by Michael Hodgson

What should you consider before plunking down the green and walking out with a new sports rack for your vehicle? The Sports Rack, a nationally known retail and mail-order outfit based in Sacramento, California and specializing only in rack systems for vehicles offers the following hints to "picking the right rack for whatever you pack:"

• Think about the loads you will be carrying, well beyond your immediate carrying needs. What about utility loads, luggage, skis, or long loads such as kayaks, sailboards or even lumber.
• What type of vehicle is being outfitted? Is it a tall vehicle (van or sport utility), short vehicle, old vehicle, new vehicle, leased vehicle? Does it have (or not have) rain gutters, receiver hitch, externally mounted spare tire, factory roof rack? Do you want this rack to fit more than one vehicle?
• Will load carrying space be a problem in the future? Are there children on the way or will friends or relatives be traveling with you in the near future? Should you think about a cargo box?
• How often will you use the rack? Once or twice a year (it might be better to rent a rack) or on a monthly or weekly basis?
• Will your vehicle be garaged? Find out if roof line clearance will be a problem with your vehicle or if the length (i.e. with a suburban) of the vehicle with an added rear rack creates difficulties. If your rack will need to come off, is it easily removable and just as easy to reinstall?
• Think about security. Will you leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time with your recreational gear stowed? How expensive is your gear? People do steal racks too, so how important is it to secure the rack itself to your vehicle?
• Lastly, think quality and warranty. Are name brands important to you? Ensure that the rack will not damage your car in any way. Find out how long the warrantee period is.
  
  

© 1999 Michael Hodgson; All Rights Reserved