How I transport a 14' kayak with a RTT (and other tips)

I've seen different threads of folks asking how about kayak transportation. Here's my setup in case it helps give anyone ideas.

First I had already raised my RTT off my KB Voodoo cross bars by using aluminum blocks. I did this so my Tepui, when opened, would folder over and lay flat over my bike rack (which is a 1UP rack). The 1Up is an awesome rack as it allows you to keep the tires on your bike, it works with my mountain and road bikes, and folds super flat. I am buying a 2nd soon to put one on the passenger side (which is why I tested the setup on the driver side first). I've had no issues with stability of the RTT up on the blocks. (I'm also happy I've installed Victory4x4 bed stiffeners - yes, I think they help. That's a debate for another thread )

Anyway with the RTT raised, I simply put two foam blocks on top of the RTT, set the kayak on top, strap it down, and I'm good to go. It clears the roof line, everything is solid. Loading it is easy, and its a simple two step process. First lift the kayak up on my shoulder (like you would to carry it around), and set it on the tailgate perpendicular to the truck. Then I jump up in the bed between the kayak and the RTT, and lift the kayak again onto my shoulders. Then I just turn 90 degrees, set it down on the foam blocks that are on the RTT, and wa-lah - loaded. Its ever easier than it sounds.

Using some scrap 2x4s I had and about $5 in hardware, I also built a simple kayak cradle for storing it properly.

 

Did you have to remove the ladder? I have a smittybilt and am looking to do the same with a 10 ft kayak

 

No I did not. With the kayak up on the two foam blocks, it just lays on top of the ladder. You can just barely make out the ladder bump in that top photo, where its under the cover. Ladder height (when folded down) is only a few inches, so most foam blocks should get you pretty close to level with top of ladder.

 

13', but who's counting.

I've since upgraded to dual J-hooks (cheapo Amazon) to mount both on the roof. No issues.

 

Size matters.

 

I’ve been on here for 6ish months now and I am disappointed to still not know what: means…

 

This setup is exactly what I was looking for - I have a very similar config with my RTT and 1up bike rack. One question: Do you think it's stable and secure enough for long distance driving? (back and forth across the U.S.) Here's a photo of my current setup, but I'd really like to add a 10-12 foot fishing kayak to the mix:

 

I have been trying to figure this out haha. Glad I came across this thread. I currently have a Yakima Overhaul HD, which will put my Roam Vegabond XL about 10in above my cab line, so I'm hoping to utilize this method for 2 paddle boards.

 

I have almost an equivalent tent setup on the same cross bars on my 2020 TRD Off Road. (I too have bed stiffeners)

Question: Did you ever put a bike rack on the passenger side and did it interfere with the tent while open? And have you successfully mounted 2 kayaks with this method? Wanting to bring 2 bikes and 2 kayaks on camping trips with the lady without purchasing a roof rack.

 

I do have 1UP bike racks on both sides now. Even when I only had the one bike rack initially, that was the side my tent opened up towards. If you read through my post you'll see I had added the aluminum spacer blocks to raise the tent above the crossbars, so that when opened, the tent lays over the 1UP rack when its folded down. You'll see the spacers in the photos - that's why the tent doesnt just sit on the cross bars. With the 1UP racks stowing away so flat, I didnt have to raise the tent too much to allow it to open and lay flat over the stowed rack. Regarding kayaks - I've only ever had one kayak up top, so can't speak to trying to get two up there.

 

Creative way you have side mounted the 1Up rack! I have a Heavy Duty double 1Up rack on my RV for my wife and I Ebikes. Great rack, no sway. Only RV rated Ebike rack.

 

Hi. I tried to send you a message but it couldn't go through. Your tire set up looks sick. Are you on stock suspension? What size tires are you running? Rubbing?

 

I did exactly the same