Help.... LOoking for roof rack for two 14' x 80lbs Kayaks.(should I go on cab or ARE topper)

I have a long bed third gen tacom, looking for rack recommendations. I have an are topper.

I was thinking about putting one on the topper. Looking for pros vs cons of each way.

Thanks,

 

Searching racks I saw your question and even though it's older I assume you still haven't installed anything yet. The best option and most expensive would be to mount two pieces of box aluminum sideways across your canopy (providing it can take the weight) and install Thule Hullivators on them. They do have to stick out a bit from each side to mount the Hullivators. The benefit here is the rack scissors off the side of the truck and allows you to do up your straps at waist level and then it takes 40lbs of the weight as it flips back up. A cheaper method would be to mount some square aluminum length wise with the vehicle on top of your canopy. I'd use a Swagman exo aero bolted directly to the box aluminum and I would mount it far enough back that I could set the nose of the kayak in it and not contact the back of the canopy with the stern touching the ground. This way you could wheel your kayak into position, lift and set the bow in the V, lift the stern and shoot it up into position. The issue here is reaching the straps. Standing on the tire only works so well depending on the deck height of your kayak. Also to be carrying cockpit side up you'll want a Seal's cockpit cover. To tie off the front check out Sherpak quick loop tie downs to slam in your hood.

 

I recently put up the Thule Xsporter on my short bed. Even with the shorter spacing compared to your long bed, it still works pretty well carrying my 14ft Wilderness Pungo around (pictures to follow). Still, I might consider moving the roof racks from my old car (Thule bars with Traverse 480 feet) over to the cab, just for some more spread in supports.

 

I'm an avid kayak fisherman. We take our kayaks anywhere and everywhere. A roof system like Thule is awesome, I like them a lot, but only if they mate into factory hard points. I have a Honda Pilot where they attach to the door sils and the towers / feet have dented and scratched the roof. I have a set of aero bar Thule racks on my CRV and those mount to the factory hard points, absolutely love those.

I just got my DCLB last night and I plan on getting the Thule xporters... I also have used and like a lot the hullivators, since we fish in heavier pedal drive kayaks (hobies and native propels) but they are pricey.