Racks

I have a 2014 DCSB with a SnugTop topper. On the topper I got the tracks for the racks, but no racks. My 1st question, in order to carry one or two 10/12 foot Kayaks, would racks on the truck or bed be better?

Q 2. Would racks on both truck and topper be better?

Q3. If I go with the ones on the bed will I need to drill or will they just pop in after I move the plastic strips?

Q4. Best place to get OEM racks or any in general?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

1- For me the farther back the better (i.e. on the shell) because that's less dragging in the wind (mpg) and less noise up front.

2- I don't see the point in having more than two bars since anything you put on is most likely only going to touch in two places, or at least is only necessary to touch in two places.

I think you need to clarify about the tracks/strips because I can't tell what you're talking about since you said it already has the tracks. Check to see what kind of tracks the SnugTop comes with then get a rack to fit those tracks.

 

Hey Speck, the SnugTop was ordered with Yakima Tracks (just looked at invoice).

Were is the best place to order the racks. I am sure I can beat the place I got the top at. They are always higher.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

1 and 2: This all depends on preference and driving conditions; a. Roof mounting the kayak racks will center the kayaks over the truck leaving very little overhang at the rear (short bed only), b. Canopy mounting with the track systems Yakima/Thule will give you more of a bar spread (better) and in my opinion will be a more solid setup. c. Mounting on the cab and the bed will increase the bar spread (better) but should not be used if driving conditions, such as off road, will create flex. This will put undesired strain on the mounting system.

3: Not sure what the question is. If you are asking about the accessory rail system that is available for most toppers/canopies, than this is a track system. The bases are the Thule TK1 fit kit and the Thule Tracker II feet. There should be plastic caps on each end of the rails. Remove these caps to slide the fit kit in, locate it in the desired position on the track then tighten the fit kit down.

4. I have purchased both Thule and Yakima rack accessories and parts from many places: REI, Rack Attack, Rack and Road, Joes Sporting Goods, ebay and the like. Both companies have 20% off sales a couple times a year or more. Outside of buying of ebay you generally will not find one seller to be any cheaper than the other.

About my setup:
I too kayak. I have 2 14.5 foot 65lbs perception kayaks. I am currently transporting these on my DCSB with Thule Traverse 480 feet.
I am currently searching for a canopy with tracks (feeling too cheap to buy a new one, $2000-2500 )
My intention is to mount the kayaks to the Canopy rail system. If I find that I do not like how far the kayaks hang off the back, I may mount on both if my trip does not evolve off road driving.

 

Took me too long to type any Speck beat me.
As stated above, there should be no need for more than two bars. Both on the cab, both on the Canopy of one on each.

Also noticed 10 to 12ft, so with cab mount on short bed, you should have no overhang.

 

Thanks all for the feed back. Good info.

 

I have owned many trucks in the past. However, I have never put racks on them. I have just used trailers, thus all the questions.

If I put the OEM stow away racks on my truck. Do they make attachments to fit them for Kayak/Canoe hauling. I know the other top brands have them. My question is will they work on the OEM cross bars?

Or is there a better way to go.

I would like to put the racks on the cab and not the topper. Thanks again.

 

I bought a Baja Rack. It's bomb proof.

 

That is cool! Did it mount to your roof easily? Did it cost much? and where did you get the cool canvas/topper for the bed???
nice work!