How are you mounting your kayaks?

how'd this work out for you in the long run? I've thought about doing something similar. How is it attached to the truck, just strapped down? or were you able to attach to bed rail system?

 

Check out https://www.goodboypaddlesports.com and then give Cliff a call, (610) 287-3344. He'll be able to come up with the best rooftop or rear rack configuration for whatever type of kayak you have. This is a custom rack that he and I came up with for a 26' rowing scull that cantilevers the front support over the cab.

 

it was attached. I used the brackets that the thule ladder rack used. I just drilled and tapped them and bolted unistrut to them. It was so much stronger than cross cars. It worked great for my white water boats but I have a Jackson sit on top fishing that it was awkward to put on it.

 

I understand needing a rack for 17’ kayak but 12’ and under wouldn’t they simplest option be just to throw it in the bed. That being said for those who do. Do you prefer tailgate up or down.

 

Tailgate down. In high heat areas the kayak can melt over the end of the tailgate, or end up with a giant melted dent in it where all the weight of the kayak is put on a small part.

Remember to check state law on if you need a flag or not. Here in MN, if you are over 4 feet outside of the bed you need a flag. I run a 10f kayak in a 6f bed so I dont need a flag.

 

To make it easier. I would keep my tough box under my bed rack which kept all my gear, then my cooler would be beside it.

 

I toss them in my bed when it is free, but camping we need the bed for gear, gas, and water.

 

I just got this mounted on this weekend and hope to test it out this coming weekend. It’s a cobbled together from Thule folding kayak racks we had on a previous car and a Yakima outpost rack I found cheap on Craig’s list.

 

like this
https://youtu.be/AKZ7djkmPds

 

this is what I do with my tailgate down... When it's just me it's easy. When it's me and my wife and we have a cooler and some other stuff it becomes a little more difficult. I also considered buying the rooftop kayak type J brackets and just screwing them on a couple of 2x4's that would sit in the bed. It would let the kayaks easily stay up at an angle and be less awkwardly placed in the bed on top of each other... just haven't bothered to try it yet.

 

I was able to use some hardware store items to make the old school Yakima racks mount to the rail system. So far like 4 years later and it is still solid. Rusted on me but still holds kayaks.

 

its not difficult at all. Basically lift the front onto the rear rail. Then grab the back of the kayak and slide it into place. Takes less than 30 seconds and it’s secure as hell. Highway, trails, etc I’ve had no issues.

 

At first I didn’t think I’d be able to. I only have the 68” bars. I’ve since proved myself wrong and I’m able to transport both my PA14 and my Old Town Sportsman 120 on there.

 

Cool!

 

Like others, I want my kayak higher up so that I can load the bed with other stuff and close the tailgate.

 

What are the long horizontal pieces the j hook goes into?
Thanks!

 

Farm gate hinges and I just made my own slot bolts by welding some washers on the back of a bolt and cutting flat edges on two sides. Slide them into the tracks bolt them where I need and the j-hooks work. I know they make correct items from like Yakima or whatnot but this was super cheap to do and it works. I need to replace the bolts though as they are rusty.

 

How I carry both when I need to. I don't put the larger one up top very much as I can't lift it anymore. To old and broken.

 

Wheres the closest place I can kayak in Los Angeles? Thx

 

LA river....

https://6abc.com/us--world-hot-pink-flamingo-raft-los-angeles-river/3237585/