Road Testing the Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carriers – Gear Locker
The racks easily accomodate six pairs of skis or four snowboards. Image:: Horvath
Mountainwatch | Gear Locker
For the average weekend warrior, there’s no better purchase than a good set of ski racks. Once you’ve sliced and diced your interior, or put up with hours-long road trips to the snow with a ski edge in your neck you’ll appreciate the ease of use and convenience that ski racks afford.
Nearly all rack manufacturers offer a ski rack of some description, and we’ve put them through their paces before. Rhino-Racks are probably the most widely used option on the market, but we needed to know if they’re really as good as they say they are. This season, we’ve been putting the Rhino Ski & Snowboard Carriers through their paces, here’s the verdict.
They look sleek, with minimal impact on vehicle clearance. Image:: Horvath
WHO: Rhino-Racks are an Australian roof rack manufacturer known for their durability and adaptability. Their products work with a wide range of sporting equipment and vehicle accessories. The company was started in 1992 by Sydney-sider, Richard Cropley. The company now operates internationally and has over 163 staff worldwide. http://www.rhinorack.com.au/
WHAT: We tested the Ski and Snowboard Carrier – 6 Skis or 4 Snowboards (Part# 566U).
INSTALLATION: These racks can be fitted to nearly any cross-bar system using one of two options for fitment. Firstly, the racks come with a simple bracket system that uses an Allen key to fasten two clamp legs onto your racks. This is very straight forward and fast, although if you’re concerned about height clearance – as I am with the BT-50 – then you’re better to fit the racks using the t-channel mounting system. This sits the racks closer to the crossbar, reducing height, and it also means the racks are completely secure when locked. My cross bars are a Rhino system, so the fitment was as easy as removing the rubber gutter and installing racks, then trimming the rubber to reduce noise – easy.
With soft rubber seals they won’t damage your gear. Image:: Horvath
EASE OF USE: The racks are extremely simple, requiring a simple key lock and push button to open. The arms are spring loaded which means the racks remain open when unlocked – a feature that makes loading and unloading skis and snowboards hassle-free. The universal clamp mounts means they’re incredibly easy to fit.
SECURITY: The racks are completely secure when loaded on the crossbars using the t-channel, and the locks are extremely sturdy. I have been quite happy leaving our gear on the car overnight, assured that it would very difficult to swipe our gear. My crossbars were also keyed to the same lock system, so you might wish to make sure your current Rhino-Racks are keyed to the same as the ski-carriers you’ve purchased.
AESTHETICS: The ski-carriers are available in both black and silver, so you can keep your racks looking great. The racks are mostly made with plastic and rubber gaskets, meaning they shouldn’t rust or tarnish.
Noise is barely noticeable and they remain fairly aero, even when loaded. Image:: Horvath
PROS:
– Easy to install
– Safe clearance
– Able to be opened with gloved hands
– No noise when driving
– Doubles as a fishing rod holder
– Competitively priced
CONS:
– Height clearance is an issue with the universal clamp mounts.
– When fully loaded it can be difficult to lock properly, but a small adjustment usually remedies the issue.
PRICE: $259.00 AUD
MORE INFO: http://www.rhinorack.com.au/products/snow/ski-snowboard-carriers
