Roof Rack

Does anyone have a real life experience with roof racks. I am considering one for my truck so I can transport my kayak etc. I am not sure if I will add lights or no. What is important is to get a rack that doesn't produce lots of wind noise. Any real life input is greatly appreciated.

 

How long is your kayak, and how much does it weigh? My experience is that it isn’t fun lifting them up on a roof rack.

There are some big kayak threads in the 3rd gen forum that are applicable. I’ve done both roof and bed racks. Many people use hitch extenders because they are low cost and easy to use.

 

I had the OEM roof rack on my 08 and 12. It's amazing because the crossbar stow along the rails when you don't need them so wind noise was zero. Trying to find out if they fit the 2024. If so, I'll be adding them as my first upgrade when I get my truck later this month.

 

About 15 feet. It needs 2 adults to lift it especially over a car or truck.

 

You can forget a roof rack.

 

Why?

 

Sounds like you need a combination roof rack and hitch rack

 

Lifting a big heavy kayak on the roof isn’t fun. There are some cool racks that help with the lifting.

For example… https://www.thule.com/en-us/water-racks/kayak-and-canoe-racks/thule-hullavator-pro-_-1685448

I am considering one of the hitch mounts. See https://www.amazon.com/Mockins-Extender-Ratchet-Straps-Extension/dp/B0859KBTPZ/

 

I have one of those hitch racks that I used on my Tundra all the time..used it to carry my Old Town Stillwater canoe I’m sure I’ll be using it on the taco at some point

 

Yeah, that Thule hullavator is pretty sweet. A lot of the little old lady paddlers at my lake use them.

 

Too bad you have a tonneau, otherwise bed racks with Thule docksliders would be perfect. That's what I use on my Silverado.

 

You you say too bad I have tonneau. It wouldn't work with that? I can fold the tonneau.

 

Hullavator is nice and expensive

 

Sure. If you want to take the racks off every time you want to close the tonneau.

 

Thule has always been that way, unfortunately.

 

I just put the CBI/Prinsu roof rack on my Trailhunter. It cut 1.5 MPG off, and it's not crazy noisy, but it's noticeable. The wife and I have the standard Thule kayak racks and can get with boats on the roofrack with some effort (it's pretty high up there.)

 

I was going to get a roof rack. I mean, who needs $1500+ in their bank account? Honestly, for $60 this works just fine. I've done a few trips to Asheville with it carrying two Pungos (two hours each way at 80mph) without any problems.

 

I would have wrapped the bar with some swimming noodles, but yea, I like the simplicity.

 

Already done!