Do the ski racks need protection from the elements? Our 4Runner is not kept in a garage... Do we need to purchase a cover for when it is not in use?
2054034
No, mine is outdoors as well. I take it off when season is over though. Gives car better gas mileage off. Ski racks are meant for inclement weather.
59047
It's lightweight so I would anchor it and put a coat of rustoleum paint or something to weather proof it a bit more. Keep mine in the garage so weather isn't an issue. Going on 4 yrs of use and it's in the same shape as the day I set it up.
2079394
The closing mechanism is sort of spring loaded but there is no clasp per se. As a result, I'd be afraid that a big bump in the road could cause it to bounce open so I've never not locked the rack either with or without skis. After three long seasons with a lot of salt and grime the locks still work like new so it's not been a problem or inconvenience to use them every time.
506331
Yes. I kept it outside without a cover for the first week and without any rain (just morning dew) it started to rust. If you purchase it, I would buy a cover.
1954059
I used protective spray on mine before I took it outside and it's been outdoors all winter. I didn't cover it or anything and still looks great!!
1889294
i bought a cheap cover at wal mart to protect it. I put it in the garage. i had thought about leaving it outside but was just a little leary.
2142303
I hung mine out in the open weather with no cover. Has worked well and been thru many rain and wind storms.
2128611
The only issue I've had is rain rusting the hardware. Best to put it under a cover of some sort.
438380
The cover is for use during the winter months to protect the pads and springs from inclement weather. I live on Long Island, and the climate here is harsh during those months. If we were to use the trampoline during that time, we would have to remove the cover.
1570517
I have had mine for one year now. I brought it under the eaves for the winter and it was fine. I think too many years in the snow (especially like we had in the north east this year) would do a number, so I would have at least put a cover over it. Note that stink bugs can get in it easily so if you bring it inside you will have to clean it out.
1255545
The ski racks? These roof racks are nice. Fit well. I think you are talking about the ski racks on the roof racks. Not included.
1960926
The top comes down over the sides, but can easily be blown upwards, and it is vented underneath, so if it rains and blows at the same time (which it often does), this would not protect the top from getting wet. If you need to keep the top dry this would probably not be the cover for you. Besides, as I mentioned in an earlier comment, our entire cover ripped to shreds in a matter of weeks, leaving the entire trailer exposed.
1966960
Although our kayak rack is in the garage and rests on boards due to dirt floor, I would agree with Scott and LC. Their precautions make sense. It may be possible for the top kayak to become dislodged if it gets blown about by extra strong winds.
1697041
I don't use it in a bike rack. It does wrap around the front and rear tires. I think it might be difficult to put the cover on the front tire and roll into the rack. Or if you are referring to a vehicle mounted rack... I doubt it would stand up to much of a wind. I simply put the cover on a lift it into the corner of the patio. It looks very nice and tidy.
1148186
Mine is outside all weather in Pennsylvania all year. I don't store my bike because I don't stop riding it when it gets cold. The water resistance lasts about a year. After that it's a dust cover. For the price you can afford to buy a new one each year.
507596
My Father leaves it on year round as he stores his snowblower in a corner of his garage. I think you could take it off and on relatively easily as the whole thing is held on by only a few bolts. I think it would be a little bulky to store that way though as I don't believe it would fold up.
500951
The paint on the rack comes off with use. I would imagine that even with moderate use it comes off fairly quick. With that being said, your protection against the elements goes away and it will be subject to rust. I would not recommend leaving it outdoors. Hope that helps.