I tried searching the forum but most pics won't show up anymore.

I’d like to see how you 4th gen guys carry kayaks using the factory roof rack and crossbars. Or if you have homemade saddles/ DIY racks...ideas

Can I just tie it up there in the cross bars padded with pool noodles?

The cost of saddles and other aftermarket racks is sometimes equal to the cost of another kayak LOL! And besides, many made mistakes like buying racks then realize later that they are going to a different setup. so my final setup will depend on the additional kayak I’ll buy.

THANKS!

BTW, I have a 9.6’ ft Sit On Top yak

12.5 ft Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. I just did like u mentioned, use noodles and it worked just fine for the most part. I did drive it 8 hours at 70-80mph with the noodles and they moved a little bit. I wanted a carrier but i couldnt see paying that much when stock bars work. For protection, i cut the toes out of a few socks ran the ropes through them and they were the hood and bumper savers. Worked great.

I need to get another pic of the runner now that it has a FJ springs and toytec spacer. but you get the idea..

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Thanks Sparky !

I was hesitating about the idea before, because most write-ups recommends aftermarket crossbars. And if I buy a saddle for example, only few models will fit our factory bars...it means more spendings for additional hardwares needed.

I believe the 4th gen factory roof rack and cross bar is more sturdy than what other SUVs have, but I've never put a load up there before.

No prob Borg. I drove it like that 1200 mile round trip without probs. I did check the ropes when i stopped, tightened a time or two. I used ratchet strap on the yak for the long distance, use ropes for short trips.

I have a huge Necky Amaruk (19' long) and came up with a creative way to load and haul it on my 4Runner.

The kayak is heavy, so I had to figure out a way to get it on the roof without laying it on the rear fiberglass spoiler. I built a T attachment that mounts in my trailer hitch - the Hullyroller's mount to the top T tube. My homemade version is similar to this:
Yakima › Shop › Water › Truck › DryDock

I mounted Yakima saddles directly onto the front OEM crossmember - I did have to buy the conversion kit that allows the saddle to mount directly:
Yakima › Shop › Rack Systems › Factory Crossbars › Horizontal MightyMount

This set up works great. A bit more than what you may need or want - but provides a few ideas.

Good luck, Gordo

Here is my setup. The first thing I did when I bought my truck was replace the factory racks with Thule crossbars. I believe they are a zillion times more useful in general, and also look great!

I use Thule Hull-A-Port Pro kayak racks for the sea kayaks, and foam pads on the bars for the smaller boats. I use the straps that came with the racks. I try to center the boats over the cradles as close to the bulkheads or around the cockpit as possible, and tie down the down and stern to my light bar and trailer hitch.

When loading onto the roof, I strap a folded towel to my spoiler. My heaviest boat is 52lbs. I pick it up and place the bow far up onto the spoiler, then lift it right onto the cradle and slide it forwards. Never had a problem or any kind of damage to the spoiler.

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This isn't a 4th gen, but I do have factory bars on mine. Two tandem Ocean Kayaks on top. If you look through the front passenger window, you can see a single boat stuffed inside. I have dense foam pads underneath the boats on the front bar only to clear the sunroof deflector.

Thanks guys !

I only have budget SOT kayak(s). 9.6" Perception Jazz, and coming, should be here next wk..its shipped! is MalibuTwo. I will not be renting anymore yahoo!

I'm concerned about highway speed. 65-80 mph and 300 mi...

Off Topic:
I have Surf to Summit Molded Foam Seat for my Perception Jazz,

Recommend me a full seat for my Malibu Two.. LOL! I can only afford $80/per seat. Thanks

Thanks Kraeken, I like the way how you avoid the spoiler.

Thanks for the pic Limited2K, I will have the same boat..Malibu two.
How old is the kayak in this pic?

I believe they are about 5-6 years old. They belong to a friend but I borrow them pretty often.

Highway speeds won't be an issue if you tie down your bow and stern. Tying down the bow and stern will keep the air rushing by from ripping your boat and rack off the roof of your truck. The main tie down straps keep it secure, and the ends keep it stable.

I swore off Ocean Kayak products. One of their paddles broke on me in the water, and I don't think they make a boat that in reality can be comfortable for a 6' 220lb guy like myself. However, my wife likes their accessory seats.

Last summer I sold my Frenzy (the wife is keeping her Venus) and bought an old Heritage Sea Dart on Craigslist. It is a much higher quality sit-on-top, with hatches and a super comfortable seat. And a cup holder.

Here ya go. Nothing fancy.



Yack low riders and cross bars.

Pretty simple, two 2X4s...

I cut notches on one side so they nest on the roof rack, and on the other side for the Kayak to ride in.

even larger ones, carries beautifully

The spoiler is really killing me!
Do I always have to unload the kayak first before my stuffs.
I tied the rear door so it won't extend all the way up and hit the stern of the boat which is not fun.