Bike & Sport Racks Buying Guide
Securing sports equipment to the exterior of your vehicle frees up interior space – and for larger items, may be your only option. Whether you’re looking for a simple solution to transport your sports equipment from home to fun, or a roof cargo carrier for action-packed getaways, you'll find the gear you need from Thule, SportRack and other great brands in bike and sport rack equipment.
Roof Racks
You may need a roof rack as a base to secure your new sport rack or cargo box to your vehicle. Roof rack models are designed to fit different types of vehicles. To be sure you select a roof rack designed for your car, van or SUV, consult the in-store Frontier Roof Rack Buying Guide referencing your vehicle's year, make and model.
TIP: If your vehicle already has crossbars, you may not need to add a roof rack. Most sport racks and cargo carriers are designed to fit existing crossbars as well as roof racks.
Bike Racks
Consider how many bicycles you will need to transport when comparing bike racks. While there is a lot of variety in bike rack designs, they fall into three main categories.
Roof Bike Racks offer full access to your trunk and hatch. They require more effort to load than other racks, but ensure clear sight lines while driving. This is the only type of bike rack that requires a roof rack.
Trunk Bike Racks mount on to the trunk or hatch of a vehicle, and offer fast and easy loading and unloading, as well as compact design for storage.
Hitch Bike Racks require a hitch receiver. They offer the fastest and easiest rack installation and removal, with minimal lifting when loading and unloading.
Sport Racks
Specialized sport racks make it a snap to securely stow your equipment. Look for racks with the capacity and features you'll need for your trip.
Roof Ski and Snowboard Rack options
- Designed to fit 4-6 pairs of skis or 2-4 snowboards
- Available in Universal and SUV-specialized racks
- Integrated locks protect your gear – ideal for those pit-stops on the way to or from the slopes
Kayak Rack options
- Designed to secure 1 or 2 kayaks.
- Side Stacker designs offer greater capacity
- J Stacker designs create room on bar to transport other accessories
- Saddle designs provide maximum protection
Cargo Carriers
A cargo carrier provides additional storage, giving you more room inside your vehicle for a more comfortable ride.
Roof Boxes
Most are made of durable ABS composite plastic and include locks to keep your gear safe. Because you can leave it on your vehicle all the time, a roof box offers you the convenience of added storage on the road and at home.
Roof Bags
Less permanent than a roof box, roof bags offer extra storage that’s easy to install and remove. Their water-resistant nylon construction and PVC interiors offer compact folding for storing out of season.
Roof Baskets
Rugged and utilitarian – a great choice for all your hunting and fishing gear with high-quality construction and wind deflector. Remember a cargo net to help keep everything in place.