If you don’t want to transport your skis inside your vehicle, you’ll need a ski rack. There are several types of ski racks available. However, if your vehicle is already equipped with a towbar, installing a towbar-mounted ski rack is much easier than fitting a roof-mounted model. Here are the different steps to learn how to use a towbar-mounted ski rack, along with a few recommendations to properly prepare for your ski trip before hitting the road.
What are the different car-mounted ski and snowboard carriers?
As with bicycles, there are several solutions for transporting ski equipment to your destination. Each has its own operating method, and you’ll find carriers ranging in price from around forty euros to over 200 euros, depending on the type of carrier and its features (anti-theft system, capacity, etc.).
Roof bar ski rack
For transporting skis, you can use a ski rack designed to be mounted on roof bars. Attach it by clipping it onto the roof bars of your car and engage the safety mechanism to prevent it from coming loose while driving. You can carry up to six pairs of skis and even a snowboard. However, installation can be time-consuming and, for obvious safety reasons, must be flawless. In addition, if your vehicle is already quite tall, you may sometimes be blocked at the entrance to a car park with a height restriction, or even be charged a higher toll category on the highway.
Magnetic roof-mounted ski rack
There are also magnetic ski racks that do not require roof bars, but they have a smaller capacity than roof-bar models: you’ll only be able to carry up to three pairs of skis (or two snowboards). On the other hand, this type of magnetic rack is easier to install than the previous option.
Towbar-mounted ski rack
A towbar-mounted ski rack is particularly useful when several passengers are already in the vehicle, the trunk is full of luggage, and the roof is already occupied by a roof box.
It is therefore a very practical solution if your car is equipped with a towball: simply attach a ski rack designed specifically for this purpose.
When folded, it takes up very little space and can easily be stored in your garage, basement, or attic.
How to use a towbar-mounted ski rack?
Have you chosen a towbar-mounted ski rack to transport your equipment? Here’s how to install it properly on your car:
- Secure your skis properly with straps so they don’t knock into each other inside the rack.
- Strictly observe the maximum load supported by the ski rack, as well as the maximum permissible load on the towbar.
- To use a towbar-mounted ski rack, first open the tightening handle. To unlock the locking system, use the key provided.
- Place the ski rack onto the towball. Most racks of this type are equipped with a simple clamping system (with a side handle).
- Push the handle to tighten the ski rack. If you feel little resistance while tightening, the rack is probably too loose. Use an Allen key to tighten the mechanism further.
- Engage the safety latch once the ski rack is secured.
- The next step is to lift the rack arm upward and stabilize it by tightening the side adjustment knobs.
- Adjust the height of the license plate holder and open the arms of the ski rack by loosening the dedicated knobs, then spread the arms apart.
- Insert skis and snowboards while strictly following the distribution diagrams provided in the installation manual.
- Tighten the arm adjustment knobs.
- Tighten the straps by crossing them around the skis and snowboards until they are securely fastened.
- Fold down the safety bar and lock it using the dedicated key, which also acts as an anti-theft device (as with many towbar-mounted bike racks).
Finally, make sure to tighten the skis and snowboards just before departure. If you’re going on a long journey, knowing how to adjust a towbar-mounted ski rack before leaving is not enough—you should also check during stops that your skis are still securely fastened.
Distribute the load evenly on your ski rack. It should be positioned as low as possible, without being too close to the ground, to avoid preventing your vehicle from clearing common road obstacles such as puddles or speed bumps.
Final recommendations for using a towbar-mounted ski rack
To avoid any issues on your way to the ski resort, it’s important to follow a few safety and common-sense guidelines:
- Do not use your ski rack to transport equipment other than skis or snowboards.
- Check how to properly attach your license plate and rear lights to the towbar-mounted ski rack.
- Make sure that the metal parts of the ski rack are not in contact with your vehicle’s bodywork, to avoid damaging the paint.
- Before leaving, check the snow forecast to ensure that the road to your ski resort is open.
- Finally, plan how you will unload your skis and luggage upon arrival, as some resorts—such as Avoriaz or Les Arcs—do not allow vehicle access to their town centers.
You now know the different types of ski carriers available and the tips for properly installing a towbar-mounted ski rack—it’s up to you now, and off you go on your snowy holiday!
And don’t forget: if you don’t have your own equipment or don’t want to transport all your gear by car, there’s the convenient option of ski rental with Sport 2000, with stores located in many winter sports resorts!