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Posted on June 12, 2008 by Matt | Posted under Automotive
Roof Rack or Hitch Rack: What's the right choice?
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Roof racks are a popular for hauling sports equipment. They are made for loading snowboards, skis, bikes, kayaks, cargo, and more. They are above the car, so the driver's vision is not impaired by the equipment. However, it is important to remember that the vehicle is now taller and has less overhead clearance. This is especially true when carrying bikes as they can reduce overhead clearance by three or more feet when mounted to the roof. It can also be difficult to load equipment on the roof of a vehicle, depending on the height of the vehicle and how tall the owner is. Finally, roof racks create more resistance in the wind and can actually hurt the vehicles average miles per gallon (MPG). Depending on the vehicle, the reduced fuel economy can be upwards of a 10% loss in MPG. Hitch racks are racks which are mounted to the vehicle through the trailer hitch. This is the other rack system available in the marketplace. Hitch racks are good for hauling skis, snowboards, bikes, and cargo. They do require a trailer hitch for mounting, which is an important cost consideration when searching for the best rack system. Since the equipment is mounted behind the vehicle, this can make loading the equipment fairly easy for anyone, but accessing the trunk and negotiating parking lots can also be very difficult. And be prepared for the lack of visibility through the rear window as mounting equipment behind the car will hinder the view. Hitch mounted racks do not have a noticeable effect on fuel economy as they do not change the aerodynamics of the vehicle. For the adventurous person who is constantly trying new activities year-round, a roof mounted rack system is going to offer more versatility and will ultimately be a better investment. For the person who is passionate about only one sport for most of the year, a hitch mounted system may offer more utility and be easier to live with. There are obvious pros and cons to each rack system and only you can know what is best for your application, but hopefully this article will help you quickly choose the right system so you can get out there and tear it up on the snow, water, or land. About The Author: Click on the following links for more information about the utility of Bike Racks and Hitch Bike Racks. |
Tags: THULE BIKE RACKS, HITCH BIKE RACKS, BIKE RACKS
