Yakima bars on my ARE cap with Malone kayak cradles. Although I need to use a step ladder to get ‘em on and off. I’m 6’5” but it’s a pretty high reach.
Looks great! Been eyeing the leer cap and also have a soft top, would you mind showing a pic of the side of your Jeep? Thanks
Are those latches on the hood sturdy enough for the front strap? Did it deform the hood at all?Yakima Overhaul Rack with Big Catch Saddles.
Nice ! Where did you get the trailer ? I have the same Tandem Island and carry it on top of my Landcruiser, but, I wanted something easier with the Gladiator. The Trailer seems to be our only option...My only option is a trailer with the 18' Hobie Tandem Island kayak. But a trailer is pretty easy for launch and recovery of larger kayaks and something to consider. Plus it leaves the bed free for gear. Before I bought this trailer with sealed hubs, I had a cheap Harbor Freight trailer that I modified and got me down the road for a few years.
What kayak carrier are you using?
KB Voodoo VRS rack (with folding kayak carrier on the top of the rack)
No problems at all.?
No problem fitting them over the crossbars?
I needed the longer bolts that go through the platform of the kayak carrier that I originally lost - so I had to go purchase them again. That’s about it.
What a beautiful classic Landcruiser. Love it. At about 200 lbs the Hobie Tandem Island is a beast to lift and launch. I have no idea how you get that off the roof, into the water, and back on the roof at the launch site without superhuman strength. I'm using a Trail-X tandem island trailer including the two cradles for the hull and akas. I can pretty much launch and recover by myself. I bought from our local Hobie dealership which had it shipped to them and assembled. I think I could have done a better job with the assembly and had to make some adjustments. At least the hubs are sealed so I can back down further and the frame is aluminum since I am in salt or brackish water many times. Fair winds and following seas my friend!Nice ! Where did you get the trailer ? I have the same Tandem Island and carry it on top of my Landcruiser, but, I wanted something easier with the Gladiator. The Trailer seems to be our only option...
Here is my current setup - which is too much work - Note: I use black PVC pipes on the strakes to slide the Kayak on from the back.
Thanks ! I want to take out the Tandem island with the Gladiator, so, I will look into that trailer. Regarding the Landcruiser, yes, loading is not that easy. I put the Trax Kayak cart in the back most holes in the Tandem Island (instead of the middle), then, I lift the front of the Tandem Island and set it on the PVC strakes, which I have melted down the front and curled them down so they will not scratch the boat, then, I just slide it down on the strakes. I have a notch melted in one of the PVC for the black piece in one of the strakes to set the balance length on the pipes correctly. It is kind of a pain, and I normally load up the night before because it takes me about an hour to lower the boat from the garage attic, wheel it out, and load everything up. Have you tried the Spinnaker ? I have one, and it really improves the speed downwind -- but, I am always getting the lines mixed up and it has increased my frustration level... lol..
