Buy a Yakima Trailer. Win a Kayak Courtesy of Kayak Shed

Rack Attack has teamed up with the crew from Kayak Shed to bring you the sweet Buy a Trailer. Win a Kayak. Summer promotion. To qualify is simple, buy a Yakima RACKandROLL Personal Gear Trailer between June 18th and August 31st, 2009 through RackAttack.com or at any of our Rack Attack US Store Locations.

On September 7th, 2009 we will randomly draw one qualifying customer to win a new Dagger Approach 9.0 Recreational Kayak, courtesy of Kayak Shed, which will ship right to your home anywhere within the continental United States.

Dagger Approach 9.0 courtesy of Kayak Shed

The contest winner will be contacted once the results are finalized, and have the opportunity to choose between the red and blue model. The approximate retail value of the kayak is $750US.

Yakima Base Rack Kickback at Rack Attack

If you are in the market for a new Yakima Base Roof Rack System, Yakima is extending a helping hand to lessen the strain on your wallet. In order to qualify for the Yakima $30 Rebate Kickback purchase any full set of the following towers: Yakima RailGrab, Yakima Q Towers, Yakima Control Towers, Yakima 1A Raingutter; plus one pair of Yakima 48, 58, 66, or 78 inch Crossbars between June 1st and June 30th, 2009.

To complete the process, print off and fill out this Yakima Rebate Form and include your original invoice, then mail it in to the address on the form. Your request must be postmarked by July 17th, 2009. Please note that this offer is only valid on Yakima products purchased in the United States.

If you are not sure which Yakima Base Rack System will work for your vehicle, try out our Automated Yakima Rack Finder which will present you with all of your carrying options. If you would like to speak with someone to go over these options, call our toll-free number 1.888.399.RACK (7225) in the US or 1.888.77.RACKS (72257) in Canada.

Looking to get a receiver hitch for your vehicle? RackAttack.com has just launched the Curt Hitch Finder that will show you all options available given your vehicle Year – Make – Model – Style. Adding a 2″ or 1 1/4″ hitch receivers opens you up to many more sport carrying and towing options converting your vehicle in to a gear hauling machine.

Curt Receiver Hitch

Receiver Hitches come in a variety of classes depending on your towing or gear needs. There are two different sizes of receiver openings available; a 2″ and a 1 1/4″:

• Class 1 Receiver Hitches will tow between 1,000 – 2,500 lbs and support 100 – 250lbs of Tongue Weight
• Class 2 Receiver Hitches will tow up to 3,500 lbs and support up to 350lbs of Tongue Weight
• Class 3 Receiver Hitches will tow between 6,000 – 10,000 lbs and support 600 – 1,000lbs of Tongue Weight
• Class 4 Receiver Hitches will tow between 10,000 – 12,000 lbs and support 1,000 – 1,200lbs of Tongue Weight
• Class 5 Receiver Hitches will tow between 12,000 – 14,000 lbs and support 1,200 – 1,400lbs of Tongue Weight

Curt Trailer Hitches feature WeatherTite construction that prevents rusting from the inside out by sealing the main body. All of their hitches are finished in a durable EverGloss Powder Coat Finish that resists exterior rust and corrosion. Precision robotic welding gives Curt Hitches superior strength and fit.

Your sport and gear carrying options are defined by the opening size in your receiver hitch. Thule Hitch Mount Bike Racks and Yakima Hitch Mount Bike Racks come in both 2″ and 1 1/4″ options, with the 2″ option typically supporting more bikes and more weight. Hitch Bike Racks with the swing away feature, like the Thule 964 Revolver and the Yakima SwingDaddy, are limited to vehicles with 2 inch hitch receivers. If you are interested in the platform style bike carriers, like the Thule T2 or the Yakima HoldUp, a 2″ hitch receiver gives you the option of carrying up to four bikes where as a 1 1/4″ receiver limits you to just two.

Thule 964 Revolver - Bike Carrier

Hitches are not limited to bike racks, there are also hitch mounted cargo boxes available (check out the Thule 665C Transporter Combi), hitch mounted water sport racks (Yakima DryDock), hitch mounted ski and snowboard carriers (check out the Thule 987xt Hitch Ski), as well the Yakima RACKandROLL Gear Trailers. Rack Attack is offering flat rate $15 shipping on all Trailer Hitches with an additional $5 shipping on all Trailer Hitch Wiring Connectors. Try out our Curt Hitch Finder and see what options are available for you otherwise contact your closest Rack Attack Location.

A sweet combination of functionality and simplicity, the Saris Bones RS trunk mounted bike rack will safely carry up to three bicycles behind your vehicle. What makes this rack so innovative? The genius behind the product is in the design which has eliminated the need for straps. The Saris Bones RS features rubber coated ratcheting technology with anti-sway keeping your bikes safe and sound.

Saris Bones RS - Trunk Mount Bike Rack

The Bones RS fits a wide range of vehicles from sedans to mini-vans. The physical attachment hardware is a combination of rubber coated clips and steel belted bands. To keep your three bikes safe and sound, it also includes an integrated locking system at no extra cost. For a complete installation demonstration check out the video below, courtesy of our Rack Attack Portland location.

For specific vehicle fit information, please visit the Saris Website.

Lighter than air? Not quite but pretty close. The ultra-light Thule 971 Helium is nearly half the weight of all traditional hitch mount bike carriers which means easy handling, installation, and removal. The Thule Helium brings a unique new look to the hitch line-up with aluminum construction, a new post design, and all new cradle arms.

Thule 971 Helium - Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Installation could not be easier; the Thule 971 Helium requires no tools at all. Insert the carrier in to your vehicle’s 1 1/4″ or 2″ receiver and tighten the lockable receiver knob. This also means that you will no longer be required to climb under your vehicle to remove this bike rack. The receiver lock knob is brand new technology that secures the rack to the vehicle, using the Thule SKS (Same Key System) locks meaning that you can match this up to any other lockable Thule accessories you might already own. The Thule 971 Helium accommodates both a 2″ and 1 1/4″ receiver by including a hitch adapter.

Thule 971 Helium - Folds Down

The Helium’s Hitch Switch lever tilts the carrier away from the vehicle, giving you full access to your trunk, hatch, or tailgate. This hanging hitch rack will carry up to three bikes at a time on its secure T3 Cradles that provide maximum bike stability and frame protection. Thule sweetened the deal even more by including Thule 955 No-Sway Cages which attach to a lower point of contact on your bicycle preventing bike-to-bike contact. Also included is an integrated locking cable that neatly tucks away in to one of the cradle arms.

Thule 971 Helium - Arms Fold Down

Note that in order to mount this particular carrier your vehicle must have either a 2″ or 1 1/4″ hitch receiver installed. To verify that this rack will fit your vehicle, use the Thule Rack Finder.

The 2007 Toyota Tacoma is an ideal mid-sized pick-up truck feeding off the success of Toyota being one of, if not, the most successful import brands in North America. A down side to the compact or mid-sized pickup truck category is the amount of available box space for storage. Seeing that the vast majority of these vehicles are being used as work trucks, storage can be an issue. Thule Professional has an excellent solution with their Thule 375 Small Pickup Truck Rack that still leaves you all complete access to the box of your truck, instead making use of the available space above.

2007 Toyota Tacoma - Thule 375 Small Pickup Truck Rack

Installation is a breeze, there is no drilling required as the rack uses compression clamps to secure the system to the vehicle. Because of the factory installed track system, a special Thule XK1 Adapter is required for mounting and sold separately. This same rack system is inter-changeable between most common compact and mid-sized pickup trucks, so even if you need to change your vehicle you do not necessarily need to buy a new rack.

2007 Toyota Tacoma - Thule XK1 Adapter

If you were looking to get even more out of this system, there is also a Thule 397 Over-the-Cab Extension available which adds two easily integrated 108 inch side rails and an additional crossbar. The rack sits 25 inches above the top of your truck bed and will support up to 400lbs. This identical set-up will fit any 2005 – 2007 Toyota Tacoma with a standard cab.

2007 Toyota Tacoma - Thule 397 Over-the-Cab Extension

If you are interested in the Thule 375 Small Pickup Truck Rack System or any other Thule Professional Rack Systems, visit our website or contact one of our Rack Attack Technicians.

Extend your gear capacity with the Yakima RACKandROLL Sports Trailer without sacrificing fuel economy. Yakima RACKandROLL sports trailers are available in a 66 inch wide model and a 78 inch wide model and are constructed from anodized aluminum-606 giving you a longer product life. Better yet, Yakima offers a one year warranty with your trailer purchase. These trailers are literally in a class by themselves, taking the concept of utility from drab to fab with their premium aluminum finish 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Yakima RACKandROLL Sports Trailer 78 and 66

What makes these trailers so useful? They come stock with Yakima Crossbars that allow you to carry any Yakima rack accessory available. Your trailer can act as a bike carrier, a kayak carrier, even a cargo carrier with the addition of a Yakima cargo box. Both the RACKandROLL 66 and RACKandROLL 78 have a towing capacity of 250lbs, but with the addition of the Yakima RACKandROLL Heavy Duty Shocks the RACKandROLL 78 can then tow up to 300lbs. Both models work with Class I, II, and III hitches when a 1 7/8″ ball is attached; as well they include a standard flat 4 light electrical connector.

Yakima RACKandROLL Trailer

There are lots of other Yakima Trailer Accessories available, allowing you to customize your RACKandROLL Trailer to your specific needs. There is a Tongue Extension available allowing you to tow those longer loads, such as kayaks. For those longer hauls there is a Spare Tire available letting you travel without concern should you run in to a flat.

For more information on the Yakima RACKandROLL Sport Trailers, visit our website here.

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is a light-duty utility truck with car-like handling, room to seat five, and a half truck bed. Although not built for heavy-duty applications the Honda Ridgeline has become quite popular in the city as a fuel-minded work vehicle. What makes this vehicle even more functional? The addition of a half canopy and a custom Thule roof rack running the length of the vehicle. This still leaves you with bed access, as well gives you the option of safely carrying longer loads. The option we are going to take a look at here is a hybrid of the standard Thule Rapid Aero system used in combination with specially ordered Thule Professional Europe bars, which are different from the Thule Professional bars available here in North America.

2009 Honda Ridgeline - Thule 430R Custom Track Installation

The installation pictured here is separated in to two sections, this allows you to relocate the towers depending on what it is you were looking to carry. The first component, two pairs of Thule 54 inch Tracks with Flare Nuts are drilled and mounted in to the roof of the vehicle as well as in to the canopy. This gives you a flexible point on which to attach your towers. The Thule 430R Rapid Tracker Towers attaches to the tracks in combination with the Thule TK1 Tracker Kit 1, you can also add security to the rack by adding the Thule 544 4-Pack Lock Cylinders which allow you to lock the 430R Towers to the vehicle. The last component, the Thule Euro Professional Bars, are a special order item and come is a variety of lengths ranging from 1500mm to 2200mm.

2009 Honda Ridgeline - Thule 430R Forward Position

The Thule Euro Pro Bars support an array of industrial accessories for securing ladders, conduit, and lumber. A set of standard Thule 345 Tilting Load Stops, pictured below, are a great multipurpose solution for securing a variety of gear. The same rack can convert in to a multi-sport solution as with the right adapters, it also supports the standard Thule carriers for bikes, kayaks, cargo, skis, and snowboards.

2009 Honda Ridgeline - Thule Industrial Rack

This installation is by no means limited to the Honda Ridgeline; the same solution can be applied to any truck with a canopy. If you are interested in obtaining more details contact our Rack Attack Portland Store location directly. They will also be able to provide you with information on obtaining the Thule Euro Professional Load Bars, which are not currently available through our website. Otherwise you can always contact one of our Rack Attack Expert Technicians.

The ever popular Thule Xsporter truck rack just got even better with the new Thule 422XT Xsporter multi-height truck rack. It provides maximum loading flexibility, superior carrying capability and sleek, stylish appearance through its patented adjustable height (HeightAdjust) load bars, 6000 grade aluminum design and dual-slot reinforced bars.

Thule 422XT Xsporter Multi-Height Aluminum Truck Rack

The Xsporter load bars can be raised or lowered to five different heights for convenient loading, carrying, and unloading. Each of the vertical masts are notched out, making for quick and easy transitions also helping to ensure your bars are level. The 6000 grade aluminum design provides the strength to carry up to 450 pounds and resists rusting for a lifetime of reliable operation and great looks. Note that you load capacity SHOULD NEVER exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s cargo and vehicle weight rating.

Thule 422XT Xsporter - Down Position

The Thule 422XT Xsporter includes for lock cylinders, providing you with complete security all controlled with a single key. The Xsporter truck rack comes with four adjustable load stops that provide lateral support for equipment and materials. Most Thule accessory carriers are compatible, but some require an Xadapt adapter which is sold separately. If you happen to drive a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, the Thule XK1 Adapter is required to mount the rack to your vehicle, as well the Thule XK2 Adapter is required for the 2007 Toyota Tundra if the vehicle is equipped with the bed track system.

For this and other rack options for your pick-up truck , try the Thule Rack Finder.

The 2009 Audi Q7 is another beautiful addition to the crossover SUV family and a solid choice for a five or seven passenger luxury vehicle. The Q7 features athletic handling on air-suspension-equipped models, high-tech luxury and safety features, and superior interior design and craftsmanship. From the factory, the Audi Q7 has factory installed mounting points that allow you to integrate a sleek looking rack system that gives a nice natural look. Thule has two available options however here we will look at the Thule 460R Rapid Podium which is the higher end selection that features the oval brushed aluminum bars. This rack will a load capacity of up to 165lbs and will allow you to mount any of the Thule sport carrier options.

2009 Audi Q7 - Thule 460R Rapid Podium Roof Rack

The Thule 460R Rapid Podium Rack for the 2009 Audi Q7 is made up of the Thule 460R Rapid Podium Foot Pack, Thule Podium Fit Kit 4002, Thule RB47 Rapid Load Bars, and a Thule 544 4-Pack of Lock Cores.

2009 Audi Q7 - Thule 460R Rapid Podium Installation

Attached to the Thule Podium Roof Rack is the new Thule 611 Boxter roof mounted cargo box, which we featured in a previous post. The image above shows the how the Boxter wraps around the Rapid Aero Bars, as well the clean lines the Rapid Aero Foot provides in combination with the pre-installed factory mounting points. You can also see that this installation does not interfere with the sun roof, leaving it fully operational even with a cargo carrier installed.

To see a complete list of fits available for this or any other vehicle, try our Thule Automated Rack Fit Guide or contact one of our Rack Attack Expert Technicians.