How to secure ski rack using T slot?

[tekemajik]

I already had a Yakima FatCat rack but I always hated the crossbar mounting process with the universal mounting system. So for my R1S I got the t-slot adapter and it’s so much easier.

Only problem is how do I keep someone from just sliding the whole locked rack (with skis) out from the t-slots? I can crank it down, but seems like a determined person could still slide it out and steal the whole thing without too much trouble.

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[onesoil]

I mean with enough determination and a hack saw, angle grinder, or electric bandsaw, no rack is truly secure. Deterrence by means of creating sufficient difficulty, inconvenience, and or time it takes to steal (increasing the risk in the risk:reward equation) is what you’re after. I think locked T-slot fastened racks sufficiently accomplish that goal (As much as any other fastening strategy).

I’m not sure about the Yakima racks, but with my Küat grip 6 racks, I don’t think there’s any way someone could slide the racks out of the T-slots once sufficiently tightened down. When locked, they would have to use one of the aforementioned tools to get my skis out!

 

[tekemajik]

Just to make sure I’m not missing something… in my setup the only thing keeping the racks from sliding out of the t-slot is the friction being applied by the tightened bolt and nut (and neither are accessible when the rack is locked). Is that the same as yours, or do you have something additional blocking the t-slot itself (like a locking endcap)?

 

[solaskaze]

tekemajik, if you think someone could 'slide the entire unit out', then, while you're driving around a corner, the entire unit could slide right out. That's not how it works: as you mentioned the actual bolt is secured within the [locked] ski clamps, and the bolt securely binds the rack to the crossbars (with normal nM torque).

 

[onesoil]

Just to make sure I’m not missing something… in my setup the only thing keeping the racks from sliding out of the t-slot is the friction being applied by the tightened bolt and nut (and neither are accessible when the rack is locked). Is that the same as yours, or do you have something additional blocking the t-slot itself (like a locking endcap)?

Mine is as you describe. The right application of friction can be plenty secure/strong to make it impossible for a human to move something.

I’ll give an example: rock climbers rely on ropes that are secured using friction devices attached to a belayer on the ground. When a climber falls, a much larger force can be applied to the line (their weight becomes a dynamic load as they fall, which increases the force applied to the line well beyond their static weight).

I guess the point I’m trying to make, is that the design of the T-slot, while, yes, is reliant on friction to secure the rack and skis, has more than enough friction to make it impossible for a human to slide the rack out of the slot without loosening the boots (which would require breaking the locks, which obviously would render the T-slot concern moot).

I would actually think the bolts might shear before the T-slots slide.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Real question: has anyone ever had anything stolen off their car? Is this a common thing?

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