Mar

Car Racks

How to Choose a Car Rack

You ride a bike, ski, snowboard, surf, whatever.

A car rack is the solution. And how can I choose the proper rack?

racked bikes
Photo by striaticConsider Your Sport or Sports

If you participate in a number of sports which require a roof rack, your best bet is to choose a basic rack to which you can add different carriers for your different equipment.

Choose Your Rack Type

You have four common types of car racks to choose from: rooftop racks, trunk or deck racks, hitch racks, and spare tire racks.

Rooftop Racks

If you have an SUV or other vehicle with a factory-installed rack, there are rooftop racks designed to fit these racks.

Trunk or Deck Racks

Hitch Racks
If your vehicle has a receiver hitch, racks are available to fit the particular size that your vehicle sports.

Spare Tire Racks
If your vehicle sports a spare tire on the back, there may be a rack that fits onto the spare tire.

For instance, a rooftop rack loaded with bicycles may not fit in your garage. Choosing a rack that mounts on the rear of your vehicle may be a better choice.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s Manual to see if the roof of your vehicle will support the rack and the equipment that you wish to carry. (Article Summary About Car Rack By Richard Davidian)

Choosing the Right Car Rack to Get Your Bikes Around Safely

Depending on your vehicle and type of bikes, different racks will be be the best option for you.

There are three main types of bike racks: Strap on Trunk Racks, Trailer Hitch Racks and Roof Racks

Trunk Racks

Due to weight limits the maximum number of bikes for trunk racks is often limited to three.

Trailer Hitch Racks

Hitch racks come in two varieties: Fork lift style that holds the bike by the frame or tray style that holds the bike by the wheels like a roof rack. Hitch racks bolt into the receiver hitch so the can be secure. Lock your bikes to the rack and you decrease the chance of your bikes going missing. Hitch racks can hold up to five bikes so are one of the best options for families.

Roof Rack

The roof rack is the most versatile option as you can get more than just bike mounts for it. Roof racks cost more than the other two options as you need the rack and then the individual bike mounts which can add up to over a $1000 for 5 bikes. (Article Summary About Car Rack By Winston Endall )