Winter sports are an exceptional way to spruce up the season. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean we have to stay huddled indoors! Sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are bound to help outdoor enthusiasts pass the time in the winter. The key to a good wintertime adventure is being prepared and well-equipped. When it comes to bulkier, irregularly shaped items like snowboards and skis, it can be a challenge getting them from point A to point B. Luckily, you can use a few methods and cargo hacks to safely and successfully transport them in one piece! Let’s explore the benefits of driving with racks and other cargo management systems.
Choose Your Rack for Long-Distance Travel
When choosing a ski and snowboard rack for your vehicle, there are a few key factors to take into account.
Vehicle Compatibility
Firstly, your rack must be compatible with your vehicle. You can look for one that is explicitly compatible with your vehicle, or you can opt for a universal rack, like the Rhino Rack Multi-Purpose Ski Carrier for Skis or Snowboards. This is one example of a rack that is widely effective across the board and compatible with SUVs, trucks, and Sedans. It’s also a good idea to check your vehicle’s weight rating before adding the weight of an extra rack and an arsenal of skis on top.
Number of Skis/Snowboards
Ski or snowboard racks generally come in small, medium, and large size options, with capacities to hold two skis, four skis or two snowboards, and six skis or four snowboards. Save money and carry less weight on your vehicle with a smaller rack, or invest and expand your vehicle’s cargo capacity with a larger one. It all depends on how much gear you want to be able to transport while driving with racks on your winter road trip.
Ski and Snowboard Size
Since skis and snowboards come in varying sizes, it’s a good idea to take measurements before you buy to ensure compatibility.
Choose The Mounting Point
If you plan on driving with racks, decide whether you want to store your winter sports gear on a hitch-mounted rack or a rooftop rack. Rooftop racks are very common, and a great option for those who desire affordability, easy installation, and intuitive operation. Hitch-mounted ski and snowboard racks are less popular because not everyone has a trailer hitch. However, they might be a good option for those who want to avoid climbing up and down their vehicle, and those who want to preserve fuel efficiency as much as possible while using a cargo rack.
How to Protect Your Gear
There are many factors your gear can fall victim to while on the road, especially in wintertime. While skis were meant to brave the elements of winter adventure, frequent exposure to ice, snow, salt, rocks, and debris will wear them down. Letting your skis brave the cold without protection could accelerate their decay, and we’d rather you preserve them for years of sportsmanship to come. One of the most reliable ways to shield your valuable gear from deterioration is with a sturdy, heavy-duty rooftop box. The Sport Rack Horizon Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box is an 11-foot-long weather-resistant answer to your prayers. Its durable construction is made of impact-resistant ABS material, and its easy, compact storage makes it a fine choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
Travel Tips: Prevent Theft and Damage
The number one winter road trip safety and gear preservation hack is choosing the right cargo rack. There are a few different scenarios that could occur if you don’t take precautions to protect your gear.
Driving with Racks Scenario A:
Finding a rack that fits snugly on your vehicle and secures your gear in place is the prize. The less your gear moves around during transport, the less prone it will be to damage. It would be a real bummer if you traveled several hours with a half dozen skis only to find out they had broken in the process. That wouldn’t make for a very good ski trip.
Driving with Racks Scenario B:
Even on the less extreme side of possible outcomes, minor damage such as a dent can still impact ski performance, making you more prone to a bumpy ride or injuries. This type of damage can be costly to replace. All the more reason to invest in a high-quality ski and snowboard rack that fits like a glove.
Driving with Racks Scenario C:
Probably the worst-case scenario would be if you made a pit stop and came back to nothing but a pile of ropes and tie-downs on your vehicle. Theft happens, especially when expensive items like snowboards and skis are left visible to the naked eye. One way to deter thieves is by concealing your valuables via an opaque cargo container or tarp. The only way to truly stop burglars, though, is through a locking mechanism. The most effective solution to both damage and theft would be a high-strength locking cargo box, like the Malone Auto Racks Profile Rooftop Cargo Box. This raven-colored cargo solution features an 18-cubic foot “low and wide” profile design that suits winter sports gear. It boasts abrasion and UV-resistant ABS construction, plus a top-notch centralized locking system to protect your gear from the elements, thieves, or a pack of intrusive raccoons. It also features a quick-attach mounting system and a dual-opening lid for maximum ease, efficiency, and accessibility. On top of all that, its black onyx ultra-glossy finish will look unbelievably sleek on your ride.
Safety Tips for Driving with Racks in Inclement Weather
Before you depart, here are a few winter driving tips to help you stay safe and in good spirits on your road trip!
Use Winter Tires
Winter tires help you get a grip on wet and icy surfaces! They yield greater traction and better performance in cold temperatures.
Practice Precautious Driving
Avoid using cruise control, practice gradual acceleration and deceleration, and increase the distance between you and other vehicles to give yourself more time to react. When going uphill, maintain a constant speed, and don’t change gears.
Double Check Your Cargo Management Setup
Ensure that everything is secure. Use tie-downs, ratchet straps, and bungee cords if needed!
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Prepared
Check the battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers. Put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir and check your antifreeze levels.
Experience Outdoor Living!
At Omni Outdoor Living, we make it our mission to help customers get the most out of their outdoor experiences. We offer quality outdoor products focused on outdoor recreation, DIY projects, entertaining friends and family, or just relaxing outside.
