Tall Bed Bars for Kayaks

I would suggest a roof rack. Check out the Martin rack, it's an alternative to prinsu and less expensive, but very similar. It will allow you to put yaks up there, but is also handy for other purposes like transporting long stuff, or just more storage space if needed. Just an idea, though it sounds like you're going for the rola rack.


Another idea is see if a local fabricator can whip you up two cross bars that are more inline with your roof. Should be an easy job for anyone with a tube bender. Or if you're close to me I could make you a set.

 

Here is mine with the Rola Racks and my 12’ 6” kayak. I need to move the J hooks to the other side for easier loading.

 

I love that setup I’ve been debating on something like this, how many times have you almost had it tip and add some marks to your roof? Lol

 

Just the once. Today was the first time having the kayak on the truck. I’m going to move the J hooks to the other side in the same orientation. Then I can just slide the kayak on the bars in the center, climb in the bed and lift it into the hooks. Easy peasy lemon squeezee.

saddles might be a better option than J hooks, but it’s what I already have.

 

Rola with 17’ kayaks. We slide the kayaks on from the back. Super sturdy rack. I’ve carried these kayaks 1000’s of miles over the past few summers at interstate speeds and on rough narrow paths.

 

What saddles are those on the bars? I think that may be a better set up for me.

 

I just used my Diamondback cover to haul two 10’ kayaks. It worked great.


I have added L-track to my cover which helps add tie down points for stuff like this.

 

Thule Dockglide are the carriers on my Rola rack. The rear pads are felt lined and pivot, allowing you to slide your kayak right up. The front carriers wrap under and partially around the sides of the kayak holding it very securely. To load, I carry my kayak on my shoulder. I tip the kayak up, resting the front end Of the kayak on the rear pads, and laying the back of the kayak on the ground. I then walk to the back of the kayak, pick it up, slide it forward, and lower the front onto the forward carriers. Unloading is a breeze. Unstrap, pull down on the rear handle on your kayak and it will slide back. Rest the back of your kayak on the ground, walk up to the cockpit and put it on your shoulder and walk to the water.

 

Same set up using Thule Dockglide when I have my Leer Cap on the truck.

 

I have the racks on my truck which is perfect for carrying long kayaks.

 

What brand racks are those?

 

Prinsu

 

A kayaking buddy put this on his Chevy Colorado. He can carry 3 kayaks up top and 3 in the bed. Or his kayak up top and camping gear in the bed.

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