Which ski/snow or fishing rod holder should I choose?
Which ski/snow or fishing rod holder should I choose?
Selecting the right carrier depends on two main factors: the type of gear you’re transporting and the roof rack system your vehicle uses. Carriers vary not only in how many items they can hold but also in how they mount to your vehicle, so understanding both your equipment and your rack setup is essential for a safe and practical fit.
Some holders are designed specifically for skis or snowboards, while others can also accommodate fishing rods. Capacities differ between brands and models for example, smaller units might carry just 2 skis or rods, while larger options can handle up to 6 skis, 4 snowboards, or 11 rods at once. If you often travel with family or multiple passengers, choosing a higher-capacity model can save time and roof space.
When choosing a ski, snowboard, or fishing rod holder, ensuring it’s compatible with your roof rack is just as important as picking the right size. The majority of holders are made to mount directly to aero or wing-style crossbars and heavy-duty bars using either a T-track system or a clamp-style attachment. If your vehicle has square bars, some carriers may require an additional specific square bar adaptor to ensure a secure and proper fit.
For vehicles equipped with platform racks, compatibility depends on the orientation of the slats. T-track-mounted carriers will generally fit platforms with east-west slats (side to side). However, if your platform has north-south slats (top to bottom), you may need an additional accessory bar, such as the Rhino-Rack Accessory Bar, to mount the carrier correctly and safely.
Before choosing a carrier, consider how often you’ll use the carrier, the typical size and number of items you carry, and whether you’ll need to access your rear hatch or store the holder when not in use.
To make your decision easier, we’ve included a full breakdown of the gear capacities for the following models.
Rhino Rack
- Model 572: Holds 2 skis, no snowboards, or up to 4 fishing rods
- Model 573: Holds 3 skis, 2 snowboards, or up to 5 fishing rods.
- Model 574: Holds 4 skis, 2 snowboards, or up to 8 fishing rods.
- Model 576: Holds 6 skis, 4 snowboards, or up to 11 fishing rods.
Cruz
- Model 940-222: Holds 4 skis, 2 snowboards, or 8 fishing rods.
- Model 940-223: Holds 6 skis, 4 snowboards, or 11 fishing rods.
Yakima
- Fatcat & Freshtrack 4: Hold 4 skis, 2 snowboards, or 4 fishing rods.
- Fatcat & Freshtrack 6: Hold 6 skis, 4 snowboards, or 6 fishing rods.
Thule
- Snowpack 732200: Holds 2 skis, no snowboards, or 2 fishing rods.
- Snowpack 732406: Holds 4 skis, 2 snowboards, or 4 fishing rods.
- Snowpack 732607: Holds 6 skis, 4 snowboards, or 6 fishing rods.
Front Runner (Platform Mounted)
- Model RRAC149: Holds 2 skis, 1 snowboard, or 2 fishing rods.
If you share your usual gear load or vehicle details, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect carrier that suits your needs.
Updated on: 16/09/2025
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