Car Rack Industry Releases Informative Consumer Report Detailing Current Options Available

In an effort to inform and educate consumers, car rack industry experts recently released a consumer report regarding the various systems and options available, as well as the benefits and drawbacks. The report begins by explaining that car roof racks, which connect to a vehicle's roof, are currently the most commonly used systems. A roof rack set up typically consists of a set of two cross bars, which attach to the car roof using clips that connect to vehicles with and without rain gutters. Also, vehicles with factory-installed luggage racks can normally be fitted with cross bars and gear accessory attachments.

Roof rack systems currently include a variety of accessory attachments including cargo boxes, roof baskets and carriers for canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, fishing rods and surfboards. Major car roof rack manufacturers include Yakima Racks and Thule Racks. The report explains that some of the drawbacks to consider are accessibility on taller vehicles, need to remember that gear is on top before driving under low clearances, such as garage doors and fast-food drive-thrus. The benefits include versatility and very stable and secure gear transport.

The report explains that the popularity of SUVs and minivans is responsible for the current high demand for hitch bike racks and trunk racks, which connect either to a vehicle's 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch trailer hitch receiver or to the bumper and rear hatchback, trunk lid or rear access door on SUV's, minivans, station wagons etc using straps and hooks. Trunk racks are a good choice for people that don't often travel with their bicycles. Bike trunk racks and hitch racks can transport four bikes and sometimes five. They can also easily accommodate a mix of different bike styles and sizes. These sytems are relatively secure and stable, though not as secure as car roof racks. They also offer very easy access to loading and unloading bicycles. The report lists drawbacks that include the fact that bicycles usually must be removed first in order to gain access to trunks, hatchbacks and rear doors of vehicles. Also a vehicle must have a hitch receiver installed for bicycle hitch racks to be compatible.

The report next explains that permanent mount pickup truck bed bike racks are the least expensive type of rack available. The inexpensive permanent pickup truckbed bike mounts can be permanently installed in the bed of a pickup truck, inside a trailer or van, or can be attached to a removable cross brace, such as a 2x4 piece of lumber. Several new more expensive non-permanent options that don't require any hardware or drilling are also available and can include expandable bars that span the width of the bed, attach to the bed rails, hook under the tailgate etc.

The report concludes with an explanation of truck bed utility racks, which can be typically permanently bolted or non permanently fastened to the rails of a pickup truck's cargo bed. Because of a truck racks strength, they are an excellent option for carrying kayaks, canoes, small boats, ladders, piping, lumber, plywood etc. Manufacturers such as Yakima, Thule and TracRac Truck Racks also offer gear attachments that connect to the truck rack cross bars, similar to car roof rack load bars. The benefits of these systems include extra cargo space in the truck bed for other gear, super stong design for heavy loads and also relatively easy access to loading and unloading.