FAQs

  • Roof Rack Systems
  • Hitch, Spare Tire, Trunk and Truck Bed Racks

    • You know what carries gear better than the inside of your car? A Yakima Roof Rack System. Its not only provides the most options and capacity for carrying the widest range of gear, it frees up room so you can carry more friends, too. Plus, over 35 years in biz, Yakima put the time and resources into creating systems that are custom-designed for each roof.

      What tower Do I have?
      BaseLine Tower

      BaseLine Tower 2016 - Present: For naked roof fits, uses BaseClips. Not compatible with Q, Y, or RidgeClips

      Q-Tower

      Q-Tower 1994 - Present: For Naked roof fits. Q-Towers use Q-Clips, not compatible with BaseClips or Y-Clips. Q-Towers are being phased out and will be replaced by the BaseLine in 2018

      TimberLine Tower

      TimberLine Tower 2016 - Present: Fits Raised factory rails, replaced RailGrab towers in 2016.

      RidgeLine Tower

      RidgeLine Tower 2016-Present: Mounts to factory flush mount and some SideRails using RidgeClips.

      SkyLine Tower

      SkyLine Tower 2016 - Present: Mounts to factory tracks and some RaisedRails with the use of Landing Pads.

      1A HighRise Tower

      1A HighRise Tower 1979 - Present: Used on cars with external rain gutters or with TopLoader, SideLoader or Widebody Brackets. For more information on the brackets click here. Not compatible with tracks, naked roofs, or any type or clips, Q, Y, or BaseClip.

      Can I go through the car wash with my rack on? And how should I care for it?

      Do not take your rack through an automatic car wash, even touch less ones. Parts of the car wash can snag on your rack causing damage to your rack, vehicle and the car wash. Also some the soaps and waxes used can cause damage to the rack materials.


      To clean your rack Yakima recommend hand washing it with a mild dish detergent. After washing take a moment to do the following:


      • Inspect the rack for damage and wear, replace worn or damaged parts
      • Check that all fasteners are tight
      • Re-lube threaded parts with either white lithium grease, or a water proof grease. For parts that pivot using a non-petroleum based oil such as Tri-Flow will help keep things moving freely
      How do I know what type of roof I have?

      There are 7 basic roof types:

      • Naked
      • Fixed Points
      • Flush SideRail
      • Raised SideRail
      • Gutters
      • Factory Tracks
      • Factory / Optional Crossbars

      To determine what type your roof is, check out the images below.

      Find Your Roof Type
      Do you make spacers to raise the height of a tower?

      The 1A Raingutter Tower is the only tower Yakima offer a "spacer, or riser" kit for. All other tower the height is dependent on the surface being mounted to and cannot be adjusted.


      Slight height differences, between caps and cabs of trucks is normal and typically should not pose an issue.

    • How much weight can the LongArm support?

      The LongArm can support up to 300 lbs without the extension and up to 165 lbs when the extension is used.

      What are the dimensions for the LongArm?

      Measurements are taken from the top of the tongue to the top of the cross bar. (vertical orientation)

      Measurements

      LongArm has 3 height settings:

      • Low - 40”
      • Mid - 41-3/8”
      • High - 42-3/4”
      LongArm Height

      LongArm Height Extension The extension adds 7.5-21.5" with incremental heights approx 1-5/8" apart


      LongArm Tilt: The LongArm can also be tilted to four different angles, the distance is measured from the top of the tongue to the top of the crossbar at each of the adjustable heights (see first image), the measurements are:

      1. Low - 40", Mid - 41-3/8", High - 42-3/4"
      2. Low - 37", Mid - 38-1/4", High - 39-1/2"
      3. Low - 27-1/2", Mid - 28", High - 29"
      4. Low - 14-1/4", Mid - 15-1/4", High - 15-3/4"

      Here are the four angles:

      LongArm Angles
      How can I tell if my Speedknob is locked or unlocked?

      Why does my knob spin when I try to remove it from my vehicle? Is it stripped?


      The Speed Knob assembly is in the lock position when it spins freely. Using the key turn the lock counterclockwise will allow the knob to engage with the rod. This action will then allow you to loosen the rack and remove from your hitch.


      The diagram below illustrates the position of the lock when it is in the locked and unlocked.

      Speed Knob Diagram