Yeah, sit on top kayaks are not light, especially that last hoist up on top of the truck. Too long to stick out back too, and messy.
We have 4 plus SUP's so I went ahead and got a 10' trailer and welded up a rack system for it that can be removed and changed as needed. plus get to use the trailer for other stuff.

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Nice setup!

I'll admit I didn't read everyone's response. But I was dumb and got a kayak BEFORE kayak holders for my rack lol

First few trips I just rolled the back window down, dropped the back seats and slid the passenger seat forward....slid it in from the driver side so it was angled at the passenger front seat, then I went ahead and just rolled my back window up just enough to kind of trap the kayak in the window (smart idea? up to you lol)

But the kayak never moved and my back window still works great.. That was for my 10 ft Pelican Mustang 100a

If you want to be extra safe/legal, tie a bright ribbon to the back since it's hanging out the back like that

A trailer is actually so much easier, and if you do it right, you can have more than enough places for storage on the trailer.

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Update. Finally got the kayak out and loading it through the rear window is about as easy as it gets. Was able to carry all my gear inside the car including the peddle drive. Unless I’m transporting more than one there’s no need to spend thousands on a trailer

I just strap a frenzy on top of my shark rack


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Loading anything big/cumbersome after back surgery is a risky ordeal.
Glad you were able to squeeze it in!

I recently got a 10' Pelican Brume sit-inside kayak. So far I've been transporting it by simply rolling down the back window and stuffing it inside.

The nose is nestled against the back of the passenger seat and the center console. I put an old hand towel there, and another under the boat where it contacts the bottom of the hatch window opening.

My 4Runner was already set up for sleeping inside. So the bottom part of the passenger-side rear seat is removed, and that seat back is always folded down. I have a platform made of two boards there. For kayak transport I just take out the sleeping bag and foam pad.

So far I've only strapped it down toward the front, utilizing the OEM D-ring for one end and the outboard seat belt bolt for the other end. (The seat belt is unbolted and rolled up out of the way since there's no seat there anyway.)

Next time I go, I'll be using a 5 mm cord toward the rear. Each end of the cord will attach to the rear D-rings. I'll be utilizing a Nite-Ize CamJam on one end so I can easily reach in the open rear window and pull up on the cord to tighten it.

This approach works fine for getting to the local water hole (Lake Mead), including some freeway driving. But since the rear window is open, I wouldn't be comfortable making longer trips. Both due to possible weather issues, and security issues.

BTW, I stopped using the flag on the back of the kayak, since in Nevada it's not required unless there's 4' or more of overhang.

I did a lot of flatwater kayaking in the past but got out of it years ago. Due to injuries, etc. in the interim, I'm not sure if I can handle the repetitive stress of paddling. If things work out, I'll upgrade to a bigger and better boat. I'll probably get a trailer because I don't want to struggle with putting a 50+ pound boat on the roof, but I'll want to travel to other water holes. I like the Yakima Rack-and-Roll, since then I can also put my Yakima cargo box on it. Plus it folds for storage.

P.S. Speaking of injuries, Timothy, that x-ray looks brutal!

(Click for bigger pics)

P8222378 by Candace66, on Flickr

20230214_103511 by Candace66, on Flickr

20230220_134031 by Candace66, on Flickr

I don't want to deal with putting a kayak on the roof of my 5th gen. Good to see you guys utilizing the back window approach. I haven't purchased a kayak yet but want to step up my salt water bay & harbor fishing game (from a float tube) to a 'yak sooner than later!

Only bummer is, I have two car seats to remove each time, but I guess that won't take too long to do.