Here are the best ski racks for your snow trips to carry skis and snowboards safely on the car roof. This purchasing guide shows different types, brands, and prices to help you choose which ski door to buy based on your needs.
Traveling for the skiing holiday or a weekend in the snow is easier if we can carry all the equipment in the best way. On sale, we find different solutions, from simple traditional ski racks to carry one or two skis pairs to the most advanced ski racks that allow you to hook up different pairs of skis of different types to entertain the whole family group friends. With suitable ski racks, we can also comfortably carry snowboards.
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How to choose a Ski Rack: Types and Features
To correctly choose which ski carrier to buy, the first important distinction is understanding the types: the magnetic ski rack, from bars, and back. With this distinction made first, we must consider other features. Let’s see the details.
Magnetic ski carriers
Magnetic ski racks attach to the car roof thanks to large magnets. Attacking and detaching them is very simple, so they are very used. The advantage of using magnetic ski carriers is their versatility, although some precautions are necessary. The car roof must be clean and dry to offer maximum grip.
Magnetic ski racks cannot be kept attached to the roof for more than two days, either to avoid deformations to the bodywork or prevent adhesion to the roof from failing due to water, snow, and temperature changes.
The best magnetic ski carriers are equipped with straps to hook the ski carrier to the car. In this way, we have an alternative safety system if the ski carrier should come off.
Certainly, the magnetic ski carriers are appreciated; they cannot be applied to all cars. For example, many models are not suitable for curved roofs. However, they can be positioned in the presence of a sunroof, provided they are attached to the bodywork’s fixed part.
Ski rack for bar
This type of ski rack needs to be attached to the car’s roof racks. The fixing is done with special screws and brackets. The advantage of these ski racks is stability. Once fixed, we do not need to remove them.
Even if traveling with the empty ski carrier can lead to unnecessary fuel consumption, in winter, we can keep them mounted for longer, as long as we often check the fixing of the ski rack and the fixing of the roof rack to the car roof.
The ski racks are essential if no magnetic ski racks can be applied to the roof, for example: when the roof is curved or convertible. Furthermore, mounting them on the central part of the bar; can be hooked laterally, leaving space for other luggage to make the most of the roof rack.
Rear ski racks
The rear ski carriers are formed by special metal bars fixed vertically on the car’s back. They are suitable for off-road vehicles and other cars with a vertical tailgate.
Door lock
Almost all ski racks now have an anti-theft lock. In this way, we can park the car with complete peace of mind and keep the skis mounted until our return at the end of the day. The alternative would be to disassemble the ski rack to put it in the trunk.
The anti-theft lock closes the unlocking system for ski racks released with a special lever hidden by the lock-in magnetic ski carriers. Thus, even in the bar ski racks, we have the lock that prevents us from unhooking the ski carrier from the bar, but we can also find a second lock to protect the equipment, which prevents the ski carrier from opening.
Opening and closing
Whatever kind of ski we want to use for our car, we keep in mind that we will have to load and unload the skis in a short time and in the simplest way. Usually, the ski racks open thanks to a release button; this must be easy to use, even with gloves.
Number and type of ski
As for dimensions, it is necessary to evaluate how many skis can wear and what type. The basic models carry one or two pairs of skis. The best ski racks can carry up to 6 pairs of normal skis. Some models can also carry snowboards, from 1 to 4, sometimes simultaneously with skis. In addition to the number of skis and snowboards, the maximum carrying weight must be checked as indicated by the manufacturers.
Approval and test
While the vehicle is in motion and protects our equipment, we always choose approved ski racks and the best brands for maximum safety. In addition, we know how dangerous falling objects from the car roof can be, so numerous tests are carried out on the ski racks, such as the crash test, the wind test, the temperature tolerance test, and other checks to ensure that the ski racks remain attached to the roof.
Most manufacturers ensure reliability within a speed of 75 miles/h. So naturally, all the tests are valid when the ski carriers are used correctly, and all their specifications are respected, such as the number of skis worn, fixing to the roof, etc.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The Best Ski and Snowboard Racks for Cars
Below is the best ski and snowboard racks’ ranking with their respective characteristics and prices.
- Ski & snowboard mount: An elegant mount system that is wide enough to carry up to 6 pairs...
- Easy access: Features easy to press one-button access, so you can grab your gear with...
- Anti-theft: Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks included for added security and...
- Gear Up, Ski On: VEVOR ski and snowboard roof rack, measuring 31.7 inch (805mm) long,...
- Universal Ski Roof Rack: Our universal ski rack is compatible with most roof rack...
- Stand up to Winter Use: Crafted from lightweight yet robust aluminum, our ski rack for car...
- Ski Capacity: 6
- Snowboard Capacity: 4
- Compatibility: Universal mounting system works with round, square, factory, and most...
- Sliding Feature: These ski racks can be extended by sliding the rubber bar for easy...
- Modified Lock System: The 2024 BougeRV ski rack, features a modified lock system. The four...
- Crab Mounting System: Our ski rack special features a "Crab" shape for the mounting...
- [Low Temperature Resistance] - Aluminum construction is durable and supremely corrosion...
- [ Extended Size & Multipurpose ] - 26 Inches internal length，Fits up to 6 pairs of skis...
- [ Universal Fit ] - Universal Mount Rooftop Ski and Snowboard rack, Universal mounting...
- Ski Car Rack hold up to 6 Pair Skis or 4 Snowboards, is also ideal for carrying fishing...
- Holds skis and snowboards securely with Ultra-Soft rubber arms that grip without...
- Universal mounting system fits most vehicles equipped with roof rails and cross bars,...
- Effortless Installation: Securely attach this universal ski rack to a wide range of cross...
- Slide & Go: Experience effortlessly handling with the Erkul Roof Ski Rack's practical...
- Adventure Gear for the Next Journey: Ski & Snowboard roof rack offers the capacity to...
- THE ALTERNATIVE - Tired of reaching the roof rack for your gear? This unique hitch mounted...
- FITMENT - This fits most vehicles with either 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers. Tyger Hitch...
- DOUBLING DOWN ON SECURITY - Dual anti-theft key-locks for top rack and hitch receiver...
- NEW DESIGN - Low Profile Design Virtually Becomes Part of Your Vehicle's Roof profile....
- SKI ROOF RACK CAPACITY - The Ski Carrier holds a maximum of 6 Alpine Ski's or 4 Snow...
- EASY MOUNTING - Mounting The Car Ski Rack Is Easy And Offers 2 Types Of Mounting. T-bolt...
- LARGE CAPACITY - Hold up to 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Snowboards, and in the summer is a...
- TAKE THAT TRIP - The Large Capacity Makes it Perfect for a Trip with Family or Friends.
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING - Universal Mounting to Most Roof Racks with Easy Installation....
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