Anyone use a roof rack for kayaks?

[Riverwolf]

Misses and I bought a couple 10 foot kayaks.
Now we need a way to safely transport them.
We have both a car (not SUV) and a Ford Ranger.
Any good ideas?
I saw online a hitch extension rack that looked interesting for the pickup.
Thanks!

[dhodgeh]

Yakima or Thule.

We bought into the Yakima system, and have the mounting pads on all of our vehicles. This allows us to move the racks themselves to whatever vehicle we'll use for an outing.

More info here: https://explore.yakima.com/rack-101

I'm sure Thule has a similar system.

Be forewarned though, these systems are not inexpensive, but you do get flexibility and peace of mind for that kind of money. We've had no problem transporting our two 17 ft sea kayaks around at interstate speeds.

HTH

D

[Riverwolf]

Originally Posted by dhodgeh

Yakima or Thule.

Thanks!

[BoneDigger]

If you have a Ford Ranger, buy a bed extender. They are relatively cheap and work great! Buy a large pool noodle and use it as a cushion and you have a great way to carry kayaks!

[Tico]

You use your kayak on your car's roof?
Doesn't it get windy up there?

I use my kayak on water.

[RP]

I used to transport my bicycles on top of my vehicles but at a certain point, my physical ability limited that. When I got kayaks, I opted for a small trailer and that made moving boats a whole lot easier....

[Steve DeRosa]

Nope - mine's reserved for obnoxious passengers...

[RedJoker]

For our ranger, I put on a relatively cheap ladder rack and then attached kayak roof racks to it. With that, we still have access to the full bed and can put two bikes standing in the center of the bed. That allows for coolers, and camping gear in the bed on either side of the bikes.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/AA-Racks-Capa.../dp/B00G5RPSEU

With something like these attached:
https://www.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-J-Bar.../dp/B01F6XJZ8I

[reeve21]

Hi Riverwolf,

This can be a real "rabbit hole," especially if you overthink it like I tend to do. Not to mention potentially expensive.

A lot depends on the value of your boats, what you have on your roof for existing rails, and your ability to lift the boats up on the roof.

In my case we had a previously abused Old Town tandem that fit me, my wife and a large dog. It was cheap and quite heavy. I knew wouldn't have the boat forever, and didn't want to get real spendy on a rack. My vehicle already had roof rails.

I resisted the temptation to by an expensive name brand "system" and opted for some universal "pads" that clamp directly to the roof rack. The boat just sits on top of the pads without any supporting rack or rails. Not the foam rubber blocks you sometimes see, these are fixed mounts with semi-flexible pads attached. I've since given the whole package to my daughter, so I don't remember the brand or cost, but I believe it was under $100. It worked fine for me, including several long trips at interstate speeds. The key to this set up is the straps, and I believe they came with the pads. You need to cinch it down nice and tight. You also need to run lines to the front and back of the vehicle from the bow and stern of the boat.

This is a quick and dirty solution, but not very elegant. It probably takes a bit longer to set it up than the nicer systems. If I had a pickup I think I would have just tossed it in the bed and tied a red flag off the stern and called it good

Have fun, it is a great activity.

[J Patrick]

.i’ve been hauling kayaks for many years...we own five kayaks that range in length from 13 feet to 19 feet...I have a Yakima rack....a custom rack I made and a rack that is a tubular metal tee that extends from the trailer hitch...the tee hitch is the easiest rack to load the kayaks onto....was the least inexpensive and the one I would recommend for your kayaks...I do tape some foam onto the crossbar to protect the kayaks...I also use the tee rack to haul lumber...so much easier than an overhead rack...

[ziapack]

I have a Tacoma with a shell on the back and purchased a Rack-It truck rack. I like it because it mounts to the frame and wraps around the shell, makes for a really solid system, I've hauled dry wall up there without any issues. When hauling kayaks I use the yakima kayak racks, canoes mount well, bikes, gear boxes, just about anything.
https://www.rackitinc.com/camper-shell-racks/

[chistrummer]

Originally Posted by Tico

You use your kayak on your car's roof?
Doesn't it get windy up there?

I use my kayak on water.

Ha ha I had the same thought lol.

[RP]

Originally Posted by reeve21

Hi Riverwolf,

A lot depends on the value of your boats, what you have on your roof for existing rails, and your ability to lift the boats up on the roof...

I think the underlined caution from reeve21 bears repeating when contemplating carrying kayaks on the roof....

[Riverwolf]

Bought this one for the Ranger, cheap with good reviews-

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7023...ustomerReviews

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

Bought this one for the Ranger, cheap with good reviews-

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7023...ustomerReviews

Exactly! A bed extender like this works great for up to two boats.