker Kits connect to the fixed-points on the siderails. Then snap the 430 Tracker II Feet to each TK12 Kit. The Thule 58inch load bars are the recommended length for your roof top. You can then mount any gear carriers to the load bars.
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Q: I need a 2007 VW Passat wagon roof rack. The Volkswagen Passat currently only has the factory rails on the sides of the roof. What do you recommend?
A: The complete Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack system is engineered to fit your vehicle perfectly and is very quick to install. Attaches directly to the 2007 VW Passat factory rack side rails, converting your factory rack side rails into a sturdy base rack system capable of safely transporting all your gear. Includes a set of four Thule 450 Crossroad Feet and a pair of load bars. The 50″ load bars are the recommended length for your vehicle.
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Q: I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a 2010 Lexus RX350 hitch bike rack for the 2 inch receiver hitch that is already installed on the 2010 Lexus RX 350. I need to carry 3-4 bikes at a time and I will be transporting both adult and kids bikes. What do you recommend?
A: A great 2″ hitch mount bike rack option that is both economical and easy to install and use is the Sportrack A30902 4EZ hitch bike rack. Holds up to 4 bikes and will make a great 2010 Lexus RX350 bike rack for your receiver hitch.
by rackdawg on September 29, 2009
by Rack James on September 25, 2009
by rackdawg on September 25, 2009
by Rack James on September 24, 2009
Subaru Tribeca with Yakima Load Warrior Cargo Basket attached directly to Subaru Tribeca Factory Roof Racks and Yakima Steelhead Bike Racks and Yakima Wheel Forks
Wow! Thanks to Paul in Burlington, VT for showing off his sweet Yakima set up on his sweet Subaru Tribeca, which perfectly shows how nicely Yakima attachments can be mounted to the Yakima Loadwarrior Cargo Basket. Paul is no doubt a biker, and has himself three Yakima Steelhead bike racks paired with three Yakima Wheel Forks. His LoadWarrior, as you can see, is mounted directly to his Subaru factory crossbars. Perhaps he uses that to carry loads of camping gear when he’s not going biking.
Tagged as:
bike roof rack,
luggage basket,
Subaru Tribeca,
Yakima LoadWarrior,
Yakima Racks
by rackdawg on September 24, 2009
This 2001 Acura Integra snowboard & bike roof rack and 1.25" hitch mount bike rack customer installation includes the Thule 409 specialty car rack, Thule 518 Echelon, Thule 91725 FlatTop and Yakima Hold Up.
A fine customer installation featuring a 2001 Acura Integra car roof rack system with a bike rack and ski-snowboard rack attached. There is also a hitch mount bike rack connected to the Acura Integra 1-1/4″ receiver hitch. The configuration includes the Thule 409 Acura Integra car rack system, Thule 91725 ski-snowboard carrier, Thule 518 Echelon bike rack and Yakima HoldUp hitch bike rack for 1.25 inch hitches.
2001 Acura Integra roof rack and hitch bike rack install details
Tagged as:
Acura Integra,
bike hitch rack,
roof rack,
ski snowboard carrier,
Thule 518,
Thule 91725,
Yakima HoldUp
