K2 Flip Rack

Hey guys, today ill be covering the K2 Flip Rack. I've been seeking a conspicuous way of having a way to transport my kayaks without having to sport around 2 goal posts seated on my truck bed. The great thing about this product is that it supports my transportation needs and gives my Tacoma a new look. Ill be breaking down the review in 4 categories, The Good, The Bad, Modification, and My recommendation.



The Good:
- Will fit bed truck beds with a min bed width of 41 3/4 in
- Very easy to assemble
- Rack can support 500 pounds (claimed to) Proven at least my body weight (200lbs)
- Is easily removable, requires no drilling of any type just adjust and clamp
- Gives your truck a defining style and sleek look
- Comes with a headache rack
- There is a 1 yr Warranty
- It collapses as a stow away while not in use
- The rack is ment to be multipurpose so carry whatever you need (within its limits)









The Bad:
- Out of the box, when flipped open to carry a load will not be level
- It rusts very easily (preventable with rustoleom paint)

Modification:
- In order for me to alleviate the offset in height from post to post I made a small modification. This will cost you approximate 3 dollars, purchase from lowes or any hardware store a 1' diameter pvc coupling; It measure 2.5 in high. After installation the assembly rear post sits a bit lower from the front post causing the front end to be higher. If you are transporting a kayak it could become very problematic during high speeds. With the coupling all you need to do and it will be different for everyone is to place the coupling over the original rubber pad where the posts lay on. Securing it in place will be the last step. The next step you will take is to dremel or sand a saddle for the post to lay in until you get your desired height. Last step is to either screw or glue the coupling to the rubber pad.






My Recommendation:
- Go get it!
- It usually sells for about 400-500 range
- Home Depot is having an overstock sale for $269.00 youre welcome
- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Detail-K...w-Guard-TFR150/205548511?keyword=k2+flip+rack

 

Been looking for something to carry the kayaks, another possibility to add to the list - thanks for the link too, that's a good deal!

 

Hi Toasty -

Great and timely post, I have one of these racks but it's still sitting in my garage in the box. Unfortunately I didn't know about the Home Depot sale!

Question: Did the rack mate up well to the bed rail system right out of the box? I haven't checked out the box contents yet, but the brackets in your pics look different than what I was expecting. I just want to be prepared to pick up any rail adapter accessory if necessary. If you get a chance, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

heckler 1, you should not have to purchase additional rail adapters...unless your box is missing essential pieces than there should be no issues. The rails will literally sit ontop of you truck bed rails. All adjustments width wise will be made through the headache rack and the rotating bar. Let me know if you have any issues

 

I performed the install on Saturday, and everything worked like a charm. Your post was definitely helpful, I'll try to post some pics up soon.

I'm with you on this rack likely rusting very quickly. I got mine from eTrailer (awesome company), but the box was absolutely trashed with various parts floating around. Amazingly, all the parts were there, but they did scratch up the rack while being shipped. I see a Rustoleum project in my future.

 

I just picked up a used one today for $100 (canadian). I know this is an old thread, but did you guys find using the clamps upside down in the bed rail channel (same as pictured), they loosened over time with vibration? It seems pretty tight, but without the over hang like most trucks, I worry about mounting on the Tacoma box sometimes.