Scratches will no longer be a problem with this inflatable roof rack. It straps around the roof through the windows making it a universal fit. Each HandiRack twin tube features five metal D-ring tie-down points to secure anything from kayaks to surf boards weighing 180 lbs. and under. Two 10-ft. cam buckle straps help secure your cargo on the HandiRack carrier. The rugged three-ply 420-denier reinforced nylon tube structure takes only seconds to inflate with the included 1,000cc double-action HandiPump. Once deflated, the roof rack can be rolled up, placed inside the travel bag and stored away in the trunk when not in use. Maximum load: 180 lbs. Includes:
I just got back from a trip from Maryland to Florida with my kayak on the rook of a Honda Civic. Handirack worked like a charm all the way up and down the hightway at speeds up to 80 mph. Holds tight. Seems very strong. I think it would be hard to pop or punch a hole in it. I didn't treat it too gently and I never worried about a puncture. I ratcheted that kayak down as hard as I could. It is easy to use and set up by one person. The straps going through the door do cause some extra road noise, but that is to be expected. it wasn't that bad. It also leaked a bit when I tried it once in the rain on an earlier trip, but that likely won't happen to every car. Mine is older. Anyway, I never could have carried my kayak (2 person model, not a small one) that far and fast without Handirack. Worth every penny.
Was easily able to secure two kayaks (one on top of the other) to my Honda Fit. These inflated quickly and I drove on the interstate and side roads up to 70 mph with no problems at all. Used one ratchet tie down around middle of kayaks and to each end regular strap tie downs, and added a few bungies just because I was paranoid. Kids can put it on their cars when they want to take the boats on their own. Can't do that with most roof racks. This is well worth the $!
I used the rack for an entire season on a Ford Fusion. The bladders held air nicely, but the pump left something to be desired. When I tightened the straps to secure the kayak, a big dent would be created on the roof, altough the dent always came out when straps were loosened.
Leaks like a garden hose where the straps attach in the car. Like I said, it was OK. I bought a Yakima Easy Loader for a replacement.
We used the Handi-rack to haul two kayaks from Indiana to the Adirondacks in upstate New York and back. It worked really well - better than we had expected. We had no problems with rain leaking in through the door seal as others have commented about... great product when you're not quite ready to invest $400-500 on a roof rack!