Roof rack carrying kayaks

Hi, I recently bought 4 kayaks and want to carry them all on my Tacoma to nearby parks instead of driving two cars. My truck doesn't come with roof racks so I need to install a set and rooftop carriers first. I can load two 10 ft kayaks on the bed with tailgate down. Want to load the other two on the roof when roof rack is installed. I heard that the factory roof rack is not sturdy, wonder if anyone has experience carrying 4 kayaks? Should I consider other racks instead of OEM parts? I want to install it with bolts using the factory holes under the rubber seals, not those installed by clamping on the door seals.

 

If you're already filling up the bed, why not get a bed rack to load them onto?

Something like this:

 

And you can support the 10' kayaks in the bed with a hitch extender:

New MTN Gearsmith Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mounted Extension Extender Rack Ladder Canoe Boat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C8FYBEG/

 

If you decide on a cross bar style non OEM roof rack. I highly recommend the Rhino Rack system.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/install-rhino-rack-vortex-rlt600-roof-rack.624050/

 

Thanks. I have a soft tonneau cover so installing this kind of rack won't work.

 

Have one similar to this. It works for 12 ft kayaks but my 10 ft does not even need it. The problem is I want to load two more on top so I can transport 4 kayaks together so two of them has to be on the roof.

 

They may move around a bit at highway speeds unless you actually secure the ends of the kayaks.

I'd recommend the OEM rack. Dynamic (while driving) capacity is 100lbs. When you're not using the rack, it easily folds into itself and is clean. With the OEM rack, you fully remove the roof trim and save it from modification. You can resell it for >$100 to offset the cost of the rack.

Almost all other options are expensive metal that require you to cut up your expensive roof trim.

 

Nice job! A little concerned about drilling holes on my roof. If they don't aligned well I can't repair it...

 

You mark the rivet holes with the tracks bolted into the threaded holes. Hard not to align properly. I was concerned as well, but I have no leaks.

 

The OEM rack has curved crossbars. I have a set of Thule Compass carrier that may be able to carry two kayaks (about 90 lbs total). What I'm concerned is that the carrier set is installed in the single middle point of the crossbars so two kayak's weight will all be there. With high speed is there a risk of breaking the crossbars? I know other aftermarket bars are steel and stronger than factory flat bars.

 

They aren't curved that much.

I've seen other people carry big kayaks on the OEM roof rack and haven't broken it.

I would definitely run some paracord / straps from the bows down to the front bumper to reduce the stress on any rack they are mounted to with the wind/air resistance pulling up on them.

 

I have the factory tonneau cover but I swap out with a Rolla ladder rack for carrying kayaks.
I modified the mounts to work over the tonneau mounts. Takes me less that ten min to swap.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-are-you-doing-for-a-kayak-rack.612271/page-3#post-23858247

For hauling 4 kayaks you may want to consider a trailer. Easy enough to modify something found on craigslist to carry boats.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-are-you-doing-for-a-kayak-rack.612271/

 

Thanks for the info. Don't have enough space for a trailer. Will consider either a roof rack or trunk mount rack.

 

On voodoo makes similar bars that work with a tonneau cover

 

My kayak buddy put this on his Chevy Colorado. He can carry 3 kayaks on the rack and 3 in the bed.

https://www.discountramps.com/universal-truck-rack/p/UPUT-RACK-V2/

 

I believe for this rack, the mount points are adjustable so you could roll your cover, and still mount these. I think. Check specs and you might be in luck.

 

Using a be extender, I can easily put four 12' kayaks in my short bed along with coolers and fishing gear.

 

I am a big fan of the Yakima Overhaul HD. I use the Yakima JayLow to carry my kayaks. Each pair of JayLows can carry a kayak, configured like any other J rack. Additionally, you can lock the arm vertically and easily carry 2 kayaks. I routinely carry 2 kayaks and a mountain bike on my Overhaul with room to spare. I may even be able to fit 4 kayaks with my mountain bike, but 4 kayaks alone would be an easy fit.
https://yakima.com/products/overhaul-hd-system
https://yakima.com/products/jaylow

 

We always mount our two kayaks to the Prinsu roof rack with some generic Amazon kayak racks.

 

The price of Overhaul HD alone is $949, much more expensive than the OEM roof rack ...