Overhead Kayak Solutions

I have a 13'+ fishing kayak and I had been hoping to carry that in the bed of my DCSB 3rd gen with a hitch extender. I just tested this, but it sticks way out and I'm not comfortable going long distances like that.

Can you post some pics of overhead kayak solutions that involve a roof rack, ladder rack, or combinations thereof? Maybe there is a cool roof rack product that also makes loading easier?

 

Google: “Thule” see if anything they make floats your boat.

 

Was hoping for specific advice for my particular vehicle and kayak size. I am familiar with Thule products, but there are lots of other specialty rack brands that may fit my purposes better.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/10868826/?q=Transport+kayak&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

That search feature is amazing....

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kayak-on-roof.659677/

 

What’s your budget?

 

For the right product, I can go higher, but hoping for around $200 or less.

Forgot to mention that I have an OEM trifold tonneau that I want to maintain. I've gone through the search results, but there are so many kayak/rack/truck combinations. Looking for people who are in my situation: 13' kayak, DCSB 3rd gen, overhead transport, maintain factory tonneau.

 

you mean you didn’t like the price.

 

I spent a long time searching online to find a ladder rack mounted to bed rails that works with the factory tonneau cover. The closest option seemed to be KB Voodoo Universal rack which did not look good and they seem to be having finish issues anyway. I have yet to see a bracket design that works with the factory tonneau.

I guess that narrows it down to a roof rack. Something simple like the OEM rack with 2 cross bars (or a Thule, Rhino, Yakima equivalent) or something more unique like a Prinsu rack. I just don't know if such specialized rack actually help my situation or not.

 

Any cross bars system (OEM, Thule, Yakima, etc) will do. Here's my 10'. Can do same with 13'.

For really cheap....mount it on those foam blocks and run straps through cab/doors.

I carry a 15' canoe on this rack.

 

Are those bases bolted in?

 

This pic is of the clamp on (door jamb) type. I've since upgraded to an in track/ditch mount rack. But same theory.

 

What is it about hauling in the bed that you're uncomfortable with?
I've hauled 14' tandem kayaks, and both our 12' kayaks in the bed of my trucks, including long out of state drives.

 

I'm just not used to it, even though the hitch extender I got is pretty nice. I also have a lot of gear that I'd like to throw in the bed instead of inside the cab. But it's certainly doable for short distances.

 

OK - I think I will keep this simple with a double cross-bar roof rack mounted in factory holes. Will post my findings later.

 

OEM rack would work fine.

 

Seeing some OEM knock-offs on Amazon in the mid-high $100's.

 

Be cautious...fit & finish may not be nearly as good.

 

There's an OEM on eBay for $199.

 

Boom, just ordered it. Thanks, man!