The Inside Track

Hitch Bike Rack - Cargo Rack Combo: A Novel Concept

A hitch bike rack combined with a cargo rack — now that's handy! Spring is in the air. Time to start planning your favorite rides. Whether you're a biking and picnicking family, a triathlete in training, or a trail rider, you've got bikes, passengers, and a heck of a lot of gear to tote to your starting point.

The StowAway2 hitch bike rack plus cargo rack is novel solution that combines a bike rack and a cargo rack on a single fixed or swingaway hitch-mounted frame. Even better, the rack can be used as bike rack alone, a cargo rack alone, or a combination rack, depending on your outing. The Stowaway2 rack gently cradles up to four bikes and has plenty of room for gear (53" x 25" x 5"). The swingaway frame version rotates out 180-degrees from the back of your vehicle to allow full rear-door access.

These bike racks are sturdy and come with a hitch tightener to prevent wobble. The racks have a capacity (bikes plus gear) of 125 lbs with a 1.25" hitch or 200 lbs with a 2" inch hitch. Hitch bike racks and cargo racks offer the convenience of waist-level loading and unloading — no stretching for gear or leaning up against wet or dusty vehicles!

The StowAway bike rack cargo rack is on special through the end of February — save up to $40! Our racks experts at FastTrackRacks.co m are happy to walk you through the ins and outs of hitches, racks, and cargo capacity to find the right setup for your particular style of bike outings.

Ski Rack PLUS Base Rack: A Versatile Way to Go

Ski and snowboard season is at its peak! If you're looking into options for carrying your gear — maybe you're upgrading your current setup, just got a new car, or you're new to the sport... take a look at our current ski/snowboard rack packages that combine a ski rack or ski box AND a base rack.

You can buy a dedicated ski (and/or snowboard) rack to fit your roof type, but an investment in a quality base rack really extends the versatility of your vehicle for carrying a variety of gear year-round. The base rack serves as a secure foundation for attaching just about any kind or model of specialty rack (bike, kayak, ski/snowboard, surfboard, etc.), cargo box, or cargo bag. With a little planning, you can also use a base rack to carry combinations of racks and/or boxes — a cargo box and a bike rack, for instance.

At FastTrackRacks, we have a number of Inno ski rack (or ski box) plus base rack packages on special with savings up to $80 and free shipping. Inno offers outstanding quality in all of their products through extensive real-world testing to transport your gear safely and protect it and your vehicle from harsh conditions

The options are many! Let our excellent rack specialists walk you through the rack options that best meet your pursuits.

Winter Travel? Stash Emergency Supplies in a Cargo Organizer

"Tis the season" for heading over the river and through the woods — family visits, trips to the mountain in heavy snow or the occasional blizzard or ice storm.

If you haven't already equipped your car with an emergency kit, now is the time. Any number of ready-made kits are available for purchase, but they usually fall short of being complete. It's easy enough to compile your own kit and store it in your vehicle's trunk, rear cargo space, or cargo carrier. See the end of this blog for a basic supply list.

At FastTrackRacks.com, we carry a great selection of cargo organizers that work well for organizing emergency supplies. They're available in several sizes, soft- or hard-sided, and some fold flat or collapse for easy storage. Many cargo organizers have moveable dividers to customize your space.

When I'm not using mine, I fold it flat and slip it under the rear cargo mat of my Subaru Outback. Cargo organizers are versatile, too. Besides emergency supplies, you can use them to hold grocery bags upright (mine are always tipping over), store children's toys and extra clothes, stash grubby dog gear (balls, towels, water, leashes), hold miscellaneous recreational accessories (bike helmets, water bottles, spare shoes, soccer balls...), etc.

Most models come equipped with carrying handles, so it's easy enough to cart the whole bag into Grandmother's house. I've given several as gifts, and they've been much appreciated.

But, back to the topic at at hand. It's cold; storms strike quickly. Make sure you have the following on hand:

flashlight and spare batteries
matches and candles
jumper cables
small shovel
first aid kit
tire chains
extra clothes (e.g., hats, gloves, poncho)
blanket (I throw an older down sleeping bag in the car in winter)
flares
radio with spare battery (there are some great solar- or crank-powered radio/flashlight combinations)
basic tools (including jack and tire-changing tools — and throw in the Swiss Army knife!)
window scraper
red flag
water
small food supply (e.g., protein bars or some canned food and can opener)
tarp
plastic garbage bags (so many uses!)
compass

Other items to consider, space allowing:

bag of sand or salt
sturdy shoes or hiking boots and good socks
deck of cards
lip balm and/or hand cream
tow rope
cash
emergency phone numbers
small cooking kit (camp stove and Sierra cup)
old towels for drying and clean-up

Get out and enjoy the winter wonderland! Drive safely!

Pack Your Gear in Back: Hitch Racks and Carriers

Not enough room for your Christmas presents and your children? Consider a hitch cargo carrier.

Today, there are a wealth of options for toting your sporting gear, tools, or the mandatory lawn chairs and gas grill for your annual vacation. While that's a good thing, it does complicates the decision-making process.

If you're looking at cargo-hauling options, consider throwing hitch racks and cargo carriers into the mix as an alternative to roof racks. Why?

Easy, waist-level access to your gear
More space for you and your family, friends, dogs inside
Greater weight capacity than roof racks
Better fuel-economy than roof racks

And that's just to name a few.

If you're wondering about blocking your vehicle's rear access, carriers and racks are available in "swingaway" or tilt-down/fold-up configurations. Swingaway models not only allow complete access to the rear of your vehicle, they can used creatively to create a handy cooking, work, or serving station.

Hitch cargo carriers offer total protection from road dirt and the elements and have incredible capacity and versatility. With up to 16 cu. ft. of space and a 200-lb. carrying capacity, you can throw in a bunch of duffel bags or any number of combinations of food, gear, tools... whatever. If that's not enough, add a carrier lid rack to attach bulky items such as lawn chairs or inflatable boats.

A hitch rack offers many of the same advantages as a hitch carrier at less cost, though, without the same protection from the elements. Durable, weatherproof cargo bags can be added at minimal cost, but if your main need is to haul the extra cooler, some lawn chairs, or fishing rods, a hitch rack is an economical way to go. Cargo nets, rod racks, and even bike racks can be added. Like cargo carriers, swingaway or tilt-down/fold-up models facilitate rear vehicle access.

At FastTrackRacks.com and StowAway2.com, we have a wealth of resources to help you research hitch carrier or rack options. Be sure to browse our "Uses" section to view the interesting applications our customers have found for hitch carriers and racks — team sports, camping, hunting, fishing, golf, tailgating, dog shows, and much more. And, if research isn't your thing, just call our rack experts for a quick run-down on features that fit your budget and hauling needs.

Ski AND Bike? Hitch Racks Do Double-Duty

Are you a biker and a skier or snowboarder? If so, you'll want to think through your rack options to maximize versatility, convenience, and affordability.

A roof base rack will, of course, accommodate both bike and ski racks, but you might want to consider a combination hitch bike rack/ski rack for a number of reasons. If you already have a hitch bike rack and you ski or snowboard, buying a ski rack attachment may be a no-brainer. Softride, Thule, and Yakima all offer ski attachments for most of their hitch bike racks that carry up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards (or combinations thereof).

The beauty of a hitch rack is the easy waist-level access to your gear (spoken by someone who just injured a rotator cuff by lifting a bike onto a roof rack!). Hitch racks are affordable and easy to use; they simply slide into your factory or aftermarket trailer hitch. Tilt-down or swing-away rack styles allow access to the rear hatch of your vehicle. Most offer the double security of both hitch locks and gear locks. Wind resistance is minimal — a plus for your gas mileage.

If you already have a hitch on your vehicle, it's likely to be a 1.25" or 2" receiver. Most hitch racks are available for both sizes and some offer a "universal fit." Make a point of checking your vehicle's maximum tongue weight capacity (available in your owner's guide or from the manufacturer). Some smaller vehicles are not suitable for hitch racks.

At FastTrackRacks.com, we offer ski rack attachments for Softride, Thule, and Yakima bike racks. Be sure to check out the excellent offers from Softride for bike rack/ski rack packages or discounts on a Softride ski rack if you already own of Softride bike rack.

Never hesitate to call or e-mail our rack specialists to talk through your options!

Snowboard Racks: A Primer

If you throw your snowboards into the back seat of your car on your way to the hills, it's time to consider investing in a snowboard rack. A snowboard in your car can quickly turn into a lethal weapon in a fast stop or collision. Boards on top mean more space — and, cleaner, drier space — for you and your passengers.

No matter what type of vehicle you have, there's a snowboard rack that will work for you. The choices and features can be daunting, and snowboards have a few special considerations, so we've set out to clarify the basics. If you need more information, our rack specialists will find a rack that suits your specs.

Hitch or roof?
Hitch racks: If you already have a hitch bike rack, check to see whether a ski/snowboard rack attachment is available for it. This way, your rack does double-duty. Softride, Thule, and Yakima all offer ski/snowboard rack attachments for many of their hitch-mount bike racks. These racks offer easy, waist-level access to your gear. Most hitch racks swing away from the rear hatch or tilt down to allow access to your cargo space. Pros and cons? These racks are secure and accessible, but gear is more exposed to road debris.

Roof racks: Roof snowboard racks are available for all vehicle types, whether you have existing factory-mounted or purchased crossbars ("base racks"), factory-installed side rails, or a smooth roof (see illustration). If you need to carry kayaks, bikes, camping gear, etc. you may want to invest in a good base rack system that will serve as the foundation for various combinations of gear. FastTrackRacks is currently offering some unbeatable deals on ski/snowboard rack–base rack packages. Magnetic ski racks (Inno) are designed for smooth-roof cars, and a number of racks are designed for vehicles with factory-installed side rails. Roof racks are slightly less accessible than hitch racks, but various features, such as racks that slide out to the edge of the vehicle, dual-side openings, and easy push-button release (so you can keep your gloves on!) all assist with access. Low-profile racks that hold boards in a horizontal position are available to minimize wind resistance. If snow/ice build-up is a concern, consider a rooftop cargo box (see our October 30, 2009, blog).

Bindings, board width, and capacity
Snowboards have some special considerations. If you have tall bindings (such as FLOW bindings) or extra thick bindings, be sure to get a rack that allows the proper clearance or adjustments to keep your snowboards secure and off your vehicle roof. Most racks accommodate both skis and snowboards, so look for a rack that holds the number, width, and combination of gear that you typically carry. Many racks carry as many as four snowboards or six pairs of skis (or combinations thereof); some simpler racks carry one to two snowboards or pairs of skis, which may be adequate for your needs.

Security and protection
If your snowboards or skis will be left on your vehicle for any amount of time, you'll want racks that lock. Most hitch racks lock to the vehicle and most have gear locks (that is, they lock your snowboards in the racks). Roof racks typically offer gear locks, but they may or may not lock to your vehicle. Any external rack exposes gear to some degree of exposure to road grime and salt. If that is a concern, protective bags can be purchased. Roof boxes for skis and snowboards offer the dual advantage of complete protection from the elements and security — gear is locked in the cargo box and out-of-site and mounting gear is not accessible from outside the box.

A note on safety
Snowboard racks hold your boards super-secure, but YOU need to double-check that racks are latched and locked. Also, don't think about overloading your racks with more gear than it's designed for. Your car and the safety of your passengers and others on the road are at stake. So, lock in your boards, be safe, and head for the hills!

Form follows Function: The Küat NV Hitch Bike Rack

We’ve set out to discover whether the new NV hitch bike rack lives up to Küat’s reputation for design excellence and great functionality.

At first glance, you see that the titanium-colored coating and orange accents give this hitch bike rack a distinctive (and cool) look. A closer look shows that the Küat NV has the standard features of quality hitch bike racks, such as a tilt-down frame for rear vehicle access, tool free installation, adjustable arms, and secure anti-wobble attachment to the hitch – but we learned that this bike rack is anything but standard.

This rack has function! Küat has obviously put thought into how you use your bike, not just how you transport it. The Küat NV is equipped with the "TrailDoc," a built-in telescopic bike repair stand with a mechanic's clamp, which is a dream for pre-ride or traihead bike safety checks, tune-ups, or repair. You can maintain your bike at your level, up and out of the dirt. It’s constructed with 6061 T6 aluminum and folds up compactly for storage. Küat a retractable built-in cable lock in addition to the hitch lock.

The Küat NV is a “wheel mount hitch bike rack,” which means that your bike is held in place by its wheels with adjustable arms and ratcheting straps. This set-up ensures zero bike-to-rack contact – protecting the finish of both your bikes and the rack. The NV carries two bikes with wheel sizes from 20” to 29” weighing up to 55 pounds each.

Our conclusion: We love this rack! The Küat NV hitch bike rack exhibits both style and functionality – truly living up to the Küat name. Check out the Kuat NV video for a live demonstration by Kuat Racks staff.

Of course, the ultimate decision about the best bike rack for you depends on your biking habits, your vehicle, and, well… your personal style. At FastTrackRacks, we select our select bike racks carefully for maximum value and quality. If you’re new to bike racks, take a moment to chat with our rack specialists about the ins and outs of hitch bike racks vs roof bike racks vs trunk-mount racks and what features work best for you.

Be Prepared for Winter! Snow Plows for the Homeowner

Sometimes, you need to get out of your driveway first before you can get to the mountains — or to work, or to the grocery store!

Because so many of our customers live or play in the snow, we've introduced a new line of high-quality, easy-to-use, and affordable snow "blades" for the home or business owner. You can turn just about any vehicle into a snow plow — even ATVs for plowing walkways or tight spaces. The snow's coming — make life easier for yourself this year.

SnowSport utility snow plows are designed for trucks, SUVs, mini-vans, or ATVs. We love how easy these plows are to attach and use. The plow frame simply slides into the hitch mount and is secured with a pin. One person can lift the lightweight blade into transport position or remove it in seconds for storage.

These snow blades automatically engage when you're moving snow and release when you're backing up. They're designed to follow the terrain, even dips and ditches, and can be set in straight or angled positions to move snow out of your path. SnowSport blades are suitable for pavement, gravel, dirt, or grass — so they can do double-duty for landscape work.

But, really, a picture is worth a thousand words — so if you're new to plowing, take a few minutes to view videos of the SnowSport plows for a quick snapshot of their utility:

SnowSport HD snow plow for front receiver hitch

SnowSport 180 snow plow for front or rear receiver hitch
SnowSport ATV snow plow

As always, our specialists are on-hand to advise you on the best snow plow blade for your vehicle and to answer your questions about home snow plowing.

Ski & Snowboard Rooftop Boxes: Versatile and Convenient

If you think you've noticed more Thule, Yakima, and Inno rooftop carriers on the road lately, you're not mistaken, Rooftop boxes, also known as "cargo carriers," are being discovered as an excellent option to keep your skis clean and secure — and to hold loads of extra (and wet!) gear!

Unlike a traditional ski rack, which has a single, dedicated use, a "ski box" serves you year-round as your camping box, golf box, hunting gear box, kid's soccer box — whatever your recreation mix, it'll cart your gear.

Rooftop cargo carriers mount to any factory rack or after-market roof crossbars. They have aerodynamic designs, many have dual-side openings, and they come in a variety of sizes. Some cargo boxes even allow room for mounting other racks, such as a bike rack, to your base rack. You'll want to be sure to select a ski box that's appropriate for the length of your skis, amount of gear, and the profile of your vehicle. We carry ski boxes for smaller vehicles, such as station wagons and small SUVs, and for mid-size to large SUVs. Talk to one of our rack specialists to find the roof box that works best for you.

Consider these benefits for the ski season:

Carry your skis, poles, snowboards, helmets, extra clothing, emergency supplies, etc. in the ski box — free up ride space (no more sitting on laps!) and stash the wet, messy gear outside of your vehicle.
Keep your ski/snowboard gear free of road dirt, salt, and snow/ice build-up.
Secure your gear locked and out-of-view in your ski box. In most models, the mounting hardware is not accessible when the box is locked to prevent tampering.
Free yourself from worries about damage to the tensioning on your skis or damage to them from road debris.

Ski boxes are more expensive that ski/snowboard racks, but their versatility makes them a worthwhile investment. If economy is your priority, check out our excellent selection of affordable ski and snowboard racks. If you're starting from scratch and need a base rack as well as a ski/snowboard rack or box, FastTrackRacks has some unbeatable package deals this year, and shipping is free on select models.

We love to hear from our customers. What's in your cargo box?

Tailgating: Rain or Shine!

From keeping your tailgate party dry in the rain to keeping your drinks cool, our tailgating gear has you covered -- literally!

We are excited to introduce Rhino Rack's easy-to-use tailgate awnings. These awnings attach to any Yakima, Thule, or Inno roof base rack and store conveniently on the roof of your vehicle. They'll keep your tailgate party dry in the rain or protected from the sun. Check out the Rhino Rack video to see for yourself!

StowAway2 Cargo Carriers has incorporated tailgating into their popular hitch cargo carriers with two new models: the StowAway Tailgate Box and the StowAway Tailgate Station. The StowAway Tailgate Box provides an ample 16 cubic feet of storage for coolers, grills, chairs and more - AND it swings up to 180 degrees for easy access to the rear of your vehicle. This box is fully equipped for tailgating with team-colored reflectors and a free travel counter! The StowAway Tailgate Station performs double-duty - use it to carry your gear to the game and then swing it out to use as a food and beverage station or grill platform. Now offered with a free grill rack (while supplies last)!

Engel high performance ice chests and electric coolers are sure to keep your tailgate party happy and well-supplied with cold beverages or hot food. You'll quickly discover that Engel ice chests aren't your average cooler...they can retain ice for days and have up to an ample 320 quart capacity. Engel even offers colored tailgate ice chests so you can show off your favorite team's colors!

So if you're looking for cool tailgating gear to enjoy the game in any type of weather, look no further than FastTrackRacks.com!