HandiRack FAQ’s
The HandiRack is the ultimate in convenience roof racks. It’s a multi purpose load carrying system that in just 5 minutes transforms the load capacity of your car – perfect for holidays, transporting leisure equipment or trips to IKEA.
The one size fits most 2, 3, 4 & 5-door cars – unlike metal roof bars which are normally specific to the make and model of car.
The HandiRack is totally portable, very easy to store and so is always there when you need it most.
Benefits of a HandiRack
The HandiRack is manufactured from extremely tough materials and complies with the international standard for roof racks ISO / PAS 11154. The convenience of the HandiRack is that not only is it light and durable, but when deflated it’s also compact enough to store in the boot of your car so it is always there to hand.
On its own the HandiRack offers you the quick and simple means to transport anything from a surfboard or kayak to a piece of flat-pack furniture. But when combined with one of HandiWorld’s amazingly spacious HandiHoldalls, it will give you up to 175, 330 or 400 litres of additional storage space in which to transport all of your holiday paraphernalia.
The HandiRack can carry loads of up to 80kg (subject to individual vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) and is suitable for most cars.
The HandiRack fits most cars.
Whether you own a compact smart FourTwo or a large SUV, the great news is that there is a very strong chance that the HandiRack will fit your car.
Unlike metal roof bars, the HandiRack is not specific to the make and model of car and so it’s suitable for hundreds of different variants. The HandiRack’s universal size fits most 2, 3, 4 and 5-door cars, estates, coupes and 4x4s and can be used on cars with glass panoramic roofs or sunroofs. The only vehicles we don’t recommend using the HandiRack on are soft-top convertibles (hard tops are ok) and some cars fitted with factory mounted roof rails.
We’re here to help and so if you would like to be sure that the HandiRack is compatible with your car, please click here to send us an email with details of the year, make and model of your car. We will reply to you with an answer straight away.
Please note that we haven’t listed every car that the HandiRack fits – just the more popular models in both Europe and the USA.
Please click on each flag to view the list.
The video above demonstrates how the HandiRack works and how easy it is to fit and assemble. It’s so much simpler and less time consuming than traditional metal roof bars which makes the HandiRack the ultimate convenience option.
Each HandiRack comes with detailed instructions and the whole fitting process takes just a matter of minutes. The video shows a HandiRack being fitted to a 4-door car, but it can also work on 2-door cars by placing both sets of bars across the front door.
Please note that the HandiRack’s innovative inflatable design doesn’t affect door or window operations in any way.
You may well forget about the HandiRack until the next time you’re suddenly faced with carrying some unwieldy and bulky item back from the store, piste, auction, beach, car boot sale, garden centre etc. but will be much relieved to remember that you have one to hand. The HandiRack multi purpose roof rack is truly the ultimate in convenience roof racks.
To download the HandiRack Instruction Manual, please click HandiRack Instruction Manual
The HandiRack can carry loads of up to 80kg/175lbs (subject to individual vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) and is suitable for most cars.
Not only is the HandiRack designed to be extremely handy, but it’s also immensely strong and very durable.
HandiRack Dimensions (unpacked)
HandiRack Materials & Construction
Limitations
The HandiRack is made exclusively for use on the roof of motor vehicles. The total weight of any load should not exceed 80kg/175lbs. Users are advised to consult their vehicle owner’s manual to verify maximum roof load capability of their vehicle. This is a temporary load carrying system and should be deflated and removed from the vehicle when not in use.
The HandiRack is not a flotation device and must never be used as a swimming aid or toy.
On the Journey
It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the fastening devices are tightened correctly and checked regularly throughout the journey.
Top ‘Handi’ Tips
SRS Airbags
Please refer to your vehicle’s owners manual for information about the SRS airbag system fitted to your car. This information will show you where the airbags are located and assist you in avoiding obstructing these when fitting a HandiRack. Please be advised that the HandiRack may be unsuitable for use on certain vehicles fitted with curtain airbags.
What weight can be transported on a HandiRack?
The total weight of your load should not exceed 80kg. We strongly advise that you consult your vehicle owner’s manual as the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load for the vehicle’s roof may be less than the weight of the load.
How much does a HandiRack weigh?
Once removed from the display carton, the HandiRack together with the HandiStraps and HandiPump weighs 2.5kg. The dimensions of the travel bag with all the accessories and the HandiRack included are approximately 35cm L x 20cm W x 10cm D.
Will the HandiRack work on a 2-door car?
Yes it will if the car has rear opening quarter light windows or you can place both sets of bars across the front door.
Will the HandiRack affect the operation of the doors or windows?
Not at all. The doors and windows continue to operate normally.
How does the HandiRack attach to the car?
The HandiRack features a main fitting strap that goes through the inside of the car and secures in a heavy duty cam buckle on the HandiRack itself.
How do I securely anchor items to the HandiRack?
Each HandiRack features 5 metal ‘D’ ring anchor points. The 2 x 3m HandiStraps supplied with the HandiRack are then used to lash down items to the HandiRack using these ‘D’ ring anchor points.
Will the HandiRack puncture easily?
The HandiRack is immensely strong. The outer material is 400D nylon which is woven in our facility in Taiwan. The nylon is then laminated on the inside so the outer material has two layers of protection. The internal bladder which holds the air is separate to the outer material and so in effect, there are 3 layers of protection.
Will the handling of my car be altered with the HandiRack attached?
The HandiRack on its own will not alter the handling characteristics of a car. However, once a load is attached, the handling may be affected, requiring a reduction in speed and longer distances for braking. The car may also become susceptible to side winds.
Will my load be safe when driving at speed?
It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all loads are securely tied-down. Items of equipment that may induce ‘lifting forces’ when travelling at speed such as boards or kayaks should also be secured to the front and rear of the vehicle using suitable bow & stern lines.
At what speed is it safe to drive at with the HandiRack attached to the car?
Up to 70 miles per hour / 112 kilometres per hour (subject to national speed limit restrictions).
Is there a danger of any water ingress in wet conditions?
We provide rain contingency guidelines within the instruction manual.
Will the HandiRack work on a car fitted with roof rails?
Yes, the HandiRack should always be fitted under the rails.
Can I leave the HandiRack on the car?
The HandiRack has been designed as a temporary roof carrying system and therefore should always be removed, deflated and stored when not in use.
Do ambient temperatures affect the pressure inside the HandiRack tubes?
As the HandiRack is air-filled, in warm conditions it is advisable to allow for the air within the tubes to expand a little. In colder conditions the opposite is the case. During the course of a journey, we recommend that the pressure of each tube is rechecked (as well as the security of the load).
Does the internal fitting strap impede the operation of airbags?
Depending on the make and model of vehicle, the fitting strap may sit under an airbag. The strap will not cause the airbag to deploy.
Every year as car manufacturers introduce newer or updated models, the fittings for roof bar systems change which means that the roof bars on your current car quickly become outdated and redundant.
So when you come to change your car to a newer model, the chances are that the roof bars and the fitting kits fitted on your existing vehicle will not fit the newer one. Even if it’s the same make and model. So in garages and sheds around the country dust settles on roof bars that are no longer required and an investment sits there wasted.
Naturally motorists are disenchanted with the idea of having to buy a new set of roof bars every time that they change their car. Especially as these may only be used on a couple of occasions throughout the year.
Benefits of a HandiRack
Customer feedback has led HandiWorld to develop additional measures when using the HandiRack in very wet weather conditions.
This simple to fit accessory absorbs moisture that may wick down the HandiRack’s fitting strap when extreme or heavy rain is encountered. The cellulose sponges have a high absorption characteristic. The TPU covers are designed to protect the headlining of the car from moisture.
The Wet Weather Kits are exclusive to handiworld.com customers and are included with all orders that include a HandiRack.
What’s Included
Instructions for Use
With the HandiRack now tightened and inflated make sure that when the doors are closed, the sponges are centred over the fitting strap.
Please note that the HandiRack is suitable for use on cars fitted with panoramic sunroofs.
We recommend that you consult your car’s Operating Manual for further information.
Please click on a link below to download the PDF.
