How to Choose Car Racks

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What's the right rack for your vehicle? If you're transporting bikes only, then lots of car rack options await you. Add a snowboard, kayak or paddleboard to the mix and you're more likely a roof-rack shopper.

Roof racks are often recommended because they are the most stable and secure method for transporting outdoor toys. Yet they tend to be more expensive and require owners to execute some tippy-toe stretches in order to get gear anchored and ready for transport.

Dealer Fit Guides

If you already have a certain style of rack in mind and want to determine if it is compatible with your vehicle, enter make/model/year info into these handy fit guides offered by REI's top rack dealers:

Thule Automated Fit Guide

Yakima Rack Configurator

If, however, you are standing at Square 1 in your car rack decision-making process, start by reviewing our quick-reference chart (below). We supplement it with more detailed explanations of what the chart shows.

Quick-reference Chart

To determine what style or rack best suits your needs, let's survey your choices in more detail.

Trunk Racks

If you drive a car (sedan or hatchback) or a sports utility vehicle and bikes are all you're transporting, trunk racks are a lightweight, economical choice. They fasten to rear decks via a system of straps and paint-friendly hooks. With a little practice they can be installed and removed with minimal fuss.

Bikes rest on support arms (usually equipped with cradles) and are secured by straps (typically made from neoprene rubber). Some models carry up to 2 bikes; others can carry up to 3.

A number of reasons may explain why some racks that carry the same number of bikes differ in price. Among them:

• The versatility to fit more vehicles.
• Overall ease of use.
• Anti-sway cradles (better at keeping bikes separated during transport).
• Locking mechanisms.
• Better materials (stainless steel rather than standard steel, for example)
• Fold-away compactness for space-efficient storage.

Transports:

• Bikes (2 or 3).

Pros:

• Lower cost.
• Lighter; easy portability.
• Bikes attach with only a moderate amount of lifting.
• Fairly simple to exchange between cars (if both cars share compatibility with the rack).
• Is not permanently attached to your vehicle.
• Handy for shorter trips or occasional use.

Cons:

• Trunk access is blocked.
• Rack's stability relies on skillfulness of person attaching the straps.
• Bikes may sway a little during transport and are thus prone to bumping into each other.
• May be difficult to lock bikes to rack; rack itself can be detached from car by cutting straps.
• May not attach correctly if trunk or tailgate includes a spoiler. You made need to contact a rack manufacturer directly if this is an issue with your vehicle.
• Care must be taken while attaching hooks to avoid scratching car's finish.
• Bikes may partially obstruct taillights, rear license plate or driver's view out of rear window.
• Driver must remain aware of vehicle's extended length while backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Require some maintenance; during transit, occasionally check straps when stopped to ensure rack has not loosened or shifted.

Shop REI's selection of trunk racks.

Hitch Racks

Most vehicles (car, minivan, sports utility vehicle or truck) equipped with a hitch receiver can accept a hitch mount. A hitch receiver usually can be installed on a vehicle not originally equipped with one.

Hitches are divided into classes according to towing capacity, from Class I (which fit any vehicle and tow up to 2,000 lbs.) through Class V (which fit only full-size pickup trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles and tow up to 10,000 lbs., and in some cases more).

Hitch racks are usually compatible with Class II hitches and higher. Class I hitches often do not work with hitch racks. Why? Because the "tongues" of Class I hitches cannot support heavy loads.

The section of a hitch that extends away from a vehicle is known as its tongue. Hitch tongues have a maximum tongue weight, which is 10% of its towing capacity. So while a Class I hitch can tow up to 2,000 lbs., its max tongue weight is 200 lbs. Thus the collective weight of a heavily loaded hitch rack could cause a Class I hitch to bend or possibly snap off.

How can you know the classification of the hitch on your vehicle? It might be identified in the owner's manual if your vehicle rolled off the assembly line with a factory-installed hitch. More commonly, though, hitches are aftermarket additions.

In that case, check the hitch itself. Either you will find a notation somewhere on the hitch that identifies its classification, or you will find a sticker or stamp from the maker of the hitch. If the classification is not identified on the stamp, contact the hitch maker directly and request help to determine the class and tongue weight of your hitch.

Be aware that hitch-makers may insert a "stop" in any hitch, from Class I through Class V, that prevents full insertion of recreational racks. Such stops tend to be found more often in Class I and II hitches and only sometimes in Class III, IV or V hitches. What purpose does a stop serve? It acts as an extra brace, or "stop," in case the towing vehicle stops abruptly or gets rear-ended. It keeps the item in tow from ramming into the vehicle.

If you encounter problems when inserting a hitch rack, inspect the hitch's interior to see if a stop is an issue. Ordinarily, you need about 2.5" between the bolt hole and the hitch opening in order for a recreational rack to fit correctly.

Hitch receivers come in 2 sizes, 1 1/4" and 2". Mounts for hitch racks simply slide into these receivers. Smaller hitch racks (the type suitable for cars) usually can carry only 2 or 3 bikes; larger mounts can handle up to 4, sometimes even 5 bikes.

Hitch mounts rise in cost as they offer more sophisticated features and materials. To keep SUV rear doors accessible, for instance, some hitch mounts swing away, tilt or fold up to stay out of the way. Bikes may be held in place by straps on a vertical staff or in trays (as roof rack systems do).

Platform-style hitch racks anchor bikes in place on trays, which resist bike sway and minimize the risk of bike-to-bike contact during transport. Ordinarily platform racks can only transport just 2 bikes. Yet with the use of extensions or accessories, they can be adapted to carry up to 4 bikes. Platform-style hitch racks offer a higher weight limit than standard hitch racks. They're popular for transporting downhill or freeride bikes.

Transports:

• Bikes (2-5).
• With the addition of adapters: Skis, snowboards.

Pros:

• Some lower-cost options exist.
• Generally simple installation (mounts just slide into receivers).
• Bikes attach with only a moderate amount of lifting (unlike roof racks).
• Bikes are positioned further from vehicle than with trunk hitches, making vehicle's finish less vulnerable to contact with bikes.
• Is not permanently attached to your vehicle.
• Some fold flat against vehicle to provide clearance for parking or storage.
• Locks are available for all hitch racks.

Cons:

• Trunk or rear-door access may be blocked.
• Swing-away models, which offer the easiest access, are also the most expensive.
• Some 4- and 5-bike models can be heavy.
• Bikes not transported in trays may sway a little during transport and thus are more prone to bumping into each other.
• May be difficult to lock strapped-in bikes to mount.
• Bikes may partially obstruct taillights, rear license plate or driver's view out of rear window.
• Driver must remain aware of vehicle's extended length while backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Women's, kids' or full-suspension bikes may require frame adapters. (Yakima offers an accessory called a Tube Top that may be helpful.)
• May not fit perfectly with spare tires on vehicle.

Shop REI's selection of hitch racks.

Spare-tire Racks

A few racks can be fitted on vehicles equipped with rear-mounted exterior spare tires, usually sports utility or off-road vehicles. On the plus side, such racks are comparatively light and compact and, when bikes are removed, they do not inhibit rear-door access. Chief negatives: They can carry only 2 bikes, and tire covers must be removed.

Does tire size matter? Customer comments we have received are mixed. Consult with an REI rack-fitting specialist with any vehicle-specific questions.

Transports:

• Bikes (2 max)

Pros:

• Moderate cost.
• Usually simple installation.
• Bikes attach with only a moderate amount of lifting.
• Vehicle's finish less vulnerable to contact with bikes.
• Does not have to remain permanently attached to vehicle (though many people leave spare-tire racks in place once installed).

Cons:

• 2-bike limit.
• Tire covers must be removed.
• Bikes may sway a little during transport and are thus prone to bumping into each other.
• May be difficult to lock strapped-in bikes to mount.
• Bikes may obstruct taillights, rear license plate or driver's view out of rear window.
• Driver must remain aware of vehicle's extended length while backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Shop REI's selection of spare-tire racks.

Truck Racks

A few specialized products—some specifically for bikes, others for boats and cargo boxes—are designed to transform the bed of a truck into an efficient toy-toter. For bikes, these systems involve internal rails or support bars that can be temporarily installed in a truck bed to anchor bikes in place.

Transports:

• Bikes (2-4) or boats and cargo boxes. (Note: REI rarely carries truck racks that transport boats or cargo boxes.)

Pros:

• Moderate cost.
• Generally simple installation.
• Bikes can be positioned with only a moderate amount of lifting.
• When stabilized in the truck bed, vehicle's finish less vulnerable to contact with bikes.
• Is not permanently attached to your vehicle.
• When transporting bikes, size of vehicle is not altered.
• Increased weight limit.
• Select models can be mounted above bed to provide clearance for storage below.
• Bike mounts can be mounted to standard bed rails or to tool boxes in bed.

Cons:

• Bikes dominate truck bed during transport.

Roof Racks

Roof racks are prized for their versatility. With the right accessories, a roof rack can be adapted to transport just about any outdoor toy in your inventory, from kayak to bike to cargo box. People appreciate their stability and their out-of-sight unobtrusiveness while driving. The key tradeoff: Needing to lift gear overhead in order to secure in place.

Vehicles roofs may come equipped with some combination of factory-installed towers, siderails, crossbars or mounting points. Or, with a plain roof, you will need to build your own rack system. Either way, first check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer directly to determine the maximum allowable weight the roof can accommodate. (Yakima's fit list can be used to determine the weight limit for vehicles.)

Transports:

• Bikes.
• Boats.
• Skis.
• Snowboards.
• Paddleboards.
• Cargo boxes.

Pros:

• Generally moderate cost.
• Versatility—rack adapts with the seasons.
• Lockable mounts are available.
• Bikes do not sway.
• No visual obstructions to driver's view.
• Vehicle's finish less vulnerable to contact with bikes.
• Products that assist the loading process are available.

Cons:

• Must reach overhead to secure gear on top of vehicle.
• Wind resistance reduces aerodynamics of vehicle, likely impacting gas mileage.
• Noise caused by wind resistance may be noticeable.
• Driver must be cognizant of height restrictions (parking structures, garages, carports, toll booths, low-hanging branches) that are not a factor when roof is not loaded.
• May be hard to load some items atop a tall vehicle.
• Gear atop a tall vehicle could make such a vehicle unstable in high cross winds.
• Permanently attached to vehicle.

Shop REI's selection of roof racks.

Cargo Boxes

Cargo boxes are deluxe, hard-sided transport systems for skis, snowboards, paddles and just about any sporting gear you can imagine (excluding bikes or boats). Incurable gearheads love 'em because they provide lots of bonus storage space for loose gear and keep all of it outside of a vehicle's passenger cabin.

On the down side, cargo boxes may generate wind resistance and noise during travel. You must double-check that latches are correctly closed every time you shut the box. You need to ensure a box is a good fit for your vehicle and for the gear you intend to carry. Some SUV hatches, for instance, might bump into the back of a long box, and some boxes cannot contain skis that exceed 180cm.

Despite such potential drawbacks, outdoor zealots adore cargo boxes for the expanded storage capacity and their out-of-sight convenience while traveling. While the support system (such as siderails) for a box will likely remain permanently attached to your vehicle, boxes can be removed and installed with only moderate effort (after a little practice, naturally).

Boxes have a wide price range. Prices vary due to the quality of materials and feature sets, such as the ability to open the box on either side of the vehicle. How do you know if a box is sized right for your needs? Likely you'll have to check box capacity specifications individually. As of this writing, Thule offered a handy comparison chart that shows box dimensions and ski capacity.

Also available: cargo baskets (open-air containers where all contents must be lashed in place or covered by a cargo net) and soft-sided cargo bags. Accessories can be added to some baskets to making them more versatile.

As with roof racks, check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer directly to determine the maximum allowable weight the roof can accommodate.

Transports:

• Skis.
• Snowboards.
• Loose gear.

Pros:

• Enclosed, lockable safe zone for gear.
• Keeps wet, dirty or smelly gear out of passenger cabin.
• No visual obstructions to driver's view.
• Does not have to remain permanently attached to vehicle.
• Can be used year round (camping in summer, skiing/snowboarding in winter).
• Useful for family trips.
• Great place to let kids affix stickers.

Cons:

• Cost.
• Wind resistance.
• Noise.
• Driver must be aware of height restrictions in garages, et al.
• A box-equipped tall vehicle could become unstable in high cross-winds.

Shop REI's selection of cargo boxes.

Car Rack Tips

• Here's a recommendation worth repeating: Before installing a roof system, first check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer directly to determine the maximum allowable weight the roof can accommodate. If installing a hitch mount, it's also smart to verify your vehicle's towing capacity.
• In both situations, also check your vehicle's payload limits. If you plan to load your rig with 5 or 6 adults and toss on a rack and/or hitch, all that extra weight can burden suspension, tires, transmission and engine.
• Here's a common question: Which brand is better, Thule or Yakima? This may sound like a cop-out, but at REI we rate both brands a tossup. (Trivia item: Both Thule and Yakima each tell us that REI sells more of their products than any other retailer worldwide.) Both are well-established, high-integrity brands. How to decide? Try entering your vehicle information on both Dealer Fit Guides mentioned at the start of this article. Review the options both companies provide. Eyeball the feature sets and prices that both offer to see if those factors tip the scales in your mind. Ask friends or an REI salesperson for their views or experiences. Our belief is in nearly every instance you will be choosing between 2 high-quality equals.
• Not every bike is a perfect fit on every trunk rack or hitch rack (or the cradles they use). It's rare, but on occasion some bikes (particularly women's or kids' models) do not fit perfectly on some cradles. Test-fit your bike on your trunk or hitch rack before you plan a trip. A Yakima Tube Top may help some challenging fitting situations.
• Extra space/size is usually not a bad thing. A rack built to carry 4 bikes is a nice luxury to have, space-wise, even if you're just transporting 2 or 3 bikes. Always read instructions to verify loading instructions.
• On trunk and hitch racks, it's often wise to secure the tires of 2 bikes with a strap or bungee cord to prevent sway-induced bumping. Securing a towel around contact-prone frame sections is another good precaution.
• Own a tandem or other bike with an unusual shape? Roof racks usually do the best job of accommodating such situations.
• Planning to transport carry kayaks? Buy loadbars that are one size longer than what is recommended in the fit guide. This way you can fit the boats more easily and can always cut the bars if they are a bit too long. Trailers are another option for transporting boats, though maneuverability becomes an issue to consider.
• Does cargo box color matter? You'll pay more for lighter tones. Theoretically they absorb a little less heat than black boxes when exposed to direct sunlight. Enough to pay extra (in some cases) for that lighter color? Not all of us at REI are entirely persuaded that it's worth it, believing color choice is more a matter of personal style. Thule, for the record, does not charge extra for color. Yakima Pro boxes (with shiny automotive finishes in silver or titanium) include an additional cargo mat and a cargo net.

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