Hitch Mounted Ski/Snowboard Carriers

Looking for a way to get your skis and boards up the mountain but don’t have a roof rack? Do you have a trailer hitch and a Thule/Yakima hitch mounted bike rack? If you answered yes and yes to both of those questions, we have a solution for you.

For years Thule and Yakima have had a Hitch Mounted Ski carrier that straps onto their bike racks. Turning your bike rack in an all season carrier. If you have a class 1 trailer hitch you can carry 2 Boards or 6 Skis with either brands carriers. If you have a class 2 and up, you can carry the maximum capacity of 4 Boards or 6 Skis, or a combination of 2 Boards 3 Skis. Both brands come with Locks that can be keyed the same as your bike rack making it so you only need one key to operate both. Seeing as how we have discuss their similarities lets talk about what makes them different.

First up we have the Thule 987xt Hitch Ski Carrier, which retails for $259.99. The Thule 987xt Hitch Ski works with the following bike rack 964, 954, 912(XT), 914(XT), 915(XT), 963(XT), 956,  975 or 958 so make sure you check which Bike Rack you have before you buy the Ski Carrier. The 987xt has a new extended bracket with two settings allows for thicker ski bindings making it less picky about what skis you can and cannot take. With a U-bolt that wraps around the post of the bike rack the 987xt is the most secure Hitch Ski carrier on the market.

Hitch Ski Saaaweeeet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but certainly not least is the Yakima 2418 Hitch Ski, which retails for an even $250.00. The Yakima Hitch Ski fits most dual arm hitch carriers including the SwingDaddy, FlipSide, DoubleDown 4 & 5, KingPin 4 & 5, BigHorn 4, BackSwing 4, SlickROC 4, and the FullSwing 4. With an adjustable bottom clam the Yakima Hitch ski is the easiest to load and tightest fit for Hitch Mounts. The Soft rubber padding allows you to comfortably transport and protect your Boards and Skis. The Yakima Hitch ski is quick and easy to assemble and install, making it peanuts to change your Bike Rack into a Winter Ride rack. With the Yakima Deadlock system you can lock the HitchSki to the bike rack, so you can grab some lunch and not worry about someone running away with your gear. The Yakima Hitchski, is the cheapest and easiest to use Hitch Carrier on the market.

 

 

Thule New and Updated Ski Racks Flattop 4,6, and Pulltop 6

New Flattop 6 on Bottom, old style Flattop 4 top.

Thule has just released  a new line up of Ski Racks  Thule Flattop 4, Flattop 6, and Pulltop 6.  The main change is the mounting hardware is similar to the 450 tower system or the mounting hardware which was found in the NEW  Thule 810 SUP Taxi Paddleboard Carrier and the Thule 809 Double-Decker Surfboard Carrier. Basically it is the same old Thule ski rack as the last ten + years but the Flat top 4 is now the same width as the old Flattop 6 at 23.5″ and the Flattop 6 and Pulltop6 has jumped up to a 30″ width to accommodate the wider twin tip skis/powder skis etc  found in the last 5 years. Don’t get me wrong the classic Thule ski rack is great reliable product and isn’t too bad-looking. But come on Thule it’s been 10+ years and you couldn’t come out with something a little more stream line looking? More like the Aero Blade but just have two AeroBlades with a piece of rubber between it. Or have the double pivot hing system like the Yakima FatCat 6 so when you put thick skis, ski bindings or snowboards in it so when you go to clamp it closed you are not fighting to close the ski rack.  Yes the new Thule mounting is easy on and off in comparison to the Yakima allen bolts but it’s not like you have to remove it after each ski trip. But maybe you would want to, because it’s like having two  5″x36″ wind blocks on the top of your roof for the winter. Personally I would spend the extra money and get the Yakima FatCat 6 or even better get a cargo/ski box that protects your gear and you can use it year around instead of 3-4 months out of the year. If you do decide on a box instead, in this order, I would personally go with Thule Boxter, Yakima Lowpro 15, Thule Atlantis any size, and then Yakima Sky Box Pro and Skybox. If I just spent close to $1k on just my board do I really want the base getting dirty and the edges getting rusty from the salt and sand on the roads just on the drive up to the hills,  I think not. Anyway I give Thule one thumb up for ease of installation and two thumbs down for a NEW product that’s the same but about 6″ wider then it’s replacement.

Thule Flattop 6 92725

FatCat 6

Rack Attack Coquitlam Racks up 2011 Mazda 3 Sedan with Thule AeroBlades and Yakima Fatcat 6

Thule AeroBlade on Mazda 3

One of the best-selling cars in Canada the Mazda 3 ( sedan and 5dr) come with pre mounted holes for the Yakima, Thule, and Whispbar Racks to mount directly to the roof. Since this customer had a 2011 he wanted to go with the newest, and best system for his vehicle, as he was going to be keeping it for a few years. Since the Thule AeroBlade has been out (few weeks now) the customer feed back has been great and every customer wants one.  So to keep with that stream line and low profile look the customer went with the Yakima FatCat 6. Thule also just came out with a new updated ski rack that is just wider and a lot bulkier version of the old model, but I will go into more detail about that in another blog. So here we have it a Mazda with the Thule 460R, 47″Bars, fit kit 3069, 4 pack locks, and a Yakima FatCat 6. The only bad part going with a different brand of  ski rack to roof rack is we can not same key the system.  But if you want the best of both worlds some times you have to mix and match products to achieve a great base rack and ski rack combo.

 

Thule 460R AeroBlades and Yakima FatCat 6

Yakima FatCat 6 on Thule AeroBlades

If there is anything else that you would like to know about, feel free to post a message to the moderator, and it will be answered as soon as possible. If you require a more immediate resolve, then feel free to contact our store at 604-526-7225 and a Rack Attack specialist will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternately you may visit us in store

Thule 460R with AeroBlades and Ski rack on BMW 3 series.

Thule 460R, AeroBlades on BMW 3series

CLOSE UP OF BMW 3 SERIES WITH THULE 460R & AEROBLADESThule AeroBlades and Ski Rack

New Thule Ski Racks At Rack Attack Coquitlam

Here at Rack Attack Coquitlam we just got in a shipment of the all new Thule ski racks in. This all new line up with all new quick mounting hard ware for an easy install on your racks. Thule used a new system very close to the “450 Crossroad” tower

It uses a strap that starts in the mount and runs down around your cross bar. The strap is made of rubber coated steel strips the protects you from having some one trying to slash your ski rack off your vehicle. The new Thule racks are all so a “universal fit”  meaning they will fit almost any factory cross bar. This means you will not have to buy a whole new rack set up if you already have racks on your vehicle. The new Thule set ups come in two sizes a 4 ski and a 6 ski. also the 6 ski come with the “pull top” option it lets you pull out the ski rack from over top of the vehicle to the side so you can load your skis and snowboards with ease.

If you would like this same set up, its available for nearly every Make and Model of car.

Call or Stop by the store for Price and the specific gear you want to put on your Vehicle.

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
fax : 604.526.7228
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com

Toyota Venza – Thule 430R Track System

Today at Rack Attack we installed the Thule 430R track system on a new Toyota Venza, with a Thule Flat Top 6 Ski Rack. The track system for a base rack choice is the best system to go with on your vehicle. What it does is provide you with a fully adjustable track, mounted permanently to your roof with a clean, guaranteed leak free, factory looking roof rack.

In this case we chose the Thule 430R System. It is equipped with the Rapid Aluminum Bar for look as well as Aerodynamics.

As mentioned before at Rack Attack, we do have a No-Leak Guarantee, and the reason for that is the measures in which we go to protect the installation, which I will explain here.

The track installation starts with these little guys;  ‘Plus Nuts’. After Drilling into the roof of the vehicle we slide these in and use a special plus nut tool to expand the nut below the surface of the sheet metal tight to create the anchor on the roof. The rubber washer is an add on to prevent damage to the surface of the roof, to create a grip, and the first stage of preventing leaks.

The Plus Nut and Rubber Washer

All the Plus nuts in a row, ready for a track!

Once this is complete we apply a sufficient amount of silicon sealant around the base of the of the plus nut to not only provide further leak protection but to harness the hardware down as well.

Laying Down the Track!

The feet you see in the track in the picture above clip in and out and slide back and forth for the adjustment.

The track can now be secured down and end caps installed with the appropriate hardware. The track now being installed the silicon must set and cure and will create a seal for the Leak-Free Guarantee.

Now we are able to put mount the cross bars to the feet. And then its done!

All installed, with a Thule Flat Top 6

If you would like this same set up, its available for nearly every Make and Model of car.

Call or Stop by the store for Price and the specific gear you want to put on your Vehicle.

Rack Attack Coquitlam
Unit #4 75 Blue Mountain St.
Coquitlam, BC, V3K 0A7
Canada
tel : 604.526.7225
fax : 604.526.7228
email : coquitlam@rackattack.com

400xtr Mazda 3 with Thule 400xtr Aero bar & Thule 91726 Pulltop ski rack- Installed by Rack Attack Coquitlam

Rack Attack Coquitlam installed the Thule 400xtr Aero bars on the a Mazda 3 4dr and the customer wanted a nice looking ski and snow board rack to complement the Aluminium bars. The Thule 91726 is one of the easiest ski rack to install and to use. For when it is installed you can slide the rack out to prevent your nice jacket and pants from getting dirty. The Thule 91726 PullTop can carry up to 6 skis or 4 snowboards or a couple paris of skis and poles. Like seen in the pictures attached. All Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks have a life time warranty.

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-400xtr-rapid-aero-foot-pack.asp

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-91726-universal-pull-top-6.asp

Mazda 3 with 400xtr and 91726

Mazda 3 with 400xtr Aero bars & Thule 91726

Mazda Racks with Thule 91726 Pull Top

Thule Ski Racks available at New Rack Attack Coquitlam Store in Canada

Our new Rack Attack Coquitlam store offers Thule ski racks, Yakima ski racks, Thule snowboard racks as well as Yakima Snowboard racks. The Thule 91725 is one of the best sellers of the up to 6 pair ski holders. But the Thule 91726 ski rack is catching up for it has a great feature as it slides out for easy loading without getting your favorite jacket dirty. We also offer the Thule 91724 which is a smaller brother of the Thule 91725 it holds up to 4 pairs of skis. I have even  had a few customers even put two Thule 91724 on for maximum capacity and a more balance look to the vehicles appearance. We also have the Thule 5401 Thule Snowcat that will fit vehicles that have factory raised rails with no crossbars, as it has the crossbars built into the ski rack. Thule also offers a dedicated 2 snowboard rack the Thule 575 snowboard carrier.

Thule ski rack Info by model, please note some vehicles with oversized crossbars may need the Thule XADAPT7 Adapter Kit.  http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-xadapt7-adapter-kit.asp?item_type=3

Thule 91725 Universal Flat Top 6 – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

Thule has upgraded the Thule 725 Flat Top 6, one of their best selling ski and snowboard carriers, to the Thule 91725 Universal Flat Top 6 which now includes universal mounting hardware and locks.

• Includes lock cores and clamps for attaching to most factory roof racks
• Locking hoods with oversized push buttons for easy access while wearing gloves
• Installs quickly
• Carries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• Snowboards can be carried base to base for maximum capacity
• Hardware included for mounting to Thule and most factory load bars
• Requires xadapt7 for mounting to Thule Rapid Aero load bars, sold separately
• Will not fit on oversized factory bars such as the Xterra and H2
• Requires Thule xadapt7 to mount to Rapid Aero Bars, Thule Xsporter, and Thule Professional Racks
• Perfect for wakeboards

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-91725-universal-flat-top-6.asp

Thule 91726 Universal Pull Top 6 – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

Thule has upgraded their premium Thule 726 Pull Top 6 to the Thule 91765 Universal Pull Top 6 which now includes universal mounting hardware and locks. The Thule 91765 Universal Pull Top 6′s telescoping action brings the rack to you for easy loading.

• Snow carriers include universal factory mounting hardware
• One Key System – includes two lock cylinders & keys
• Smooth slide-out action allows for easier mounting of tall vans and SUVs
• Accommodates up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
• Locking hoods with oversized push buttons for easy access while wearing gloves
• Installs quickly, no tools required for set-up
• Requires xadapt7 for mounting to Thule Rapid Aero load bars, sold separately
• Snowboards can be carried base to base for maximum capacity
• Perfect for wakeboards

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-91726-universal-pull-top-6.asp

Video of Thule 91726 working

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6SLYpczjzw

Thule 91724 Universal Flat Top 4 – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

Thule has upgraded the Thule 724 Flat Top 4, one of their best selling ski and snowboard carriers, to the Thule 91724 Universal Flat Top 4 which now includes universal mounting hardware and locks.

• Includes universal factory mounting hardware
• One Key System – includes two lock cylinders and keys
• Safely carries between 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
• No tools required for set-up
• Easy to open while wearing gloves with oversized push button release
• Adaptable to Thule, Yakima & Factory racks
• Requires xadapt7 for mounting to Thule Rapid Aero load bars, sold separately
• Fits shaped, traditional, blade style skis and snowboards
• Installs quickly

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-91724-universal-flat-top-4.asp

Thule 5401 SnowCat – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

Thule 5401 SnowCat ski racks are a complete ski and snowboard solution for cars with factory side rails. Carries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards – mix and match. Thule Lock Cylinders included with the Thule 5401 SnowCat.

• The Thule Snow Cat is a complete snowboard and ski carrier for vehicles with factory roof rack side rails. No need for a base rack with load bars.
• Easy to fit – adjusts to the width of your vehicle.
• Sleek and modern styling looks great on every vehicle.
• Thule Locks and keys are included.
• Transports up to 4 snowboards or 6 pairs of skis – mix and match.

Thule 575 Snowboard Carrier – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

Thule 575 Snowboard Racks are the original angled two snowboard rack. Besides attaching to Thule car racks you can now attach it to factory installed and Yakima base racks with Thule Fat Mouth Clamp, included. Snowboards lock to carrier.

• Can adapt to factory racks, as well as square and round load bars
• Fully adjustable to accommodate different board widths
• Two board angled design allows more room on top for a Thule box and other gear attachments
• Now includes Thule Fat Mouth Clamps, for quick attachment to different factory racks
• Cable lock is covered with protective nylon to prevent damage to snowboards

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-575-snowboard-carrier.asp

VW Touareg with Thule 430r and Yakima Buttondown Aero

Customer had just gotten the vehicle and need to carry a few pairs of skis to Whistler a couple times a year but did not want to spend a lot on the ski rack itself. He was looking for a rack that would carry a variety of things in the future and that looked good. I put up the rapid aero bar and the Thule square black bar up there and we decided that the rapid aero looked at lot better.

Install was quite simple, the Touareg has factory tracks built in to it so it was a matter of dropping the Thule 430R’s and TK1′s right into the tracks and tightening it up. It takes about 30 mins to install this system, no special tools needed, everything is provided along with detailed instructions.

For the ski rack he decide on the Yakima ButtonDown Aero. It wasn’t going to be used all the time and needed to lock. holds up to 5 pairs of shape skis, 6 pairs of conventional skis and maybe 4 snowboards.

Everything has life time warranty against manufactures defects to the original owner.