Roof Racks Defeated me

This is more of a rant, just bought a 2014 Double Cab 4x4 Tacoma base short bed with the 4.0. I've always been a ram man but changed up cause I kept hearing about tacomas being great and I got a great deal on it.

I have a 14 ft 80 lbs kayak that the wife and I go fishing on. Bought a thule roof rack base system from REI for an ungodly amount of money. I've put it on over and over again and it keeps rocking back and forth and will not lock in place. I've measured this thing over and over again, with Thule and the REI specialist telling me that the fit is 'tricky' but not impossible. So I'm just defeated with my truck and a roof rack and needed to vent. Sorry guys, will try again tomorrow and let you know.

 

If you are talking about your kayak not sitting square on the crossbar, you are unfortunately, out of luck!

Years ago, I discovered that with Thule my bikes, windsurfer and etc did not sit square because of the rectangular shape of crossbars AND curved roof line of vehicle. I ended up with Yakima racks because of their round crossbars...been using them ever since!

 

I have always used Yakima. Never an issue.

 

Thanks guys. I saw someone have a rack on the back of their truck I guess for one of those tents on top of the bed or something. I'm looking at an option like that. Then I could put a yakima basket on there when I don't have the kayak.

 

This is how I load our kayaks. No rack needed. They are about 9'6" individual sit in kayaks. Been using this method for 18+ years.

 

That's how I did it before but my wife wanted to come with me so I got one of those Jackson Big tunas and it's 14 feet. I'm scared to death of it falling out.

 

That's part of the reason we do individual kayaks, if you fall in it's your own fault I've never had a accidental "wet exit".

 

Yeah I know, but no matter what time of day or night if I want to go fishing my wife is all for it. As long as she comes cause she loves fishing. It's her version of a romantic date. So I have to give in a little bit.

This summer is going to be fun when we go out with just basic gear and do some good roll over drills.