For You Snowboarders...

[s000pra89T]

In my quest of modding the T4R....

It's early but I'm looking to get it ready for this winter season, so I'm looking for some racks and would like to know what some of you prefer: Yakima, Thule or some other.

Thanks!


edit: Come to think of it, I think this is more of an addition than a mod...

 

[Kenn]

I got the Thule 4-boarder roof rack with locks and clips for 89 or so at Sports Authority in the off season. I used the 25% off coupon or 20% cpn. I cant remember. Sweet deal. Normally 125 or so.

 

[Uneek]

Thinking of a Thule. Thule appears to be slightly better built, IMO. My brother borrowed a Yakima one before. Both should be very good and I think it's more of personal preference.

Not 100% on getting one just yet, because two of my coworkers have scratches on their roof from using a roof rack mounted one when carrying boards base to base (max capacity). Also heard gear gets pretty dirty and nasty carrying them on the roof. Hitch mount is another option, but I've been told they vibrate like crazy. The last and probably most cost effective solution is to throw my gear inside. I've got a board bag, so it won't scratch up the interior, but that makes the max number I can take is three.

 

[leesdawgs]

I think Im going to go with a yakima just because I think the name is cooler. they both do about the same thing and are both rated for the same amount of weight so go with what appeals to your eyes.....

 

[sketch1]

I tent to side toward Yakima... I am a dealer for both and I have seen the quality of both in person, side by side. I will say however I have only personally used Yakima so I don't know how well Thule performs with abuse and usual wear and tear.

Yakima tends to have a more solid feel to it, as well as better designs-things tend to be easier to use and adjust on Yakima.

Thule, while having good stuff, seems to be a ways behind Yakima. Thier material feels to be not as strong, buttons, levers, hydraulic arms (cargo boxes) all seem to be dinkier.

I have had Yakima systems on my car since 2002 and never once had a problem. I have only had one customer come into the store with an issue with their rack system and that was because they broke it while trying to install it...basically the guy didn't want to read directions and managed to break the one plastic piece on his entire rack system... So I called Yakima and they sent a new piece no questions asked, didn't even require that we send the broken piece back...which is the only company I deal with that doesn't require that.

I am in no way saying Thule is bad, just my 2 cents.

 

[s000pra89T]

I appreciate the replys, guys.

So I'm looking and I see LiftTicket and PowderHound models, an angled vs. a flat look. I'm assuming the perform the same and it's just personal preference, correct?

 

[MAC4Runner]

Both work great, but I prefer Yakima. See sig below......

 

[Koz]

I tent to side toward Yakima... I am a dealer for both and I have seen the quality of both in person, side by side. I will say however I have only personally used Yakima so I don't know how well Thule performs with abuse and usual wear and tear.

Yakima tends to have a more solid feel to it, as well as better designs-things tend to be easier to use and adjust on Yakima.

Thule, while having good stuff, seems to be a ways behind Yakima. Thier material feels to be not as strong, buttons, levers, hydraulic arms (cargo boxes) all seem to be dinkier.

I have had Yakima systems on my car since 2002 and never once had a problem. I have only had one customer come into the store with an issue with their rack system and that was because they broke it while trying to install it...basically the guy didn't want to read directions and managed to break the one plastic piece on his entire rack system... So I called Yakima and they sent a new piece no questions asked, didn't even require that we send the broken piece back...which is the only company I deal with that doesn't require that.

I am in no way saying Thule is bad, just my 2 cents.

:iagree:

Koz

 

[TeCKis300]

I have a Yakima Lift Ticket 6 that I used last season. Worked out GREAT for the 3 pairs of skis and 2 snowboards that I carried 400 miles to Mammoth.

I arranged it so the carrier is on the stock crossbars (u need a adaptor for it) with it closest to the drivers side. The 2 "lift" legs are installed on the end in the center of the bars. This gives it a "tilted" look but helps to give the snowboards bindings enough clearance and help with reach from the side. I would also us a twisty tie to prevent the snowboard binding things from flapping around in the wind and on the roof of the truck. The end of the carrier nearest the side rails w/o the lift gives enough clearance for ski bindings. If you wanted to have snowboards in both positions, you will need to find a way to raise the whole mount higher with Yakima cross bars.

Also know that w/o snowboard/skis mounted, there will be audible buffeting in the cabin so I take them off when not in use which is cake.

Great buy overall and keeps my interior clean and useful for more people.

 

[sketch1]

I appreciate the replys, guys.

So I'm looking and I see LiftTicket and PowderHound models, an angled vs. a flat look. I'm assuming the perform the same and it's just personal preference, correct?

Pretty much, however the Lift Ticket also offers larger easier to use buttons for opening the latch...makes a huge difference if you have gloves on.

 

[TeCKis300]

Pretty much, however the Lift Ticket also offers larger easier to use buttons for opening the latch...makes a huge difference if you have gloves on.

Definitely get the "lift" model. The powerhound w/o the lift will not give enough clearance for binding against the roof.

 

[pipspeak]

Also know that w/o snowboard/skis mounted, there will be audible buffeting in the cabin so I take them off when not in use which is cake.

It always amazes me how many people still drive around in July with ski racks on their cars. No sure if it's an image thing (hey, look at me, I'm active) or a laziness thing but it increases noise and cuts fuel mileage. it takes five minutes to take off.

I've always used Yakima and never had a problem. If I'm only carrying one pair of skis or snowboard and no passengers, however, I prefer having them inside the truck in a bag. Better security and less hassle.

 

[s000pra89T]

Definitely get the "lift" model. The powerhound w/o the lift will not give enough clearance for binding against the roof.

Cool...the LiftTicket it is then! Thanks guys! :biggrin2:

I've always used Yakima and never had a problem. If I'm only carrying one pair of skis or snowboard and no passengers, however, I prefer having them inside the truck in a bag. Better security and less hassle.

I hear you there...it's usually me and the wifey. But if it's just the fellas going, there'd be no space for all the longer boards.

 

[xUSNavy]

I have Yakima's Big Pouder Hound. I purchased these 4 years ago and have never had a problem with them.

 

[T4RUSAF]

I got the thule one that fits 4 boards. Never had a problem and the match the silver trim inserts in the front and rear (and maybe the roof racks if you have the SE). Both are great brands as I had both but the silver matched the runner.

 

[supwaz]

I have ones made by BVG. I've had them the past 2 years and never had a problem with them. It fits 4 boards comfortably and they seem sturdy enough to last for awhile. The most recent trip I took to go snowboarding, I drove 300 miles straight avg. 80 mph even though the speed rating on the racks say not go above 55mph.

 

[G.I.G.]

I just bought the Yakima FatCat 6 and it is sweet! I used to use the Thule 6 pair but it couldn't fit two wide boards side by side. That FatCat 6 can easily fit two of my wide boards side by side, plus, there is a built in attachment that allows you to raise one side of the rack for more binding clearance. Since the new FatCat has a low profile design, there is little to no wind noise and no issues driving in low clearance parking garages.

I did like the simplicity of installing the Thule. Install the mounts on our factory rack, tighten two wing nuts, and away you go. It took a little bit longer to install the Yakima but it included all of the mounting hardware and the directions were easy to follow. I'll have to post some pics of the rack when I get a chance. Check out this link on the FatCat.

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=181

 

[keylay31]

Anything out there that works with both snowboards and bikes?

 

[Jaebster]

Anything out there that works with both snowboards and bikes?

For the Yakima and Thule, you basically buy the basic set-up and you add attachments as needed, ie snowboard, bike, kayak, etc. No dingle attachment will hold both snowboard and bike

 

[Jaebster]

Since the new FatCat has a low profile design, there is little to no wind noise and no issues driving in low clearance parking garages.

Also, one thing great about the Yakima are the round cross bars (wherein Thule is square/rectangular). If you're not using the snowboard attachment, you can swivel them down so that the attachment is parallel to the roof of the car.