17 foot kayak how do you move yours?

My first solution didn't work out, used Thule Tracone, Thule can't say why it won't properly tighten down, two REI techs, same. So at least for my truck that system is not going to work.
To properly support the Epic V7 I would need three roof rack rails, this is an option. The spacing on the Thule rails is 27.5 inches, the Yakima 32, both too close together.
The crazy/cheap/easiest option is to buy two 12 inch hitch extenders https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Adapters/MaxxTow/MT70024.html
That would move the T bone back enough to properly suppport the weight of the boat. Boy, that's a lot of boat sticking out. Would not want to injure someone. Still with a couple of red flags, and non rush hour driving...

 

Another option is a trailer. How much does the yak weigh? Harbor Freight is again selling the trailers and they can be easily modified to carry a yak. The dedicated yak trailers are pricey but I'm glad we have ours....

 

Another thought is bed racks that are high enough so that the yak clears the cab........

 

The boat weighs 53 lbs, often need to move a second 53 lb boat.
It may come to a trailer, that will be a last resort.

 

I've hauled 14' kayaks with just a t-bone in my shortbed. Including on the highway (70+). And your kayak doesn't have wide-open cockpits like the Kilroy DTs I've had. I would think it has enough cross support to prevent bowing?
Just be sure to properly secure it with closed-loops straps.

 

My 10'er is heavier than your 17'er but weight really isn't the issue, length is. Our Malone trailer has been a godsend. I would strongly recommend one...

 

I absolutely understand why some people don't like shells, but my shell and rack combo works great for my 16'9" canoe.

 

Custom kayak rack?

 

Shell with a Yakima rack, my Dagger Magellan is approximately 17'. A neighbor up the street uses a Thule bedside rack on his Tundra. Back in the '80s most folks built their own rack out of wood and stuck it in the back, of course trucks were actually designed to be used as trucks and full-sized had stake pockets as well. Just do a google image search for "wooden kayak rack truck" and there are lots of simple ideas that are essentially what we used to do.

I know several people have modified the Harbor Freight trailers with longer tongues and a rack and been happy with them; the Yakima and other aluminum trailers are nice but pricey.

 

This solution might be to similar to Thule's XSporter...

Search Craigslist for a TracRac TracOne ladder rack. I picked one up on CL for $100 and modified it following the directions in this thread (see post #37 and #38 for my experience with the TracRac mod):

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-review-build-for-05-tacoma-bed-rack.294147/

 

Thinking about it a bit more - OP you said you couldn't get your used Thule Tracone to tighten. Did you buy the Tacoma mount kit? The Thule (and TracRack) systems have clamps sized for most domestic vehicles but not for the gen. 2 Taco. You can grab the Tacoma mount kit used on Amazon for $40.

Thule TracRac TracONE Accessory Tacoma (05-15) Mount Kit (No Toolbox Mount)

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-TracRac-TracONE-Accessory-Toolbox/dp/B0036TOFY4

 

$49 from Amazon

 

Ocean Kayak Torque 13.78'. 75 lbs dry, drawtite hitch receiver and generic bed extension.

 

Its just not big a problem. I haul my '14 canoe all the time using the OEM racks and straps to anchor to the cross bars and one front and rear strap as well. The extra 3 feet should not be any issue at all.

 

I took the rack off, wasn't right for me. I had the correct clamps.
The T Bone I have works great with the 14 foot boat, but, it doesn't properly support my 17 foot boat.
For the time being, I bought two twelve inch hitch extenders an anti rattle pin and a clamp to cut down on sway. The two hitch extenders then the T Bone, works great. It's an awful lot sticking out, I won't do a bunch of city driving that way!
I'll post some photos next time I go out for a paddle.

Long term, I would like to have the bed open, be able to take my boat, two bikes, then the ton of stuff my wife and I travel with. The OEM roof rack as well as the Yakima roof rack might work. The Rhino line also has some good choices. I'm not in a hurry now that I have an immediate solution, I'll do more research.
Thanks for the replies and photos.
Crow Horse, how does the Malone trailer handle higher speeds? Here in Texas we some high speed limits the highest is 85.

 

Thule xsporter

 

https://1drv.ms/a/s!ArNMWZN7wa-AjVSjW6uQnh1vK5o2

Pictures of a 17 foot kayak in a five foot bed

 

Yakima saddles up front, Yakima Hull Rollers in the rear. Get the nose in the rollers and then push from behind. Works great with the cap but you could use one bed rack out near the tailgate and one stock crossbar up front. There are multiple ladder racks available, some are relatively inexpensive. Shown with the Hobie Revolution 16.

 

I’m looking to get the Hobie Pro Angler 17 tandem. It weighs probably 225lb rigged out. I don’t know what the revolution weighs, but how bad is it getting the nose on top of the truck?

 

You will absolutely hate loading that on the roof. You need a trailer. Invest now, because you will invest later.