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Rhino Single Roof Rack
[DFR:Embedded Com Set?p=3193502088294037]
Rhino Double Roof Rack
[DFR:Embedded Com Set?p=177200196413179]
You can find all our surfboard roof racks here
Surfboard soft racks are a cost effective way to transport your surfboards if you don’t have an expensive car rack, or a van to throw your boards in. These handy little devices are easy to fit, can hold up to ten surfboards securely and the rack fits in a storage bag when not in use. There are many different types of soft racks available, most of them come out of the same factory in China, but just have different branding. I have tried a lot of soft racks and I’m going to share with you the racks I feel are the best value for money and do the job well.
How does a Surfboard Soft Rack work?
Basically a soft rack works by fixing to the car and securing the surfboards to the vehicles roof while in transportation. This is done by the use of ratchet straps which are attached to the pads of the soft rack. The first set of ratchet straps fit through the doors of the vehicle and then tightened up to secure the pads to the roof of the vehicle. The pads are designed to provide a cushion for your surfboards on top of the roof and provide a platform where the surfboards are positioned. The pads also have their own ratchet straps which secure the surfboards to the pads on top of the roof when tightened. All the good soft racks come with neoprene protective covers for the buckles so they don’t scratch your car.
Single or Double Surfboard Roof Rack?
There are two types of soft rack on the market, these are singles or doubles. Depending on how many surfboards you want to transport will depend if you want to buy a single roof rack or a double. A single will typically hold up to five shortboards, three minimals, or three longboards. If you have lots of friends who catch a ride to the beach with you, or you have a large surfing family you may want to go for a double. The double holds twice as many surfboards as the single; I guess that’s why it’s called a double!
If you compare prices from a single to a double rack there really isn’t that much price difference. I would recommend just going for the double if you have more than one surfboard, because the double does give you more flexibility if you ever need to transport more surfboards. However, if you just have one surfboard, I would suggest just buying the single.
Safety?
Driving at a reasonable speed with the soft rack attached is a good idea. I would recommend that you drive no faster than 70mph with the surfboards on the roof of your vehicle. Always have the noses of the boards facing down because this makes transportation a lot more aerodynamic and puts less stress on the rack. If used correctly these roof rack won’t cause you any issues whatsoever. I have used mine now for over 6 years and they are still as good as new. Also remember to follow the brands fitting instructions!
Cons?
The only problems I have encountered over the years whilst using these soft racks was the straps vibrated when going down the motorway. It wasn’t until I was using them in Portugal I was given a solution to the problem. I was speaking to a guy about the vibrating problem and he told me that I should twist the straps on the outside of the car to stop the irritating vibrating noise. I was surprised because this simple solution worked!
When it rained heavily the straps got soaked and let in water which ran across the strap and dripped in the car. However, I used a towel around the straps to soak up the dripping water; not ideal but it worked. Also don’t forget to loosen the straps inside the vehicle if you are parked, because if it rains water will get in because the seals to the doors are compressed when the straps are tightened. Loosening the straps relieves the pressure on the seals and provides a water tight seal again.
Unfortunately these soft racks are designed for 5 door cars only. However, i have used them with a 3 door car before and have fed the back soft rack through the boot. The only downside to this is if you have a really shortboard you can’t do this; it has to be a minimal, or longboard.
Which Brand?
I have used a few brands of soft rack ranging from Creatures of Leisure, FCS, Northcore and Rhino. All of these brands worked just as well as each other and price differ that much from one brand to another. I would buy any of these brands for sure and would highly recommend them.
Rhino Single Roof Rack
[DFR:Embedded Com Set?p=3193502088294037]
Rhino Double Roof Rack
[DFR:Embedded Com Set?p=177200196413179]
You can find all our surfboard roof rack here
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