From the category archives:

Van Racks

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view Whispbar Roof Rack Systems Comparison video

Just released is this excellent, in-depth comparison review and installation video by ORS Racks Direct, featuring the Whispbar Flush Bar roof rack system, Whispbar Through Bar roof rack system and Whispbar HD Bar roof rack system (the Whispbar Rail Bar option is featured in its own movie because it differs from these other systems due to its design that does not use the SmartFoot – Fit Kit technology). The video also provides a good step-by-step procedure for installing the Whispbar Flush Bar on a car with factory installed fixed rack attachment locations on the roof top (fixed-points). In this case the car is a Subaru Impreza. Also, for visual comparison, a single Whispbar Through Bar is attached to the roof in the front, while the single Flush Bar is on the back of the roof. This effectively allows the movie viewer to compare the looks of both systems on a cartop. Very helpful when trying to decide which product to go with. Also, at the end of the movie there is a great informational section detailing how to determine which length cross bars on the Through Bar and HD Bar systems will work on any specific vehicle model. Having the ability to choose longer cross bars than what are normally recommended is a great way to gain extra crossbar space when carrying lots of gear and equipment. Whispbar roof racks feature superior anti-noise generating technology, are ultra slim and low profile and stunning to set your eyes on.

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Thule AeroBlade Load Bars Video Review

by rackdawg on September 22, 2011

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view Thule AeroBlade load bars video

Check out this nice and not-so-lengthy official Thule Racks introductory video review of the rad, new Thule AeroBlade load bars, the car rack industry’s most advanced roof rack crossbars that combine total whisper, quiet silence (translate that into a peaceful noise free ride while driving down the highway) and aerofoil shape, low-profile design that maximizes fuel economy. Of course most people will just go for the stunning good looks, they are so fast looking they look like they are ready for lift off! This introductory Thule AeroBlade load bars video review features footage taken of wind-tunnel testing and crash testing, as well as comparative analysis with other leading crossbars models from other car rack manufacturers such as Yakima, Whispbar, Atera and Mont Blanc. Check out this page for complete Thule AeroBlade bars information. They are available in four sizes, ARB43 43 inches length, ARB47 47 inches length, ARB53 53 inches length and ARB60 60 inches length.

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Thule AeroBlade Load Bars – ARB60 ARB53 ARB47 ARB43

by rackdawg on September 16, 2011

Image of the radical new ARB60 Thule AeroBlade load bars, the longest size crossbars (60 inches) in the new Thule Racks AeroBlade bars line up. Other sizes include the Thule ARB43 AeroBlade (43 inches), Thule ARB47 AeroBlade (47 inches), Thule ARB53 AeroBlade (53 inches).

Image of the radical new ARB60 Thule AeroBlade load bars, the longest size crossbars (60 inches) in the new Thule Racks AeroBlade bars line up. Other sizes include the Thule ARB43 AeroBlade (43 inches), Thule ARB47 AeroBlade (47 inches), Thule ARB53 AeroBlade (53 inches).

The Thule AeroBlade bars are Thule Racks winning entry into the realm of aerofoil shape crossbars that eliminate all roof rack wind noise, humming and whistling.

The Thule AeroBlade bars are Thule Racks winning entry into the realm of aerofoil shape crossbars that eliminate all roof rack wind noise, humming and whistling.

All Thule AeroBlade load bars fit the entire line-up of Thule Rapid Foot Pack roof rack systems, including 450R Rapid CrossRoad, 480R Rapid Traverse, 460R Rapid Podium, 400XTR Rapid Aero and 430R Rapid Tracker.

All Thule AeroBlade load bars fit the entire line-up of Thule Rapid Foot Pack roof rack systems, including 450R Rapid CrossRoad, 480R Rapid Traverse, 460R Rapid Podium, 400XTR Rapid Aero and 430R Rapid Tracker.

Not to be outdone by Yakima’s recent release of the Whispbar Racks series of  ‘whisper quiet’ roof rack systems using wind-tunnel tested aerofoil shape crossbars, Thule Racks has just thrown their hat in the ring with the launch of the awesome Thule AeroBlade load bars. Available in four different sizes – Thule ARB60 AeroBlade load bars (60″ size), Thule ARB53 AeroBlade load bars (53″ size), Thule ARB47 AeroBlade load bars (47″ size) and Thule ARB43 AeroBlade load bars (43″ size) – these sizes are exactly the same lengths as the Thule Rapid Aero load bars. There is a very good reason for this, as Thule thoughfully designed the AeroBlades to replace the Rapid Aeros (which have been retired from production) and work on all the same Thule Rapid Foot Pack roof rack systems that the Rapid Aero crossbars worked on – including the 480R Rapid Traverse Foot Pack, 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack, 450R Rapid CrossRoad Foot Pack, 430R Rapid Tracker Foot Pack and 400XTR Rapid Aero Foot Pack. This makes it very easy and economical for those that currently own a car rack system using the Rapid Aero cross bars to upgrade to the vastly superior AeroBlade load bars, as all that is required is to buy a pair of Aero Blade bars. They attach right to the Rapid Foot Packs for a seamless transition over to the incredible benefits and features of the AeroBlades. The result of laborious, rigorous testing under all conditions and wind-tunnel analytics, the Thule AeroBlade load bars deliver a sleek, fast aerofoil shape that eliminates the possibility of roof rack noise, humming or whistling. Furthermore, the superior aerodynamics actually work to noticeably reduce fuel costs compared to all other crossbars available on the market today. Nor is there ever a need to spend additional money to buy a wind fairing accessory that is normally used to try and lessen noise that often occurs with all other cross bars (though a fairing will never eliminate noise entirely). With technological advancements that include WindDiffuser Technology, SwingBlade Technology, BoxBeam Technology SmartSlide Technology and more (check out this thorough page resource of Thule AeroBlade load bars details and information), it is becoming more and more difficult to find valid reasons to use regular crossbars such as square and round bars. Especially since over the long run, the more expensive aerodynamic AeroBlades will actually pay for themselves over the long haul.

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Killer example of roof rack excellence, this VW Eurovan roof track rack system and luggage carrier is using the Yakima Control Tower System with 2 sets of #1 Landing Pads mounted into a set of Yakima 60" roof tracks and the Thule 605 Ascent 1700 cargo box.

Killer example of roof rack excellence, this VW Eurovan roof track rack system and luggage carrier is using the Yakima Control Tower System with 2 sets of #1 Landing Pads mounted into a set of Yakima 60" roof tracks and the Thule 605 Ascent 1700 cargo box.

This is the kind of rack magic we love to see, especially under a bluebird sky. I wanted to praise the owners but I was worried that they may have been taking a snooze after a long day on the trails. This Volkswagen Eurovan permanent roof tracks rack system with cargo carrier is using  a set of Yakima 60″ roof tracks mounted to the pop top. The Yakima Control Tower system is installed into the tracks using two sets of #1 Landing Pads (LP1).  A Thule 605 Ascent 1700 cargo box is attached to the Yakima 66″ crossbars.

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Ford E350 Van Hitch Mounted Bike 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.

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.

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Photo of the TracRac TracVan van roof rack with 3 cross bars. Clamps onto any van raingutter drip rails. Holds up to 750 lb and weighs 52 lb.

Photo of the TracRac TracVan van roof rack with 3 cross bars. Clamps onto any van raingutter drip rails. Holds up to 750 lb and weighs 52 lb.

Photo of the TracRac Trac Van van rack with 2 crossbars. Attaches to any van roof rain gutter drip rails. Holds up to 500 lb and weighs 35 lb.

Photo of the TracRac TracVan van rack with 2 crossbars. Attaches to any van roof rain gutter drip rails. Holds up to 500 lb and weighs 35 lb.

Now available at select TracRac Racks and Thule Racks (Thule recently bought the Trac Rac Truck Rack Company) are two new products designed for use as heavy-duty, contractor grade van roof racks – the TracRac TracVan Double van rack with 2 crossbars and the TracRac TracVan Triple van rack with 3 cross bars. Both feature the same premium features found on the complete line of TracRac truck racks, such as bomber, super-strong 6063 T-6 aluminum materials that will never rust, and they resist scratches and chipping due to the dual powder coat finish that also delivers an incredibly good looking van roof rack worthy of mounting to any work van rooftop. The crossbars have a sleek, low-profile design that slices through the wind, producing no rack noise (a common problem with other van racks) and does a great job of maximizing fuel efficiency. The t-slot channels running the length of each cross bar also allow for attaching optional TracRac accessories as well as connecting gear carriers from other manufacturers so you can carry sporting equipment for those relaxing weekends. Load Stops are also included with the TracRac Trac Van roof racks, ideal for stabilizing ladders, lumber, pipes and conduit or even a canoe. The innovative, proprietary attachment design enables the TracVan Towers to simply clamp and tighten to any van raingutters (also called drip rails). Also attaches to artificial rain gutter brackets.  The Trac Rac TracVan Triple holds up to 750 lb on the crossbars and weighs just 52 lb, while the Trac Rac TracVan Double holds up to 500 lb on the cross bars and weighs just 35 lb.

Related press releases included for complete details and information:

PRWeb: Newest Generation Series of TracRac Van Racks and TracRac Truck Racks

PRLeap: New TracRac Truck Racks and TracRac Van Racks Available Nationwide

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Picture of the Whispbar Racks HD Bar combination sport-work rack, the ideal choice for any professional applications, commercial work use as well as playing and having fun. Whispbar is owned by the Yakima Rack Company.

Picture of the Whispbar Racks HD Bar combination sport-work rack, the ideal choice for any professional applications, commercial work use as well as playing and having fun. Whispbar is owned by the Yakima Rack Company.

Now available at select Yakima Racks dealers thoughout the United States and Canada is the all-new Whispbar HD Bar roof rack system, the ultimate multi-purpose base rack system for anyone seeking to combine work applications with sport and having fun. Whispbar Racks is owned by Yakima, and the product line is a premium high-end option for those seeking the ultimate blend of aesthetics, universal ease of use, durability and whisper quiet cross bars that produce no noise, whistling, humming etc. The cross bars also effectively reduce wind drag and deliver better fuel economy than any other roof rack options on the market today. The Whispbar HD Bar system uses the same SmartFoot engineering as other Whispar rack models. The Smart Foot is a proprietary Yakima innovation that allows the SmartFoot to combine with any number of different Base Fit Kit options to mount to any vehicle rooftop style. Whether you need a roof rack that mounts to a completely naked rooftop, factory side rails (both flush and raised types), fixed-points, roof tracks, raingutters or even a custom permanent rack mounting application, the Whispbar HD Bar SmartFoot and appropriate Base Fit Kit will do the job. The HD Bar roof rack differs from the other Whispbar options (FlushBar, ThroughBar and Rail Bar) because the cross bars are more heavy duty and can handle up to 220 lbs of weight while the crossbars on the Flush Bar, Through Bar and RailBar models hold up to 165 lbs of weight. The HD Bars also have a uni strut T-slot running the length of them to allow for attaching many different work rack accessories such as tie-downs, load stops, ladder holders and ladder rollers, ratcheting cargo buckles, pipe and conduit holders and more. The HD Bars also have integrated tie-down points to secure any gear load. Also has rubber stripping running down the bars to protect the gear load and the crossbars themselves. Also serves to prevent the load from shifting laterally when in transit. 

Learn about Whispbar Racks

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New TracRac fit guide available.

New TracRac fit guide available.

Coinciding with the recent release of the complete new product line of TracRac truck rack, van rack and utility rack systems (featuring the TracRac G2 truck rack, T-Rac G2 truck rack, TracONE truck rack, CabRac, CapRac (for toppers, caps & camper shells), TracVan van rack and TracRac Utility Rack for utility vehicles), ORS Racks Direct has launched a comprehensive Trac Racs fit guide that allows the user to select vehicle type (pickup truck, van or utility vehicle), year, make of vehicle and model. Once these steps are finished the user is immediately presented with the complete list of TracRac truck rack, utility rack and van rack oprions that are compatible with the specific vehicle selected.

Related press releases included for complete details and information:

PRWeb: ORS Racks Direct Develops Trac Rac Truck Fit Guide

PRLeap: ORS Racks Direct Announces Release of TracRac Truck Rack Fit Guide

24-7 PressRelease: ORS Racks Direct Launches Exclusive TracRac Truck Rack Fit Guide

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Picture of the all-new Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued Thule TK13 Tracker Kit (as the 430 / 430R Tracker II systems are discontinued and are replaced by the 460 / 460R Podium roof racks for applications such as permanent install racks, fixed-point racks, roof track racks, flush side rail racks, factory roof track racks etc.) The Thule 3113 Fit Kit is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces such Jeep Hard Top, camper shell, tonneau cover etc .)

Picture of the all-new Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued Thule TK13 Tracker Kit (as the 430 / 430R Tracker II systems are discontinued and are replaced by the 460 / 460R Podium roof racks for applications such as permanent install racks, fixed-point racks, roof track racks, flush side rail racks, factory roof track racks etc.) The Thule 3113 Fit Kit is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces such Jeep Hard Top, camper shell, tonneau cover etc .)

Photo of the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on any pickup truck,van and car metal rooftop surfaces etc.

Photo of the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit which replaces the discontinued TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and permanently installing a roof rack on any pickup truck,van and car metal rooftop surfaces etc.

Thule Racks has completely overhauled the popular Thule 460 Podium Foot Pack and 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack and included many more Podium Fit Kits (previously the 460 / 460R Podium was only compatible with vehicle rooftop fixed-points) and now works on factory rack flush side rails, factory rack tracks and all Thule Tracks, as well as applications for permanently installing a roof rack on fiberglass surfaces and sheet metal surfaces. Hence, the Podium system now replaces the discontinued Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack / 430R Tracker II Foot Pack and all TK Tracker Kits. The Thule 3113 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK13 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any fiberglass surfaces (applications include pickup truck camper shell, topper & truckbed cap roof racks, tonneau cover racks, Jeep Wrangler Hard Top roof racks etc.) Likewise, the Thule 3114 Podium Fit Kit replaces the TK14 Tracker Kit and is for drilling and installing a permanent roof rack on any sheet metal surfaces such as pickup truck, car and van metal rooftops etc.

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ORS Racks Direct recently launched an exclusive TracRac truck racks interative online fit selection tool to determine which current Trac Rac products are compatible with any specific pickup truck, van or utility vehicle.

ORS Racks Direct recently launched an exclusive TracRac truck racks interative online fit selection tool to determine which current Trac Rac products are compatible with any specific pickup truck, van or utility vehicle.

Interested in TracRac’s new line-up of truck racks, van racks and utility vehicle racks – the TracRac G2, T-Rac G2, TracONE, CabRac, CapRac, TracVan and Utility Rac – and wondering which models fit your specific pickup truck, van or utility vehicle? You can now look to ORS Racks Direct for their all-new exclusive TracRac truck racks online fit selection tool. Simply select your vehicle specifics and you are instantly presented with all the possible Trac Rac rack systems and accessories that are compatible with your vehicle.

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2001 VW Eurovan roof rack cargo box

by Rack Princess on July 8, 2010

Photo of roof luggage box for 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan which includes Thule 400XT Aero roof rack and Yakima 8007171 SkyBox LoPro cargo box.

Photo of roof luggage box for 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan which includes Thule 400XT Aero roof rack and Yakima 8007171 SkyBox LoPro cargo box.

This 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan roof rack is a nice example of how you can get more room for your gear without sacrificing vertical clearance.  The Thule 400XT Aero Roof Rack together with Thule 204 Fit clips provide the base rack system for a 2001 VW Eurovan. The Yakima 8007171 SkyBox LoPro cargo roof box makes an excellent low profile solution to carrying gear on top of a VW Eurovan, and because the Yakima LoPro roof box fits almost any style roof rack cross bars it matches nicely with the Thule 400XT roof rack for a total solution.

Read full product details for 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan roof rack cargo box combination…

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Sun soaked photo of a 2006 Dodge Caravan with Thule 554 Hang-Two Surfboard Rack attached directly to factory crossbars.

Sun soaked photo of a 2006 Dodge Caravan with Thule 554 Hang-Two Surfboard Rack attached directly to factory crossbars.

Here’s a great shot of a 2006 Dodge Caravan surboard rack on its way to the breakers.  Mounted directly to the ’06 Caravan’s factory racks is the Thule 554XT Hang Two Surfboard Rack carrying two surfboards. 

Install page for 2006 Dodge Caravan Thule Surfboard Rack

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2008 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Ladder Rack

by Rack James on June 30, 2010

2008-toyota-tacoma-leer-cap-roof-rack-dewalt-342-624

Top notch pic of a Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab pickup with Leer Cap using the Thule-Dewalt 342 Truck Rack System.

This is a great shot of the Thule – Dewalt 342 Truck Rack System for aluminum and fiberglass caps doing what it does best: carrying stuff on the roof of a Leer cap attached to an ’08 Toyota Tacoma pickup.   The system uses four mounting points that are installed permanently, and the feet that support the crossbars can easily be removed and installed into those points as needed.  The System comes with four Load Stops, which you can see doing a great job supporting this ladder, but which also do a great job with canoes, lumber, and any other long, heavy loads. 

Full details for Toyota Tacoma ’08 Truck Rack for Leer Caps using Thule-Dewalt 342 Truck Rack.

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2010 Ford Transit Connect Van Rack for Kayaks

by rackdawg on March 15, 2010

Customer Installation picture of 2010 Ford Transit Connect van rack and kayak racks using the Thule 460 Podium roof rack and 3021 Fit Kit Kit on the van roof top. Two Thule Hull-a-Port Pro kayak carriers are attached to the cross rails.

Customer Installation picture of 2010 Ford Transit Connect van rack and kayak racks using the Thule 460 Podium roof rack and 3021 Fit Kit Kit on the van roof top. Two Thule Hull-a-Port Pro kayak carriers are attached to the cross rails.

A great customer install photo showcasing a 2010 Ford Transit Connect roof rack and kayak racks. The components used on this configuration include the Thule 460 Podium roof rack (using the Thule 3021 Fit Kit and 50 inch load bars on the 2010 Ford Transit van roof top). Two sets of Thule Hull-a-Port 835PRO kayak racks are attached to the load bars. This customer said he had his kayaks all loaded up on top of the van rack and was just waiting it out until Lake Erie warmed up and melted all the ice away!

2010 Ford Transit Connect van kayak roof rack install details

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