06 SE Kayak Rack

[Texas_4Runner]

I'm looking for the best (safest) way to transport 2 kayaks on my 4R. I don't like the J style mounts because the kayak will catch a lot of wind.

There are too many options out there so I'm looking for any solid recommendations.

 

[sonerick]

Do you have a spoiler?

For long trips, I use 2 J style racks with covers over the seat openings. With the tie down straps and bow/stern lines, they definitely stay secure. The problem is getting them all the way up there with a lift.

This summer I am going to try strapping them directly to the load bars without using the J mounts. I would recommend one of the racks that lets you slide the yak on from the rear of the vehicle, although I cannot use this type because of my spoiler.

 

[Icepuck72]

So what's the best way to load kayaks on to your load bars if you have a spoiler? Just got an 06, and haven't really thought about it till now.

 

[sonerick]

I usually just lift the yaks on from the side. They're 10-footers and both plastic, so it's not too much trouble.

If you have a longer fiberglass ocean kayak, it could be a challenge. I know they make racks that also load from the side, then slide up and onto the roof. That might be an option.

 

[Snookup]

If you have Yakima or Thule crossbars they make an accessory that pulls out from the crossbars that extends out over the side of the vehicle. That way you can put the bow up on that extension and then swing the stern up and onto the rear bars.

Thule's is called the Outrigger and Yakima's is called the Boatloader.

Yakima also makes a thing called the Showboat. It *should* extend out over the rear spoiler where you can slide the kayak on that way and slide it back into place. I am not as familiar with this product so I am not 100% sure if it can mount onto the factory crossbars or not.

Yakima ShowBoat Demonstrated by Rack Attack - YouTube

Good luck to ya.

 

[Icepuck72]

If you have Yakima or Thule crossbars they make an accessory that pulls out from the crossbars that extends out over the side of the vehicle. That way you can put the bow up on that extension and then swing the stern up and onto the rear bars.

Thule's is called the Outrigger and Yakima's is called the Boatloader.

Yakima also makes a thing called the Showboat. It *should* extend out over the rear spoiler where you can slide the kayak on that way and slide it back into place. I am not as familiar with this product so I am not 100% sure if it can mount onto the factory crossbars or not.

Yakima ShowBoat Demonstrated by Rack Attack - YouTube

Good luck to ya.

Excellent. Thanks for that vid.

 

[Snookup]

I'm looking for the best (safest) way to transport 2 kayaks on my 4R. I don't like the J style mounts because the kayak will catch a lot of wind.

There are too many options out there so I'm looking for any solid recommendations.

As far as the safety of the kayaks (and your vehicle) it is hard to beat a J saddle. They create the best seat for your kayak to sit in for a long ride. Depending on how wide your kayaks are you may be able to get away with them sitting flat on the roof side by side but you will want some sort of accessory to hold them in place. This can be as simple as foam blocks (not a permanent solution) or just mako saddles from Yakima.

 

[jdkilroy]

...... I don't like the J style mounts because the kayak will catch a lot of wind.

I transport kayaks on my roof regularly using "J" racks. My kayaks are fiberglass ocean boats so we're talking 17 ~ 18 feet. The strongest part of a (fiberglass) kayak is often the seam where the deck joins the hull. This is what the boat should rest on during transport. We travel a ton of highway miles at highway speeds with boats on the roof. No issues at all.

Any kayak on the roof of a vehicle is going to "..... catch a lot of wind."

The "J" racks are safe and carry a kayak the way it should be carried.

 

[borgzman]

J rack plus wind is a myth from my experience actually. I have bulky cheapo sit-on top kayaks last year. I bought saddles then a J rack. The J rack has less wind noise than carrying kayak with saddles, not to mention the gas mileage. My result: kayak in j rack = about the same mileage as no top load, kayak in saddle carrier = minus 2 mi in fuel economy. I don't know if my physics teacher was correct, i don't know...its just opposite.

So, I'll recommend -
- Kayaks in J racks
-If carrying two or more, add a cross bar, and consider buying a windfairing
- lastly, its safer to tie-down both bow and stern for 20 miles or more trips, specially cruising in 10mph or above wind and speed of 65mph or faster.

 

[Texas_4Runner]

Thanks for all of the responses so far.

 

[Chreaus]

Saddle for me.

I have a 10ft rec boat and went with the Yakima Saddle, I believe it is called a "Mako"....?? I have a loadwarrior also and use the saddle on top of that.

For short trips I am confident in the straps provided with the saddle's.

I did take the boat to Minnesota a few years ago. This was pre 4R. I had an Outback and it handled the wind, etc just fine. I think I did 4000 miles with the boat up top, at speeds >70 mph. On this trip I did add a ratchet style tie-down for added security.


It was a lot easier to load on the Outback however. :dammit:

 

[mnormand]

I have carried a lot of boats, and still do, including my cedar strip yaks, Hobie Revolution peddle boat, Native Ultimate 12 Hybrid, and pirogues.
My Yakima Lowrider system has worked exceptionally well for all, rock solid. Once I added the front windfairing it got a lot quieter.

I like this system a lot because it goes on/off fast on the factory rack, as I usually like to remove it most of the time when not needed.