Ski rack on pickup: why?

**FrankZappa** · 02-05-2008, 12:57 PM

I was just thinking, back in the day, when the folks that drove trucks (previously know as rednecks) all had gun racks (which were also a security item long before security was needed), everybodys skis were too long to put in there. Nowadays, everybodys got these lil-bity short skis, bigger than the guy next doors trucks... but nobodys got the gun rack they could put the skis in...

Why is that?

**fondigley** · 02-05-2008, 01:23 PM

I'd guess it would take me about 5 seconds to get in the back of a camper shell. Not that I have a criminal mind. Just think they are easy to break into. Guess cause I have seen too many people think they are safe and end up losing bikes, gear all kinds of crap. A rack makes it a little bit tougher. But i wouldn't put one over my bed.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by fondigley

I'd guess it would take me about 5 seconds to get in the back of a camper shell.

Not that I'm some honk for camper shell security, but I'd really like to see that.

**MarsB** · 02-05-2008, 01:42 PM

You could do it to mine, unfortunately. And mine's a pretty sweet fiberglass ARE. The locks are not as secure as you might think, and there's always the cinderblock method. Don't fool yourself.

**char** · 02-05-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Stone-Free

Not that I'm some honk for camper shell security, but I'd really like to see that.

I could get into my leer in about that long I think. Just put my feet on the bumper grab the handle and pull back using my legs.

I have a two handle opening and those handles have adjustable tabs that tighten onto a shaft. All you have to do is exert enough force to pull that tab off the shaft. It wouldn't be very hard.

You could probably pick the lock with a wicket if that didn't work.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by char

I could get into my leer in about that long I think. Just put my feet on the bumper grab the handle and pull back using my legs.

I have a two handle opening and those handles have adjustable tabs that tighten onto a shaft. All you have to do is exert enough force to pull that tab off the shaft. It wouldn't be very hard.

You could probably pick the lock with a wicket if that didn't work.

Okay-
Cinderblocks, glass displacing objects, and lock-picking aside, I'm mildly curious to know just how easy it would be to get into one.

Char- I've thought about that bumper grab method, but I was guessing the glass would break first. I have a Raider with the 2 turn handles too, and they seem solid. But who knows, if you want in to something bad enough...

**char** · 02-05-2008, 01:57 PM

You would just grab the handle, the frame of the door is flexible enough that you could do one at a time. I don't know if you've adjusted those tabs, but there isn't a whole lot holding them on. That metal isn't very stiff. I've never tried this, but if I ever lost the key and it was locked that would be my first attempt at getting in.

Do you actually have glass in yours or is it plexi-glass?

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 02:04 PM

My guess is plexi. I've tried to open it with one side still latched (drunk), and it twisted up a few inches without breaking before I realized why it wouldn't open. It felt like it was going to break. I guess you could twist one side up at a time if you were careful.

**char** · 02-05-2008, 02:06 PM

You only need to move the tab about an inch, so I doubt you would break the plexi-glass.

You could also do this with a crowbar, no problem.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 02:15 PM

Wow. I'm gonna have to mess with that tonight.

**mcsquared** · 02-05-2008, 02:18 PM

Not to mention that it is usually pretty easy to just open the tailgate even though the window is locked shut.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 02:23 PM

I always lock my tailgate. A friend had his stolen off of his Ford a few years back. Now stealing tailgates- that is a 3 second job.

**char** · 02-05-2008, 02:29 PM

**bagtagley** · 02-05-2008, 02:43 PM

Regardless of the ease (or lack thereof) of breaking into a topper, putting bikes into or on top of them with any regularity is a pain in the ass. After seeing what the AG's rig is capable of, I'm pretty sold on the whole scheme.

**Toadman** · 02-05-2008, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by Stone-Free

Okay-
Cinderblocks, glass displacing objects, and lock-picking aside, I'm mildly curious to know just how easy it would be to get into one.

Char- I've thought about that bumper grab method, but I was guessing the glass would break first. I have a Raider with the 2 turn handles too, and they seem solid. But who knows, if you want in to something bad enough...

I can't count how many buddies with locking canopies have been busted into. Probably as many as cars have been broken into.

**teleee** · 02-05-2008, 04:29 PM

Yeah, but 2 stroke Hondas never had enough juice to wheelie up on the tailgate. I broke the back glass at least 5 times on my YZ450F.

Then you obviously need to tune up your 2 stroke!

**strawjack** · 02-05-2008, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Stone-Free

Okay-
Cinderblocks, glass displacing objects, and lock-picking aside, I'm mildly curious to know just how easy it would be to get into one.

Char- I've thought about that bumper grab method, but I was guessing the glass would break first. I have a Raider with the 2 turn handles too, and they seem solid. But who knows, if you want in to something bad enough...

it's a lot easier to get into a locked thule/yakima box or any accessory for that matter, then a locked cap of a truck.

we had to break into a locked box for a return issue...less than two seconds...scary. locks are a deterrent at best.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by teleee

Then you obviously need to tune up your 2 stroke!

My last 2 stroke was a 97 RM250. Complete dog, and the shock was fucking horrible. I got one of the first Yamaha YZ400F's in '98 and haven't thought about riding a 2 stroke since. I heart thumpers.

**Stone-Free** · 02-05-2008, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by strawjack

it's a lot easier to get into a locked thule/yakima box or any accessory for that matter, then a locked cap of a truck.

we had to break into a locked box for a return issue...less than two seconds...scary. locks are a deterrent at best.

Again, I think if you tried hard enough or had some skills you can get into most anything. Even most ski locks are a joke.

**72Twenty** · 02-05-2008, 05:04 PM

MrZach has the set-up for sure. Ski rack on top of his Ranger so that he can lock his skis. He keeps the cooler and the BBQ grill in the back (and he has a tool box back there).

I have a full size Thule box on top of my suv (Explorer), which is great for multiple pairs of skis. Unfortunately, it does not lock. But even so, lately when I am running up to my local hill and only bringing one or two pairs of skis, I just flip one of the back seats down and throw my skis inside the vehicle with me. I don't even bother climbing up to get into the box. But the box is extra handy on road trips or when I have the whole family/friends in the vehicle too.

**teleee** · 02-05-2008, 05:08 PM

My last 2 stroke was a 97 RM250. Complete dog, and the shock was fucking horrible. I got one of the first Yamaha YZ400F's in '98 and haven't thought about riding a 2 stroke since. I heart thumpers

Wow I have a tricked out CR250 that I can flip over backwards in 4th gear if I so desire. For the right application, I also like a good thumper. For sure they sound cooler.

**skibee** · 02-05-2008, 05:24 PM

Just you wait for Mntlion's set up for next year... he'll have his hilux with a pop-top camper for sleeping and somehow he will rig a Thule off the back (vertically I suspect).

He's been plotting this set up ever since the Adventure Box on his Motorbike got squished by a dumptruck.

**Arty50** · 02-05-2008, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by strawjack

it's a lot easier to get into a locked thule/yakima box or any accessory for that matter, then a locked cap of a truck.

Yes, but you can't see into a rocket box. "Out of sight, out of mind" is the greatest theft deterrent. Thiefs generally won't break into a car if they don't know what's inside. Why break into a rocket box if there's a good chance it's empty? Especially if there's a pickup right next to it where they can look through the topper glass and notice the 5 pairs of skis just sitting right there for the taking.

Do rocket boxes get broken into? Yes
Does it happen with the same frequency as beds with toppers? No way

**char** · 02-05-2008, 05:57 PM

Out of sight - Out of mind for a truck = sleeping platform

**RobT** · 02-06-2008, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Stone-Free

Yeah, but 2 stroke Hondas never had enough juice to wheelie up on the tailgate. I broke the back glass at least 5 times on my YZ450F.

I have a 3 rail Holsclaw trailer for scooters.

You have obviously nevery ridden a CR 500. Mine will easily loop out all the way up to and including doing 65 in 5th gear. That is if you can find enough traction to hold up to its torque.

Rob