Choosing a Roof Rack Setup for Winter Road Trips

Winter road trips in New Zealand throw all sorts of weather at you. One minute it's clear skies, the next you’re putting on chains in the snow. If you're carrying skis, snowboards, or just extra gear - having the right roof rack setup makes it easier and safer to get where you're going. If you're driving to the mountains this winter, here’s a couple things to think about before loading up.

Key Things to Look For

• Load Capacity: Not all racks are built for heavy loads. Double check what your setup can safely carry — especially if you're adding a roof box full of winter gear or a couple of snowboards.
• Weather Resistance: Winter driving means wet gear, salty roads, and freezing conditions. Our range of Thule and Rhino-Rack products are corrosion-resistant - so you’re not dealing with rust after one season.
• Ease of Loading: Roof Racks that sit lower or have wider bars make it much easier to load gear, especially when your hands are cold. It’s worth thinking about now, not when you’re on the side of the road.
• Vehicle Fitment: A rack that’s properly fitted to your vehicle will be quieter, carry more weight safely, and just work better overall. Generic “one size fits all” setups often don’t hold up well in rough conditions.

Top Roof Rack Gear for Winter Missions

Thule WingBar Evo Roof Racks: If you’re after a setup that’s quiet on the road and easy to load up, the WingBar Evo is a good call. It’s strong enough for roof boxes and snow gear, but won’t whistle at highway speeds like older style bars.
View Thule WingBar Evo Roof Racks.

Thule Roof Boxes: If you’re packing for a family trip or just want to keep wet gear out of the cabin, a roof box is a solid upgrade. They’re lockable, weatherproof, and easy to mount. Great for skis, boots, jackets, or food for the road.
View Thule Roof Boxes.

Thule SnowPack Ski & Snowboard Carriers: Makes carrying skis or snowboards way easier. The SnowPack clamps your gear down without messing up edges, and mounts straight onto most roof bars without a drama.
View Thule SnowPack Carriers.

Other Winter Essentials

While you're setting up your roof rack system for winter, it's worth checking your snow gear list too. If you're planning on driving near ski fields or alpine roads, a set of snow chains is a must. They're often required by law when conditions get bad, and they'll get you safely to the mountain when others are stuck at the bottom.
View König Snow Chains.

Get Set for Smoother Winter Missions

It doesn’t have to be complicated to set your vehicle up right for winter - you just need the right basics. A good rack, a secure way to carry your gear, and a set of snow chains just in case. If you’re not sure what fits your vehicle, or what works best for what you’re carrying, just flick us a message — we’re always happy to help. 🤙