Yakima FatCat Mount installed

[babock]

Got around to doing the Yakima FatCat mounting using T-Bolts in the rails. Designed and 3D printed some spacers to lift the racks slightly off the crossbar.

Nice not having them sit so high compared to using the original craossbar mount that comes with the Yakima racks

I used 6mm x 35mm stainless T-Bolts from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TYS712R?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.printables.com/model/1181326-rivian-crossbar-spacers-for-yakima-fatcat-ski-rack

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[Rivianero]

Those look great! Looks like you could carry 4 sets of skis without a sweat.

I'm unfamiliar with that set-up. Any concern that sudden braking could allow skis to slip and impact the rear window?

 

[DrBad]

Those look great! Looks like you could carry 4 sets of skis without a sweat.

I'm unfamiliar with that set-up. Any concern that sudden braking could allow skis to slip and impact the rear window?

Nope, skis are clamped down good, I use the same rack and like having it over the truck bed vs the roof, MUCH easier to get them on and off. Only drawback is it blocks a good portion of the view from the rear view mirror, which is why I added an RV wireless camera to the spoiler.

 

[mmbmca]

That's awesome, dope setup. I have the Yakima facat as well going to Tahoe Next week need to get the spacers too! I now need to find a 3d printer around!

 

[babock]

That's awesome, dope setup. I have the Yakima facat as well going to Tahoe Next week need to get the spacers too! I now need to find a 3d printer around!

There is a kit around that Yakima sells that is basically the same thing...if you can find it in stock.

Since I already have a 3D printer, its easier just to make the things myself.

 

[RivCA]

Great solution, thx for sharing. For 3D printing purposes, how many of each size do you need to print? And I didn't see dimensions, but perhaps I am missing something? TY

 

[OrthoBlock]

I'm unfamiliar with that set-up. Any concern that sudden braking could allow skis to slip and impact the rear window?

I very much have this concern. I have the exact same ski rack, mounted very similarly but was concerned about the potential javelins behind the head…. Not during hard braking, I’m sure that’s fine, but in case of an actual front end collision.

I then realize that I have a pick up truck and I can just throw all the skis in the bed. Problem solved. No more anxiety and easier to load/unload too…

 

[RivCA]

Got around to doing the Yakima FatCat mounting using T-Bolts in the rails. Designed and 3D printed some spacers to lift the racks slightly off the crossbar.

Nice not having them sit so high compared to using the original craossbar mount that comes with the Yakima racks

I used 6mm x 35mm stainless T-Bolts from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TYS712R?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.printables.com/model/1181326-rivian-crossbar-spacers-for-yakima-fatcat-ski-rack

Great solution, thx for sharing. For 3D printing purposes, how many of each size do you need to print? And I didn't see dimensions, but perhaps I am missing something? TY

 

[Rivianero]

I very much have this concern. I have the exact same ski rack, mounted very similarly but was concerned about the potential javelins behind the head…. Not during hard braking, I’m sure that’s fine, but in case of an actual front end collision.

I then realize that I have a pick up truck and I can just throw all the skis in the bed. Problem solved. No more anxiety and easier to load/unload too…

Mounting on the roof is also a very valid option. I suppose each person must make their own judgement and choices as to safety, convenience, wind resistance, aesthetics, security, etc.

I agree that skis in the truck bed under a tonneau cover sounds like a great option that seems to satisfy all needs (except, perhaps, for those who want to show off that they are in their way to/from the slopes).

To each their own.

 

[mmbmca]

@Rivianero you bring up a dope point. I got the crossbars thinking didn't want to put the snowboard at the end of the day in the car, now I realize it's not an SUV I have the truck so can pass on the crossbars of there's room in the trunk bed.

 

[babock]

Great solution, thx for sharing. For 3D printing purposes, how many of each size do you need to print? And I didn't see dimensions, but perhaps I am missing something? TY

2 of each

 

[babock]

I agree that skis in the truck bed under a tonneau cover sounds like a great option that seems to satisfy all needs (except, perhaps, for those who want to show off that they are in their way to/from the slopes).

To each their own.

My skis are long enough that they wouldn't fit in the bed and when I am travelling, I don't have room in the bed for skis. Even if they did fit, I would prefer the edges of my skis not get damaged rubbing up against each other.

When I am done for the day I like to not to have wet skis in the bed.

Do you actually ski?

This is actually one of the reasons I hate to post mods or builds. There is always a Debbie Downer that invariably posts crap! No good deed goes unpunished I guess!

 

[Rivianero]

Do you actually ski?

I think that barb says more about you then me.

FWIW I'm a lifelong skier who has owned several racks. Made a promise to stay of the double diamonds since I turned 60. And, now living in Texas, I'm lucky to spend more than 2 weeks each year on the slopes. I may not be up to date on the very latest ski gear, but I know the sport, and have driven thousands of miles over the past 40 years with skis and racks on my vehicles. I think that qualifies me to make a comment here and there.

You have a point about the bed of the R1T being too short for longer skis. That had no occurred to me since my old truck was much larger. Just to be sure, I got the tape measure out to measure the diagonal. Indeed, the RI1 bed is way too small to accommodate my old 210s, but plenty of room for anything up to 180. Adequate for what most skiers use these days, but if you're into GS then you definitely need a rack. Nowhere did I advocate just throwing loose skis into the bed, so I'm not sure where you got that idea, but a ski rack would definitely keep them from bouncing better than loose in the truck bed. Excellent point.

I'm sure there are folks who want to show off their gear tunnel by throwing their snowboard (and boots?) in there. Everyone gets to do whatever they want with their Rivian.

For people who are lucky enough to be able to ski daily, of course it makes perfect sense to buy a rack.

You have a sweet ski rack. Enjoy.

 

[babock]

I think that barb says more about you then me.

It was in response to your barb about people showing off that they are on their way to the slopes.

 

[Rivianero]

It was in response to your barb about people showing off that they are on their way to the slopes.

Not intended as a barb. I recognize that some folks do just that. Part of the fun.

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