Car & Truck Racks in Bend
Table of Contents
Bend, Oregon, is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with easy access to world-class biking, skiing, kayaking, and camping. Whether you're heading to Mt. Bachelor, floating the Deschutes River, or taking a road trip, the right car or truck rack makes transporting your gear safer and easier.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about car and truck racks in Bend—what types are available, how to choose the best one for your needs, and key safety considerations.
Where to Buy Car & Truck Racks in Bend
Finding the right rack for your vehicle is easier when you have access to knowledgeable staff and a range of options. Bend has several specialty shops, outdoor retailers, and online suppliers that offer car and truck racks. Some stores also provide installation services to ensure a perfect fit.
Here’s a list of the best places to buy car and truck racks in Bend, along with details on what they offer.
Cascade Rack
Website: https://www.cascaderack.com/
Specialties:
Large selection of Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack products.
Racks for bikes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, cargo boxes, truck beds, and ladders.
Professional installation services available.
Why Shop Here?
Locally owned and operated with expert advice.
Can help customize racks to fit specific vehicle models.
Sunnyside Sports
Website: https://www.sunnysidesports.com/product-list/car-racks-1215/
Specialties:
Bike, ski, and snowboard racks for cars.
Carries Thule and Yakima brands.
Why Shop Here?
Great selection for cyclists and skiers.
Helpful staff with deep knowledge of local outdoor needs.
Rack N Roll
Website: https://www.rack-n-roll.com/
Specialties:
Full selection of car, truck, and SUV racks.
Bike, ski, cargo, kayak, and paddleboard racks.
Why Shop Here?
Offers installation services for most products.
Known for excellent customer service and expert recommendations.
Pine Mountain Sports
Website: https://www.pinemountainsports.com/
Specialties:
Primarily focuses on bike racks and ski racks.
Carries Yakima and Thule racks.
Why Shop Here?
Staff is passionate about biking and skiing, making it a great place for adventure-specific racks.
Local and community-oriented business.
ReRack
Website: https://rerack.com/
Specialties:
New and used racks for various outdoor activities.
Offers bike, kayak, ski, and cargo racks.
Why Shop Here?
Budget-friendly option for used racks at discounted prices.
Sustainable choice for those looking to repurpose racks.
Spring Creek Manufacturing
Website: https://www.springcreek.com/shop/paddle-sports/car-truck-racks-and-accessories/
Specialties:
Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard racks.
Carriers designed for ease of transport and durability.
Why Shop Here?
Ideal for paddle sports enthusiasts looking for high-quality racks.
Wide variety of truck bed and roof-mounted options.
REI Bend
Specialties:
Bike racks for hitch and roof mounts.
Carries Thule, Yakima, and Kuat brands.
Why Shop Here?
REI members get discounts and perks.
Reliable source for high-end, well-reviewed brands.
RealTruck Backrack (at Cascade Rack)
Website: https://www.backrack.com/local-dealers/location/or/deschutes/bend/dealer/4746/cascade-rack
Specialties:
Truck-specific racks, including ladder racks, headache racks, and cargo management systems.
Why Shop Here?
Best for work trucks and commercial vehicles.
Professional installation available.
Rhino Rack (Redmond, OR)
Website: https://www.rhinorack.com/en-us/dealers/all-american-truck-suv-accessory-center-redmond
Specialties:
Heavy-duty overlanding and truck racks.
Accessories for camping, off-roading, and long-distance travel.
Why Shop Here?
Worth the short drive to Redmond for rugged, high-quality truck racks.
Great for overlanders and adventure travelers.
Why Car & Truck Racks Matter in Bend
Bend is all about adventure, and having the right rack setup allows you to take full advantage of everything the region has to offer. Here’s why a good rack is essential:
Efficient Gear Transport – Whether you’re carrying bikes, kayaks, skis, or camping equipment, a well-fitted rack maximizes vehicle space and ensures a smooth trip.
Saves Interior Space – Instead of cramming gear inside your vehicle, racks let you store it externally, keeping passengers comfortable.
Protects Your Vehicle – Throwing bikes or heavy gear inside your car can cause damage. A rack helps keep your vehicle’s interior in top shape.
Expands Adventure Options – Racks make it easier to explore Central Oregon’s vast outdoor areas without worrying about fitting everything in your car.
For anyone who loves the outdoors, investing in the right rack system is a must.
Types of Car & Truck Racks
Not all racks are the same. The best option depends on your vehicle, the type of gear you’re transporting, and personal preference.
Roof Racks
Ideal for bikes, skis, kayaks, and cargo boxes.
Requires crossbars mounted on your vehicle’s roof.
Pros: Keeps hitch and trunk free, secure fit, great for various gear types.
Cons: Requires lifting gear overhead, can reduce fuel efficiency.
Best for: SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks.
More Info: How to Choose a Roof Rack (REI Guide)
Hitch Racks
Attaches to your vehicle’s trailer hitch; mostly used for bike transport.
Available in hanging and platform styles.
Pros: Easy to load/unload, less wind resistance than roof racks.
Cons: Can block trunk access, requires a hitch receiver.
Best for: SUVs, trucks, crossovers.
More Info: Hitch Rack Buying Guide (Thule)
Truck Bed Racks
Designed for pickups, creating an elevated platform over the truck bed.
Can support bikes, kayaks, rooftop tents, and work equipment.
Pros: Utilizes truck space, heavy-duty, great for overlanding.
Cons: Can be expensive, requires drilling or clamping.
Best for: Trucks used for both work and adventure.
Ladder Racks (Utility Racks)
Heavy-duty racks made for contractors, tradesmen, and work trucks.
Supports ladders, lumber, pipes, and construction materials.
Pros: High weight capacity, durable, long-lasting.
Cons: Permanent install required, can be noisy.
Best for: Work trucks and vans.
Soft Racks
Temporary, inflatable, or foam-based racks for kayaks, paddleboards, or surfboards.
Pros: Affordable, easy to store, no permanent install needed.
Cons: Less secure, not suitable for heavy loads.
Best for: Renters or those who only transport gear occasionally.
Each type has its advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and vehicle type.
Choosing the Right Rack for Your Needs
To pick the best rack, ask yourself:
✅ What gear am I carrying?
Bikes – Hitch racks or roof-mounted fork mounts.
Skis/Snowboards – Roof-mounted racks or cargo boxes.
Kayaks/Canoes – J-cradles, saddles, or truck bed racks.
Camping/Overlanding – Rooftop tents or cargo baskets.
✅ What type of vehicle do I have?
Sedans & hatchbacks: Roof racks work best.
SUVs: Hitch racks or roof systems.
Trucks: Bed racks, ladder racks, or hitch-mounted options.
✅ How often will I use it?
Daily use → Invest in premium, easy-to-use options.
Occasional trips → Consider temporary or budget-friendly solutions.
✅ Do I need additional security?
Some racks include built-in locks to prevent theft.
Consider using cable locks or hitch lock pins for extra security.
The right rack depends on your vehicle, adventure style, and budget.
Installation & Compatibility
Before buying a rack, check:
Vehicle Compatibility – Not all racks fit every car. Check your vehicle's roof rails, hitch size, or truck bed dimensions.
Weight Limits – Every rack has a weight rating. Overloading can cause damage or make driving unsafe.
DIY vs. Professional Installation – Some racks require drilling or permanent mounting. If unsure, get it professionally installed.
For reference, most common car rack brands have vehicle fit guides:
Yakima Fit Guide
Thule Buyer’s Guide
Cost & Budget Considerations
Prices vary based on rack type, brand, and durability.
Roof Racks – $250-$700 (crossbars + attachments).
Hitch Bike Racks – $150-$800 (basic to premium models).
Truck Bed Racks – $400-$1,500 (varies by load capacity).
Ladder Racks – $500-$2,000+ (work truck models).
Cargo Boxes – $300-$1,000 (varies by size and material).
If you're on a budget, consider:
Buying Used – Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local outdoor gear shops.
Seasonal Discounts – Many retailers offer sales in fall and spring.
Package Deals – Some shops offer bundle pricing for racks + installation.
Local Regulations & Safety Tips
Carrying gear on a rack changes your driving dynamics, so safety is key:
Secure All Gear – Use straps, locks, and tie-downs to prevent shifting.
Check Roof Clearance – Avoid drive-throughs, parking garages, and low-clearance areas if using a roof rack.
Stay Within Weight Limits – Overloading a rack can damage your vehicle and affect fuel efficiency.
Periodic Maintenance – Check bolts, mounts, and locks regularly for wear and tear.
For specific Oregon road safety laws related to vehicle load limits, visit:
Oregon Department of Transportation
