How to carry skis and snowboards on a vehicle roof? Capacity and installation

Short answer: Skis and snowboards are carried on the vehicle roof using a dedicated carrier mounted to the Roof Bars’ crossbars. Capacity depends on the carrier’s length: The 65 cm model holds 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards, The 90 cm model holds 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards . Place the equipment between the rubber-coated jaws, lock it in place, and set off remembering that your vehicle is now taller.

Why Do You Need a Dedicated Carrier?

Strapping skis and snowboards directly to the Roof Bars creates three problems: the edges rub against the bar and each other, causing scratches; the wind can turn the equipment; and the straps can loosen during the trip. A ski carrier solves all three — it holds the equipment between soft, rubber-coated jaws, locks it, and keeps it within an aerodynamic profile.

The carrier is mounted not directly to the roof, it is mounted on roof bars but to the Roof Bars; if your vehicle does not have Roof Bars, you need to get them first.

Capacity: Which Size Is Right for You?

• 65 cm — 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards. Enough for a ski trip for two or for carrying one snowboard.
• 90 cm — 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards. For a large family or group of friends.

A snowboard is wider than a ski, so the same carrier holds fewer snowboards — work out capacity by how many pieces you are taking and what type they are, not by how many people are going.

Step-by-Step Transport

1. Mount the carrier to the Roof Bars. Loosely fit the feet onto the two crossbars, adjust the position, then tighten them in alternating order.
2. Clean your equipment. Snow and ice can prevent the jaws from closing fully; shake them off before loading the carrier.
3. Position the skis with their bases facing each other. This keeps the edges facing outward and prevents them from scratching each other. The attachment point should be near the middle of the skis.
4. Place them with the tips facing backward. Pointing the tips of skis and snowboards toward the rear of the vehicle reduces wind resistance and lift.
5. Close and lock the jaws. After closing them, pull on the equipment by hand — it should not slide.
6. Take the extra height into account. The carrier and equipment make your vehicle taller; account for this at parking garage and underpass entrances.

Two Winter-Specific Warnings

• Ice will not loosen the connection, but it can make it harder to open. The lock may be frozen when you return; do not force it — warm it first.
• Salted roads wear down metal parts. At the end of winter, rinse the carrier and Roof Bars’ fasteners with fresh water. The bolts and nuts on Thunder Carrier have a Geomet coating, but rinsing still extends their service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you carry skis and snowboards on a vehicle roof?

With a dedicated ski carrier mounted to the Roof Bars’ crossbars. Place the equipment between the rubber-coated jaws: position skis with their bases facing each other and their tips pointing toward the rear of the vehicle, then close and lock the jaws. Strapping them directly to the Roof Bars scratches their edges and can loosen during the trip.

How many skis or snowboards can a roof-mounted ski carrier hold?

Capacity depends on the carrier’s length: the 65 cm model carries 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards, and the 90 cm model carries 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards. Since a snowboard is wider than a ski, the same carrier holds fewer snowboards.

Do I need Roof Bars for a ski carrier?

Yes. A ski carrier mounts to the Roof Bars’ crossbars, not directly to the vehicle roof. If your vehicle does not have Roof Bars, you need to get them first; the type of roof rails on your vehicle determines which series to choose.

Which way should the skis face?

With the tips facing toward the rear of the vehicle. This reduces wind resistance and lift. Also position the skis with their bases facing each other so the sharp edges face outward and do not scratch one another.

Will a ski carrier scratch the equipment?

The carrier’s jaws have a soft rubber coating, which protects the equipment from scratches and impacts. The risk of scratching comes from strapping equipment directly to the Roof Bars without a carrier.

Does it need maintenance at the end of winter?

Salted roads wear down metal parts; rinsing the carrier and Roof Bars’ fasteners with fresh water at the end of winter extends their service life. Thunder Carrier bolts and nuts have a Geomet coating, but rinsing is still recommended.

Related product: Ski and Snowboard Carrier