Accessories

Tips on choosing a cargo carrier for winter travel

You're packing for your next winter adventure to the mountains but have run out of space for your buddies and all their gear. What now?

"Just about any vehicle can be outfitted with a travel gear accessory- even a convertible," said John Bauer, founder of Rack N Road stores. "It turns your Toyota into a multi-sport carrying device."

Accessories Drivers have lots of choices when it comes to hauling their winter gear. From cargo bags to ski racks, most vehicles can be outfitted with a solution that frees up cabin space and stows gear safely for driving.

Travel gear accessories at suppliers like Rack N Road have become more popular as gas prices climbed and drivers turned to smaller, more fuel-efficient models. Bauer said drivers can get the best of both worlds-an economical vehicle and the ability to haul stuff to and fro.

"That's a cost-effective way to haul around sports gear," Bauer said.

Rack N Road started as a family-owned business in Redwood City, Calif. It offered a few dozen products mainly for owners of sport utility vehicles. The company expanded throughout California and later to Washington and Utah. Today, Rack N Road offers thousands of products for all drivers with active lifestyles. What choices do drivers have?

For Bauer, travel accessories are dependent on the vehicle and driver preferences. For instance, long luggage boxes are perfect for skis and ski poles. Yet, they can be odd-looking and cause wind-resistance problems on small vehicles.

Accessories "Anything that hangs over the windshield creates problems with aerodynamics and safety," Bauer said. "Sometimes it can create a vortex between the box and windshield that pushes up on the rack."

The more wind resistance the more it affects vehicle mileage. Bauer estimated luggage mounted on racks can drop gas mileage as much as 10 percent. Getting the right fit reduces road noise and improves aerodynamics.

"There are quite a few different types of skier accessories," Bauer said. "The best way to decide is by seeing how they fit with your particular Toyota."

Bauer categorized winter gear accessories into three types. Rectangular cargo boxes fit on racks-great for loose items such as boots and clothing but do not fit skis or snowboards.

Long, slender carriers provide a more streamlined fit than cargo boxes. They also can fit long skis but are less appropriate for bulk storage. A third type of box offers the best of both worlds-long enough for skis or boards and can hold a lot of gear as well.

"Ski-only carriers are single-purpose accessories that are easy to install and easy to use," Bauer said." They hold multiple skis but do not protect equipment from the elements, however."

Bauer had the following suggestions for drivers looking for winter cargo accessories:

Decide what you want to carry. A cargo box provides safe storage for a variety of gear. A simpler solution may involve a ski or snowboard rack.
Where do you store the travel accessories? A large cargo box can take up a lot of room when not in use. "Soft boxes" offer collapsible frames that fold up for easy storage. Hard-shelled containers are more durable and provide better protection while traveling.
What is design of your Toyota's front and rear roofline? Long boxes on short rooflines can create wind resistance problems. Cargo carriers that hang over the back edge may limit hatchback doors.
What kinds of crossbars are installed on your Toyota? Often, crossbars must be added or replaced to support the weight of luggage.
Do you prefer convenience and want to avoid making alterations to your vehicle? Magnetic ski-racks can be attached and removed quickly without custom installation. The magnets are strong enough to stay put for mountain travel and are easy to store when not in use.
Look for products made from ABS plastic rather than cheaper polyurethane plastic. ABS products can withstand a wider range of cold and hot temperatures without becoming brittle. They also tend not to fade from exposure to sun.
Avoid cargo bags for winter use. They do not contain frames that keep gear in place. Winter rain and snow grime can get underneath the bag and scratch the roof.
Investigate "dual-opening" cargo carriers. These carriers are more convenient for skiers and snowboarders since they open on either side of the vehicle. "Hybrid" types of carriers store not only skis, but boots and poles as well.
Remember rooftop carriers increase the height of your vehicle. Bauer has heard many stories of drivers crashing into garage doors and other confined spaces.

"Choosing the right carrier for your vehicle avoids a lot of issues with safety and convenience," Bauer said. "It also provides a durable solution that provides years of value."

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