Ski Rack Instructions

Most snow skis have a length of more than 5 feet. This makes it rather difficult to fit the skis in the trunk of a small car or even an SUV. To avoid damaging your skis, you can install a specialized rack onto the roof of your vehicle. Top-rated racks feature soft rubber arms that secure your skis in place. According to the Thule company, which has been manufacturing ski racks since the early 1960s, top-of-the-line roof racks can hold up to six pairs of skis. Check your car's load bars to ensure they are compatible with your ski rack. If your car doesn't feature load bars, install a compatible set.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a rectangular washer into the center of the ski rack clamp. Insert a carriage bolt through the clamp. Repeat the process for each of the three remaining clamps.

    • 2

      Hold the end of the carriage bolt with your thumb and forefinger. Wrap the clamp around the load bar on the roof of your vehicle. Fasten two clamps onto each of the load bars.

    • 3

      Slide the clamps to correspond with the length of the ski carrier. Align the holes of the ski carrier with the carriage bolts. Lower the ski carriers onto the clamps.

    • 4

      Lift the arms of the ski carriers to the open position. Tighten a two-wing knob onto each of the carriage bolts to fasten the clamps in place. Align your skis under the arms of the rack.

    • 5

      Lower the arms to secure the position of your skis. Push down on the hood until the latch clicks in place. Press the hood's release button to loosen the arms and remove your skis.