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)