How do you carry your longboards/SUP?

fishcrow

fishcrow

New member
At a bit of a crossroads and would appreciate feedback from the group. Happy to post back when all is done for the benefit of future readers.

Other than a short DD commute, my 4Runner's primary use is getting me into difficult to access fishing spots. This means lots of miles and 'dark-thirty' driving on skinny mudpit ridden logging/forest roads and gravel bars, sometimes towing a 13" raft. Then I'm often driving out after dark...

A cargo rack makes great sense to me for fishing as a platform for hauling gear and attaching lighting for my pre/post-dawn slogging. However, I also surf and after searching this forum and combing the internet, I don't see a lot of longboards strapped to cargo racks. The shape doesn't seem right and might not work at all with a light install.

The other option is to just forget the cargo rack and go with a standard Thule/Yakima set-up with a cargo box and figure out a different option for lighting. That's what I did with my '11 Tacoma but I had the benefit of a truck bed to dump crap into.

How do you carry your boards? Thanks in advance.
 

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I have the Drabbits roof rack and it works great for carrying my surfboards and paddleboards.

But, If its just me hitting the waves I'll lay the rear seats flat, roll down the back window and just slide the board in the back. If the board is in a board cover then you can just rest it on the back of the rear window (with the window all the way down of course). If you don't have a board cover then just lay a towel across the back to protect the board and your 4runner. If you have a longer board I would just put something on the front of your board as a counter weight so your board doesn't teter-toter out the back.

I'm currently working on a roof rack side extension that will hold my wet boards off the roof rack's side so they don't drip salt water all over the roof. I should have the install up in a few days if you want to check it out.

Here is an older pic from before I got the Drabbits Rack.

11012595_976349662398417_4899561253882025474_n.jpg
 
longeuayms said:
But, If its just me hitting the waves I'll lay the rear seats flat, roll down the back window and just slide the board in the back.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. I admit I laughed out loud when I saw your photo. I've got a minimum 2hr drive to surf 50deg water in a 5/3 fullsuit. In summer... :crazy:

I'll check out the Drabbit.. Appreciate the feedback.
 
I began using Thule in 1995 and that lasted for about 4 years. I was converted to Yakima by a friend I lived with because when we went anywhere in his car the boards went on an off in a breeze due toe the "Strap Thang." Now Yakima has discontinued the Strap Thang, but that have a system that you can actually lock the boards on top, but it's gotten pricey. I have't bought it yet since I just got my TRDP last week and I am also exploring. I'm wondering if they are making cjacob13's set up anymore. I didn't see it online before I purchased it. They've just gone to a new system and I'm a little nervous, but the set I took off my Expedition is the third set I have (or 4th). I've got Yakima on and the Megawarrior basket on my camper too.

I'll try to post what I decide if I can remember and I also look forward to what others post here.
 
I might post a picture later, but my rack for a SUP looked like this:

Go to Home Depot and buy some 3/4" (I think) plumbing ABS tubing -- about $3.

Go to Toys'R'Us and buy two large hollow foam noodles -- about $9, these are the most expensive part :-P

Find or buy some rope. Push plastic tubing inside the foam noodles. Cut to size. Arrange the foam noodles as cross-beams, lash to the side rails.

Put the SUP on top of the noodles. Make two rope loops and slide one over the bow of the SUP and another one over the stern. Lash to the side rails crossing over the SUP. You're done.
 
Yotta said:
I might post a picture later, but my rack for a SUP looked like this:

Go to Home Depot and buy some 3/4" (I think) plumbing ABS tubing -- about $3.

Go to Toys'R'Us and buy two large hollow foam noodles -- about $9, these are the most expensive part :-P

Find or buy some rope. Push plastic tubing inside the foam noodles. Cut to size. Arrange the foam noodles as cross-beams, lash to the side rails.

Put the SUP on top of the noodles. Make two rope loops and slide one over the bow of the SUP and another one over the stern. Lash to the side rails crossing over the SUP. You're done.
Click to expand...

Yes!! All of this is correct! I've been doing this for years now.
 
Roof rack for canoes and long boards

Yotta said:
I might post a picture later, but my rack for a SUP looked like this:

Go to Home Depot and buy some 3/4" (I think) plumbing ABS tubing -- about $3.

Go to Toys'R'Us and buy two large hollow foam noodles -- about $9, these are the most expensive part :-P

Find or buy some rope. Push plastic tubing inside the foam noodles. Cut to size. Arrange the foam noodles as cross-beams, lash to the side rails.

Put the SUP on top of the noodles. Make two rope loops and slide one over the bow of the SUP and another one over the stern. Lash to the side rails crossing over the SUP. You're done.
Click to expand...

This is great!
This is about how I've carried a canoe on my Jeep for years. Only difference is I used 2 - 2x4 x 4'-0" and no padding. The 2x4 rest on the rail and get lashed to the front and rear corner hoops. The canoe is placed upside down on it's gunnels on the 2 - 2x4s and slid forward until it balances behind the front board. Then I tie the bow and stern securely to the front hooks and back tow bracket to keep the wind from pulling it off. Same idea as yours for the long board, but a bit more stout. With the T4R I will be getting the Drabbits or Baja Utility rack and tying the canoe or occasional lumber directly on the rack.
I've called my green Jeep GC Orvis Edition the Green Frog for about 15 years now. Time for an upgrade. :frog:
 
Hi there - New 4Runner owner,, long time surfer here - I installed 50" Yakima Corebars - they're quiet and very sturdy. I also invested in a 8" folding step stool at Target - it really helps when strapping it down.

As an aside - I loved it this Summer when I surfed locally and could lower the real window and just have the tail hanging out a little. Just toss it in and go!

29791986341_8d0a02fca5_z.jpg
 
What am I missing?

Why aftermarket racks? I just use the built-in crossbars and a couple of straps.

The only real issue is the stupid sharkfin antennae. It's just tall enough to interfere slightly. Still trying to find a low profile solution for 2016 models. For now I just strap down either off-center (short boards) or with the nose rocker to the back and curving up (SUPs). Has worked fine so far.
 
The only issue I can see for putting my SUP on top, as you said, is the shark fin.
I picked up the factory roof rack cross bars today, but, I can't find any info on getting them on, so, no SUPing for a week or so.

I think my resolution to the antenna will be some extra padding on the bars. Just enough to raise the back end.
 
NMT16, Dakine Aero Rack Pads or FCS Premium Hard Rack Pads and some tie down straps should do it. I have the Dakine Aero Rack Pads but haven't used them yet. I just throw the board threw the rear window and strap it down. I believe I've seen info on here around installing roof rack cross bars. Maybe someone can provide a link for installation. In the meantime put it through your back window and strap it down diagonally using the hooks inside the rear cargo area. Have fun before it gets too cold! :)
 
NMT16 said:
The only issue I can see for putting my SUP on top, as you said, is the shark fin.
I picked up the factory roof rack cross bars today, but, I can't find any info on getting them on, so, no SUPing for a week or so.

I think my resolution to the antenna will be some extra padding on the bars. Just enough to raise the back end.
Click to expand...

To put the cross bars on just pop the rear side rail trim pieces off. Use a trim tool or a screw driver with layer of tape on it to lever between the front portion of the trim on both sides of it and it'll pop off as you work your way back. That will reveal the channels for you to slide the cross bars into. Note that the little backing plate on the cross bars that the thumb screw tightens must fit into the channel. It's easiest to have two people to slide the cross bar up towards the front at the same time rather than doing an inch per side and moving back and forth. Once you have both bars in place simply tighten down and snap the rear trim back on.
 
some options:
pic 1: OEM crossbars with that flexible pipe insulation which helped cushion the boards and gave me clearance to avoid hitting the shark fin

pic 2: yakima sup dawg attached to the gobi rack with the round bar adapters, which is a fantastic setup, but those were purchased for the gf's forester so didn't get to keep them. could also be used on oem aero bars

pic 3: gobi rack without a dedicated sup carrier works fine as well, attached yakima 30" round pads to the front and rear most bars. i haven't hooked a light bar up yet, but if it didn't clear additional padding could be added to the front.
 

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Thule cross bars and SUP surf pads (the wider ones) work for long distance trips for my SUPs and surf boards. I am 2 miles from lake michigan and the reason I bought this vehicle was the ability to roll down the rear window and have the boards (fins out) hanging out the back!
 
Anyone strap boards to Gobi rack?

I'm at a cross roads myself. I'm about to buy the Gobi stealth rack because my factory one keeps breaking. The plastic trim pieces at the 4 corners shatter and my cross bars jiggle from their base. I've shoved a zip tie in there to stop the noise. Mostly cause it's 10 years old under the Florida sun. I put all sorts of stuff on the roof. Mostly my paddle boards and bike. Looking at the Gobi rack looks like I could come up with something to strap boards but wondering if anyone has done it?
 
I wanna know how you fit boards and a roof top tent! I can do one or the other, but not both. I have SUPs and long boards. I don't want a trailer.

Gobi setup or roundbar adapter sounds interesting.
 
For a SUP or single kayak (two 'yaks could fit flat even), my 66" Yakima round bars mounted with Rail Grab towers and the Yakima "pipe insulation" bar pads couldn't be beaten.

My Gobi offers more functionality, but it's not as convenient. J-cradles are a much bigger pain and you have to get the toys a lot higher, especially post-lift...
 
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