How long will my SeaSucker hold?
There’s no set time limit on our vacuum mounts. It depends in part on the surface you attach to, the condition of the vacuum mount, the load you put on it, and other factors. As for surfaces to attach to, vacuum mounts in general were designed to carry big sheets of glass and other solid surface materials, so smoother, flatter surfaces are ideal. Clean surfaces and clean SeaSuckers go a long way to maximizing the hold time. In any event, if the vacuum mount begins to lose some vacuum, it will warn you so you can get it back to full power before it comes off. As you probably already know, the vacuum pump’s plunger will reverse itself and extend from the pump cylinder when it starts to lose power. Once you see the orange indicator band, that’s your cue to repump your SeaSucker. For car racks, the general rule of thumb is to check the rack before you get in your vehicle, and check it each time you stop for gas, food or the bathroom.
Do I need to clean the surface I’m going to attach my SeaSucker too?
Clean off any surface dirt from the mounting surface before attaching your SeaSucker. While you’re at it, make sure the sealing edge of the vacuum pad is clean too. You don’t have to clean the mounting surface with alcohol wipes, as one overly-enthusiastic customer told us they do, but a quick wipe with a wet paper towel or napkin wouldn’t hurt.
Will the sun damage my SeaSucker?
All SeaSucker vacuum mounts have UV inhibitors built right in, so they’re made to last. However, UV rays eventually break down almost any sort of rubber or plastic, so store your SeaSuckers out of the sun when not in use.
Will the metal parts on my SeaSucker rust?
SeaSuckers are built to handle the elements! All hardware is 316 stainless steel to keep rust away.
How do you remove a SeaSucker once it’s attached?
Using your finger, lift the edge of the vacuum cup away from the mounting surface by pulling the t-shaped tab on the top of the vacuum pad up and towards the center of the vacuum mount. Once the edge of the vacuum pad is lifted, the vacuum seal breaks and you can remove your SeaSucker.
Where are SeaSuckers made?
Our factory is in sunny Bradenton, Florida. We manufacture, assemble, and package our products here. Some parts are made outside of our plant, but we source almost everything we don’t make ourselves from manufacturers in the USA. Our products are MADE IN THE USA!
Does it have certification?
Yes. The Orientation vs Maximum Load (lbs) info for each cup size is as follows:
4.5 inch cup pull rating:
180° = 194lbs
90° = 198lbs
45°= 154lbs
6 inch cup pull rating
180° = 254lbs
90° = 231lbs
45°= 213lbs
What if my SeaSucker gets wet?
If it’s rain or fresh water, no big deal. Dry it off if you get a chance. If it’s saltwater, rinse it with fresh water when you get off your boat, maybe hit it with a little soap and water, like you’d do with your rods and reels, for instance. Make sure you drain the water out of the pumps when you’re done.
How should I store my SeaSuckers when I’m not using them?
Every SeaSucker vacuum mount comes with a protective cover. Put the cover back on the vacuum pad when you’re not using it. Make sure to press the edge of the vacuum pad all the way into the cover; if it’s not fully seated in the cover, the edge of the cup could deform and make it difficult to attach your SeaSucker the next time you use it. If that does happen, let your SeaSucker sit on a flat surface like a countertop for a few hours until the deformation works itself out. Even though we put a UV inhibitor in the rubber and plastic we use, it’s a good idea to store your SeaSucker inside or in the shade because eventually the sun kills everything.
Can I use my SeaSucker in the rain?
Absolutely. Sometimes we say “wetter is better” around here, but don’t take that in a weird way. SeaSuckers will typically hold better when wet, so the rain is no problem.
What are SeaSuckers made of?
The rubber part is made from TPE, the hard plastic parts are made from StarBoard and all hardware is 316 stainless steel
How much heat can they handle?
175°F / 79.4°C
Will it work underwater?
Yes, but the vacuum cup must be mounted and removed in the dry. Once secure it can be submerged but not for long periods of time.
Car Racks
Is it okay to use my rack in cold temperatures?
Yes, but be aware that once you remove your rack after using it in the cold, you will have to warm it up again to near room temperature before the rubber is pliable enough to make a solid seal to the mounting surface. Also, we recommend that, in warm weather, you wet the sealing edge of your rack before attaching. DO NOT DO THIS IN FREEZING OR NEAR-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. The vacuum cup will freeze to the surface of your car, which will prevent the vacuum pump and check valve from functioning properly. Additionally, if you wipe your car clean in the cold, make sure to dry it before attaching your rack.
What can I carry on a set of Monkey Bars?
The Monkey Bars are really a set of roof bars that can be attached to just about any car, so whatever you can strap to those bars is generally okay. In addition to paddle boards and surfboards, people use our racks to carry kayaks, canoes, ladder, and timber, among other things.
What is the weight limit on the Monkey Bars?
100lbs / 45kg
Can I put a SeaSucker rack on a wrapped vehicle?
We don’t recommend it. Our testing shows that our vacuum cups will pull a bubble in the wrap when attached, which screws up the wrap and is not a safe attachment point for a SeaSucker.
Should I take my SeaSucker off when I’m not using it?
1. Yes, because someone might steal it. It’s happened - we get calls and emails from poor souls hoping for a theft-replacement discount. 2. Any rack on your car without a bike in it will still negatively affect your gas mileage (as much as 5 mpg!) 3. It’s so easy to remove and remount, just take it off when you’re done using it. 4. It’s always nice to let your vacuum pads have a rest and go back to their original concave shape.
Will my SeaSucker rack damage my cars finish?
No. But, don’t attach SeaSucker to a freshly-waxed surface until it’s had time to cure, and definitely don’t attach a SeaSucker on vehicle wrap.
What rack do I use for carrying kayaks or canoes?
The Monkey Bars, of course! They're really a set of roof bars that you can strap just about anything to, including kayaks, canoes, ladders, timber and, of course, paddle boards and surfboards.
What if my car has an old/chipped paint finish?
Try to find a clear spot to mount your rack. The thickness of the paint may actually mean that there will be a teeny tiny gap when you mount a SeaSucker across paint/no paint sections. That gap will eventually let air seep in under the vacuum pad, weakening and ultimately breaking the vacuum seal.
Will SeaSucker racks work on a glass or panoramic roof?
Absolutely - glass roofs are great surfaces to attach SeaSuckers to. In fact, the vacuum cup technology was originally invented to carry big sheets of glass and other solid-surface materials, so they wor
Yes, but you need to mount the vacuum cup in the dry, and then remove it once you’re finished. Do not leave it submerged for long periods of time.