[TLF]

I just bought a red '05 XLT. Ruby, as she is now known, has a roof rack but needs a ski/board rack.

I will be taking her up to the mountains (a 45 min to 2 hour trip depending on hill) 2 to 3 times a week come December.

I've seen some nice pics of great looking roof racks on this forum, and would love to hear any suggestions anybody has for ski rack brands that look good.

Cheers,

TLF

 

[Jordan31]

If your carrying snowboards, you can get these.

they hold either 2 snowboards or 4 depending on the size of the model (rack size).

the problem with this is that the boards have to be placed in the rack base to base, so the bindings might touch the roof of the escape. I dont think the escape roof racks are high enough for this. I could be wrong though.

But for not much more money you can buy one of the roof top box carrier things. The one I purchased was at canadian tire for 220$ on clearance, and its 11 cubic feet. So thats plenty big for like 4 snowboards and some other stuff, or 2 snowboards helmets, pants, coats, boots. and more.
This way you dont get your wet, icy, snowy equipment on the seats/ carpet.

I highly recommend the box over the other board / ski carriers.
(never used one before, but you can use the box to carry a lot more)

I'll get a picture of mine up sometime if that helps.

 

[stone]

Hello Jordan31. We all bid thee good tidings. :welcome:

 

[Jordan31]

Hello Jordan31. We all bid thee good tidings. :welcome:

dont you mean TLF? its his first post...

anyways TLF :welcome:

 

[SilverAthlon]

TLF -

I strongly recommend the Yakima rack system for 2 reasons. You can use the factory rack or use the tracks and buy their entire system.

If you choose to use the factory rack, this is the cheaper and less versatile route. You can buy special clips for individual accessories like the FatCat or the Powderhound - I have the "Big Powderhound". I've had these accessories since 2000 and they still work great!!

If you get their rack system you can install their control tower into your factory track, and then put on your own bars (i have 48") and then attach any of their accessories (snow sports, water sports, bicycle, storage, etc). This is a huge advantage if you do multi-season sports. I use the gunwale brackets to haul my canoe in the summer, as well as a bike carrier, and then the powderhound for the winter.

I have included pics of the rack on/off. I have the yakima rack positioned at the furthest ends of the track, and then inbetween I still have the factory rack. I don't leave the bars on all the time as they are round and cause some wind noise (less with a fairing). It took me 2 minutes from start to finish to have the front installed, which includes time to take pics.

Without rack:

Brackets that stay installed on car, I removed the protective cover. (you can see it on the one across on the left)

How the rack seats into the bracket, I also have the locks which are separate but not required.

Rack installed (sorry I had the sunroof open)

Big Powderhound. Slap your gear in there and close it shut!

Totally versatile, I'm a die hard yak fan. I know others are die hard Thule, I guess it comes down to who sold you on the stuff. If you got $$, get the whole package and you'll never look back!!

 

[TLF]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice.

I like the idea of getting a box for the top to keep multiple pairs of skis/boards dry and out of sight. Unfortunately my wife doesn't like the way they look.

i suppose that means I'll get to pull it down after each trip. the Thule looks easy to do just that. I liked the Ascent 1100 I looked at in the local REI. the Yaks were all too short, but they were nice and wide. the Ascent is a bit too narrow.

Rack n Road has another type called Inno, according to their web site. I'll have to check those out next.

i like the Yak rack that integrates into the factory rails, but I don't anticipate needing multiple rack systems. i do like the Yak boxes as well, but the selection was limited at REI.

thx,

Ross

 

[stone]

Hello TLF. :welcome: I have the standard factory fitted roof racks. Had no intention of drilling a hole, so the roof rack is for my uhf radio antenna mount.

 

[Jordan31]

my wife doesn't like the way they look.

honestly, I thought the same thing, I didnt want this ugly huge black thing on my roof...

but, now that its on there, i dont mind it at all.

I liked the Ascent 1100

(made by thule?)
If so, its probably very similar to my karrite 1100, karrite being another brand of thule...

I'll post a pic of mine for you.......... if i can find some batteries for the camera........

 

[TLF]

I checked out a box today made by Inno (rv-inno web site). They are very low profile, and are wide and long enough to carry boards and skis. they aren't so good for carrying other cargo but I don't care. their LowDown model is perfect for my needs. The cost is a bit high, though.

My wife likes the Yakima FatCat 6 rack, which looks good to me as well. They won't block the sunroof all the time, and are easy to store in our 2 car garage, where the box will take up considerably more room. At less than half the price, the FatCats would save enough to buy running boards as well. Hmmm. maybe I need to start up a new thread for running boards?

so many ways to spend money on the new ride.

I'm looking forward to those pics, Jordan!

 

[Jordan31]

Heres some pictures TLF...

 

[willyates1]

I was just wondering I got a car top carrier for my escape for when we travel back to Alabama after I retire from the Navy in March 09, but it really didn't come with any hardware for mounting. What hardware should I have?

 

[SilverAthlon]

Willy, welcome to the board!! Who is the mfg of the box? This should be helpful in understanding what you may need to get your hands on..

 

[willyates1]

It is a Karrite Voyger Cartop Cargo Carrier. I got it used from Craig's List.

 

[jonas1022]

Do they have a website to check out? Maybe a customer service number to call? I don't know, I'd sure check with the mfgr. of this carrier and go from there.

 

[usererror]

SilverAthlon -

If you're still around can you post a picture of your roof rack rails with the Yak ski attachments on? How many inches from the roof to the top edge with the ski attachments on the rack?

Thanks,

 

[captainamericarob]

i just bought a THULE Ascent 1100 rooftop cargo carrier for my skis/boards. keeps them safe and out of road thrash and easto get in and out. It fit perfectly on the Escape factory bars.

 

[usererror]

I can't pull into my garage with a cargo box on top. My garage door opening is barely 6' tall. If I get a box I'd have to mount it and load it outside in the cold.