[rflagg]

I finally got around to installing my Thule 726 ski rack. It uses the Thule Fat Mouth Clamps. Like most people with this setup, I did not use the spacers. Afterall, the Fat Mouth clamps add the extra height needed.

I was able to put on one pair of skiis, positioned on top of each other, on the rack. (One tip points up, the other points down.) I put the bindings between the two racks. No problems. The bindings don't come near the roof.

The problem, for me at least, is when I went to raise the rear hatch. I grabbed it rear hatch just in time before my rear wind deflector would have collided with my downward facing ski.

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So my suggestion would be to mount your skiis when your hatch is open. That way you won't be surprised!

(I ended up mounting my skis with both tips pointing up. It was either that, or moving them forward and have to force the clamp to close on the raised area between the bindings.)


rflagg

 

[mgmdx]

Put skis with binding facing up, or turn them around, or...

rflagg,

I always place my skis on the rack with bindings facing up, tips toward the back.

If more carrying capacity is needed and carrying skis back-to-back is the only option, there are basically 2 alternatives:

1. Move the skis further forward so that they do not interfere with the wind deflector.

2. Turn the skis around so that the tips are facing forward.

Of course, you can always get new skis . You will probably go down in length by 10 to 15 cm (assuming you are currently skiing on "old-style" straight skis). The new shaped skis require significantly shorter length to be just as stable as old straight skis. They also carve alot better, with less effort required, so you won't be as tired by the end of the day. It is a win-win situation (for you and for your MDX).

Good luck.

 

[superdave]

Put the tips in the back!

Now that ski season is mainly over, just a quick hint (which I'm sure u already know). NEVER put ur skis facing forward (tips towards the front) especially if they are put bottom to bottom. The result of something we call wind causes the skis to bend in a most uncomfortable fashion (think sticking ur hand out the window at an angle and doing the airplane thing!). I know folks who have had ski snappages (is that a word?) while doing highway driving. While u will get some wind flow while they point towards the back, the disruption of wind flow due to the bindings and ski rack minimizes any bend in the skis. Just my 2 cents!