I have a Thule motion XT in the XL size, works amazing on our van, and (maybe cuz I’m 6’2) find it super easy to put on and take off on my own… but could see a smaller statured individual struggling
A cargo box is by far more practical than a rack or trailer hitch. It protects the ski from road salt and dirt. I can take it off and put it on in less than 5 minutes (Thule quick grips). How did you measure the fuel usage? Cargo boxes can be used to carry other gear during other seasons, the other systems can not. All locks can get frozen or become hard to open regardless of system. I learned when I used a ski rack. Just have rubbing alcohol or WD40 prevents the ice build up.
Lmao, they Thule manual actually comes with a lighter. The new boxes are easier to install with the little bird claws, but still difficult for one person.
Interesting point, currently we have a minivan and the skis just go in the back. Was thinking of replacing it with a suv. But this makes me lean towards a awd minivan.
Seeing how grimy the back of my hatchback gets after a brief drive in winter crud, I can't imagine that all over the skis and bindings. Salt and sanded roads here, the sand is so fine it's like salty mud.
My ski tuner yelled 😂 at me for using an open rack on top of my vehicle. I’m in Maine and the salt and grime kills them. He said it ruins bindings. I bought a Thule box after that, lol.
I like the hitch rack option and would love to stop storing skis inside the vehicle. But How does the hitch rack work w SUVs that have a hatchback? Do I have to take it off in order to open/get into the back?
Great Point! I've noticed even on my sedan which is pretty low, pretty minimal dirt, but I could see more concern on the east coast where they use more salt on the roads and concern about your edges rusting. I think a good solution would be to just wipe down your skis before storing them each night (which I need to do in the West anyways), but definitely a good point. Thanks for the insightful comment and thanks for watching!
@@RicketySkiReviews thanks, I live in Utah and am still considering this. Purely because my friends complain about using my Yakima fatcat just about every time and I really want to shut them up!
Oh nice! I'm in a similar climate, and I've had no issue with it, I just take it to a manual car wash at the end of the season and give it the old spray down before putting it in storage.
Not totally sure what this means, but google is making it seem like you think I'm advertising something? I'm not. If you watch the videos you can see I recommend buying used, which makes the manufacturers 0 money. For better or worse I'm super honest and clearly outline both my likes and dislikes. But thank you for watching either way.
I didn't realize ski boxes were twice as expensive as the trailer hitch set up
this video convinced me to go for trailer hitch ski rack. Thank you so much for the great info
Glad I could help!
Thank you for the well rounded review on both of these. This was super helpful in deciding which type to purchase.
Glad it was helpful!
I have a Thule motion XT in the XL size, works amazing on our van, and (maybe cuz I’m 6’2) find it super easy to put on and take off on my own… but could see a smaller statured individual struggling
Great video
Thanks so much for watching!
I have that Thule box with a “Mountains please” sticker on it. 😂
Oh no! haha, well, it's time to laugh, love, and live your best life.
@@RicketySkiReviews hahahaha… it narrowly beat out, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
A cargo box is by far more practical than a rack or trailer hitch. It protects the ski from road salt and dirt. I can take it off and put it on in less than 5 minutes (Thule quick grips). How did you measure the fuel usage? Cargo boxes can be used to carry other gear during other seasons, the other systems can not. All locks can get frozen or become hard to open regardless of system. I learned when I used a ski rack. Just have rubbing alcohol or WD40 prevents the ice build up.
Also, the new boxes are so easy to install. Freezing isn’t an issue, just take a lighter to your key and it slides right in.
Lmao, they Thule manual actually comes with a lighter. The new boxes are easier to install with the little bird claws, but still difficult for one person.
Interesting point, currently we have a minivan and the skis just go in the back. Was thinking of replacing it with a suv. But this makes me lean towards a awd minivan.
That's a tough call! In my experience the type of snow tires you put on can make a big difference as well. Hope this video helped you out
Seeing how grimy the back of my hatchback gets after a brief drive in winter crud, I can't imagine that all over the skis and bindings. Salt and sanded roads here, the sand is so fine it's like salty mud.
My ski tuner yelled 😂 at me for using an open rack on top of my vehicle. I’m in Maine and the salt and grime kills them. He said it ruins bindings. I bought a Thule box after that, lol.
Bindings? That's a new one for me, I grew up in VT and it is pretty bad but typically we would just wipe them down with a wet rag
Sounds like they want you to purchase boxes😂 you could always cover the bindings with some nylon material if that’s the case .🤔
I like the hitch rack option and would love to stop storing skis inside the vehicle. But How does the hitch rack work w SUVs that have a hatchback? Do I have to take it off in order to open/get into the back?
I think it depends on the vehicle, but my ski rack has a tilt option to make room for trunks opening.
People are usually against the hitch racks because they get salty and dirty road grime all over your skiis
Great Point! I've noticed even on my sedan which is pretty low, pretty minimal dirt, but I could see more concern on the east coast where they use more salt on the roads and concern about your edges rusting.
I think a good solution would be to just wipe down your skis before storing them each night (which I need to do in the West anyways), but definitely a good point.
Thanks for the insightful comment and thanks for watching!
@@RicketySkiReviews thanks, I live in Utah and am still considering this. Purely because my friends complain about using my Yakima fatcat just about every time and I really want to shut them up!
Oh nice! I'm in a similar climate, and I've had no issue with it, I just take it to a manual car wash at the end of the season and give it the old spray down before putting it in storage.
Promo_SM
Not totally sure what this means, but google is making it seem like you think I'm advertising something? I'm not. If you watch the videos you can see I recommend buying used, which makes the manufacturers 0 money. For better or worse I'm super honest and clearly outline both my likes and dislikes. But thank you for watching either way.