How To Put Skis On A Roof Rack: Step-by-Step Guide

To put skis on a roof rack, gather your gear and ensure the roof rack is positioned correctly. Prepare skis, load them onto the frame, and secure them with straps. Drive safely, checking skis periodically. Unload carefully and store skis properly for the next adventure.

Contents

If you’re an avid skier, you know that transporting your precious gear to the slopes can sometimes be a challenge. One of the most convenient solutions for carrying skis is by using a roof rack. However, putting skis on a roof rack requires proper technique to ensure both safety on the road and the integrity of your equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to put skis on a roof rack step by step, so you can confidently and securely load your skis onto your vehicle’s roof rack.

Roof racks are a popular choice among skiers for transporting their gear. They provide ample space and are easy to access, making them a go-to option for many outdoor enthusiasts. But before you start loading up your skis, it’s crucial to consider safety and proper technique to ensure a hassle-free journey to the slopes.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin the process of loading your skis onto a roof rack, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials and safety gear. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Check Crossbar Spread and Weight Limits

Before you start loading your skis, it’s crucial to confirm that your roof rack and carrier are set up correctly for your gear. Here are some key considerations:
Crossbar Spread: Most ski rack carriers specify a required distance between the front crossbar and rear crossbar. If your crossbars are too far apart, the carrier clamps may not seat fully; if they are too close, the carrier can rock. Measure the spread and compare it to the range in your carrier’s manual before mounting anything.
Load Weight Limit: Check both your vehicle’s roof load limit and your crossbar’s load weight limit. The lower of the two is your ceiling, and it includes the weight of the carrier itself, not just the skis.
Centering Skis on the Rack: Try to center your skis on the roof rack to distribute the weight evenly. This will help maintain balance and stability while driving.

Ski Rack vs. Cargo Box: An open ski rack carrier is lighter, cheaper, and easier to load, but leaves skis exposed to road salt, UV, and grime. A cargo box protects bases and bindings and is more aerodynamic, but costs more and eats into your roof load limit. If you regularly drive long distances on salted roads, a cargo box is the better choice for base protection.
Avoiding Interference with Other Items: If you plan to carry other equipment, such as a cargo box or bike rack, make sure your skis won’t interfere with these items or obstruct your view while driving.

Adjusting the Roof Rack According to Ski Size: Most roof racks are adjustable to accommodate different sizes of skis. Ensure that your rack is configured to fit your skis properly. If your crossbars cannot be moved to meet the carrier’s required spread, you may need a different carrier or a crossbar adapter rather than forcing the fit.

Preparing Your Skis

Once you’ve selected the right location for your skis on the roof rack, it’s time to prepare your skis for loading.

Removing Debris or Snow: Start by thoroughly cleaning your skis. Remove any snow, ice, or debris from the bindings, edges, and base. Clean skis not only look better but also prevent unnecessary mess during transportation.

Securing Ski Bindings: Decide whether to engage or disengage your ski brakes before loading. Engaged brakes keep the skis from sliding on the carrier and are the usual choice for open racks. Disengaged brakes (brakes retracted) let the skis sit flatter and are common with cargo boxes or tight carriers. Whichever you choose, make it consistent for both skis so the pair sits level.

Applying Protective Padding: To protect your skis and the roof of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to use towels or padding. Place these between the skis and the roof rack, creating a cushioning layer.

Organizing Skis for Loading: Pair your skis and orient them consistently. The standard orientation is base down, tips forward, with bindings clear of the crossbars and of each other. Arrange them with the bindings facing each other for added stability if your carrier allows it.

Loading Skis onto the Roof Rack

Now that your skis are prepped and ready, it’s time to load them onto the roof rack.

Placing Skis on the Rack: Carefully lift your skis and place them on the roof rack. Load them base down with tips forward, aligned with the direction of your vehicle. Check that the bindings clear the front crossbar and rear crossbar and do not rest on either one.

Positioning Skis Correctly: Position the skis so that they are parallel to each other and centered on the roof rack. Avoid any overhang that might create instability.

Securing Skis with Straps or Racks: Depending on your preference and the equipment you have, you can choose to secure your skis with ski straps or ski racks. Whichever you use, tighten in stages rather than cranking one strap down fully before moving to the next.

Tips for Using Ski Straps: If you opt for ski straps, wrap them tightly around your skis and the roof rack bars. Make sure they are snug, but not so tight that they damage your skis. Tips for Using Ski Racks: Ski racks are designed to hold your skis securely in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching and securing your skis on the racks. Torque Specs: If your carrier uses bolts or clamps, tighten them to the torque value in the manual with a torque wrench. If no value is given, snug them evenly in a cross pattern rather than in a circle, and never overtighten.

Securing the Skis

After you’ve loaded your skis onto the roof rack, it’s time to ensure they are adequately secured.

Checking the Stability of Skis: Gently wiggle your skis to confirm that they are securely fastened. They should not move or shift on the roof rack.

Using Additional Security Measures (Locks, Optional): For added peace of mind, consider using locks to secure your skis to the roof rack. This can be particularly important if you plan to leave your skis unattended in a parking lot.

Final Safety Checks

Before hitting the road, take a few moments for some final safety checks.

Verifying the Roof Rack’s Security: Ensure that the roof rack itself is securely fastened to your vehicle. Loose or improperly attached roof racks can lead to accidents. Re-check the mounting hardware on the carrier as well, since clamps can settle after the first few miles.

Ensuring Skis Won’t Interfere with Vehicle Operation: Double-check that your loaded skis do not interfere with any part of your vehicle, including the roof, doors, windows, or hatch clearance. Open the rear hatch slowly the first time to confirm the skis clear it, and make sure they do not obstruct your view while driving.

Double-Checking the Overall Setup: Take a step back and inspect the entire setup. Confirm that everything is in order, from the cleanliness of your skis to the tightness of the straps or racks.

Driving Safely with Skis on the Roof Rack

With your skis securely loaded onto the roof rack, it’s time to hit the road. However, driving with skis on the roof rack requires some adjustments to ensure safety.

Reducing Speed and Adjusting Driving Behavior: Be mindful of your speed and driving behavior. Skis on the roof rack can create additional wind resistance, affecting your vehicle’s stability and fuel efficiency. Drive at a moderate speed, and avoid sudden maneuvers.

The 10-Minute Re-Torque Check: After about 10 minutes of driving at speed, pull over somewhere safe and re-check the setup. Push each ski sideways to confirm it has not shifted, tug the straps or locking mechanism, and re-torque the carrier’s mounting hardware to spec if it has loosened. This is the single most common cause of skis coming loose on a trip.

Monitoring Skis During the Journey: Periodically check your skis while driving. Ensure that they remain securely fastened and haven’t shifted or come loose. This will help prevent any potential accidents or damage to your skis.

Adhering to Legal Requirements (e.g., Clearance): Different regions may have specific legal requirements for vehicles with roof-mounted equipment. Be aware of height clearances and any regulations regarding the transportation of sports equipment on the roof.

Unloading Skis

After a fantastic day on the slopes, you’ll want to safely unload your skis from the roof rack.

Finding a Safe and Convenient Location: Park your vehicle in a safe and level location, away from traffic or busy areas. This will ensure a hassle-free unloading process.

Removing Skis from the Roof Rack: Reverse the process of loading your skis. Carefully remove the ski straps or racks, and lift the skis off the roof rack.

Storing Skis Properly: Once your skis are off the roof rack, store them properly to maintain their condition. Clean them, allow them to dry, and store them in a cool, dry place.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity of your roof rack and skis, regular maintenance and care are essential.

Regular Inspection of Roof Racks: Periodically inspect your roof rack for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent accidents on the road.

Cleaning and Storing Equipment: After each ski trip, clean your skis and roof rack to remove any dirt, salt, or grime. Road salt is the main cause of base and edge corrosion, so rinse and dry bases before storage. For longer gaps between trips, apply a storage wax or base protector to guard against UV damage, and store your equipment in a dry, secure location when not in use.

Keeping an Eye on Ski Bindings: Ski bindings play a critical role in your safety on the slopes. Regularly check them for wear and tear, and have them professionally serviced as needed.

FAQs

Should ski brakes be engaged or disengaged on a roof rack?

Engaged brakes are the usual choice for open ski racks because they stop the skis sliding on the carrier. Disengaged brakes let skis sit flatter and are common with cargo boxes. Pick one and apply it to both skis.

How tight should ski rack mounting bolts be?

Tighten to the torque value in your carrier’s manual using a torque wrench. If no value is listed, snug the bolts evenly in a cross pattern and never overtighten.

Why do skis come loose on a roof rack?

Almost always because the mounting hardware settled after the first few miles. Stop after about 10 minutes of driving, re-check the straps and locking mechanism, and re-torque the hardware to spec.

Can I put skis on a roof rack without a ski carrier?

You can strap skis directly to crossbars with rubber straps, but a dedicated ski rack carrier or cargo box holds them more securely and protects bases from road salt and UV.

Conclusion

Loading skis onto a roof rack may seem like a simple task, but doing it correctly is crucial for your safety and the protection of your equipment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your skis are securely fastened to your roof rack and ready for the next snowy adventure. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, both on and off the slopes. Enjoy your skiing adventures responsibly and with the confidence that your gear is in good hands.

FAQ:

u003cstrongu003eCan you attach skis to a roof rack?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, you can securely attach skis to a roof rack using straps or racks designed for this purpose.

u003cstrongu003eWhich way do skis go on a roof rack?u003c/strongu003e

Skis should be placed with their bindings facing down and aligned parallel to each other on the roof rack.

u003cstrongu003eHow do you transport skis on the roof of a car?u003c/strongu003e

To transport skis on the roof of a car, load them onto a roof rack, secure them with straps or racks, and drive safely, following recommended guidelines.