Help with ski rack.....

[BLESS]

need one. Not sure what to get. I looked @ Thule & Yakima a little bit, but even with their "fitting guides" online, I'm still a little confused. Mainly for just skiis, however possible for a snowboard also. I have a 2003 4runner. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

[ajl50]

There are many complexities with this purchase- my money is on going to a ski shop and working with them. We did this and got a ski rack originally but decided that we didn't like our ski's getting all crusted with road crap. We went back to the store- worked with them to get a roof box and because they knew us they installed it for free.
For my money (however) if you can in your 4-runner just fold down the back seat and put the ski's inside. That's what we do when we only have two people in the car. When we have to use the back seat it's ski-box all the way.

 

[BLESS]

thanks for your reply. I only take about 2-3 road trips a year, so I was thinking that just a basic rack would be fine.....if the salt & whatnot were that bad, I could wash/wipe the skiis down. We were putting the skiis in the back, but now there will be 4 of us on most trips, so I need the rack. $ is a concern, so I'm pretty much ruling out the box tops....thanks again!

 

[56fish]

thanks for your reply. I only take about 2-3 road trips a year, so I was thinking that just a basic rack would be fine.....if the salt & whatnot were that bad, I could wash/wipe the skiis down. We were putting the skiis in the back, but now there will be 4 of us on most trips, so I need the rack. $ is a concern, so I'm pretty much ruling out the box tops....thanks again!

I use my box year-round. Empties the interior. Love it!:smile:

 

[kbroderick]

You might also consider a used box in lieu of a rack. Last I checked, it was possible to find a decent box with a little looking for as little (or less than) a new set of ski carriers. Washing the skis down doesn't solve the real problem with road grime, which is that it gets into the bindings and causes corrosion there (the damage to the skis can be mitigated by a thick coat of travel wax and then wiping down on arrival). A box does have a disadvantage in terms of aerodynamic effect, but I don't think it would be particularly pronounced on a 4Runner (as compared to, for example, a VW Jetta). The other advantage of a box is that you can carry anything of the right size in it, whereas a dedicated ski carrier will only work for skis.

 

[cbcbd]

Do you have a factory rack? If so then the easiest way would be to get these:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=9&sku=725
with
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=9&sku=FM1

Easy on, easy off, no hassle. I think you could carry 2 snowboards and 2 skis at the same time. Or 6 skis alone. Or 4 snowboards alone.

If you don't have a factory rack then it'll cost you some more to put bars on the car.

 

[Greg]

...if the salt & whatnot were that bad, I could wash/wipe the skiis down.

Get a crappy ski bag and put your skis in that on the rack to eliminate the salt/road grime issue...

 

[Hawkshot99]

If you have a factory rack on your 4-runner you may not be able to get a box, depending on the year.

We tried to install a box on a 4-Runner(not the current body style but 1 back) and the factory bars were mounted too far back on the roof. Even moved all the way foward the rear door was not able to open all the way. I cant remember what model Thule box it was, but it wasnt a crazy big one.

Just something to keep in mind.....

 

[BLESS]

you guys rock. Thanks for the help. I guess I'll look into the Thule 725.....I don't think I want the box as I'm not too partial to the way they look, plus I don't wanna spend the $. I thought about throwing a bag over the skiis for the ride for the grime & salt, but I wasn't sure if it would work? I guess it does.....thanks!

Oh yeah...cbcbd, does that model have a lock?



also.....does this one have the rack and the attachment that I would need to mount it or am I reading it wrong? (would I still need the "fat mouth") or does this have EVERYTHING I need?

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-91725-ski-rack.html


Sorry if these ?'s seem dumb, it's my first truck/rack........

 

[hrstrat57]

need one. Not sure what to get. I looked @ Thule & Yakima a little bit, but even with their "fitting guides" online, I'm still a little confused. Mainly for just skiis, however possible for a snowboard also. I have a 2003 4runner. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

I just recently used www.orsracksdirect.com

Also live in RI had my brand new yakima q towers for my new 2007 impreza in 2 days!!!

Highly recommended!

I would think all you need is a yakima big powderhound rack with the appropriate mighty mount unless the 4 runner factory crossbars are flimsy....if so you would remove the crossbars and buy a system to mount directly to siderails....a much more expensive option however. I mounted the big powerhound via mightymounts directly to my previous car (Outback wagon) crossbars.

I like yakima better than thule for no logical reason. YMMV

If you need this right away(today) ski market in warwick would have what you need, I think the whole store is 20% off......if not use ors and save the bucks

 

[cbcbd]

Oh yeah...cbcbd, does that model have a lock?



also.....does this one have the rack and the attachment that I would need to mount it or am I reading it wrong? (would I still need the "fat mouth") or does this have EVERYTHING I need?

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-91725-ski-rack.html

That model and the 4 ski carrier does not come with locks, you have to buy them separate.

The link you showed does have everything you need. That rack does come with wider clamps (they are not the fat mouths, but are bigger than the regular attachment) just make sure to check it out on your car when you get it - I have seen that clamp not fit some factory bars.

Don't worry about the questions... racks are not as straightforward as you'd think they'd be

 

[BLESS]

cool, thanks. I just ordered the universal 725 on rack attack for $99. I hope it fits well, if not I'll return it and get the fat mouths I suppose......again, I appreciate the advice!

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

i;ve had my Thules for over 10years, just replace the foot packs when i get a new car.. but i have 2 bike racks/mountineer cargo box/surfpads and other stuff......most versitile racks out there, yes they are $$$$$ but well worth it.....the box is great b/c you can put skis/poles/boards/gear bags/groceries in there..it fits a ton of gear!

 

[drjeff]

Many people at first shun the notion of getting a roof box, but once they get one, you'd be amazed at how much you use it, and for way more than just skiing related trips.

In all honesty, mine goes on/off my SUV probably 40 times a year for everything from ski trips (the most usage) to Home Depot runs to trips to the in-laws, etc, etc, etc.

And they're easy to put on/take off, takes me just over a minute to get mine out of the garage and secured to the roof, and I've got the big Thule Evolution 2100 to lug around (weighs about 50 lbs).

The only thing you need to be aware of, especially if clearance and a garage is in the equation, is you need to remember when its on the roof, or else you may very well do some damage!