Thule SnowPack Extender Ski/Snowboard Rack (6pr/4 Boards), Silver
$479.95
Price: $479.95 - 479.95
(as of Feb 13, 2025 15:54:47 UTC – Details)
What is the Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit?
The Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit is designed to securely transport skis and snowboards on your vehicle. It offers universal compatibility with various Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks. Its tool-free installation, anti-theft system, and user-friendly design make it an ideal solution for winter enthusiasts.
Key Features of the Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit
1. Universal Compatibility
- Fits Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks.
- Supports both T-Track and around-the-bar mounting.
2. Secure and Safe Design
- Anti-theft locking system ensures skis and snowboards remain safe.
- Ultra-soft rubber arms grip securely without scratching gear.
3. Easy Loading and Unloading
- Slide-out design extends for convenient access.
- Oversized push button allows operation while wearing gloves.
4. High Capacity
- Holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards.
- Raised design provides extra clearance for tall bindings.
5. Aerodynamic Build
- Sleek design minimizes wind resistance and noise.
- Enhances fuel efficiency during travel.
Benefits of Using a Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit
1. Space Saving
- Free up interior car space for other gear.
- Makes travel more comfortable and organized.
2. Convenience
- Tool-free installation simplifies setup.
- Quick access to gear with the slide-out mechanism.
3. Durability
- Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
- Weather-resistant to endure harsh winter conditions.
How to Install the Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Gather Necessary Tools: Minimal tools required.
- Position the Rack: Place the rack on the desired area of the roof.
- Secure the Mount: Use the universal mounting system to attach the rack.
- Lock the Rack: Engage the anti-theft locking system.
- Test the Setup: Ensure the rack is stable before loading gear.
Using the Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit Effectively
Loading Your Gear
- Slide out the rack for easier access.
- Place skis or snowboards on the rubber arms.
- Ensure gear is evenly distributed.
- Close the rack and engage the lock.
Safety Tips
- Regularly check the stability of the rack.
- Avoid overloading beyond the rack’s capacity.
Common Issues and Solutions
1. Rack Not Securing Properly
- Solution: Check mounting and adjust if necessary.
2. Locking Mechanism Stuck
- Solution: Lubricate the lock or consult the manual.
3. Scratched Gear
- Solution: Ensure rubber arms are properly aligned.
FAQs About the Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit
1. How many skis can the Thule Ski Rack hold?
It can hold up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards.
2. Is the Thule Ski Rack compatible with all vehicles?
Yes, it fits most Thule rack systems, round bars, and factory racks.
3. Does it work with tall bindings?
Yes, the raised design provides clearance for tall bindings.
4. Can I use the rack in rainy weather?
Yes, it is weather-resistant and designed for winter conditions.
5. Is installation difficult?
No, it features a tool-free, quick-install system.
6. How do I maintain the rack?
Clean the rack regularly and check for any loose parts.
7. Does the rack affect fuel efficiency?
Its aerodynamic design minimizes wind resistance.
8. Can the lock be replaced if lost?
Yes, Thule offers replacement lock cores.
9. How do I prevent accidental release?
Engage the safety lock mechanism after securing gear.
10. Is it easy to load gear while wearing gloves?
Yes, the oversized push button is designed for use with gloves.
Conclusion
The Thule Ski Rack Universal Mounting Kit is the ultimate solution for transporting skis and snowboards safely and efficiently. With its universal compatibility, secure locking system, and convenient slide-out design, it’s the perfect addition to any winter adventure. Invest in Thule for a hassle-free and space-saving travel experience.
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Kenneth Crooks –
Fits perfectly and performs as advertised. Everything you need in one box.
Bought this pair for my wife’s 2014 Ford Flex with Thule AeroBlades. Works great! Decided to use the included clamps for easy on/off during seasonal changeovers. The more permanent direct-mount options uses the included T-shaped bolts for sliding into the aluminum extrusion of the AeroBlades but doing so requires cutting sections out of the rubber inserts on the bars. I like the rubber inserts being complete as they help to hold lumber and ladders in place during the summer months (with straps of course). Removing the T bolts would be pretty easy but the rubber inserts would have multiple 4″ sections cut out of them. Thus, I used the clamps instead. Took me 20 minutes to figure this out and install them.These, like all ski racks, make a bit of noise at highway speed but that is to be fully expected whenever you put anything on the roof of a car, even a “flying brick” like the Flex. As others have commented; the latch release is very easy to use with gloved hands. Grateful that the (4) locks and (2) keys were also included in the package. Fits perfectly and as advertised. Gives my family of 4 room to bring a friend or 2 (skiers only need apply). Will also fit across the roof of my 2010 Subaru Outback if I want to clamp them to some factor bars instead; versatile! Easy directions, just take a moment to read them through completely on the first try then you’ll realize there are three possible mounting scenarios and which section to refer to. All icons, no words but that works for me. Highly recommended, great quality and everything you need all in on package, same as the Aerobars!
Oscar Lemonpop –
By far, the best ski rack I have ever owned.
This is by far the best ski rack I have ever owned.These are fantastic. They are large, they are engineered extremely well, very easy to install, and work perfectly.First installation. Really quite easy. The hardest part was pushing the rubber back onto the frame, after pulling it back in order to install the bolts. But the instructions were spot on, and it came with enough extra parts that I expect it would be able to be installed in a variety of cars. Took about 20 minutes to install, which is great, as I expected to struggle, on top of the car.Once on, it looks good and is very stable. Thick rubber to keep the skis secure when closed. My favorite element is the spring loaded hinge on the far side. Hard to explain, but it’s not a fixed hinge, so if you have thick skis on the far side, that side stretches up, so that it is not keeping the close side from closing or securing the skis on this side. This works extremely well.Once closed, you can push down to keep it closed, with a ratchet-style closing mechanism, to really get things secure. And then lock it with the key, which locks it both closed, and onto the car. When taking things off, unlock, and push the button and it pops open.We put 4 sets of skis and 4 sets of poles on ours with no issues/space problems.I installed on my Odyssey minivan, that had cross bars. These are required for installation, or some sort of crossbar. I think there is some Thule mounting system that goes with this if you dont have cross bars.
Eric H. –
Top quality gear
Great rack at a good price!
Mckay Ck –
SCAM!!!!!
I bought a new one but I got a pre owned…
Christi J. –
Great ski rack!
Easy to install and very sturdy. We installed on factory installed crossbars on our large SUV, and we had zero issues. Worked perfectly on a long 4 hour trek to ski. Only issue was low clearance in parking garage at the resort, but luckily we found outdoor parking. Comes with keys and locks to lock racks to your car and to lock gear in rack as well. Super easy to open for loading and unloading gear. I wasn’t sure which rack to get so I actually bought the Yakima EVO for 6 pairs as well. That rack was hard to install, hard to open and wasn’t any lower in height than this Thule one. I returned the Yakima rack and kept this one. It’s really user friendly!
BobbyBob –
Good Option to Cargo Box and Messy Car
Build quality is as expected from Thule (excellent). Very easy to install and they give you multiple options as far as bar type and height of the rack to accomodate short or tall bindings. The spring on the end of the rack is a plus in order to accomodate the multiple size skis that are usually carried. I chose to install mine directly onto Thule AeroBlade bars using the t-slot bolts but that was not my first choice. I wanted to use the other mouting option with adjustable straps as that is easier to take off when the season is over or to be able switch to another vehicle. The reason why I chose the more integrated mount was becuase the rack only comes with four locks. What does that mean? Well, if you mount the rack using the strap option then you will need the four locks that it comes with, which leaves you without the two locks for the actual rack to lock your skis. Mounting the other ensures you can actually lock your skis and also leaves you with two extra locks…I get that it means Thule will have to spend more $$ to include the extra locks for the other option. Beause they (Thule) did not go this route, it means you will need to spend a little extra for the additional locks. The other reason why four stars is this will not be able to accomodate 4 pairs of skis based on what we ski with. Ensure you measure the boards you plan to transport so you make the right choice with size based on actual measurements vs. marketing. Our skis are a little wider and we like to trasnport them in a bag to keep junk off them. With that being said, we can carry two sets of adult skis and one pair of kid’s skis and that is a very tight fit. My fault for not thinking the measurement through more but overall happy with the product.
David Smith –
I’m Usually Cheap…
Looked at this, then did a search and found one less than half the price. Read all the reviews and could see that it was worth it to go with this rack. We install it and uninstall it frequently, because it’s easy and we don’t want to run it through the car wash… We put six pair of cross-country skis, and my longer poles in this rack no problem. Could probably fit a seventh pair but have not tried. It is important to think about where the thickest part of the skis will be, and keep them away from the clamp points, or, if unavoidable, put those thicker areas in the middle. Have had zero problem with anything moving.
Michael L. –
Cliente Amazon –
El artículo viene sin el bombín ni llave de cierre.Cómo puedo reclamarlo?
Juan.R –
Caben unos 5 pares de esquis sin problema, muy fácil de cerrar y abrir con los guantes al tener el botón enorme
K.A. –
I just drove almost 2,000km with this rack carrying my skis. I use it with the factory rack on my Subaru Forester. I’ve been through all sorts of weather: heavy snow, light snow, a moderate rainstorm, even a heavy windstorm that would blow my car out of its lane. The skis and my poles never moved through it all! There is a weak rattling sound coming from it, but everything is solid whenever I checked: the ski, the poles, the rack itself. Whatever is rattling is annoying me, but not affecting anything. I will find out what it is and tape it. Also fuel economy suffers a bit, but that was expected. Not sure what else is to say. I wish it was cheaper. Like my other Thule rack, the ski rack is excellent, but probably overpriced.
LeMarFly –
facile da installare, adatto per ogni sci. cosi l inverno fa divertire