Kayak racks options.

I like the fact that the bed rack is adjustable up and down.
The first pic is the road to my house, we had quite a bit of rain! The creek was way up.

 

IMO, I would not trust a factory rack with 2 kayaks which aready exceeds the factory rack weight limit of 75lbs plus highway wind resistance might be sketchy. Personally, I found the cam straps tend to slip for highway driving so I added rachet straps which is so much more secure. Just don't overtightened ,only snug. Very important to add bow/stern tie downs. I made a permanent hood strap attached to a fender bolt for front tie down point. I run a prinsu rack but I sometimes use my bed with a tailgate extender if I only use my 10 ft single kayak or paddeboard for quick solo trips but not for my tandem 13ft. I mostly prefer an empty bed for family trips or bikes transport. The first pic is before a 4 hr drive and the other pics are after stopping at Wally world mid trip for ratchet straps due to the yak slipping on a a windy day doing 80mph.

 

Lots of people have gone this route but I think they surpass the $300 mark. Some use utility trailers similar to ones at Tractor Supply and do the same conversion. I guess it amounts to the materials you have on hand, your skills, and what you're looking to accomplish.

We lucked out and found a virtually brand new Malone trailer for $500 locally. It made loading and unloading sooooo much easier..... I added my J racks, storage trunk and cargo rack......

 

Finally found picture with my Hullavator attached.

 

I second the NRS straps. that's what secure my boats to my roof rack.

 

Your trailer setup looks great! How's the cargo rack secured on?

 

Thanks! Each corner has 2 bolts and it sits on aluminum rectangular tube with 3/8" pads welded on. Poor picture and you have to look closely. I still have to bring it to work and powder coat it.....

 

NRS makes high quality gear.........

 

For those who are using roof racks for your yaks, this setup I cobbed together worked quite nicely and was much easier on my old bones.......

I used Thule Outrigger II's and made a support from a modified cargo bar. Using this setup, I only had to lift half the weight at one time. My yak is pretty heavy.....

 

For those worried about the straps loosening, just tie two half hitches right after the buckle.

 

I recognize that cargo basket- that's part of a Harbor Freight hitch hauler. They're on sale right now for like $39 (or they were). I used one as the basis of my roof cargo basket as I wanted one that was long but narrow so I could also carry my cargo box or one kayak and my bike. I like how your trailer is set up; those small trailers are so much easier to move around the yard as well. Galvanizing is much better than painted and I also agree about getting older. I can't toss my 65# touring boat on the roof like I used to.

Yep, you have to be able to do the work yourself (or have a friend that can help i.e. welding) and not get too crazy in order to get off for $300 but they were popular with the VW crowd when I had my '78 Westy. I always mean to buy one but never got around to it as I really didn't have room for it with my 5x8 utility trailer on the side of the house.

 

You need to try to get the boat centered on the rack so that you have straps on either side of the widest part of the beam in order to help keep it from slipping and the straps from loosening. I'm not sure how well you can do that though with the limited amount of space on the rack vs. the size of the boat though.

 

What cart are you using to pull your boat with? Been looking for one to pull while riding my bike

 

The kayak carts we use are TMS carts that I got from Amazon. I did modify them to suit my needs better. I used the Boncas straps I mentioned earlier, modified 12" wheels by shortening the hub and installing ball bearings. I did some other tweaks such as fabbing a "lock" position so the cart doesn't collapse (fold up).

The handle pictured was a work in progress and works a charm. The trail leading to our favorite pond is rather gnarly as it is heavily rooted, very rocky and a respectable hill. The handle gave me more control while decending and ascending the hill. In it's finished form, it's woodland Marpat. Once I reach the water, I remove the handle as it mounts on a track system.....

 

Wanted to give you guys a heads up that I’m make these vinyl decals if anyone is interested. I can customize the state.

 

I know its not a factory rack system but this is what I have used for awhile now. if you have a bed topper or SUV you can set it up for those as well. best part is its $55

$60 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3"es

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-702...MaxxHaul+70231+Hitch+Mount+Truck+Bed+Extender

 

How do you like this? I've been thinking about buying the same exact one for my 12' tandem kayak. Does it seem pretty sturdy?

 

Oh yeah its all solid steel, easy to install/remove, and easy to adjust for 1 or multiple kayaks. I've carried two 13 foot fishing kayaks with it before. Buddy of mine actually wired up trailer lights for his but i just clip a towing flag on to mine.

 

Sweet, thanks!

 

I use the Thule racks for my kayaks. I easily fit two kayaks up there. I used Thule's kayak cradles.
With the Total Chaos bed stiffeners, I got no worries.

This Ocean Kayak Zest Two now weighs about 80 lbs. I also occasionally load a Hobie Revolution 13 along with the Zest two. I swear they're about similar weights.

I've found no need for the cab rack support, although I do have it. I haven't taken the kayaks off-roading, but they're super sturdy when strapped down snugly.