Lexus LS 600HL Track System

Most sedans on the road these days come without factory roof racks. Here at Rack Attack that is no problem. We can install factory track systems that attach directly to the sheet metal of your roof. Both major brands can be integrated into this track to hold accessories. This customer did a lot of traveling and needed extra room for his cargo. We decided to go with a Yakima track system. We used Thule 42 inch tracks. We can attached these track to pretty much anything. We also used the Yakima control towers and Landing Pad 1′s .  Installing a track system gives you full control of your rack. You can adjust your bar spread at any time and also take your bars off at any time. The track has a clean factory appeal. After the initial set up his base rack system we discussed which box would be the most durable. We came to a conclusion, the Thule 611 Boxter. This box happens to be Thule’s most durable box on the market. It has been auto-ban tested to be waterproof, silent, and saves you the most MPG’s. It has 18 cubic feet of storage and can mount on to any vehicle with cross bars.  

Chevy 4500 Tow Truck Custom Roof Rack

A customer came in with a Chevy 4500 tow truck. We wanted to install the easiest system to use. We also want a base rack system that can handle the weight. We decieded to go with a Thule base rack system. We used Thule Tk14′s, 430 tracker II footpack, 65″ Load bars, and lock cylinders 544. This is a versitile roof rack that we attach directly to sheet metal. This rack can hold 165lbs! Most factory roof racks can hold around 100lbs. This rack happens to be a quick disconnect tower.

594xt Side Arms

In the picture above we installed 3 wheel on bike carriers. The Thule 594xt Side Arm , this is Thules most stable wheel on bike racks. Thules side arm is very easy to get bikes on and off. It really takes you under a minute to load and unload most every bike on the road. The quick disconnect feature on the base rack system is also very easy to use. At the press of a button you can totally remove your base rack from your car, leaving behind the TK14′s (which are attached to the sheet metal.) Here at Rack Attack we are the rack experts. We sell and install Thule,Yakima,Whispbar, and Prorack. We Do stock all items! You can find us at 15600 W.Colfax Ave Golden Colorado Were open every Day Monday-Saturday (10-6) Sunday (12-5)          303-278-4999 Golden@rackattack.com

Dodge 2500 Truck rack

Here at Rack Attack we can practically put a rack on anything. A customer came in with some old Yakima base rack Components, Control towers, Landing Pad 6 , 66inch cross bars, lock cores and a Yakima Skybox 16. We then discussed where this rack was going to go. We can mount racks directly onto the sheet metal above the cab, or we can drill through the bed. On a raised 2500 a cargo box on top of the cab will stick out quite a bit. So the customer decided the best way to go was in his bed. So this is when I got to work.  We discuss what he is going to be hauling to help me determine where I will place the rack. Cargo boxes, Skis and Snowboards, Bikes. By knowing that i determined a great spot to place his Base Rack. The Install is very simple. We attach the landing Pad 6′s straight through his truck rails. Then use Silicon to prevent water damage and rust. Next we attach the Control Towers and Cross bars. An hour later his truck is equipped with a base rack system that can hold around 165 Pounds! More than any factory base rack.

Mitisbishi Evo Yakima Rack, Car Rack

We have outfitted this Evo with a Yakima Track System. We used mostly Yakima Parts. This particular customer wants to use his base rack system for Ski’s and snowboards. This rack happens to be a quick release tower and by that I mean the towers can be clicked off of the roof and stored, leaving behind the Landing Pad 1s and the track (tp54). We first start by installing the track to the sheet metal. We then silicon down the hardware we install into the roof, this prevents leaks and rust. We then attach the Landing Pads which holds the control towers onto the the rack. With this rack we also used 48″ cross bars. Our next step is adding lock cylinders to prevent theft. Our last step is adding the ski carrier, the fat cat 6. This particular ski rack only stand 4.5″ tall off of the bar. This rack also has a wind fairing. By adding a fairing your base rack system will be noticeably quiet on your car.  

Ski Rack Vs Cargo Box mpg’s

So, question is… What is the more fuel efficient way to carry my skis and snowboards up the mountain?  Is a fancy low profile ski rack the answer, or could a cargo box get me better fuel economy?

Well, I have tried both options on two different vehicles and I will tell you a Cargo Box gives you more mpg’s.

On my Maxima I was able to get 25mpg with no rack at all, when I added a Yakima Fat Cat 6, loaded with skis I got approx 20mpg, this is the lowest profile ski rack on the market, and don’t get me wrong, it is an excellent ski/board rack .  Switching to a Thule Spirit Cargo Box my mileage jumped to 22mpg’s in the Maxima, a noticeable increase from the ski rack.   To double check the fact here I also ran the test on my Grand Cherokee.  I was able to get 17mpg with the cargo box vs 11.5mpg with the Yakima Fat Cat.  A huge savings on an SUV.  The other advantages of a cargo box are that my all my gear is completely protected from the elements and I’m able to use the box for much more than just skis and boards.  I can put my camping gear in it and use it for road trips, etc.

Rack Attack, online Thule Rack and Yakima Rack specialists since 1995. Rack Attack offers a wide selection of racks for your car, truck, SUV, van, and home for all types of gear.

With 9 retail stores, over 60 full-time rack experts on staff, and one of the largest inventories in the business, Rack Attack is North America’s Premier Retailer of automotive rack systems and accessories.

Jeep Liberty Sky Slider Roof Rack

Panoramic roofs are becoming more popular on more and more vehicles.  Jeep has their Liberty with the Sky Slider option.  A full canvas top that retracts to give you the ultimate sunroof.  Panoramic roofs can be tough to find aftermarket racks for.  Here at Rack Attack we have options.  On this particular Liberty we have installed a Thule track system rack that can be removed in seconds for use of the sky slider.  When installed it carries 165lbs of weight.   We added the Thule Spirit Cargo Box to the rack, this 16 cubic foot cargo box can carry anything from your ski’s to luggage, a locking container that keeps your gear out of the elements.  Generally we can get a rack on almost any vehicle.  This system or alternatives can be installed at anyone of our 8 rack attack locations.  We also can get you set up with do-it-yourself kits if our locations are too far away from you.

2010 Mazda CX-7 Thule Roof Rack and Cargo Box

Mazda CX-7 is like no other SUV you’ve ever seen. Sleek, muscular curves meet dynamic handling and performance to give you a driving experience that’s totally unique.  But wait, do I have room for 5 people and all of their gear to get up the hill.  If not, Rack Attack has your fix.   On this CX-7 we have laid down Thule 42″ Tracks, very similar to factory tracks that many vehicles come with.  Thule TK1 mounts are then inserted into the tracks, these are adjustable forward and back, and fairly easy to remove from the track if needed.  The 430 Towers click on and off the TK1 mounts in seconds.  This is an advantage in the aspect you can pop on and off the rack in seconds for saving on your fuel economy or going through the car wash.  These base systems can be professionally installed at any of our locations, or we do sell the kits for do it your selfers.  Many body shops will also do the installation for you if you are not up for it and are too far away from one of our stores.  Once the base rack is on there, you are ready to carry boats, skis, cargo, bikes, you name it.  These systems will be rated to carry 165lbs of weight.  This particular customer decided on an enclosed cargo box to transport his gear.  This is a Atlantis 1600xt cargo box, you have an enclosed container that locks and keeps all your gear out of the elements.  Cargo boxes are an excellent solution for most.  You can have a ski container for the winter, and you get year round use with it for road trips or camping.  Plus cargo boxes generally do not cut very greatly into your fuel economy because of their aerodynamic shape.

Ski and Snowboard Racks – What to buy?

In the red corner we have the cargo box.

In the blue corner we have the traditional open ski carrier.

Ding     ding    ding…

FIGHT!!!!

The real story here is all about function.  The open ski carrier is just that, an open ski carrier.  That’s all it will ever do.  Sure they can carry skis and snowboards equally well, but they lack the protection and versatility of a cargo box.   The cargo box has a much deeper skill set than an open carrier.  It offers superior protection for everything you carry in it.  You’ll never have to worry about road-salt and grime contaminating your skis/boards anymore.  Cargo boxes are typically more secure than an open carrier as well.  If you have expensive gear, no one will ever know.  Out of sight = out of a thief’s mind.   So it’s established that a cargo box protects your gear in several ways an open carrier can’t.  They are also more versatile.  A cargo box will carry skis, poles, snowboards,  wet jackets, gloves, backpacks, luggage, fishing gear, camp chairs, strollers, bicycle wheels, photography equipment, the kitchen sink, your mother in law…  the list goes on.  The point is that they can carry just about anything that fits within their dimensions – all the year around.  Not bad.  The next time you’re contemplating buying a ski rack, remember you have other options.  The verdict…

And the winner is…  The cargo box.  It’s definitely  more expensive, but it justifies it’s cost with versatility and protection for your skis, boards and everything else.  Did I mention they’re usually less noisy than a conventional open ski rack.

Wilderness Track Rack for Nissan Pathfinder – The best off road SUV roof rack ever.

First thing’s first. I chose the Wilderness Track Rack over other systems for a few reasons.

1. It has easily the highest weight capacity of anything available for your PF.  300+ lbs. (Trust me – I’ve tested it – remember to distribute the weight evenly)

2. It’s a lot lower on the roof vs. most popular baskets (Yak Load Warrior and Thule MOAB). The total height of the system is only 6.5 inches from the paint up.

3. It’s rated for off-road use.

This basket is for the serious adventurers and families alike.  There are a lot of accessories available for it such as a Jerry Can bracket, Axe/Shovel bracket, High lift jack bracket, and a Spare Tire carrier.  It serves as a perfect platform for gear bags from Thule and Yakima.  Did I mention the weight capacity?  It’s incredibly durable.  The basket and hardware are made from heavy gauge chro-moly steel.  Also, it’s powder coated black for serious durability.  This is the best option for a strong and attractive roof-top carrying system.

These systems are available for a wide variety of vehicles.  Due to the complicated nature of the installation process, we offer these in store only.  Please call us at 303-216-2495 for more information.

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Volvo V70 R with Thule Top Track Roof Rack and Spirit Cargo Box

The Volvo V70  is one of the most popular  cars in Colorado.  Rack Attack is proud to show off one of the most beautiful rack fits for it.  Both Thule and Yakima systems are available for this vehicle and both companies offer a lifetime warranty on their products.   We are excited about these systems for this vehicle.  This photo shows a Thule Rapid Aero bar set up with permanently installed, custom 72 in Thule tracks carrying the  quick release towers (Thule 430R Rapid Tracker Foot Pack ).  The system is one of the easiest to put on and remove from the vehicle due to the Tracker II towers’ push-bottom operated quick release mechanism.  By mounting just to the inside of the factory drip rails, we have made the overall appearance of the rack very sleek and integrated into the look of the vehicle.  This rack has an adjustable bar spread that allows the end user to easily carry a canoe one day and bikes the next.  Pictured is the Thule 689USBXT Spirit 1600 Black.  It’s a low profile cargo box offering 16 cubic feet of storage (that’s 1.5 cubic feet more than the capacity of the trunk on a Honda Accord sedan).  It makes and excellent all-purpose cargo box combining the finest materials and technology available today.  This is the ultimate roof rack for your Volvo Wagon.  Just think about large-SUV cargo capacity with the driving experience only a car can deliver.  Sweet.