Having skis in the back of your car can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. There is nothing quite like hitting the slopes with your partner, your friends, and your dogs by your sides. However, what is exhilarating may not be safe, especially if you are driving on a winding road or in bad weather conditions. That is why it is usually a good idea to pack your skis before you head out on a trip. This article will show you exactly how to put skis on your Thule Ski-Rack without risking life and limb.
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Check The Car For Tight Spots
The first thing you should do before you begin moving your gear around is to make sure that there aren’t any tight spots inside the car. This is where things can get problematic if you are not careful, so take your time and search for any possible places where you might get stuck. Believe it or not, a lot of people still drive with their skis locked in the trunk, and they usually do this because they have a large family and don’t want anyone to steal their stuff if they get in an accident. This is why it is important to check your car thoroughly before you begin moving it. If you do get stuck somewhere and there is no room to maneuver, you can always leave the vehicle and take the train or bus home again. This way, you won’t have to risk breaking down or having an accident while traveling with your skis.
Lift The Seats And The Car Roof
The next thing you should do before you begin moving your gear around is to lift the seats and the roof of your car. The reason behind this is that a lot of people are not very flexible and have back problems as a result of being in a bad accident years ago. They may also have dogs in the back that can’t stay in the car due to the heat. By raising the roof and the seats, you will give yourself more room to work with and make better progress with less strain on your back. You should do this at least a few hours before you get in the car so that you can get a good workout in before you begin moving around with your skis. This will also prevent any accidents due to tiredness or frustration. If you have a large family or a lot of gear in the back of the car, you should consider getting a cargo van or an SUV to make your trips easier. This will also save you a lot of money in gas fees and parking fees, especially if you are going on a long trip. These vehicles are also more comfortable for long road trips and have more leg room in the back.
Remove The Trunk So It Doesn’t Get In The Way
Once you have removed the trunk from your car and put the seats and the roof down, the next thing you should do is to pack your skis and other ski gear inside the car. To do this, you will need to make several long trips to the storage locker or garage where you keep your car. If you have a large garage, you may even want to build a temporary wall inside it to create more space for your vehicles and gear. Once you have packed everything into the car, you should close up the back end and secure it with tape or other similar materials. This will help prevent any accidents due to the car being jostled around while it is moving. You should then sit in the front seat and engage the transmission in ‘reverse’ to lift the rear end of the car so it is no longer in the way. Once this is done, you can drive to your destination with your skis securely packed inside your car.
Use The Correct Locks
To make sure that your skis are not stolen if your car breaks down and someone decides to steal it, you should use the appropriate locks to secure the trunk of your vehicle. A good idea would be to use a cable lock so that even if someone gets inside your car, they will not be able to open the trunk. This is because the cable lock prevents the trunk from being opened from the outside. If you are planning on using the same lock for other vehicles in your family, you should look for ones with a child safety feature that prevents them from being locked unless the trunk is occupied. If you are worried about an accident or mishap while skiing, having the correct locks can also provide some peace of mind.
Take Your Time
Last but not least, you should take your time and do this as carefully and methodically as possible. It is inevitable that at some point you are going to have to slow down and take a breath, so you should do this now rather than later. Make sure you are completely relaxed and comfortable in your surroundings before you begin moving around with your skis. If you experience any stress or anxiety while moving with your skis, this could result in muscle strain or even injury. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with hopping in your car and driving off to the mountains, there is also no reason to rush this process.
If you follow these simple guidelines, there should be no reason for you to worry about your skis getting in the way of your enjoyment of the sport. Driving with your skis on is a great experience, but it is also important to remember that it is not always safe and should not be done unless you are properly prepared.