Rack Basics

Rack Basics & FAQ


My car doesn’t have any raingutters, can I still put a roof rack on my car?
You bet you can! Most cars still have raingutters but they are hidden inside the door of the vehicle thus allowing your vehicle to have a streamlined look. Today’s rack systems have special clips engineered to contour to the internal raingutter and attaching to the roof rack which rests on the vehicle roof. It is easy to attach and detach while being extremely secure.
 
What are my options for putting a rack system on my vehicle?
There are usually a variety of options for you to choose from, the best thing to do is to check out one of our automated fit guides or talk/email one of our techs and we will be glad to find a system that best suits your needs.
 
Can I go through a car wash with my roof rack system on the vehicle?
Big Fat No! A drive through car wash can catch on your rack system with the possibility of damaging your roof as well as the rack system and any equipment or gear attached to it.
 
Is my factory rack on my vehicle strong enough to carry/haul my gear?
In some cases yes, but if so, usually in smaller amounts. You must look at the load capacity in your owner’s manual. In some situations, there will be brackets to clip on lighter accessories such as ski racks and bike racks but it is limiting. The best situation is to attach an aftermarket rack (Thule,Yakima, etc.) to your factory rails or tracks turning your existing rack into a multisport carrying system with increased weight capacity.
 
Do I have to buy a new rack system every time I purchase a new car?
No, in most cases, you will be able to just purchase new clips for the new vehicle. The guts of your existing system will be transferable. In the worst case scenario, you may have to purchase new towers but you are still well ahead of the game and you can also trade your old equipment in.
 
Do you install trailer hitches?
Yes, we also specialize in trailer hitch installations. We can install a hitch on virtually every vehicle on the road today (car, truck, van, suv). We install hitches for towing purposes and for attaching bike racks. We have all the bike racks and if you are towing, we do all your vehicle wiring needs in house.
 
Do you also rent racks?
Yes we do. We rent roof racks, cargo boxes, bike racks, kayak racks, ski racks etc. and the best of all, your rental money is applicable to the purchase of the rack system if you decide you would like to keep it. (ask for terms)
 
I am having trouble loading my kayak on my vehicle, is there any lift assists available to make it easier?
You Betcha! There are some pretty nifty applications available today to assist you in loading your heavy gear like kayaks. We have rollers, sliders, outriggers and boat elevating systems available to make it a synch.
 
You sell and install all sorts of outdoor recreational rack systems, do you also sell commercial/industrial rack systems for trucks and vans?
Absolutely, we pride ourselves in being a true “Auto-Rack Shop” meaning we specialize in outfitting vehicles for all racking needs whether it be carrying a bike or hauling lumber.
 
What if I have some custom work that needs to be done for my vehicle, for example, building a special rack for my truck or modifying my existing rack to fit my needs, can you do it?
Yes we can. We have a fabricating division as well. We have welders on hand for aluminum or steel, specializing in aluminum (TIG and MIG). We can customize your truck rack, fabricate one from scratch, modify your bike rack, you name it. Check out our Fabricating shop.
 
Can I carry more than one piece of equipment on my roof rack, for example, a bike and a cargo box at the same time?
Yes you can, but it all depends on the capacity of your vehicle’s roof. You will be surprised, however, at what you can actually carry with the proper roof rack system. Talk to one of our Techs and we will help you configure your rack to best fit your needs.
 
What if there is not an aftermarket roof rack system for my vehicle?
This very rarely occurs, but if it does do not worry. We have the technology and expertise to make a rack for your vehicle with existing aftermarket hardware or manufacturing it from scratch ourselves. We will get it done!