Advice on boat rack

[Porter]

Hi All

I am a first timer on this forum, but have been really impressed by the collective depth of knowledge and advice posted here.

I have a 2012 4Runner - Trail Edition.

:fishing: I am exploring options to mount a boat (10' pram: 10′ Hopper II | Spring Creek Prams) on the roof of my vehicle and came across the Rhino-Rack side boat loader (Rhino Rack - Side Boat Loader - Take the Tinnie and Tow). The information on the Rhino-Rack says that the boat rack weighs 50 lbs, and the pram weights 110 lbs.

When I checked the stock roof rack on my 4Runner, it says that load capacity is 132 lbs when loaded evenly...

In your opinions, is this a non-starter, i.e., too much weight for the roof rack and should I think about something else?

Thanks so much for any insight and advice!

 

[Boaz]

Porter,

I exceeded the factory roof weight recommendations on my 2008 Tacoma. I had a Yakima dealer install a full Yakima set up with the mounts, cross bars and kayak cradles. I had two yaks that weighted appox 60lbs each. The clamps dented the roof really bad after I loaded the boats on there a few times. It was approx $600 at the body shop to pull the 4 dents and repaint. Since the boat you have is only 10' I would recommend researching a trailer, or possibly explore a way to secure it in the cabin of the 4 runner. I am not sure if that is feasable. I can say after a long paddle, I never looked forward to humping the boats on top of my truck. I was usually exhausted and feared I would drop the boat on the roof or the hood.

Just my 2 cents. Worth what you paid. Good Luck.

 

[jca21]

get a trailer and a bigger boat :fishing:

 

[philsey]

get a trailer and a bigger boat :fishing:

Agree. That Rhino Rack may work, but it sure looks like a royal pita to put on / take off.

 

[RandyDaytona]

I have heavy kayaks - one is 80 lbs, the other 70 lbs. The only way I would use roof racks to carry one of them is if it was low enough to not be such a PITA - like maybe a station wagon or 2wd truck.

I use a utility trailer that I converted to a part-time kayak hauler. That's been MUCH easier.

 

[Porter]

roof rack...

Thanks for the comments... I actually do have a utility trailer that I currently haul this little pram in. The rationale for my question is that I am planning to haul a small camper and would like to take the pram along too. Aside from whether it may be a PITA to load or unload (the Rhino-rack videos make it seem quite straightforward as you use a cordless drill attached to a gear & pulley mechanism to load and unload the boat ), I am still looking for insight/comments on whether the combination of the 50# Rhino-rack and 110# pram would be too much for the 4Runner roof rack... Which brings me back to the original question...

Thanks so much.

 

[desertred]

Thule cross bars are rated up to 165 lbs. If the Rhino-Rack is compatable with Thule bars, you could replace the factory crossbars with a Thule system. I checked Yakima as well, but their crossbars are only rated for 150 lbs.