Handirack: any good?

[Mike Barnes]

Not very DIY but I bet this group has the answers.

I'm looking for a low-cost way to get four people and their skis to the airport, in a normal hatchback. Looking at roof bars, they're about £90 a pair and they're specific to one model of car so not as much use as they might be.

Then I found the "Handirack"...

which is basically a pair of inflatable pillows that can be strapped onto the roof of any car. Pretty cheap at £49.99 all in.

Has anyone used a Handirack? Does it really work? What are the disadvantages?

[.]

2 scratch lines on your car roof ?

about 4" wide by the looks of things. I'd rather spend the extra and keep a proper Thule rack in the boot. and how did the person in that example get the surf boards to the beach in the first place ?

total gimmick, imo.

YMMWV

[Capitol]

Why not consider a non slip mat on the roof of the car, and hold the ski's down with a couple of webbing straps looped right through the car door frames. Worked for us with a 5' double bed and mattress!! Surprisingly effective, I also use it for the boat on occasions, with a bit more fore and aft restraint. Some considerate driving may be required.

Regards Capitol

[Mary Fisher]

What a good idea! Not just for skis (which wedon't use) - for anything! The frame for the Viking tent comes to mind ...

Thanks,

Mary

[Mike Barnes]

Having given it some more thought I've tried sitting in the car and visualising where the straps would be (either with your suggestion or the Handirack). That more-or-less kills the idea. Yes, it's nice to have a visible reminder in the car that there's something on top of the roof, but a two-inch webbing strap where the driver's eyes should be is going a bit too far.

Never mind. I'm coming to the reluctant conclusion that two cars is the cheapest option.

[Colin Wilson]

Been there, done that... also had a 3 seater sofa on top of a mini once... police car spotted us, shook their head in disbelief, and carried on their way (it was very well secured !)

[Lobster]

Buy a second-hand set on ebay for 40 quid, then afterwards sell them the same way for a similar sum.

David