HandiRack Q&As

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.