Best Hitch Ski Rack
Editors Choice
The Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is a snow sport vehicle rack that transforms your select existing Thule hitch type bike carrier, or Thule Spare Me 2 Tire Carrier, into a winter ski and snowboard carrier for your vehicle. The rack provides extreme flexibility of application, in that it can be used with 1-1/4″ and 2″ bike carrier models. Features include: capacity up to six pairs skis or four snowboards, an efficient vertical use of storage space, anti-scratch construction, and included Thule One-Key lock functionality. This is the best hitch ski rack in our opinion.
Make Your Bike Carrier Snow Sport Ready in Minutes
The Thule 9033 Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is a ski and snowboard carrier that is designed to be combined with a wide range of popular rear-mounted Thule bike carriers to provide a fast and efficient hauling solution, without a need to remove your already attached bike carrier.
It can be used with Thule 1-1/4″ and 2″ bicycle hitch carriers, including models 9031, 9030, 9029, 9027, 9026, 9025, 956, or 958. It is also compatible with the Thule Spare Me 2 Spare Tire Bike Carrier. The 9033 Tram Hitch has a variable carrying capacity, depending on the model of bike carrier that it is attached to: six pairs of skis, or four snowboards when used with a 2″ hitch bike carrier; and four pairs of skis or two snowboards when used with a 1-1/4″ carrier. Its over all weight-bearing capacity is 165 lbs.
In all applications, the Thule Tram Hitch Carrier utilizes a simple mounting procedure, consisting of upper and lower aligned attachment points where its frame makes contact with the bike carrier paired with it.
Once assembled, the two upper tubular cross bars of the Tram Hitch are placed in the bike cradles built into the horizontal bike arms of a compatible bike carrier. The Spare Me 2 tire carrier has bike cradles and bike arms, as well, that provide this upper support.
The rubberized straps of the bike carrier are then attached to the bike cradles, ensuring that the crossbars of the carrier do not move.
The lower connection of the Tram Hitch to a bike carrier is provided by a simple to use, yet secure bolt and and knob system.
When used with Thule compatible hitch bike carriers, the Hitch Tram carrier is secured to the central vertical base of that bike carrier with a non-scratch bracket.
When used with the Spare Me 2 Tire Carrier, the Hitch Tram carrier is secured with bolts and knob, once the Spare Me 2’s own connection to the vehicle is changed from a locking knob, to a bolt.
Skis and snowboards are locked securely to the Thule Tram Hitch Carrier with the included Thule One-Key lock cylinders, while the Tram Hitch Carrier can be locked to the bike carrier using that carrier’s included cable lock system along the bike arms. Additional locks can be purchased as necessary.
Specifications
- Load capacity
- 2″ hitch – Six pairs of skis, or four snowboards
- 1-1/4″ hitch – Four pairs of skis or two snowboards
- Weight capacity – 165 lbs.
- Locks snowboards to carrier – Yes
- Locks carrier to bike rack/Thule Spare Tire Carrier – Yes (with cable lock built into rack, or sold separately)
- Applications: Thule hitch bike carrier models 9031, 9030, 9029, 9027, 9026, 9025, 956, or 958; the Thule 963PRO Spare Me 2 Tire Carrier
Easy Installation on Thule Bike Hitch and Spare Me 2 Tire Carriers
- Thule 9033 Tram Hitch Ski Carrier (dissembled)
- All necessary hardware for assembly
- Two Thule One-Key lock cylinders, with two keys
- One Allen wrench
- User’s manual and warranty information
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Thule will warranty all Thule brand car rack systems and its accessories manufactured by Thule during the time that an original retail purchaser owns the product. This warranty terminates if a purchaser transfers the product to any other person. No warranty is given for defects caused by normal wear and tear, cosmetic rust, scratches, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modification of, or any types of repair of a load carrier system other than those authorized by Thule.
Thule 9033 Tram Hitch Ski Carrier with Locks
5 used from $246.71
Amazon.com
- Ultra soft rubber arms hold skis and boards securely without scratching surfaces
- Requires Thule hanging hitch bike rack for use (not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero).Oversized push buttons allow for easy opening and included locks keep your skis safe
- Maximum carrying capacity by transporting skis and boards upright
- Fits most Thule hitch racks including Apex & Vertex as well as the Thule Spare Me
- Ultra soft rubber arms hold skis and boards securely without scratching surfaces
- Requires Thule hanging hitch bike rack for use (not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero).Oversized push buttons allow for easy opening and included locks keep your skis safe
- Maximum carrying capacity by transporting skis and boards upright
- Fits most Thule hitch racks including Apex & Vertex as well as the Thule Spare Me
- Holds up to 6 pair of skis and 4 snowboards
Best Hitch Ski Rack List
Amazon
Thule 9033 Tram Hitch Ski Carrier with Locks
$289.00 in stock
5 used from $246.71
Features
- Ultra soft rubber arms hold skis and boards securely without scratching surfaces
- Requires Thule hanging hitch bike rack for use (not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero).Oversized push buttons allow for easy opening and included locks keep your skis safe
- Maximum carrying capacity by transporting skis and boards upright
- Fits most Thule hitch racks including Apex & Vertex as well as the Thule Spare Me
- Holds up to 6 pair of skis and 4 snowboards
The Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is a snow sport vehicle rack that transforms your select existing Thule hitch type bike carrier, or Thule Spare Me 2 Tire Carrier, into a winter ski and snowboard carrier for your vehicle. The rack provides extreme flexibility of application, in that it can be used with 1-1/4" and 2" bike carrier models. Features include: capacity up to six pairs skis or four snowboards, an efficient vertical use of storage space, anti-scratch construction, and included Thule One-Key lock functionality.
Yakima HitchSki 6-Ski Adapter for Most Yakima Hitch Mount Bike Racks
Features
- Converts your tilt or swing-away hitch rack into a ski carrier
- Features 2-position upper arms and adjustable lower arm to accommodate various skis and boards
- Fits most 4 and 5-bike tilt or swing-away hitch racks and carries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
- SKS locks included to secure skis/boards
- Love it 'Till You Leave It Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Bike in the summer, ski in the winter. HitchSki converts your mast-style hitch rack into a ski and snowboard carrier with ease. Features 2-position upper arms and adjustable lower arms to accommodate various skis and boards. Its soft, flexible rubber padding protects your gear for many winters of use.
Jeep Ski and Snowboard Carrier-Spare Tire Mounted
Features
- THIS RACK REQUIRES SPARE TIRE CARRIER PART NUMBER TSPRO963
- THIS WILL FIT 2001-2017 JEEP WRANGLER & 2002-2007 JEEP LIBERTY
- FITS OTHER MODELS ALSO. PLEASE MESSAGE US YOUR VIN # (VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) SO WE CAN VERIFY FITMENT
A unique Ski Carrier that mounts over the original equipment outside spare tire to carry up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
EAMR-Y02418 * Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Mounted Bike Racks
Features
- HitchSki is a ski and snowboard carrier that clamps onto your Yakima dual-arm, hitch mounted bike rack.
- The carrier holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, features adjustable arms and protects your gear with rubber padding and SKS locks.
- Works with most Yakima dual-arm, mast-style hitch mounted bike carriers (4 bike capacity and greater) Upper rails mount and secure to existing cradles on bike carrier
- Provides storage for skis and snowboards
- Has soft, flexible rubber padding to protect gear
HitchSki is a ski and snowboard carrier that clamps onto your Yakima dual-arm, hitch mounted bike rack. The carrier holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, features adjustable arms and protects your gear with rubber padding and SKS locks. Features: Works with most Yakima dual-arm, mast-style hitch mounted bike carriers (4 bike capacity and greater) Upper rails mount and secure to existing cradles on bike carrier Provides storage for skis and snowboards Includes 2-position upper arms and adjustable lower arm Pivoting upper arms close with locking cam lever Lower arms adjust with wheel Has soft, flexible rubber padding to protect gear Secures gear with the 2 included Same Key System (SKS) locking cores SKS cores can be changed out to be keyed alike with other Yakima locks Lock the HitchSki to the bike rack with a cable lock (sold separately) Yakima DeadLock or LockUp Specs: Application: Yakima hitch mounted, dual arm style carriers: BigHorn (4 bike models only) Double Down (4 and 5 bike models only) FlipSide SwingDaddy Ridgeback (4 bike model only) KingPin (4 and 5 bike models only) Fulltilt Fullswing Capacity: 6 pairs of skis 4 snowboards 3 pairs of skis and 2 snowboards Carrier weight: 29 lbs Dimensions: 24" deep x 22" tall x 31" wide Lifetime warranty
Genuine GM Accessories 19257870 Hitch-Mounted Ski Carrier
Features
- Fits: 2013-2014 GM Silverado
- Hitch-Mounted
- Ski Carrier
- Transport your snowboards or skis
- Engineered for toughness and durability
Transport your snowboards or skis on the back of your vehicle by attaching the Hitch-Mounted Ski Carrier to your existing hitch bike carrier (sold separately).
Best Hitch Rack
If you’re looking for an easier way to carry your skis, hitch racks are another solution. With the rising popularity of SUVs and hybrids, comes the increase in integrated trailer hitches. Stock hitches and aftermarket hitches have created a bigger need for hitch mounted racks.
Since SUV’s and crossovers tend to have more height than the average human, hitch racks are becoming more popular. Some consumers find it much easier to load and unload bicycles on a hitch rack.
One thing we really like about these products is that they avoid damage from debris. Since the equipment is on the back end of the vehicle, the rocks and bugs won’t damage your gear. Another added bonus is aerodynamics. When you have an object attached to the vehicle that creates resistance to the wind, your fuel consumption increases.
This where roof mounts become less attractive and hitch racks become more appealing.
Key Facts
- Skis are loaded at chest height.
- Up to 5 skiscan be hauled
- No worries for height clearance
- Easily avoid road debris damage
- Easily load and unload skis
- Great for families
Things to look for
Capacity
First you want to make sure your vehicle has the ability to attach a hitch rack. Most hitch racks have specification requirements for hitch receivers measured at 1.25″ or 2″. The easiest way to check if your vehicle can attach a hitch is to call the dealer or the manufacturer. You also want to check the weight capacity of your hitch and be sure not to overload it. Most hitch racks have a weight capacity of about 200 pounds.
How many skis are you carrying?
The average ski hitch mount rack will carry from two to five skis. Other options you may find are additional attachments to add to the capacity of skis as needed. You should look at the owners manual or contact the manufacture of the hitch to see how much weight the hitch can support. If you have a Class I or II hitch that came in the 1.25″ receiver size you should especially pay more attention to the weight specs.
Rear Vehicle Access
You may have trouble accessing the trunk of the vehicle due to the trunk rack.
back to menu ↑Hitch Receiver Sizes & Ratings
Most modern trailer hitches are designed with an integrated “receiver”. The receiver is a square opening that allows you to interchange towing accessories to suit your needs. Receiver hitches come in two main forms, a 2 inch opening or a 1.25 inch opening.
In addition to the opening size, hitches are rated for their weight carrying capacity. If you have a 1.25 inch hitch opening, you should check that your hitch rating is at least 2x the weight of your items. Most Class I hitches (200 lb rating). Class II and above can generally carry more weight. If you have any questions, contact us for detailed recommendations.
Many of today’s SUVs and minivans have large rear doors for accessing your cargo. Having a hitch mounted rack can prevent you from opening the door and accessing your gear. If that’s not a big deal to you, a fixed mount rack may be a good choice for you as they generally come at an attractive price. For people wanting cargo access, there are solutions to consider.
For consumers who frequently access the rear hatch, another alternative is the swing-away rack option. These racks feature the ability to swing the rack out of the path of the rear hatch while the carriers are mounted to the rack. As you’re not raising or lowering the rack, minimal strength is required. Because the rack swings the carrier completely swings away from the rear of the vehicle. This style of rack also provides for the best cargo access. The downside is that the swing away racks are usually heavier and more awkward to install into your hitch.
back to menu ↑Hitch rack installation
Installing the best hitch ski rack to your car or truck is a fairly simple process. Since most vehicles come equipped with a hitch receiver you can easily add a hitch mount. If your vehicle does not have a receiver you should be able to easily install one.
If you’re not familiar with hitch racks, they are divided into classes based on towing capacity.
- Class I hitches will fit mostly any vehicle and could tow up to 2,000 lbs.
- Class V hitches are made for heavy-duty trucks and vans and can tow up to 18,000 lbs.
Most hitch racks can be used only with Class II – Class IV hitches. The reason Class I hitches usually don’t work with hitch racks is because the tongues of the hitch cannot support heavy loads.
The tongue of the hitch is the part that extends away from the vehicle. Hitch tongues are specified to a max tongue weight, which is 10% of its towing capacity. Even though the Class I hitch can “tow” up to 2,000 lbs., the max tongue weight is 200 lbs. What that means is if the rack and the equipment is over 200 pounds the hitch will break.
You can find the classification of the hitch in the owner’s manual or reading the features before purchase. Some hitches will have the classification on the hitch. It will either be notated or have a stamp or sticker notifying you of the classification. Worst case scenario you can call the manufacturer for clarification.
If you see a “stop” in any hitch what it does is stop the full insertion of recreational rack. These “stops” are designed to prevent the item you’re towing from crashing into the vehicle in case of an accident.
If you have any problems when your inserting a hitch rack, look at the the hitch’s interior to see if a stop is the problem. Usually you need about 2.5″ between the bolt hole and the hitch opening for the rack to fit properly.
back to menu ↑Hitch Security
Depending on the design and model you choose you will have different security options available to you. The most popular hitch racks are designed with locking mechanisms to help secure the carriers to the hitch rack. Depending on hitch rack you choose the locks will be different.
Different Locks
- locks that disable the ability to unclamp the units from the rack
- Integrated cable locks
Can’t someone just take off the entire rack and take it?
No need to worry the manufacturers already thought of this and usually include hitch locks with their racks. The locking hitch pins were created for this reason. The locking hitch pins are designed to secure the rack to the receiver. The locking hitch pins commonly come in two main forms.
- Standard hitch – Easily locks the hitch rack into the receiver.
- No wobble hitch – Easily tightens the hitch rack to the receiver minimizing vibrations and play.
Ski Rack Transports, Pros and Cons
Transports:
- 2-6 Skis & Snowboards
Standard Hitch Racks
Pros:
- Budget friendly pricing
- Very easy installation
- Mount skisat chest height
- Skisare further from vehicles
- Vehicle exterior less vulnerable to contact with skis.
- Not permanently attached to the vehicle.
- Easy clearance for parking
- Locks are available for all hitch racks.
Cons:
- Trunk access may be blocked.
- The more capacity the heavier the rack
- Skis may move or damage because of bumps
- Skis may partially obstruct taillights, rear license plate or driver’s view out of rear window
- Extends length of vehicle
- Spare tires can be an issue if the hitch does not clear it
Product Quick List
Yakima HitchSki 6-Ski Adapter for Most Yakima Hitch Mount Bike Racks
Bike in the summer, ski in the winter. HitchSki converts your mast-style hitch rack into a ski and snowboard carrier with ease. Features 2-position upper arms and adjustable lower ...
& Free shippingJeep Ski and Snowboard Carrier-Spare Tire Mounted
A unique Ski Carrier that mounts over the original equipment outside spare tire to carry up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
Thule 9033 Tram Hitch Ski Carrier with Locks
The Thule Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is a snow sport vehicle rack that transforms your select existing Thule hitch type bike carrier, or Thule Spare Me 2 Tire Carrier, into a winter ...
EAMR-Y02418 * Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Mounted Bike Racks
HitchSki is a ski and snowboard carrier that clamps onto your Yakima dual-arm, hitch mounted bike rack. The carrier holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, features ...
Genuine GM Accessories 19257870 Hitch-Mounted Ski Carrier
Transport your snowboards or skis on the back of your vehicle by attaching the Hitch-Mounted Ski Carrier to your existing hitch bike carrier (sold separately).
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