14' paddleboard on OEM roof rack?

Do you think it is a good idea? Or should I get something like this.

Yakima - DryDock Roof Hitch Mounted Boat System

https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-DryDo...&qid=1466467206&sr=8-22&keywords=Yakima+hitch

My problem is you can not open tailgate or cap rear door with it. Is 14' board too long for a double cab OEM rack?

 

You should make something that sits in the bed and can be a post for the board. Like that link, but inside instead of out. I know they make some for bicycles. If you're wanting to open the tailgate it would be something to look in to. Probably wouldn't be too hard to make with some 2x4s if there is nothing out there...

 

I have a truck bed cap installed.

 

Should be fine. Just make sure to center it and strap it like you would any other roof-mounted cargo (over/under each crossbar, one up front to secure the nose, etc).

If you're super worried about it, you can cut some foam and place it on top of the topper to act as a cushion and center it appropriately. I work for an outdoor recreation outfitter/rental center, and this is how we strap kayaks and canoes on top of customers' cars that don't have roof racks.

 

Put a rack on it. Drilling holes in your truck is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time! I did mine, your turn!



Improperly loading a roof rack can have undesired results (Yakima rack, but you get the idea - user error!)

 

MDB, do you strap the foam or the board to the cap somehow?

 

I had an 11' longboard on mine with no problems, what's another 3 feet.

 

What kind of windows do you have on the topper? If they're sliders or something, easiest way is to just cut the foam so that it's about level with the roof rack (remember to compensate for compression), lay the board on top, then strap through the windows making one big loop and making a compression fit on the foam.

As for the foam, I forget what it's called. It's this really dense stuff we buy from one of the local industrial suppliers, usually black/grey. It feels like that stuff they ship really big/expensive electronic equipment with (not the styrofoam stuff). Lowes or Home Depot might carry it.

However, I will say this if you don't want to go through the trouble: we did strap a full length canoe on top of a customer's regular cab Ford Ranger and it held fine. She's actually been a repeat customer now. Haha.

Just make sure whatever method you choose don't forget a front strap to keep the nose from flying up while driving.

(Probably a much wordier response than you were looking for)

 

A paddle board is pretty flat. Your OEM roof rack should be fine. Buy some of that rubber pipe insulation to use as padding/non-slip between board & rack and use good straps to snug it down. You'll be fine!

 

Thank you guys!

No windows on the topper at all. Guess wil try the rack first and see what happens. Just bought used Thule SUP taxi attachment from Craigslist.

 

I wouldn't worry about it man. The double cabs have plenty of roof space for such things as long as you center the board.