Best Bicycle Car Racks
This bike carrier provides a stress-free way to transport your bikes. The XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack from Swagman is a versatile hitch-mount rack that can easily accommodate children's and adult bikes, downhill bikes, cruiser bikes, full-suspension bikes, BMX bikes, "Y" frame designs, and much more (and without the hassle of removing wheels). Swagman's XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Rack easily adjusts to accommodate a wide variety of bike frames. Upright ratcheting arms easily adjust to different bike frame sizes. Upright ratchet arms easily adjust to different bike frame sizes, will accommodate bike frames up to 59 cm.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wont be able to really add anything new to the enormous amount of reviews, except maybe give you some better pictures of it so that one can maybe make their own decision on the construction."
"Received my Swagman bike carrier a few days ago and already used it twice, I couldn't be happier!"
"I am hopeful the company will replace the broken parts, because the assembly instructions were not at all clear with tiny pictures I used a magnifying glass to see. If you purchase this, here are 3 things I learned you might find helpful: First, the 2" sleeve has a set screw that is very difficult to remove (several other reviewers note this as well)."
"Not a single problem while bouncing on the road from Fl to Ct and back. It is a GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE THE CLAIMS ARE TIGHT AND WHEELS ARE IN THE RECEPTACLES. For safety sake, I use a bungee cord on both bikes to make sure nothing happens, The mechanism has holes for a lock to be inserted to prevent theft or use a regular bike lock."
"I decided to purchase this style of bike rack after searching the internet high and low for all different types of bike racks. The reason I decided to go with the Swagman brand is because it is a very good value compare to other brand bike racks on the market that offer the same thing this rack does. No having to install your front tire, or lift the bikes up or down from the top of your car or the bed of your truck, nope your simply release the tension on the bike and then remove it from the rack. And with bikes on the rack you are ether out of luck or you have to removed your bikes from the rack to access the tailgate."
"HOWEVER, I am really unhappy due to the fact that the grip that clamps down over the bike has permanently damaged my $800+ mountain bike."
This simple, sturdy bike carrying system fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs via a single configuration design that eliminates setup hassles and headaches during installation. Twelve-inch long carry arms easily accommodate up to two bikes, and a patented individual tie-down system secures and protects your bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). 11.5- inch wide carry arms for greater bike compatibility.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wrapped metal hooks in electric tape to prevent scratching, I put old socks over the pedals, and I used 2 bungee cords to stabilize the front wheel. It was stable throughout the trip and really only required some adjustments and tightening of straps every 600 miles."
"At first I kind of doubted that it could securely hold 2 bikes and did not feel comfortable driving more than a few miles."
"I was a little leery of getting a rack that just straps on to the back of your car, but after checking some of the more expensive models, I discovered that pretty much all trunk racks were this way. I have used the rack for my 5 year old's 12 inch bike, my 7 year old's 18 inch bike, a 55cm road bike, and a 23 inch mountain Bike. On a short trip, bringing my daughter's bike back from her school, I noticed a black mark on my car where the rack had come in contact with my car. The amount of time and effort that I save from having to take the wheels off my bike and stick it in the trunk any time I need to go somewhere with my bike and my car is well worth the cost of the rack."
"I decided to get a bike rack I can attach to my own car. The points that touch your car are covered by soft foam material that protects the finish of your car. It is also disassembled by the same two metal hooks that allow the entire rack to be laid flat. Put the metal hooks in place, put the rack on the trunk, attach the secure metal hooks to the trunk, put on the bike and tighten everything up."
"Kept one eye in the rear view mirror the whole way down, "just in case" - of course, what would I do if a bike went flying off at 70 mph on the GSP?"
"The single strap that attaches via clip to the part of the trunk lid closest to the rear window snapped -- frayed and broke."
3 padded legs rest against vehicle; 3 adjustable security straps.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wouldn't even bother folding it back up, just place it in there and all you need to do is get it out and mount it once you are back from your ride. The top tube of my bike is slanted instead of horizontal, so I had to mount it in the tie-downs using the top and down tubes To keep the front wheel from spinning and scratching your vehicle you will need to secure it to the mount using either a bungie cord or the excess from bottom strap of the mount. I found that I could lift the bike slightly away from the mount once I had it secured on the tie-downs, so I used a bungee cord to secure it more snuggly to the mount so it doesn't bounce when I'm driving/go over a rough patch of road. There is a label on the back of the mount that I can be seen in the review mirror of my SUV and it didn't move the whole time I was driving (even over some crazy bumps/rough roads); so that told me the mount was completely/properly secure."
"Never had a problem with dings or scratches, it's a little wonky with my hybrid dutch step through but that's because it's a woman's bike and doesn't have a bar but believe me I'm a shorty and not super buff nor mechanically inclined and am able to set it up put my bike on and go within 5-10 mins at most even in wind or slight flurries."
"I thought that I would never have folded it back up and use the carrying sack that came with the rack, but I have actually found it very useful to make it compact and carry it on my back when I rode to pick my car up from the shop."
"I remove front tire because I had luggage rack on hitch in use for long drives."
"There are two reasons why I hardly ever use this bike rack: (1) the metal hooks that secure the top two straps of the bike rack are bare metal and have the potential to scrape the paint in and around the crack of your trunk and (2) the bike rack positions the bike so close to the car that I would have to remove one of the bike's pedals in order to keep it from banging into the rear of the car."
Best Cargo Racks
The ROLA vortex roof top cargo basket is designed to fit full size cars, sport utility vehicles, and vans that have existing roof bars. Universal mounting hardware included.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Over all its a sturdy rack and a good value compared to Yakima etc.."
"Here are some honest answers for you: #1. yes, you will want to use caulking at the seems to keep it from rusting in the future. How much wind noise? The rack is made so well that I can probably carry more that you roof bars can so don't load the rack up so much that you break your roof bars- take it from me."
"I added a 32" curved New Brights LED light bar, and you can see from the pictures, it looks like it was made for the curve of the rack. I can't really say how much wind noise just the rack would produce, but with the light bar installed- you'll need to turn up the radio at highway speeds!"
"When I took it out and tried to install it again, I noticed that one of the nuts (used to secure the basket to the cross rails) was stripped. Rather than order an expensive replacement kit (part #59506), which includes the two nuts, the pressure bar, the rubber spacer and the top bracket, I decided to spend $0.50 on an M8-1.25 wing nut from Home Depot."
"If I could do it over again, I'd probably pay more the Yakima Load Warrier as I had installed the Yakima spare tire mount to the Rola rack, which wouldn't fit with the supplied hardware."
"Im not to worried about that as Im going to coat it with Rustoleum anyways, but my wind screen has a bunch of scratches all over it too."
"The other thing is that when driven at 70 plus without the front wind deflector, there is a howling sound from the basket which would drive a mule to tears, but with the deflector in place the sound is a lot more bearable."
Best Kayak & Canoe Car Racks
The DownLoader is our latest innovation in fold-down design thatdelivers convenient overhead clearance and large kayak transport capability. JAWZ mounting hardware fits round, square and most factory oval cross rails, includes both 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts;Cam style load straps with buckle protectors.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After driving down the road and noticing some squeaking / sounds today coming from the roof, I got home and one of the J Racks is squeaking when being rocked by hand or by vehicle takeoff. Also, the metal piece that sits underneath the roof rack that the J Cradle bolts into, has already lost all the rubber coating on the rear J - Rack."
"Unlike their instructions, I wrap the strap around the entire kayak and rack instead of just looping around the u bar and in front of the kayak. After 15-20 mins of trimming the plastic and properly tightening everything, this system feels incredibly secure with my 10ft kayak in excess of 80mph on the highway."
"My factory racks are flat on bottom and gently and slightly rounded on top. None-the-less, it just wiggles a small tad and I wanted it solid when running down the hwy at 75 MPH."
"Fits my 2015 Honda CR-V OEM crossbars perfectly."
"The boards in the photos on top of my KIA Soul are Pau Hana BIG EZ 11' long, 32" wide, and 5" thick and 30 lb SUPs."
"Not knowing, I attached the brackets directly to the bars, loaded the kayaks, strapped them in, and went on a three hour drive across Idaho. On the trip home driving 65mph there were strong crosswinds pressing on the kayaks, so strong that the front aero bar bent up on the left (see photo) and the continued force of the wind caused the right aero bar bracing to slip off the side rail. Thankfully the brace jammed on the inside edge of the side rail instead of flying completely off, and thankfully the Malone racks held strong, and the kayaks remained strapped tight. I pulled over, re-fit the left jammed side brace, moved the rack further out over the right bar bracing, and drove the rest of the way at about 50mph due to the prevailing winds and concern that the bent rack would slip out again."
Best Car Rack System Rack Locks
Create a custom fit for your Saris trunk-mount bike rack with this pair of Saris Hatch Huggers. Huggers replace regular straps on trunk rack.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"And is an easier way to manage a secure bike mount when I put my 2 bikes on my Saris Trunk Rack."
"If you have a Bones bike rack and a tC hatchback you NEED these."
"The original bike rack would require me to use the metal hooks against the glass window, which is not stable."
"We were concerned when my husband bought a new car because or Saris racks no longer fit."
"Definitely helped in making my Saris bike rack feel more secure on my Mazda3 Hatchback."
"I use a Saris Bones rack on a Honda Insight, and while the standard clips may have worked just fine, I ordered the hatch huggers for a little extra peace of mind - which is exactly what they provide."
"Works well...if the company recommends it I suggest you buy one."
"Pro: not expensive and allows the Saris bike racks to be used on more vehicle."
Best Ski & Snowboard Car Racks
Mount this rack to your crossbars and choose one of the three height-positions designed to provide more clearance for snowboard bindings, and a low profile options for skis. New wide cradle jaws hold the thickest skis and systems bindings on the market.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These have been great!"
"A bit tedious setting it up the first time (the directions could definitely have been written better), but I expect getting it on and off the car in the future will be a lot easier."
"There are multiple points of adjustment to get a secure fit, and a fool-proof retainer to prevent accidental opening of the mounting clamp. I am very satisfied with how this rack attaches to our factory cross bars, it's very sturdy and does not budge. There is a plastic sleeve on the crossbar that the (much thinner) metal part of the bar fits into. With one clamp pushed all the way up against the end of the metal part of the crossbar, the other side clamp is on top of the plastic sleeve part of the crossbar (if you have these bars, you'll know what I mean). Safe and secure for sure, but very bulky, I would NOT want to leave these on my car, they really reduce MPG's and increase noise."
"Had these for a few years now, they work very well."
"Used the product to transport four pairs of skis and poles over 350 miles on the highway at speeds of 80 mph and wind and rain gusting to 60 mph and they performed excellent."
"I have a rhino rack bar and the bolts provided were too short for the clamps to go around."
"This rack is excellent."
"Installing them to the top of the car was a little tricky at first but easy to figure out."
Best Vehicle Cargo Carriers
Waterproof rooftop cargo bag with 15 cubic feet of space.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Recommend purchasing with mat (ROOF CARGO BAG PROTECTIVE MAT for Car Roof Storage Bags with EXTRA PADDING and GRIP Place the car roof mat under any rooftop cargo bag TOP UNIVERSAL ROOF RACK PAD for PROTECTION from Car Roof Racks. * Really is WATERPROOF. * Car handling/gas mileage - May affect car's handling and gas mileage. When I was driving, it felt to me as though, particularly at high speeds or in high winds, the cartop carrier was affecting handling. This would be true of anything you put on top of your car, but maybe the sleeker hardtop carriers are more aerodynamic?"
"I would say our trip probably put this Keeper to the ultimate test and it passed all without a single scratch. The first obstacle for our Keeper was that our Mazda3 does NOT have sidebars or any rooftop rails, nor did I install any removable or inflatable crossbars. Getting things soaked didn't really bother us since the clothes were all vacuumed sealed but we were worried that water might add extra weight if it's trapped inside. The ONE little inconvenience we had was that water would occasionally drip into the car when it rained very hard because the straps were linked into the vehicle, but that's only because we didn't have sidebars or rails to tie it."
Best Cargo Brackets
These Best Selling Shoring Beam Cargo Bar Wood Beam End Socket Shelf Brackets Have E Track Spring Fitting Attachments That You Can Insert Into A Slot On Etrack rails or singles and are also compatible with the A-track trailer tie-down system. If you have any Questions, Comments, or Interest in Bulk or Custom Orders, our real human NJ-based customer service reps are ALWAYS Glad to Assist and we stand behind our products with a CONFIDENT 100% Payment-Back Guarantee.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Used these for a long distance move with etrack in my cargo trailer."
"By placing your E track and a strategic level you can put a piece of plywood on to the two by force that fit in these things, and you now have a mini attic area in which to put your fragile's and small items that you don't want crushed or damaged."
"these are great for building shelves or a bed that can be taken out when not needed."
"Hold stuff still in your trailer."
"We used these to build shelves in moving pods."
"works great on my trailer."
"Worked perfectly, please see a more complete review in the 8' E-Track product reviews."
"If they were a little more snug against the track these would be the absolute best, most flexible wheel chock system for motorcycles money can buy."
Best Car Rack System Rack Fairings
This finishing touch to your rack system moves air flow up and over the rack, which not only reduces noise, but drag as well to aid gas mileage. Features Moves wind up and over rack, reducing noise Includes one fairing with all the needed mounts for quick installation Available in a variety of widths (32", 38", 44", 50") The right one for you depends on your vehicle width and how many bugs you want it to squish on each trip Fits windshield angles and curvatures Compatible with every Yakima tower and crossbar Also a great place to show off your sticker collection. Moves wind up and over Yakima rack, reducing noise and drag.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I do wish the "foot" arrangement (where the fairing makes contact with the vehicle paint) was engineered differently, but I'm not sure how you could/would change it, considering that this can be used with a variety of racks and vehicles."
"Don't have enough data yet to say if it significantly improves fuel economy, but I can say for sure that it drastically reduces wind noise from the crossbars."
"Above 35 mph, the down draft from the bars causes the sheet metal in the roof to oscillate producing a humming noise or "angry bees" as one reviewers children noted."
"Simply astonishing how loud a Yakima q tower rack can be, what is more amazing is how this fairing can completely shut that noise down and restore your mpg, my mpg was reduced by 5mpg after the rack but was restored when I installed the fairing, it is also a nice large surface to display stickers that voice our opinion about things that nobody cares about or wants to know your opinion on."
"So the reason i bought this wind fairing is because i put some roof racks on my 98 honda civic, i wanted to make it look nicer, but there were two problems, the wind hitting the cross bar made an annoying sound and they were just not that good looking."
"Though props to Yakima for make it compatible with their lock housings."
"With four mounting brackets, the bike mounts get in the way of the fairing brackets (it's a really tight fit). It's a small issue that's probably solved with the updated bike mounts; however, I have 3 bike mounts, a basket, surfboard mounts, and a kayak mount."
"I don't even use it when I just have the bars up there because -- well -- I usually try to remove the whole mess when I'm not using it to even more surely decrease noise and increase gas mileage. The bars definitely increase wind noise when they are installed -- I'm even more inclined than usual to keep my speed down with the bars up there -- to keep down noise and minimize fuel efficiency decrease."
Best Car Rack System Rack Adapters
Capacity: 9 cu ft. Dimensions: 36" L x 30" W x 13-16" H. Aerodynamically designed for compact cars (can be used on larger vehicles), WITH or WITHOUT a roof rack.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We wrapped the straps around the crossbar then went up through the bag's side loops and across the down through the side loops at the other end and side of the bag. When we were done the bag just folds back up and slips into the included storage bag."
"But I needed something to put our kids Bob Revolution Pro Duallie (double stroller). I needed a bag that fit it just perfectly without extra material flapping in the wind. It unzips 3/4 of the way around so it was crazy easy for me to load and unload the stroller with ease. After letting it dry out for a day or two I realized that the reason for the wetness was that I had torn a hole through the bag. All the metal from the stroller was rubbing against the metal of my roof rack and caused a tear in the bag."
"Uhauls were crazy expensive for the distance so I decided to give the Rightline gear Sport Jr a shot. I've heard that stores like Michaels sells the same material mat for a fraction of the cost but given how much I was saving I decided to spend the money for the one tailored for this purpose."
"The instructions are NOT clear on how to affix this through the inside of the car and the clips they provide do NOT look the ones shown in the instruction sheet picture with an extra eyelet in them to double-loop the cord."
Best Cargo Bars
We provide quality. BrightLines. products that allow our customers to enjoy the great outdoors. Package comes with a pair of crossbars, four lockable mounting towers and instructions.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Discovered all my wind noise was from improper installation. If looking at pics, keep in mind I already had the bars on the roof, you will want to start on the ground. Starting on the ground - peel the long rubber strip all the way off. Still on the same end and using the allen wrench provided loosen the screw closest to you being careful not to go as far as to make it so loose it comes out. If your not sure it's best to air on the side of caution at this point, you can correct later. Place bars on rails... here is where I made the mistake. Right side of pic is facing forward, Left side is facing back) I also added a pics how the bars sit on rails. Slide the rubber strip back on followed by the end piece w/ lock."
"I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory-installed brightside roof rails, and this rack does fit it (I just installed mine). The foot/base on each side is plastic, but the locking mechanism (the inside stuff that hooks to the rails on your roof) and the cross bar (that your kayak, etc. I breathed a sigh of relief once I took the keyed end part off and slid the top plastic strip out of the rail to expose the screws and saw one screw which (if loosened) allows the feet to be moved closer or farther apart. I still could only get the shorter rail to fit the back of my roof (then only with both screws on each foot loosened a lot--after you get the fit, tightening them up makes it snug to the roof); the longer one easily fit the front part. Something the instructions don't tell you--one of those two screws above each foot controls the "jaws" of the locking mechanism (what pulls the cross bar/rail tight to the car roof). That loosening allows the "jaws" of the roof rail to come out enough so you can hook it into the rail installed on your car roof. Loosen each side, place it in the rail on your roof, then start tightening each screw."
"I recently purchased a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude Edition that did not come with the functional side rails, as most Jeeps do. I read several reviews that commented on the necessity to loosen the screws almost all the way in order to make the installation easier, as well as the difficulty of fitting the rubber cap back into place."
Best Ratcheting Cargo Bars
Ratcheting Truck Cargo Bar (Adjusts from 40" to 70"). Grooved, pivoting rubber ends have (4) pre-drilled holes for permanent mount application (each, for 8 in total).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This one is great, you press the lever to release, slide it out to fit the width then ratchet the rest of the way."
"am pleased with this purchase: bar is beefy; the ratcheting mechanism is solid; and the paint is quite robust looking."
"As a fifteen year veteran over the road driver I know how valuable a good load bar is."
"Will do the job for lighter items would not use for heavy items."
"Great for the price, holds strong."
"Handy product if you need to secure a load in the bed of your truck."
"These can be a bear to finally fit into place, but once they are, I can keep stuff at the rear of the truck where I want it."
"I don't know if I would trust it with a TON of weight but I also would just buy another if it bent or broke."
Best Cargo Ladders
Transport lumber, pipes, ladders, and longer cargo easily while optimizing pickup truck bed storage space with the Titan aluminum cab-overhang truck bed rack; featuring a four post reinforced support system, dual upper guard rails, and four flush-fit support feet. Great for hauling lumber, pipes, ladders, and longer cargo , great for hauling ladders, lumber, pipe, and distributed utility loads.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"hubby very happy with his rack."
"The rack is great."