Ski & Snowboard Carriers
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It's peak season for skiing, snowboarding, sledding or whatever you
choose to do with all that white powdery stuff. So we thought we'd round
up a few custom auto accessories that will make it easier to get your
gear to the slopes--and keep it locked up safely, so you can stop for
a snack en route without worrying.
LiftTicket Ski & Snowboard Mounts
These ski and snowboard carriers attach to a roof rack, and they're
easy to open and close in freezing weather, even if you're wearing crusty
frozen gloves. The LiftTicket6 carries up to six pairs of skis or four
snowboards, while the LiftTicket4 carries up to four pairs of skis or
two snowboards. Both feature a ratcheting mechanism that closes easily
with one hand and big ergo-friendly red buttons that open the rack with
a simple push. Plus, the integrated ski lifts elevate the mount from
the roof of a vehicle, so there's plenty of clearance for snowboards
and tall ski bindings. MSRP: LiftTicket4, $110; LiftTicket6, $120. From
Yakima (www.yakima.com)
Stowaway2
Do you have trouble reaching the roof on your ride? Or do you want to
stow all your gear out of sight, plus free up more space inside your
vehicle? This cargo carrier plugs into a trailer hitch receiver and
offers 12.5 cubic feet of enclosed, weathertight, lockable storage space.
The Stowaway2 is perfect for messy, stinky stuff, it's easy to load,
and it has a 200-pound capacity. It features four-way taillights and
doesn't reduce visibility out the rear of most SUVs and vans. The impact-
and corrosion-resistant polymer box features carrying handles for simple
installation and removal, too. Plus, a Swingaway model moves away from
the rear of your vehicle for easy access. MSRP: from $399. From Ironwood
Pacific (www.stowaway2.com)
Window Mounted Ski Racks & Carriers
The Barrecrafter window-mounted ski carrier mounts to a side roll-up
window on virtually any vehicle. It will secure two pairs of skis, and
can carry all types of skis and poles. The non-marring mounting hook
and suction cup prevent damage to your vehicle's finish, and it comes
with a cable lock and all mounting hardware. It's easy to install, too.
Retail: $39.95. From ProLine Products
(www.A1-autoracks.com)
Husky Liners
Tired of tracking mud and snow into your vehicle? We can't force you
to change your shoes--but we can suggest a set of Husky Liners. The
custom molded floor liners and cargo area liners will contain melting
snow and other gunk. The patented rubberized material features a non-slip
surface to keep gear and people from sliding, and the SPiN system (Sta-Put
Nibs) keeps the mats securely in place. From Winfield Consumer Products
(www.huskyliner.com)
Snow Sport & Two Bike Carrier
The optional Snow Sport attachment turns this hitch-mount bicycle carrier
into solid and secure transportation for up to four pairs of skis. The
bike carrier plugs into either a 1 1/4- or 2-inch receiver hitch, and
it's also available in a bumper-mount design. The rack tilts away from
a vehicle to allow access and make loading easy, and 2-inch main tube
construction makes this rack exceptionally strong and rigid. MSRP: racks
from $142.95; ski attachment, $149.95. From Advantage Sports Rack (www.rackbiz.com)
Serengeti Rack
This adjustable rooftop basket is designed to carry all kinds of sporting
gear, including skis, snowboards, small boats, camping gear and more.
The Serengeti compresses down to a 52-inch base length for stylish everyday
commuting, then expands out to its full 76-inch length for maximum cargo
capacity when you're traveling. You can choose from a 42- or 52-inch
width to best fit your vehicle. The Serengeti features 1-inch-diameter
round-tube side rails and "Air Foil" cross beams, as well
as a 1-inch round tube floor system to keep cargo off your roof. It
mounts directly to a factory roof rack or your vehicle's rain gutters,
and accepts Yakima, Thule and most other accessory carriers. Plus, this
rack is available with a special Conga Cage Mount System for Jeep®
Wranglers, which allows full use of the vehicle's hard or soft top.
From Kargo Master (www.kargomaster.com)
SAMI
If you don't have a trailer hitch but you do have a spare tire on the
back of your SUV or Jeep, here's a cool option: a universal locking
spare-tire-mount ski rack. It comes with a keyed lock to secure four
pairs of skis to your wheel. There's also a conversion available to
transform this into a ski and snowboard rack or a two-bike rack. Retail:
$149.95. From Mohn (www.mohnsportracks.com)
Evolution 1200
Another option, if you want to keep your gear locked away from prying
eyes, is a rooftop cargo carrier. The Evolution 1200 is sleek and stylish--and
designed to contain your skis, poles and any other gear that crowds
your vehicle. It comes with Quick Mount hardware that fits square, round
and factory roof rack bars. The aerodynamic shape reduces wind drag
and noise. Each impact- and UV-resistant ABS box will hold five or six
pairs of skis inside 12 cubic feet of storage space. MSRP: $339. From
Thule (www.thuleracks.com)
Ski Mount Adapters
If you have a rooftop basket on your vehicle--or if you'd like to add
one--these adapters make it easy to secure your skis or snowboards.
The adapters clamp to the side of the basket, and they fit most Thule®
and Yakima® carriers that hold four sets of skis. They're from Garvin
Industries, which also offers Wilderness Roof Racks. These rooftop baskets
offer serious cargo capacity and support for all the stuff you can't
leave behind--up to 500 pounds of your gear, depending on rack size
and vehicle application. The racks come with fully adjustable steel
flooring. From Wilderness Roof Racks/Garvin Industries (www.wildernessracks.com)