Mounting a bike or kayak on your car’s roof rack can be challenging, cause damage to the vehicle, and lead to back pains, especially if you do not have help from someone else. Thankfully, Dropracks offers a safer, more convenient alternative, as it temporarily lowers the rack to your level for easy loading.
The Dropracks system, designed in Norway, comprises two main parts: a base that remains connected to the roof at all times, and the rack, which moves on and off of that base.
How Does It Work?
When you are ready to load your bike, kayak, skis, cargo box, or whatever else onto the rack, you begin by pressing two buttons (one on either side) to unlock the rack from the base. Next, you grab the frame and pull it out horizontally until it’s out entirely. Then, you unhook and pull out a crank arm from the rack’s side and begin cranking to lower the entire frame.
As the rack lowers, slowly and steadily, it will initially tilt towards you, after which the carrier section of the rack slides down and levels out parallel to the ground. Once you have loaded your gear onto the frame (utilizing third-party T-bolt-style mounting accessories), you reverse the procedure to get the cargo on top of the car and locked in place. Watch the entire process in the video below.
Specs and Costs
Dropracks come in two models, the XL, and the Sport. The XL features a load width of 59 in (150 cm) and a maximum load weight capacity of 176 lb (80 kg), while the Sport has a load width of 51 in (130 cm) and a weight capacity of 165 lb (75 kg). Both versions are made primarily of black anodized aluminum.
The Dropracks system may sound familiar to you because it has been available in a few markets since 2019. Now, it is being introduced in the UK and North America. Prices will likely differ by location; however, on Dropracks’ website, the XL is listed at about US$2,579 (€2,250), with the Sport going for $2,235 (€1,950).
