Secured for take-off

Before you take off on your next adventure, make sure your gear is securely and safely tied down on top of your vehicle. Accidents, injury and damage can result from equipment that’s not securely or properly tied onto your roof racks.

We’ve put together this useful list of tie-down tips to help you travel safely with a load on top of your car.

1. Check that your roof racks are correctly and securely fitted to your vehicle.
2. Make sure that you’re not overloaded. Both your car and your roof racks will have load bearing limit specifications. Be sure to adhere to the load limits.
3. Check that whatever you’re carrying on top doesn’t protrude beyond the legislated distance from your vehicle. Use red flags or triangles where legally required.
4. Choose the right tie-down for the job. There’s a range of tie-downs available for different applications. Rope with sufficient strength can be used if you’re confident in your knot tying abilities, but for more regular use, you’ll find that web straps with a buckle are easier and quicker.
5. You may need to look at some cushioning for items such as surfboards or kayaks to prevent scratching. Roof rack pads also provide some traction so that items don’t shift around.
6. Once you’ve tied on the load, give the items a good push and pull to see that they are secured and not shifting. You don’t want to over tighten your straps and place unnecessary stress and pressure on the items you’re transporting.
7. Wrap your tie-downs so that you don’t have flapping ends while you travel. A tie down beating against the roof of your car in the wind can make an annoying and distracting noise, and even scratch your car.
8. At regular intervals along your journey, check that your loaded items are still safely secured.

Pop in to one of our Rack n Road stores with any of your tie-down or loading queries. Find our three store locations in Johannesburg and Pretoria here! 

The only time a person should put all their eggs in one basket is when it is a Thule basket.

That’s because Thule products – whether box, basket, rack or any of a multitude of sports utility solutions – are designed so that travellers can take their life and lifestyle wherever they go. In safety and in style.

As well as open baskets like the Canyon and Trail, Thule has no less than 27 fully-enclosed roof boxes; designed with all vehicle types, family sizes, and budgets in mind. Shown here on top of a freshly-minted Volvo V90 Cross Country is the Thule Motion XT, a popular choice and which in XXL configuration boasts a gargantuan 610 litre capacity.

The award-winning (Italian motoring magazine, Automobilismo, chose it as the winner in a seven-way box shootout last year) Thule Motion XT can be opened from either side, mounts so as not to impinge on an opened tailgate and is styled to fit seamlessly with modern car designs. It is sitting atop a pair of satin-black Thule Evo cross bars, the latest and most aerodynamically-efficient set of racks in the stable.

Ensuring it’s a Swedes-only party is a Thule ProRide bike carrier, in satin black too. Thule’s single most popular roof-mounted cycling accessory was first launched in 2010 and has evolved along with the requirements of cyclists worldwide. For example, the mechanism which clamps to the down tube is now better equipped to hold fatter, carbon fibre frames while the padded buckles which secure the wheel to the carrier’s main rail are angled to spread the pressure and increase stability.

Irrespective of a traveller’s needs, there’s a Thule product to ensure the journey is a carefree one, while adding pleasure at the destination by allowing the continuation of lifestyle pursuits at a home away from home.

The products shown here, and many more, are available from Rack n Road Thule Partner Stores.

Watt ever you ride, Watt ever you drive, Thule is there enabling you to bring your life…

Electrically-powered cars are no longer a left-field novelty and improving battery technology and expanding power infrastructure is reducing the bane of the e-car driver’s life: Charging Anxiety.

A similar revolution is taking place in the bicycle market, and e-bikes are getting lighter, faster and boasting better range than ever before. An e-bike is not only a commuting option though – it is a great choice if you’re touring or on vacation and need something you can use when the camper is parked up or you want a quiet, low-impact way of getting around. The view and pace from the saddle of a bicycle is also ideal when it comes to sightseeing and with an e-bike you don’t need legs like Mark Cavendish to survive a day on the cranks.

Thule’s broad product range can accommodate all riders; whether a serious athlete, weekend warrior or pure recreational rider. This includes those who are eyeing an e-bike: the Thule EasyFold XT and Thule VeloSpace XT towbar-mount ranges are designed with electrically-assisted bicycles in mind. The two-bike versions of both can carry a total load of 60 kilograms, so that’s a pair of 30-kilo bikes and because few e-bikes weigh more than 25 kg, there’s plenty in reserve.

Extra-long, extra-wide wheel trays are further clues to their heavy-duty ability, as are adjustable pump buckles with long wheel straps – which makes even the fattest, widest wheels easy to secure. Then there’s the convenience of tilting the entire rack for easy access to the boot or hatch, and the security of being able to lock the bikes to the bike rack and also lock the bike rack to the towbar.

Says Richard Downey, head of Thule importer and distributor, SA Sport & Cargo: “Thule has a solution to transport just about anything you may want to attach to the outside of a vehicle or put inside a vehicle.

“We’re expecting the local e-bike market to grow steadily as consumers look for more efficient ways to commute or be able to sight-see and get around in an environmentally-friendly way while on holiday. There is also a huge growth in sales of e-bikes for mountain bikers who wish to enjoy mountain biking without doing all the hard training. We have products in store right now to meet that need.”

Check out the EasyFold XT and Thule VeloSpace XT towbar-mount ranges 

Owners of the Suzuki Jimny will be pleased to know that there is a range of Thule products to expand its luggage capacity.

The Jimny has captured the imagination of adventurers. Its combination of real off-road capability (a low-range transfer case, ladder frame chassis and live rear axle are three key features that separate it from soft-roaders) attractive pricing, and visual appeal have got prospective owners queuing.

Jimny owners however might find its limited luggage volume a challenge, but fortunately, there aren’t many luggage-related questions that Thule can’t answer. In the case of the Jimny there are various roof rack solutions. The tried and tested Thule square bar is an appropriate choice considering the retro-styling of the little Suzuki. With these tough cross bars in place, the sky is the limit for those who want to – as per Thule’s pay-off line – bring their life.

The Canyon roof basket is the rugged option, and the hard-wearing Thule Chasm bags are perfectly at home out in the open. Alternatively, an enclosed, lockable luggage box can be used, bringing with it security, refinement and aerodynamic benefits. The all-new Thule Force XT roofbox in medium size for example, combines a 400-litre luggage volume and a 75-kilogram load capacity. It opens from either side for ease of use.

Get the right gear for your next adventure – speak to one of our Thule product specialists. In-store fitment or mobile fitment at no extra charge (within 50km of any one of our Rack n Road Thule Fitment Stores).

2018-09-06
Officially unveiled at Automechanika, the Thule Vector and Thule Force XT cargo boxes set new standards in design and versatility, while roof rack product lines Thule Evo and Thule Edge offer unparalleled levels of safety, convenience and ease of use.

Thule cargo boxes – the complete range
With the widest assortment on the market, Thule makes it easy to find the right roof box. Following on from the successful launch of the Thule Motion XT, the Thule Force XT and Thule Vector now completes the full range of cargo boxes.
The Thule Force XT, a versatile and robust roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use that is capable of carrying loads of all shapes and sizes. The premium Thule Vector is a cargo box like no other, pairing performance styling, smart functionality and safety features.

Perfect fusion of form and function
Thule is the global market leader with an unrivalled tradition of design engineering, rigourous testing and the highest safety standards that has led to many premium features, unique for Thule roof boxes, such as the PowerClick mounting system, the SlideLock system, and synchronized lid lifters. With an indepth knowledge of the car industry and the latest trends Thule remains a step ahead of the competition and desgning and developing roof boxes for any type of car make or model.

Next generation roof racks – simplifying your life
With a long heritage of industry-leading roof racks stretching back to the 1960s, Thule is a global leader in roof racks and is at the forefront of engineering and design, offering more vehicle fits than any other competitors. At Automechanika, Thule introduces a new generation of roof racks systems with two product lines: Thule Edge and Thule Evo, which offer new unparalleled levels of convenience, safety and load capacity.

Two product lines
The low-profile Thule Edge system offers a sleek integrated design, while Thule Evo system maximizes the loading area and comes in a variety of load bar options. Both systems are based on the different needs of the end consumer, and both product lines Thule Evo and Thule Edge offer an optimized load capacity of 75kg, rigourous safety standards and new levels of convenience and ease of use.

Thule is proud to announce that Thule ProRide 598 has been awarded with the Red Dot Design Award. The Product Design competition has existed since 1954 and its award, the Red Dot, is an internationally recognized quality seal.

 
41 experts from all over the globe – the largest Red Dot jury in the history of the competition – came together in the Ruhr region at the end of February to select the best design innovations of the year 2016. The independent panel of design experts assessed the submitted products by taking certain criteria into account such as functionality, degree of innovation, formal quality and ecological compatibility. The internationally organized competition “Red Dot Award: Product Design” appraises the best products of the year. Manufacturers and designers from all over the world submit originals of their latest products in the hope of being awarded the sought-after distinction “Red Dot”.

Thule ProRide 598

The introduction of the Thule ProRide 598 in 2015 meant that the world’s most popular bike carrier got even better. The Thule ProRide is renowned as the quickest, most convenient upright bike carrier for most types of bikes up to 20kg. With its combination of convenience, stability and smart design, the Thule ProRide 598 takes the iconic bike carrier to the next level with enhanced features and an updated design. From the convenient mounting of the carrier – on either side of the car roof – to the automatic positioning when the bike is loaded, the Thule ProRide 598 is easy-to-use and extremely reliable. The torque limiter dial also ensures that the bike is secured correctly by controlling the force that goes into the bike frame.

The smart design has frame-friendly, soft claw pads that adapt to the bike frame and spread the pressure – minimising the risk of frame damage and incorrect mounting. The claw’s extended lower jaw clasps the frame, preventing the bike from falling during mounting, as well as ensuring that the bike is transported securely.

Thule is proud to announce that Thule Glide has been awarded with the Red Dot Design Award. The Product Design competition has existed since 1954 and its award, the Red Dot, is an internationally recognized quality seal 41 experts from all over the globe – the largest Red Dot jury in the history of the competition – came together in the Ruhr region at the end of February to select the best design innovations of the year 2016. The independent panel of design experts assessed the submitted products by taking certain criteria into account such as functionality, degree of innovation, formal quality and ecological compatibility. The internationally organized competition “Red Dot Award: Product Design” appraises the best products of the year. Manufacturers and designers from all over the world submit originals of their latest products in the hope of being awarded the sought-after distinction “Red Dot”. Thule Glide A high performance sports stroller in a lightweight, aerodynamic design, the Thule Glide is designed with both parents and children in mind as part of Thule’s Active with Kids series. Parents can make the most of their run or stroll on any terrain with the Thule Glide’s smart, stable and stylish design. The fixed front wheel provides increased stability and rolling-resistance, an extended multi-position and ergonomic handlebar gives a superior kick stride for the runner and a hand-activated brake increases control on steep terrain. Children can enjoy a comfortable and safe journey with a padded seated that can be adjusted to an almost horizontal sleeping position for napping. Rear suspension has also been added for a smooth and cosy ride. The Thule Glide can be used for babies between 0-6 months as a stroller and is recommended for running or walking on rougher terrain when the child is older and weighs less than 34kg. When not in use, the Thule Glide can be folded using one hand for easy and compact storing and transporting.

The world’s most popular bike carrier just got even better! With its combination of convenience, stability, and smart design, it’s no wonder Thule ProRide has become the number one choice for bike riders across the globe. The new Thule ProRide 598 takes this iconic bike carrier to the next level with enhanced features and an updated design.

Ease of use is at the forefront of this improved design. The tool-free interface switches the carrier from one side of your car to the other allowing the bikes to be easily mounted on either side of the car roof. Whilst the uniquely designed frame holder and wheel tray automatically ensures correct positioning allowing for a quick, effortless loading. Better still the Thule ProRide 598 is suitable for almost any bike up to 20 kg, including fatbikes with the use of a simple accessory. This bike carrier offers a fast effortless way to transport your bike, so you can get to where you need to be to enjoy the ride!

Loading and securing is effortless because Thule ProRide 598 offers immediate stability when you place your bike onto the carrier. The brand new torque limiter dial also ensures that the bike is secured correctly by controlling the force that goes into the bike frame. Frame-friendly, soft claw pads adapt to the bike frame and spread the pressure, minimising the risk of frame damage and incorrect mounting. The claw’s extended lower jaw clasps the frame, preventing the bike from falling during mounting as well as adding security during transport. The secure locking system, locking the bikes to the carrier and the carrier to the vehicle means you can rest assured your bikes are protected whilst stationary as well as in motion.

There’s nothing that compares to the sensation of wide open spaces, where there aren’t any boundaries, and where you can see distant horizons.

It is with this in mind that Thule, a world leader in specialised on-car storage solutions, has introduced the Thule Canyon roof basket, providing ‘open-ended’ storage space and allowing gear to be easily accessible. With its robust, tubular steel design, it is ideal for hauling gear of all shapes and sizes.

Its wedge-shaped, low-profile design combines efficiency and function, with tapered side walls making it easier to load and unload while a steeply raked wind fairing is included to help the air flow effortlessly over the cargo. The Canyon is designed to work with Thule’s proprietary rack systems and also most manufacturer factory systems, and can be securely fastened to the vehicle’s roof at all four corners, with a single key.

A range of accessories, including a 500mm extender, allows the Thule Canyon to be tailored to individual needs.

Also joining the basket line-up soon is the Trail, which is as sleek and elegant as the Canyon is rugged and workmanlike. Designed with urban SUVs and soft-roaders in mind, the Trail boasts a mix of aluminium and contrasting, high-density plastic, and it’ll look perfectly at home on the most sophisticated of lifestyle vehicles.

Space and functionality are what the Trail offers, and as well as easy accessibility to bulky gear, it can also be used to mount any of Thule’s additional transport carriers. This is thanks to the integrated ‘T-tracks’ (slotted mounting rails which accept a bolt with a T-shaped head and give Thule bars exceptional versatility), which makes fitment of other sports utility solutions – such a bike or kayak carrier – possible. The Trail comes in two sizes, both of which will be available from June.

Created and distributed by Roadworx Communications on behalf of Thule Cargo and Sport.