If you’re planning on hitting the slopes for the first time, you might be wondering how to transport skis in a car. After all, those long, thin boards can be difficult to fit into a vehicle – especially if you don’t have a lot of space.
The good news is that there are a few different ways to transport skis in a car, and with a little bit of planning you can get it done without damaging your skis and your car.
In this post, we’ll show you a few different ways to transport skis in a car, so you can choose the best option for your needs and we’ll also discuss what you need to know before driving with them along with some FAQs.
5 Of The Best Ways to Transport Skis By Car
Let’s look at some of the best ways to transport skis in car.
Put Them In The Back
Skis are expensive, and we want them to last as long as possible. If you have the ability, the easiest approach to carry your skis is to put them in the rear of your car.
There is no wind drag involved if you put the skis inside your car, thus there is no loss in gas mileage. Plus the skis can’t be seen by potential ski thieves if you cover them up or have tinted windows.
Roof-Mounted Ski Rack
Roof-mounted ski racks are a common method of transporting skis by automobile. A nice rack might cost anything between $100 and $400. Or you can make one yourself for a lot cheaper.
The mileage loss for a ski roof rack is in the 1-2mpg range. And your skis will get dirty soon. Ski thieves may see what you have on your rack.
Cargo Box
If you can’t fit your skis inside your car, cargo crates are the next best option. Locked cargo crates are safe since a potential thief cannot see what is inside your box.
The disadvantages of the cargo box: They are large and unwieldy, and they might be difficult to install on your vehicle. They take up a lot of room and influence your fuel economy.
Window-Mounted Ski Rack
Window-mounted ski racks are a low-cost option to attach your skis to your automobile. They dangle from the top of your window glass and are held in place by suction cups.
These racks are small enough to fit in your luggage if you’re going anywhere. The major benefit of this rack type is mobility and the ability to utilise them while travelling.
Hitch-Mounted Ski Rack
Hitch-mounted ski racks can cost between $250 and 350 dollars. The majority are offered as hitch-mounted bike rack adapters.
Hitch racks obstruct the opening of a hatchback or SUV’s liftgate or swing gate.
This might be inconvenient if you need to open the back door to retrieve your ski boots and other equipment with the rack on the car.
How to Stow Your Ski Equipment Safely in or on the Car
Everything must be secured so that it does not move about within the vehicle or fall off when driving or braking.
Drivers are responsible for securing cargo; failure to do so might result in severe fines. Skis should be fastened with lashing straps or bungee cords and seat belts as far below as possible inside the automobile.
The car must be loaded in such a way that mirrors, signals, and shoulder checks are still available, and the vision via the rear- and side-view mirrors, as well as side windows, is unobstructed.
If you are hauling bigger loads, you should change the tyre pressure and lighting settings to the new vehicle height.
Things to Consider When You Transport Skis by Car
Here are five very important points you should consider before transporting your skis by car.
What is the Best Type of Ski Rack?
There are four types of ski racks to meet various purposes. Roof rail mounting, spare wheel mounting, trailer hitch mounting, and magnetic mounting are all options.
The SEAT Tarraco can haul both types and up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards.
“If you pick a roof-mounted rack, the tips of the skis should point to the back,” says Jordi Gené, a driving expert and skiing aficionado.
Can I Transport them in my Car?
Skiers who own a vehicle with a folding rear seat can transport their skis or snowboards inside as long as they are in carry bags.
Leaving them free poses a major risk to passengers, since a pair of 5 kg skis might end up weighing 150 kg in a 50 km/h accident.
Do I have to Change my Driving Style?
Before you go, make sure your tyre pressures are suitable for a fully loaded automobile. Avoid quick braking and steering wheel motions that might cause baggage and gear to change.
Fully laden vehicles also slow down braking time, allowing for a greater-than-adequate safety distance. Drivers must be prepared for low grip circumstances such as excessive humidity or ice areas, as well as have a full tank of gas.
It’s also recommended that you not wear a coat while driving since it hinders your mobility of movement. You can keep the heat on until help comes if there is a mechanical malfunction or an incident.
What if I Require Extra Space?
The solution is straightforward: you require a roof box.
Choosing one with a low profile, such as the one on the SEAT Tarraco, reduces aerodynamics and does not enhance fuel consumption.
How do I Transfer the Remainder of my Equipment?
Heavy equipment, such as boots, should be stored in the bottom of the boot, with lighter goods, such as headgear and poles, on top.
I recommend keeping snow chains on hand at all times so you spend as little time as possible along the side of the road when it’s time to put them on.
Can Skis Fit in a Toyota Corolla?
Skis cannot fit in most automobiles like the toyota corolla without the use of a roof-top or hitch-mounted rack. Racks have various drawbacks, including the fact that they are loud and might harm a car’s paint if not placed properly. Dropping skis on the roof may also be dangerous; they also reduce fuel economy.
How to Put Skis on the Roof Rack?
To transport skis on a roof rack, you’ll need a rack attachment. There are two options: a carrier/rack or a roof box. Carriers often take up less room than cargo boxes, making them ideal for storing in the garage while not in use. A roof cargo box is an option if you want something with a bit more protection.
