Review of Handirack Inflatable Roofrack

Universal fitting for 3 and 5 door cars Handirack inflatable roof rack bars by Handiworld.

So, the product spiel:

“The HandiRack is a truly brilliant solution. This is a totally unique, multi-purpose, portable load carrier for the car that can be fitted and removed in just a matter of minutes. The straps pass through the car doors and the bars inflate in a matter of seconds using the supplied HandiPump. Two 3 metre HandiStraps are also supplied for securing loads to the 5 ‘D’ ring anchor points located on each HandiRack.”

We will agree with the brilliant solution remark, as this feels like a great solution to the problem of not having a fitted roof rack side rails or roof rack bars already fitted to your car. If you don’t want to pay hundreds of pounds or dollars to get the manufacturer recommended side rails fitted, then inflatable Handirack roof rack bars could be perfect for you.

They carry up to 80kg and have D rings on either end of the inflatable bars which will help secure your garden furniture or kayak on top.

What you get in the portable box, the two inflatable sections, a pump which is perfect for getting your racks inflated quickly and some tie down straps. When we unboxed it, it looked really good, well made and looks to be a quality piece of equipment for your car, which is exactly what you want if you are to put large objects on top of your car and drive at faster speeds.

Fitting them takes less than 5 minutes, even for your first time fitting inflatable roof rack bars. We have included the instructional video which walks you through fitting as well as the user guide PDF for you to download.

But even without these you won’t have any issues fitting, just open your doors. Place the inflatable sections on top of your car roof and inflate with the pump that came with the pack. This should only take a minute to inflate. Wrap the straps underneath your roof and inside your car and tighten up, thats it. You’re now ready to place whatever it is you want, on top of your car, within the 80kg max capacity weight ofcourse.

What Can You Carry Using The HandiRack?

We tested the Handirack with a longboard surfboard (7foot minimal), a bag with two bodyboards inside and with some ladders. You can also combine the Handirack with the Handiholdall which is a 320litre waterproof soft bag which you can fit inside whatever you want. This is perfect if you want to carry smaller items, bags, suitcases or other items which can’t sit outside unprotected.

As well as surfboards, you can fit light and small boats, garden furniture, large equipment and other gardening products which won’t fit in your car. Kayaks and other large water based craft such as Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) as well.

It really is a heavy duty product, even for an inflatable roof rack set up it really punches above it’s weight.

Using The HandiRack Inflatable Roof Rack

When not in use, they come off in just a matter of minutes as well, just open the valve where you inflated, let them deflate as you roll them up and pack away in their little bag and put in your boot. They don’t take up any space and are ready to fit and install on your next adventure.

These were used on a really long journey visiting family and on dual carriageways as well. We only had a lightweight surfboard on top but they were more than up to the job and high average speeds of 65mph+. What we liked about these at speed are they are a little wider than others and feel a bit more stable because of this.

The only major downside would be more of a warning – don’t leave them on through lasting rain as the water can seep through into the car. It comes with the design as the traps need to go between the car’s body and the rubber door seal. Don’t get us wrong, it is totally ok in the rain, but you don’t want to leave them on if there is a week of rains forecasted.

A hard wearing set of inflatable roof rack bars, they can carry up to 80kg and are great for even two kayaks at once or other large items. We really liked using them and would definitely recommend.