Snowboarding is an incredibly fun and exciting winter sport. Whether you are a seasoned snowboarder or a beginner, you need to transport your snowboard to the mountain for an enjoyable ride. While you can fit your snowboard inside your vehicle, it takes up a lot of space and can be quite inconvenient. This is where a hitch snowboard rack comes in handy. With a hitch snowboard rack, you can easily transport your snowboard to your preferred mountain location.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about hitch snowboard racks. From choosing the right rack to mounting it, we have got you covered.
Choosing the Right Hitch Snowboard Rack
When choosing to buy a hitch snowboard rack, it is essential to consider several factors. These factors include the number of snowboards you want to carry, the type of vehicle you own, the type of hitch receiver you have, and your budget.
Number of Snowboards
The first thing you need to consider is how many snowboards you want to carry. You can choose a rack that can carry one, two, three, or four snowboards. If you are planning to ride with friends or family, a rack that can carry multiple snowboards would be the best choice.
Vehicle Type
The second factor to consider is the type of vehicle you own. Some hitch snowboard racks are designed to fit specific types of vehicles. Ensure that the rack you choose is compatible with your car, truck, or SUV. Also, check the weight capacity of your vehicle’s hitch receiver before purchasing a hitch snowboard rack.
Hitch Receiver Type
The type of hitch receiver you have is another factor to consider when choosing a hitch snowboard rack. There are three types of hitch receivers – Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each receiver class has a specific weight capacity, so you need to ensure that the hitch snowboard rack you choose is compatible with your hitch receiver.
Budget
The last factor to consider is your budget. Hitch snowboard racks come in different price ranges, and you need to choose a rack that fits your budget. While cheaper hitch snowboard racks may seem like a good deal, they may not be as durable or reliable as more expensive racks.
Types of Hitch Snowboard Racks
There are two types of hitch snowboard racks – platform racks and hanging racks.
Platform Racks
Platform racks are the most popular type of hitch snowboard rack. They are designed to hold the snowboards in a horizontal position, making them easier to load and unload. The snowboards are placed on the rack’s platform, and a clamping system secures them in place. Platform racks are available in different sizes, and you can choose one that can carry one, two, three, or four snowboards.
Hanging Racks
Hanging racks are less common than platform racks. They are designed to hold the snowboards in a vertical position. The snowboards are hung by their bindings, and the rack’s arm holds them in place. Hanging racks are usually less expensive than platform racks, but they are not as secure.
Mounting the Hitch Snowboard Rack
Mounting a hitch snowboard rack is a straightforward process that you can easily do yourself. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the rack is properly mounted and secure.
Step 1: Install the Hitch Receiver
The first step in mounting a hitch snowboard rack is to install the hitch receiver on your vehicle. If your vehicle already has a hitch receiver, skip to step 2. If not, you will need to purchase and install a hitch receiver. Hitch receivers are available in different classes, and you need to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle’s weight capacity.
Step 2: Attach the Rack to the Hitch Receiver
Once you have installed the hitch receiver, the next step is to attach the rack to the receiver. Most hitch snowboard racks come with a locking pin that secures the rack to the receiver. Insert the locking pin into the receiver and tighten it to secure the rack in place.
Step 3: Adjust the Rack
Before loading your snowboard onto the rack, you need to adjust the rack to the correct height. Most hitch snowboard racks have an adjustable height feature, which allows you to set the rack at the right height for your vehicle. Adjust the rack to the correct height, and ensure that it is level.
Step 4: Load Your Snowboard
With the rack properly mounted and adjusted, you can now load your snowboard onto the rack. For platform racks, place the snowboard on the rack’s platform, and use the clamping system to secure it in place. For hanging racks, attach the snowboard to the rack’s arm by its bindings.
Step 5: Secure Your Snowboard
Once you have loaded your snowboard onto the rack, you need to secure it in place. Most hitch snowboard racks come with a locking mechanism that secures your snowboard to the rack. Ensure that your snowboard is properly secured before driving.
