OK, so what makes a business great? Good selection of products, knowledgeable staff, competent techs, fair prices? Sure, and Rack N Road has all those, but that's not what makes them stand out as exemplary, and that's not what got me to post a review. It's the way Chris Barnes (Rack N Road's manager) addressed and rectified a post install issue that really impressed me. He took complete responsibility for a tech's minor oversight, fixed the problem, AND reimbursed me for the costs incurred in investigating the problems at a local auto shop. I had a fancy rack system, and a light duty trailer hitch installed about a year and a half ago on my Kia Soul. The rack is great, the hitch I haven't used yet. Recently the car developed some electrical symptoms. Googling led me to replace the "Room Fuse" which rectified the issue....but only very briefly. It blew again after just a few minutes. I bit the bullet and went to ACME Auto Electric on Aurora, (who were also good.) ACME traced the fault to the converter in the towing wiring harness - burned out - they ordered a replacement. 18 months after install I figured I was just out of luck, but the ACME mechanic then noticed that the Curt (brand) converter he had ordered, same number as that originally installed, was not the one Curt specified for my exact model Kia, but for one with LED lights which mine does not have. They reordered the correct converter, and when it arrived I held off having them install it - thinking I would now go talk to Rack N Road, now that I knew it related to their install. Chris handled it exactly right - he asked questions to ensure he was clear on the sequence of events, and fully understood my position. He looked into the the issue and accepted that Rack N Road had missed a model number change among the several converters Curt had produced at that time for different Kia Soul models. Given that it was 18 months since the install I have no doubt Chris could have easily wriggled out of addressing my issue, and left me out of pocket, but he didn't. He had his tech install the replacement converter/wiring harness and wrote me a check to cover the work done at ACME. Business integrity in spades. read more

I always have a great experience when I buy a product from this Rack n Road. Earlier this month, they were helping me install an accessory for my old (10+ years?) bike rack so it would work on the hitch for my new car, installing the new part on rack at no charge. But today, I needed help with the new snow chains I'd bought online to go with the new car. R n R seems to be one of the few retail outlets in the area that carries Konig chains. When I got there and talked to a staff member, I said clearly how I'd bought the chains online, not from R n R (because I didn't realize they carried snow chains), but even still, the very nice staff guy showed me how the chains worked. First showing me the Konig demo setup they have in the store, then coming out and putting one of the chains on the tire, after checking to make sure they fit my tire. (I'd watched a bunch of videos the day before about how to put them on but still didn't feel that I was doing them right.) After, I put the chains on each wheel by myself and then went back in the store and asked him to come out and check that they were OK. Which he did, discussing how in the one that wasn't quite right should correct itself by a few feet of driving. All of this might not sound remarkably except I HADN'T BOUGHT THE PRODUCT THERE AND HE KNEW IT, BUT WAS STILL HELPING ME ANYHOW. It no doubt helped that - they do at least carry that line of chains, - they weren't particularly busy late Nov. midday Mon., and - I did mention I'm a customer. But still. With a lot of stores, no way do you get that service even if you do buy from them directly. Excellent service!! read more

After extensive internet research, I decided on a particular bikerack and receiver hitch for my Subaru. Like most modern car manufacturers, Subaru doesn't make it particularly easy for third party additions. I've previously gone through the pain of rack fitting with various vehicles. The three guys that were at Rack n Road this past weekend were great. Not only did they know their various products, they were patient and courteous and willing to problem solve. Specifically, the latest models of receiver-bikeracks are simpler to use but the downside of this is they are larger than their older counterparts. Because of the increase in size, every 2010 rack would contact the open tailgate of my vehicle, potentially damaging either the tailgate or the rack. The guys at RacknRoad tried every rack they had in the store until they took an older floor model (last year's version?) off the wall and tried it on my vehicle. It worked perfectly. It was a little more expensive than the rack I was planning to buy, but I was given a good deal. I left RacknRoad an extremely happy customer. FWIW. I've learned the hard way that it may be cheaper to buy racks over the internet, but it's a lot less painful to get your rack installed buy a good vendor. read more

Ned is the real deal. I flew into town for 3 days to pick up my car and drive it across the continent. On day 1, an emergency occurred: the key on my cargo box broke while it was inserted into the lock. I tried DIYing different ways to remove the key or open the cargo box to no avail. Because of my tight timeline, I didn't have much room for error. Enter Ned. I called him and he was incredibly informative of my options - and in particular, he was open about practical options that didn't even involve spending money. In the end, since I only needed the box for this roadtrip, and i wouldn't have anything too valuable in there, I went with an idea that Ned brought up that he knew people did in a pinch: zip tie the thing shut and put a strap around it. He was gracious enough to drill the lock out and remove it, and also drill me an extra hole needed for the zip tie. Oh, and he also gave me a strap! At the end of it all, i kindly asked how much I should pay for his services. With a lot of warmth, he replied: maybe write a review or something online. So here we are! Cheers Ned, my roadtrip is going well so far, and the zip ties are holding up well! read more

I think the abundance of 5 star reviews should speak for itself, but in the interest of endorsing a top notch business I will contribute 5 stars of my own. Two days before a significant move to Austin from Seattle I was faced with the realization that I needed a solution for extra luggage. While I am sure there are many different solutions available through online vendors, I needed an expert opinion and some creativity to help me get what I wanted without exhausting an already slender budget. Additionally I needed all of this immediately with no lead time. I called the Seattle store and explained my situation to Chris. He was outstanding! He was able to put together a rack and basket system that was within my budget and easily met all of my needs. He recommended a mixture of used parts they had in stock for resale and new parts that didn't break the bank. To save money I did the installation myself but Chris was able to give me valuable pointers that greatly assisted in my install. I would absolutely use this business again and will recommend them to all of my friends in the northwest should they ever need any type of roof rack system. read more

If you've ever shopped for a car rack, you probably remember going into it thinking it would be easy. You probably also remember wading into to the project and realizing that getting a rack is actually confusing and expensive. The good news is that there is a Rack N Road. I've been going back since I first discovered this place - which has been around more than 10 years, by the way. Chris and the rest of the folks there always listen patiently to what I am trying to carry/haul, and then find me the best fit at the best price. Most importantly, they carry EVERYTHING. No where else has the same inventory - they are the only place I've ever been for racks and rack components that has never turned me away because they didn't have what I needed. Check out there stocked used section or go there to sell racks of your own when you upgrade. You'll be glad you did. read more

I have been a regular customer of this business for 13+ years. From Sports Rack to Gear On The Go and now Rack N Road. Over the years, I have purchased numerous Thule cargo boxes, bike trays, hitch racks, custom towers and load bars and many accessories. Chris and his crew at the Seattle store have always provided stellar service. If you need a rack part, core locks and/or additional keys and they do not have it in stock, they will get it for you and have it shipped to your house. They stand behind all of their brands. Case in point, I had two Thule cargo boxes (Evolution and Atlantis) crack near the mounting bracket and they replaced both without issue. Rack N Road hires knowledgeable staff with proficient installation skills. If you are shopping for a rack system or any accessory for your vehicle, look no further, Rack N Road is THE place to go. read more

These guys are great. Bought a hitch for my Subaru. Price was right and install was quick. A problem came up when the exhaust started banging into the hitch. Not seeing the root of the problem ourselves, we suspected it might be our struts somehow. We went to the Subaru dealer and had a diagnostic run for a hefty fee, of course. They identified it as the hitch and sent us back to RnR. Not only did they have the problem fixed for us the day we walked in, but we able to reach an agreement quickly on the expense of the diagnostic we paid for. Their reasonable approach to business and quick manner in resolving sales, installation and, in our unique case, problems, make them a great organization to do business with - so much so we bought a rooftop cargo bin from them after our problem was fixed. read more

Excellent service from the get go...it was all conducted on the phone...they were the closest vendor for a Pulmor trailer we wanted... John was courteous, friendly, and efficient with both conversations and promptly sent us both a quote and itemized receipt the next day after we purchased... He also helped us set up an appointment in two weeks when we plan to pick up the trailer and get our car hitch system installed. And said they will follow through when our trailer arrives at their store... Working with a store via phone is often less than stellar, but John was top flight in developing a quote and then completing the deal. We look forward to more excellent service when we arrive in 2 weeks to complete installation and take possession of our new trailer. Brad / Lynn Scappoose, OR read more

Rack and road is great. They have a large selection and very willing to help. I did go on a Saturday and they were swamped. Even though there was a lot of people, they answered all my questions, made sure I got everything that was needed and that I understood the assembly process. I needed a rack for several sports. They were kind enough to sell me the base system and the rack for the bike. The sales guy suggested when the best time to come to back and buy the used ski racks to save me money in the end. Also, when I was installing the racks, I lost one of the base plate parts. Rack and road was able to find that single part, saving me from buying a whole new foot. Overall a very positive experience. read more

I had a Yakima Rack system mounted on my truck canopy. Well one day I was working on the rack and forgot to lock in one of the cross bars. So when I was off road it came off and went down a ravine. I could not find it. So I went to Rack N Road and expected to buy 4 new control towers and 2 new bars. The sales man was very helpful. He went through his used inventory to just replace the one set up I lost. He did not have one. So he broke up a set of four new towers and sold me just two (They did not have the two set only in stock). I was very happy because I was looking to buy the whole set up and the the very honest salesman saved me a lot of money . I will definitely buy all my gear from them. read more

Thank you Rack n Road ! In particular Chris B. Over the past few years I've been "boot strapping" putting together a small business that required multiple rack products ranging from canoe/kayaking racks to bicycle racks to ski and snowboard racks etc. etc. While I spent a good deal of $ with RnR, I am always "taken" with professional attitude and more so the consideration of my goals in relation of "said money spent.". Anytime someone, Chris B., considers my personal situation and advises me in the best possible direction in order to satisfy my needs while saving me a little "chedda" will always get me return and future business as well as anyone who I can bend the ear of. Well done RnR! read more

As a mobile SUP and kayak instructor I carry large loads of boards or kayaks on a regular basis. Rack and Road had been a great asset to our business in providing professional and friendly service thus making our job not ony easier but safer. In two recent visits they were able to retrofit a new rack while I waited (not long) saving me from having to come back another time during our busy season. They have a wide variety of brands to choose from and a full stock of accessories and used parts as well. They also take my old rack parts saving me time from having to dispose or sell it elsewhere. Definitely recommend this shop! read more

Anytime I need a rack or gear for my car (pretty much anytime I buy something new) these are the guys I call. Great customer service, they take the time to give you multiple options for equipment and get you on the road with what you need. Also, the selection of used gear can save some $$$, and that is always much appreciated. I needed a kayak rack for a new Subaru Outback and rather than guess what I needed, or try and figure it out with some guy who just wandered over from the shoe department, I just hooked up with the pros here and I'm good to go. Cool guys and great gear at the right price. Can't be beat. read more

I'm don't normally review places, but I want to give kudos to Rack and Road. I lead kayak trips for a club and we were looking for a Thule fit kit to make ancient set of bars fit on top of an equally ancient car. They not only helped figure out what kit was needed, but were able to find it in one of their other stores and have it shipped in time for a weekend trip (UPS does get some credit here, too). They were very good in answering questions and following up before and after the kit was purchased. I would totally go back to them again even if they weren't the cheapest around (Dear World: Quality ain't free.) read more

Great experience!! I went there a few minutes before closing last Sunday and was greeted by CJ. He got me exactly what I needed and with a good attitude. That in itself is enough for me to recommend these days but wait, it gets better!! He asked me about my "project" and offered to take a look. Before I knew it CJ and I were putting the pieces together and it was now past 5pm, their closing time. All I can say is these guy's ROCK! Also, a special shout out to Chris "CB" Barnes for finding my cell phone case holder and being so cool to mail it back to me in Bellevue. See you next time guys...DG in Bellevue read more

Wow! Is all I can say. I called and talked to Ned Kelly who was super helpful on the phone regarding a trailer wiring issue. He said to bring it in same day and he took the time to look everything over. The issue was a fuse. He replaced it and said I didn't owe a thing...it's just a complimentary service they offer. As I was leaving my truck battery died and he even took the time to help with that....all with a smile on his face. Thank you for offering great and honest service. Greatly appreciated in this day and age. read more