by Rack Magic Woman on December 16, 2011
Q: I am trying to find my options on roof racks. Two questions:
(1) Trying to figure out if the Yakima RailGrab kit actually will fit on to the factory rail on my 2008 Buick Enclave CXL. Yakima site says yes. But some Internet postings disagree. Have you had experience with this vehicle?
(2) If I do go ahead with the Yakima setup, I have a pair of Thule Ski Racks, is there an adapter which would allow me to use the Thule Ski Racks on Yakima Round Cross Bars?
A: Yes the Yakima Railgrab is listed as fitting the ’08 Enclave using the small claws that are included. I have no personal experience with this vehicle, but here is the fit guide limits and bar size:
| BUICK Enclave |
| Year Range: |
2008-2012 |
|
Fit Type: |
Top |
| Factory Rack: |
Factory Flush Siderails |
|
Weight Limit: |
100 lbs |
| Tower: |
RailGrab |
|
Required Accessory: |
|
| Crossbar Length: |
58″ CrossBars |
|
Recommended Fairing: |
38″ Fairing |
| Front Clips: |
Small Claws |
|
Rear Clips: |
Small Claws |
And most Thule racks that are made after say 2003 will fit to Yakima bars, if older then you may need to try and source a discontinued Thule adapter called the FM1.
by rackdawg on November 12, 2011
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.
Tagged as:
ORS Racks Direct
by rackdawg on October 29, 2011
Picture of the Green Mountain National Forest, the boundless backyard for the neighboring Rikert Nordic Skis and Snowshoes Activity Center in Middlebury, Vermont.
A new feature for Car Rack Advice, beginning with this article post, is to call attention to specific outdoor recreational destinations throughout the United States and Canada. We aim to bring attention to places offering worthwhile memorable experiences; places you would want to load up your car rack and hit the highway with alpine and cross country skis, snowboards, snowshoes, SUP’s, surfboards, bikes, kayak and canoe, camping equipment and more. Destinations for you to use your outdoor gear with maximum enjoyment. First on our list is a place we are personally extremely fond of because it is located in the great state of Vermont, where we are located. We’d like to call attention to Middlebury, Vermont and its plethora of winter outdoor recreational options. A prominant factor in the region’s offerings is Middlebury College, as they offer an array of winter activities for their students, however they feel it is also important to allow the general public to take advantage of these opportunities as well. The Rikert Cross Country Skis and Snowshoes Activity Center is very popular and offers nordic skiing and snowshoeing for all ages and abilities. It also acts as the gateway to entering and exploring the Green Mountain National Forest on snowshoes or telemark-backcountry skis. Alpine skiing, telemark skiing and snowshoeing is also available for the entire family at the college’s Middlebury Snow Bowl. In town there is ice skating, snow sledding, and of course a huge selection of choices for shopping and eating. Hockey also plays a large role with Middlebury, and the college has a long history of wins. Check out the Cross Country Skis & Snowshoes Directory for Middlebury, Vermont, which list further information and details for the options listed here, as well as additional listings of winter recreational events, news and destinations in the Middlebury, Vermont region.
Tagged as:
cross country skis,
snowshoes
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 James on July 20, 2011
Great shot of a Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof top kayak rack system using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch mount bike rack. The rooftop rack system consists of a set of Yakima 42" tracks, the Yakima Control Tower System with Landing Pads #1, two sets of Yakima Mako kayak saddles, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift accessory.
Here is a nicely racked up rig that I recently spotted on my way to somewhere. This Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof kayak rack system is using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch bike rack mounted to the 2″ receiver and is ready to carry up to four bikes.
On the roof, a set of Yakima 42″ tracks has been installed and is supporting the Yakima Control Tower system which uses two sets of Landing Pads #1 to connect to the tracks.
For transporting kayaks, two sets of Yakima Mako saddles are attached to the Yakima crossbars, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift assist accessory, which integrates into one of the crossbars, is ready and waiting to help with the job of loading and unloading the kayaks.
by rackdawg on June 22, 2011
Picture of the Malone Racks MPG333 Trac Rac 3" Adapter Fit Kit for attaching most Malone gear carriers to TracRac truck rack crossbars.
Malone Auto Racks now offers the Malone MPG333 Trac Rac 3″ Adapter Fit Kit that allows virtually all Malone gear carriers, including their canoe racks, kayak racks, surfboard carriers and stand-up paddleboard carriers to attach quickly to the cross bars on TracRac truck racks. The Malone MPG333 TracRac crossbars adapter kit works with the MPG112MD Big Foot Pro, MPG106MD AutoLoader, MPG114MD DownLoader, MPG118MD J-Loader, MPG116MD J-Pro, MPG117MD J-Pro2, MPG113MD SeaWing-Stinger Combo, MPG107MD SeaWing, MPG110MD Saddle Up Pro, MPG111MD Stax Pro and the MPG115MD Stax Pro 2 kayak rack. Other possible newer Malone gear carriers may also work with the MPG 333 Fit Kit.
Tagged as:
Malone Auto Racks,
Malone Autoloader,
malone bigfoot pro,
Malone MPG333 TracRac Adapter Fit Kit,
Malone Seawing,
Malone Seawing Stinger,
MPG114MD Malone DownLoader fold-down kayak carrier,
MPG117MD Malone J-Pro2 kayak rack,
MPG118MD Malone J-Loader kayak rack,
Trac Rac truck racks,
Trac Rac van racks,
TracRac,
truck canoe rack,
truck kayak rack,
truck stand-up paddleboard rack,
truck surfboard rack
by Rack James on June 10, 2011
by Rack James on June 8, 2011
by Rack James on June 3, 2011
Image of 2007 Toyota Tacoma truck bed crossbar system with cargo basket using the Inno RT102 Truck Stays for c-channel track system with Inno B165 65" Load Bars. Any cargo basket or cargo box can be mounted to the load bars.
This 2007 Toyota Tacoma truck bed crossbar system allows for maximum use of storage space in the bed of a truck. Using Inno RT102 Truck Stays which integrate into the bed mounted track system and with Inno B165 65″ Load Bars, a cargo basket (as shown here), or cargo box can be mounted for additional storag of your gear.
Install page and complete details for 2007 Toyota Tacoma truck bed rack and cargo basket system.
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 March 8, 2011
Q: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Will the Yakima Q Towers Roof Rack System work for this vehicle? I would carry one or two kayaks.
A: No, the Yakima Q Towers Roof Rack System will NOT work for this vehicle. You could go with the Yakima Control Tower System but this would involve drilling into the roof of your vehicle.
Thule’s option for a 2001 Mitusubishi Eclipse would be the 400XT Complete – this would also require purchase of the Thule 477 adapter kit BUT this would only allow you to carry bikes, skis and snowboards on your roof NO KAYAKS.
THERE IS A SOLUTION! If you purchase Inno’s IN-SU Complete Roof Rack system and the Inno IN-JK short roof adapter kit which will increase the distance between the front and rear cross bars you will be able to carry long items such as kayaks using kayak carriers from Inno, Yakima or Thule.
by rackdawg on September 30, 2010
Now live is the Skis and Snowshoes website for news, product information and resources for all things concerning cross country skis and snowshoes.
- Now live is the Skis and Snowshoes website for news, product information and resources for all things concerning cross country skis and snowshoes.
The same folks that bring you Car Rack Advice are proud to announce the launch of their sister site – Skis and Snowshoes – a website dedicated to bringing you the latest cross country skis and snowshoes product updates, news and resources. Categories featured include cross country skis news, snowshoes news, new product informations, reviews, videos and pictures. Among the many brands featured will be Rossignol, Fischer, Madshus, Swix, Salomon, Alpina, Voile, Tubbs, MSR and Atlas.
Tagged as:
cross country skis,
snowshoes
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 July 10, 2010
An anything but fishy photo of a Jeep Liberty using Inno ZR352 First Strike Rod Rack for Interior of Vehicle.
This guy is goin’ fishin’ and is able to take up to seven rods thanks to his Inno ZR352 First Strike Fishing Rod Rack. The Inno ZR352 Rod Rack fits snug along the ceiling of this 2008 Jeep Liberty with no interfence and no damage to the interior. Just make sure you’ve taken the bait of your hook when you’re finished for the day.
More photos and info for ’08 Liberty Fishing Rod Rack
by Rack Princess on July 6, 2010
by Rack Princess on May 25, 2010
by rackdawg on April 22, 2010
Featured in the image above is the brand new Inno Racks INA240 Awning. Car tent awning attaches to all styles of car racks, including factory racks, and provides great shade beside your vehicle.
Looking for protection from the heat and sun beside your car when setting up base for your outdoor adventures? You’ll be glad you found the Inno INA240 Awning. Mounts directly to factory racks as well as any aftermarket car rack base systems from Inno, Thule and Yakima. Stores very compactly on the roof top (takes up just 5 inches of crossbar space) so you can still leave all your regular gear and cargo carriers attached to the crossbars at the same time. The Inno INA240 car tent awning is constructed of premium water-resistant materials to deliver protection when the rain clouds roll in. Car tent awning assembles super quickly and includes all hardware, 2 height-adjustable poles, ropes, pegs, hammer and convenient storage bag.
Tagged as:
car tent awning,
Inno INA240 Awning
by rackdawg on April 1, 2010
Stunning portrait of the Red Neck Bomber Rack.
Ayuh, ORS Racks Direct proudly announces the first roof rack system designed and hand-built by us! In classic Vermont fashion, the all-new Red-Neck Bomber Rack is constructed to not only carry flatlander wimpy gear like bikes, canoes and surfboards, by jeezum this beauty hauls snowmobiles (we call ‘em sleds), logs, single-wide trailers, dead moose and up to 20 kegs of PBR. Also great for ramming trees on friday nights with the crew!
by Rack James on November 21, 2009
Volkswagen Passat Wagon kayak rack using Thule 450 Crossroads rack system installed on factory side rails with Thule 830 The Stacker kayak rack and Thule 839 Get-A-Grip paddle holders.
Here is a lovely picture of a lovely Volkswagen Passat wagon racked up to carry two kayaks. The crossbars are provided with the Thule 450 Crossroads base system which mounts to the Passat’s factory side rails. On top of the crossbars sit the Thule 830 kayak stacker and two set of Thule’s 839 Get-A-Grip cradles for carrying kayak paddles.
by Rack James on October 2, 2009
Q: I have a 2006 Mazda 3 Hatchback with factory mounting points. Yakima offers the Q Tower System and the Control Tower system as options for a base rack. I’d prefer to use the Control Towers, but in order to use the factory mounting points, I’d need to remove the molding that fits in the channel running from front to back. I’d rather not do this if possible. Seems that molding is there for a reason. Is there any solution?
A: We’ve run into this before and there is a solution. All you need to do is drill a hole right through that molding big enough for the Yakima Landing Pad 11 mounting bolt to fit through. To find out where to drill, just pull back the molding enough to peek underneath. The mounting points are located over the front and rear doors and are easy to find. Once you’ve located them, mark the drilling point on the molding with a marker. To prevent drilling into the mounting point, we place the lip of an old Yakima Q-clip under the molding. If you don’t have an old Q-clip lying around, you can use any thin, metal object. The handle of a spoon would probably suffice. Drill slowly into the molding until you are through. It won’t take long. Once the mounting points are exposed, you can proceed with installing the Landing Pad 11 and then the Control Towers. When you are done, you’ll have a nice clean looking system and your molding pieces will be no worse for the wear.
Tagged as:
Mazda 3,
Yakima Control Towers,
Yakima Racks
