Mon–Fri 8AM–6PM | Sat 9AM–3PM

Recreational Racks

Roof racks, cargo carriers, bike racks, ski racks, and kayak carriers for your adventures. CTA is an authorized Thule 5-Star Dealer and Yakima retailer.

Whether you need a rack for your daily commute or a full overland cargo platform, our team will help you find the right fit for your vehicle and your lifestyle.

Brands We Carry
Thule · Yakima · Rhino Rack

Recreational Racks Options

Bike Rack
Crossbar systems, platforms, and mounting kits for trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Kayak Carrier
Hitch-mount, roof-mount, and tailgate bike racks for 1-4 bikes.
Snowpack Extended
Roof-mounted cargo baskets and enclosed boxes for extra storage.
Roof Box
Ski, snowboard, kayak, canoe, and surfboard carriers.
Get a Quote Call Reno: (775) 329-5111 Call Carson City: (775) 885-8111

Northern Nevada is surrounded by the kind of terrain that rewards having the right gear loaded and accessible — the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, the desert ranges to the east, and hundreds of miles of trails, ski resorts, and waterways in between. Roof racks and cargo systems let you carry more without giving up bed or interior space, and a properly installed rack system makes the loading and unloading process faster so you spend more time doing the thing rather than getting ready to do the thing.

Thule — 5-Star Dealer

Thule is one of the most recognized brands in the outdoor and automotive cargo space, and we're a Thule 5-Star Dealer at our Reno location — their highest dealer designation. Thule's product line covers virtually every cargo need: roof bars and platforms, bike carriers (hitch-mount, roof-mount, and hanging), kayak and paddleboard carriers, ski and snowboard holders, rooftop cargo boxes, and more. The engineering is consistently excellent and their fitment system — which uses vehicle-specific fit kits rather than universal clamps — means the rack feels like it was made for your vehicle, not just attached to it.

For Tahoe skiers, Eastern Sierra hikers, and Truckee River paddlers, Thule has purpose-built solutions for every activity. We carry one of the largest Thule rack and storage inventories in Northern Nevada — crossbars, fit kits, cargo boxes, and sport carriers are stocked and on display in our Reno showroom so you can see the actual products before you buy.

Rhino Rack

Rhino Rack is an Australian brand with a strong following in the overlanding and adventure market globally, and we're actively expanding our inventory with them. Their Pioneer platform systems and Reconn-Deck setups are purpose-built for serious overland builds — modular, strong, and designed to carry real loads including rooftop tents, solar panels, and recovery gear. Rhino Rack's MXT and Backbone systems are particularly popular for truck and SUV builds where the rack is a foundational part of the overall build rather than just a carrier for weekend gear. If you're building a dedicated overland rig and want to see what Rhino Rack has to offer alongside Thule and Yakima, come in and we'll walk you through the options.

Yakima

Yakima builds a genuinely strong product line and they're one of our most important brands — both because the products perform well and because they represent some of our best value for customers who want a quality rack system without the Thule price premium. Their HDBar, StreamLine, and SkyLine systems cover the full range from basic crossbars to integrated flush-mount setups, and their sport carrier lineup for bikes, kayaks, skis, and cargo boxes is deep and well-designed. We carry a large Yakima inventory at both locations — racks, bars, and sport carriers are on the floor and available to take home the same day. For many builds and many customers, Yakima is the right answer, full stop.

Overland Roof Platforms

Beyond recreational use, roof rack platforms have become a core part of overlanding builds. A proper roof platform lets you carry a rooftop tent, solar panels, high-lift jack, fuel cans, and recovery gear without eating your bed space. We spec and install overland roof setups regularly for customers building out trucks for backcountry travel across the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada.

Activity-Specific Guidance

Bikes: Hitch-mount bike carriers are the most popular choice for most users — easy loading, no lifting bikes overhead, and compatible with most vehicles. Roof-mount carriers keep the hitch free for a trailer but require lifting the bike up, which matters depending on the bike weight and rider. We carry both.

Kayaks and Paddleboards: J-cradle carriers keep the kayak on edge and take up less roof space than saddle-style carriers. Good option if you're also carrying bikes or other gear. Saddle systems cradle the hull and work well for heavier boats where stability during loading matters more.

Skis and Snowboards: A locking ski carrier is worth it if you're leaving gear on the vehicle at a resort. Thule and Yakima both make quality options — the main variables are capacity (how many pairs) and whether you want a locking system.

Installation

Proper rack installation requires the correct fit kit for your vehicle and correct torque on all mounting hardware. An improperly installed rack can damage your roof, fail at speed, or void your vehicle warranty. We install everything we sell and check torque specs before the truck leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a roof rack and a roof platform?

A standard roof rack consists of crossbars that span your roof from side to side — they're designed to carry specific accessories like bike or kayak mounts. A roof platform is a larger, decked structure that covers more of the roof surface and can carry gear directly. Platforms are primarily used for overland builds where you're carrying a rooftop tent, gear bags, or recovery equipment.

Will a roof rack affect my gas mileage?

An empty roof rack creates minor aerodynamic drag, typically affecting fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent at highway speed. A loaded rack — especially a box or large cargo — has a more meaningful impact. For most users it's an acceptable tradeoff.

Can I use a Thule roof rack on any vehicle?

Thule racks require a vehicle-specific fit kit that adapts the rack to your roof's mounting points. Fit kits exist for thousands of vehicles but not every one. When you come in, we'll confirm compatibility for your specific year, make, and model before anything is ordered.

Interested in Recreational Racks?

Come into our Reno location to see our full Thule display, or visit either location to talk through your cargo and adventure setup.

Prefer to Talk to an Expert?

Our team will help you find the right product for your truck, budget, and use case.

Reno
(775) 329-5111 · Mon–Fri 8–6 · Sat 9–3
Carson City — Accessories
(775) 885-8111 · Mon–Fri 8–6 · Sat 9–3
Carson City — Camper Center
(775) 461-3464 · Mon–Fri 8:30–6:30 · Sat 9–3