Carrying 2 wide kayaks question

[scanny]

I need to carry two 10 feet recreational kayaks (28" beam) and I'm looking for the best option. J- stakers probably would fit but then kayaks would act as a sail - I'm afraid that crosswinds on highway would make drive not as enjoyable : )
I have 58" Thule crossbars and I'm thinking about getting kayak saddles and load them side by side upside down. Does anybody tried that? I'm not sure if 2 pair of saddles are going to fit Thule crossbars - they might need to be located right on the crossbar foot. So any experience or maybe some particular saddle recommendations? I'm going to get whatever setup I decide on in US (about twice cheaper) during my trip in MA in 2 weeks so it would be out of question to try it first and return if it doesn't work. Oh and by the way - any good racks store recommendation along I-90 ? I found only REI in Framingham, MA so far.

Would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[STLDAVE]

This thread might offer some ideas.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114378-kayaks-factory-te-rack.html

I carry two sea kayaks on mine with no problems, and if you have to, you can attach the saddles outside the mounting feet (there's enough room for that with the 58" bars). Not sure why you want to load them upside down. Saddles are designed to fit them right side up.

 

[scanny]

This thread might offer some ideas.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114378-kayaks-factory-te-rack.html

I carry two sea kayaks on mine with no problems, and if you have to, you can attach the saddles outside the mounting feet (there's enough room for that with the 58" bars). Not sure why you want to load them upside down. Saddles are designed to fit them right side up.

Thanks, I saw that thread, it's helpful but doesn't exactly answer my questions.

I want to load kayaks flat to reduce impact from side wind and upside down so they don't collect water during rain. I was thinking about putting side sadles outside mounting feet, just not sure if that leaves space for strap.

 

[KidVermicious]

If your bars are wide enough, borrow a jigsaw and cut some 1x4 in a curve matching the hull of the kayaks. Use large hose clamps to fix the wood brackets to the bars, then ratchet straps to hold the kayaks down.

I just saved you several hundred dollars. You're welcome.

 

[scojoe]

I do it with mine but I use the saddles 13 and 12 foot. I put the saddle all the way out on the foot like you were saying. I've done 700 miles with them that way without a problem. I've also stacked them on their side but upside down I get the best milage and it's not as bad with the cross winds. If you have round bars you can make your own with heavy gage conduit. From Lowes. any length you need

 

[argar865]

I had a 22´ tandem expedition sea kayak (38" beam) that I used to use on my Tacoma with canopy and 58" bars. Also had a 12´ tandem sit on top lake kayak. I did a 1000 mile trip with the both of them. They fit fine together. I always used the saddles (straddling the foot) and rollers on the back. The closer you get them to the side it is easier to unstrap them. I also always had them flat but right side up so that the ratchet strap sat where the opening to the kayak was so that it did not damage the hull. Yakima makes a wide range of accessories and I always had good luck using them.

Have Fun! :cheers:

 

[scanny]

Wanted to thank you guys for your suggestions. Just came back from my little kayak trip, the saddles worked perfectly on 58" bars

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[HEAVY WT]

Has anyone used the tie down points behind the head lights. I was thinking of using those, but it looks like I would need to cut some plastic away which didn't seem right.

 

[mace.]

Oh and by the way - any good racks store recommendation along I-90 ? I found only REI in Framingham, MA

Check out Rack Attack in Framingham also. I can't get their website to load but if I recall they had a really wide selection of options and manufacturers. Also eastern mountain sports stores are plentiful in the area and may have what you're looking for.

 

[marshal]

The excessive front and rear securement of kayaks and canoes people think they need has always been entertainment for me

 

[Lugboot]

The excessive front and rear securement of kayaks and canoes people think they need has always been entertainment for me

Yeah, in this case, I would've rolled with just the straps around the hulls.

 

[LandCruiser]

Get a kayak trailer, or hippie missile launcher as we call them in Colorado.

 

[DesertCanyons]

front tie lines on kayaks

Yeah, in this case, I would've rolled with just the straps around the hulls.

[MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] and [MENTION=120385]Lugboot[/MENTION]

I've hauled a canoe with the same front lines anchored to the tow hooks under the bumper. (see my sig' photo, shown just before tying the canoe down) If anything gets those kayaks turned slightly off center the wind at 65 mph will rip them right off the top. With just a little bit of tension, these lines keep the hulls in line with the vehicle.

I like the padding on those front lines. What is that, rubber tubing or closed cell foam pipe insulation?

 

[Lugboot]

[MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] and [MENTION=120385]Lugboot[/MENTION]

I've hauled a canoe with the same front lines anchored to the tow hooks under the bumper. (see my sig' photo, shown just before tying the canoe down) If anything gets those kayaks turned slightly off center the wind at 65 mph will rip them right off the top. With just a little bit of tension, these lines keep the hulls in line with the vehicle.

I like the padding on those front lines. What is that, rubber tubing or closed cell foam pipe insulation?

I understand your point and I would haul a 16-17' canoe with the front and rear tied, too. But a 10' kayak, with the hull straps spaced they way they are in the pics above, and the kayak in a cradle, is much less prone to what you are talking about. If you are using the right straps for the job. There's less boat past the straps to catch the wind and act as a lever. I've hauled an 11' whitewater canoe with just the hull straps and gunwale brackets for thousands of miles with no issues.

I would anchor different boats in different ways, based on boat length, crossbar spacing, strap placement, etc.

 

[badhabits]

I usually have more than 2 to carry.