Michelin Adjustable Tire Rack
4.7
5
3
3
Nicely styled, very solid
I own this rack and the Motomaster one. Both units are equally capable of holding most sized tires. The biggest difference is the styling and the mounting.
The Motomaster unit is restricted with its mounting options. You must have studs at a spread of 54" (essentially 5 studs at 16" centre). Confirm this is the case before purchasing this unit. The unit bolts into the two studs at the top and the bottom of the unit.
The Michelin unit is more flexible. It uses a running plate along the top that is pre-drilled to bolt into 5 studs at 16" centres. However, in the case where your studs aren't quite that configuration you can just drill your own holes through the plate where you need them to be (and indeed I did this and it works just fine). The other benefit of the Michelin unit is that the running plates fit together in such a way that you can buy extra units and run them side-by-side if you wish. You cannot do this with the Motomaster unit.
Multiple units (of either brand) should not be mounted on the same set of studs (as per manufacturer instructions). That is, you should not mount them one on top of the other. so the Michelin becomes more flexible since they can mount immediately side-by-side.
In my opinion the Michelin is also the nicer looking unit.
I would not purchase either unit at regular price. Canadian Tire frequently puts both on sale at 40-50% off. At the sale price, I think the Michelin is worth the extra few dollars, but if only the Motomaster is on sale and you are fine with the mounting restrictions, it performs just fine.
January 13, 2013
Good construction but hardware missing (update)
Update
Contacted the customer service number and they redirected my call to the manufacturer Hyloft in Las Vegas. They told me to visit their online site and complete the form for missing parts which I did. The missing parts arrived in exactly 2 weeks.
Used my raincheck to purchase the 4th unit for the sale price; all parts present. Now have 4 installed in my garage.
Very pleased with units and the customer service. Only drawback was the 2 week delay in getting the hardware form the U.S.
November 8, 2012
Good construction but hardware missing
Bought 3 today as they are on sale (wanted 4 so got a raincheck). Brought them home and started putting them together. First one had 1 bolt missing; luckily I had extra bolts that fit. 2nd one all good. 3rd one had no hardware at all. Will have to contact the customer service line for missing parts I guess.
I installed the two I could use side by side across the back wall of my garage. The design allows them to be installed end-to-end. I have 2x6 studs in my garage so I feel they are well-secured. I plan to install another two above the first two.
I put (5) 17" truck winter tires on one of the two I was able to install. As I installed them 16" off the floor, I put (2) Michelin axle stands in the middle of the front set of tubes for extra support
I still recommend these tire racks but recommend you check the hardware case which is taped to one of the master rails.
October 21, 2012
