How do you guys carry your kayaks?

[Higher_Ground]

I don't know how much that thing weighs, or how much weight you are willing to add, but it seems like you could build up a frame to better support the canoe out of 2x4s or similar boards mounted on top of the rack. It wouldn't need to be as wide as the entire bed, just enough to frame the boat. That would give you extra clearance on the bow and allow you to shift the center of gravity back between the uprights. Add a 3rd/4th tie-down for the bow and stern. You don't want a 17' kite.

Cool looking canoe!

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[RedSectorA]

I recently made the move from a JKUR to a JTRD. I want to use my existing Thule Hullavators with Hobie Outbacks. I have an RSI Smartcap on order and want to use my existing Hullavators when towing my camper. The Hobie's require the Hullavators to be approximately 60" between load bars to fit. You can't get that much distance between bars on the Smartcap.

Can you have a load bar on the bed cap and another load bar on the truck cab? I wasn't sure if the flex between the two would cause a problem. Thank you. Pic for attention.

 

[Limestone]

I recently made the move from a JKUR to a JTRD. I want to use my existing Thule Hullavators with Hobie Outbacks. I have an RSI Smartcap on order and want to use my existing Hullavators when towing my camper. The Hobie's require the Hullavators to be approximately 60" between load bars to fit. You can't get that much distance between bars on the Smartcap.

Can you have a load bar on the bed cap and another load bar on the truck cab? I wasn't sure if the flex between the two would cause a problem. Thank you. Pic for attention.

I have two sets of Hullavators on a Yakima Overhaul rack with 60” HD crossbars. 60” is needed if the two kayaks being hauled are the maximum width the Hullavators can handle. Less than 60” would work if your kayaks were not the maximum width. I am not sure on the exact measurements but could do a little checking in the next week or so.

 

[RedSectorA]

I have two sets of Hullavators on a Yakima Overhaul rack with 60” HD crossbars. 60” is needed if the two kayaks being hauled are the maximum width the Hullavators can handle. Less than 60” would work if your kayaks were not the maximum width. I am not sure on the exact measurements but could do a little checking in the next week or so.

Thanks, Mike. I already have two sets of Hullavators. I‘m trying to determine if it’s feasible to put a crossbar on the cab and one on the top, 60” apart.

 

[Limestone]

Thanks, Mike. I already have two sets of Hullavators. I‘m trying to determine if it’s feasible to put a crossbar on the cab and one on the top, 60” apart.

I misread your post. The spread between my crossbars is 44”. My kayaks are 14’. When secured with straps to the Hullavators and bow and stern lines, they are rock solid. I have thought about what you are trying to do as well in order to reduce the distance the kayaks extend past the back of the truck. Mine extend 4-4.5 ft when centered on my bed rack. I’ll be interested in seeing what works for you.

 

[clubmanager]

Diy rack on a diamondback cover

Can you please send me more intel on your setup? My Diamondback hit the local shipper and I’m taking delivery this week. While I have a double kayak trailer, I want a rack in top that will still allow access.....and it looks like yours does that? Thanks!

 

[RCKLNDR]

Hit the lake today. The DIY rack is holding up well but will probably swap out the 3/16” L-Brackets for 1/4” in the off-season just for some peace of mind as that’s where most of the flex is.

 

[Krash1642]

I use the tuwa pro bed rack. Works really well

Got any pics?

 

[yumave]

Here's my problem.... I've got a 17' aluminum canoe, it rides wonderfully on my FJ Cruiser's flat roof rack, from even with the front bumper to sticking off the back just 2 or 3 feet.

I really want to figure out how to haul it with the gladiator, but I've got a soft top.... this is one of the taller aluminum racks I could find, and it still lets the bow (front end) of the boat hang low enough that it has to be forward of the windshield.

Those racks are only on like 4' centers and the forward bar is basically at the balance point of the boat, so its nowhere near stable enough like this... I took it on a short shake-down drive and it was loose within 10 minutes. I've got to figure out some sort of rigid support for the nose... I even bought some cowl light bar brackets, but they're not gonna be strong enough.

Put a crossbar above front cab

 

[Skdmarc]

I’ve got the kayak itch and looking to purchase 2 kayaks. How do you guys transport them? Please post some photos

I use a bed extender 125ish bux from lowes, menards etc.. I have a 12 footer I use a ratchet strap through the front grab handle one wrapped around the center yoke and one around the back handle strapped to extender you could fit 2 side by side this way if you wanted to I have a pool noodle around the extender and use 3 of them bungee strapped to the bottom so the kayak isn't resting on the bed directly I also have post of one wedged between the bow and front of the bed so it doesn't rub one again 12 footer so about as long as you can get hopefully this helps any questions feel free to ask

 

[l8rg8r]

I have kayaks but just got my gladiator. I think I'm going to buy a T bar to mount out the hitch to support my kayaks while they sit in the bed

This how I carry my Surfskis and Outrigger Canoes. If I go out on the hiway, I strap down the bow and stern. Bow tied down to (orange) straps that are attached the bolt under hood, and rear tie down to recovery hook. This trip (as shown) is just going to our local lake (Whitefish Lake) that’s only 5 miles away @ 35m.p.h. So no need for bow and stern straps.

 

[RedSectorA]

Thanks, Mike. I already have two sets of Hullavators. I‘m trying to determine if it’s feasible to put a crossbar on the cab and one on the top, 60” apart.

We got the RSI Smartcap and Rhino Rack Backbone installed. The combination allows us to bring our Kayaks with us when camping. The Thule Hullavators make loading and unloading a bit easier.

 

[treadmark]

I’m using the Yakima Overhaul HD along with Thule Hullavator. I’m using the windshield anchor as my bow tie down, but I’m not sure that would be good for long distances.

 

[jeepstertim]

I use these Point 65 Sweden Kayaks & Equipment – Point 65 Kayaks Sweden Global and just pop them in the bed.

 

[Limestone]

I’m using the Yakima Overhaul HD along with Thule Hullavator. I’m using the windshield anchor as my bow tie down, but I’m not sure that would be good for long distances.

Can you leave the HD crossbar end caps in place when you lower or raise the kayak or do you have to remove the end caps?

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