Ski racks are a great alternative to most rod holders, especially when freeway speeds are involved. I have seen good ones on Craigslist and Ebay cheap.
I use one of these; http://www.basspro.com/Rod-Saver-Vehicl ... uct/15989/ & yes I took a tape measure with me when I shopped for a new vehicle, it had to be able to fit a 9 ft rod. Don't know what I'll do if I ever buy a 10 ft
I'm pretty laxs when it comes to traveling with my rods, but I have never wanted to put them in one of those rod holders. With my luck, they'd fly off, and cause an accident.