Need advice on a rack

I'm looking to get into kayak fishing and I need to figure out a means of transporting two kayaks from my house to the lake. I know there are many different types of roof racks out there and such, I just want feedback on which ones are actually worth the money? I just purchased a camper shell also but it doesn't have any racks on it. I'm a college student so I'm trying to spend as least as possible.

 

Anyone?

 

ttran:
I jut installed a rack on my camper shell, but (and I am no expert) you have 2 choices. Thule makes a rack system that you could put in the pick-up bed (so you can still use the bed) and then you get kayak adapters.
Since you have a camper top, you can do waht ai just did. Thule part 542 is an artifical raingutter. You will need to drill the cap (no big deal for me, I used a bit of silicone caulk around the screws). Now that you have the rain gutters in place, then you can get Thule "feet." The foot pack gives you three choices (depending on how high off the camper top you want to be). a couple of load bars and any thule parts will fit (kayak adapters) and you are good to go. Do dome searching. I found etrailer dot com a pleasure to work with and decent prices. Yakima also has products, I am just not as familiar with their stuff. The hule parts (not including the kayak adapters)should run you a couple of hundred.. If you go to my build, Tacomanter's build) you can see waht it looks like (i have a cargo basket on tp of my cap/shell) GL.

 

I'm an avid kayak fisherman and often transport my yak 2+ hrs on the highway as well as on local windy roads. I used a Thule Track system directly bolted (w/ silicone) through the top of my fiberglass shell. You will need TK1 feet as well as load bars (I'v got the 50"). The track allows you to move the feet/bars wherever you need them or take them off if you aren't using them. Its a breeze to load/unload the kayak and using a couple heavy duty bungies it stays very secure. If you need to carry two kayaks just get 2 sets of J-bars, one facing either side of the truck.

I bought the Track new from a local cap dealer, about $165, and scored the feet/locks and bars off Craigslist for $100 I think. Scour Craigslist and ebay for a good deal.

BUT... first check out www.orsracksdirect.com and www.rackattack.com to get a good idea at what you are ultimately looking for.

I'm so thrilled with my set-up. that I'v installed it on 2 consecutive trucks!

 

I would recommend the track system type. It will allow more versatility on what you can haul. With the fixed rain gutter type mounts, you will be stuck with that rack spacing. This may limit the different accessories like bike mount trays, etc.
I personally have a yakama system, but they are both about the same. The only difference in my book is the round vs square bars.

 

Thanks for the input guys! Time for me to do some looking on craigslist.

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=nice...0&tbnw=115&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0

Check out this one... hope the top works out for you

 

Hahaha I didn't expect to see that

I'm in the process of repainting it now, so by the time the clamps and keys get here, it should be ready to be put on!

 

Yakima Q towers on front and Outdoorsman on bed. New $500, Criagslist $200+. This just barely fits into my garage.

 

I have Yakima racks set up on mine. I'm not sure exactly which model they are because they were on there when I bought it. I love them.

here they are hauling two 10' kayaks.



I don't really have a picture showing them up close. This is the best I have.

 

WAY off base maybe and have NO experience with it, but having been a 4Runner owner previous I wondered for the extremely budget consious, could you go to the scrap yard and get the roof tracks off a 4Runner and work with those?

As I said, don't have a clue, but the track system pictures looks very much like them. Just wondered if they could be adapted and save you a bit on getting a system?

 

you could also use duct tape and bailing wire, for even cheaper.

But I'd imagine the 4Runner racks would probably work, but good luck getting them from a recycler, at least in good condition.

The other problem is that you'd then be tied to buying OEM rack adaptors for the Kayaks, which (though I've never priced them) are probably more expensive than just buying a Yakima or Thule system that is WAY more adaptable and universal.

just a thought.

 

I was thinking of going this route (not from a 4R in particular but salvaging something from a junk yard) but in the end I found a pretty good deal on the Thule system.

I'm sure that with the proper planning and measuring a suitable rack can be found; especially if installing onto a cap because you have easy through-roof access.

 

Just wondered. Seems loads of 4Runners in the self serve U Pull place here with many not even damaged, just blown 3.0's Interior and wheels seem first things to go. Having had one and looking at the pictures above just looked like something that could be adapted to suit the purpose and I would think the pieces would be inexpensive from a similar non specialist yard.

As with anything though, probably best advise already given which is to see what you can find used through craigslist, clubs, eBay etc.

Cheers

 

good money saving tip i found when putting my canoe rack together, get the yakima or thule towers, and make sure they take round bars, then go to your favorite hardware store and buy iron pipe and a can of black spray paint, cost me about $9 instead of the 40-50 that the manufacturer wanted, and i believe it is the 1/2" that is the exact same size as the ones that would come from yakima.

I have pretty much the exavt same set up as seanqcaroloan from above, except on a 2nd gen access cab, works great.

 

I will look into this as well. Thanks!

 

Let's chip in and buy this Taco some wheels...

 

Yeh, I need wheels, but in the last month I've bought three motorcycles and riding gear to match. I'd appreciate suggestion on low cost rims.

 

Sounds like you need a bigger truck to haul your toys.

Look in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum, I've seen several sets on there with tires.

 

My 15 year old is going to be driving the Taco pretty soon, so I need to be looking for a bigger, badder rig. One small truck but good eneough for two or three bikes.

I once owned a car, but it was just a phase I was working through.