kayak rack

[hulk311]

I'm in the market for a rack that will hold two kayaks. I've narrowed my options down to 3 racks:

http://www.rackattack.com/racks/830-thule-stacker.htm
http://www.rackattack.com/racks/825-thule-port-side.htm
http://www.rackattack.com/racks/835xt-thule-hull-a-port.htm

It states that model 830 can be folded down when not in use. I'm really liking the 825 model, can it also be folded down when not in use? What kinds of racks are you guys using for transferring kayaks?

Also, is the 4runner's roof wide enough to transport two kayaks face up and not sideways like the racks I have listed?

 

[polvadis]

I think it all depends on what kind of a kayak you're gonna take. I see two ocean kayaks or small recreational kayaks on SUVs all the time. I think you would need some sort of extenders or replace the stock Toyota roof rack bars altogether if you want two kayaks flat side by side.

I've got this rather big 14 foot 2 person kayak.(http://www.kayaker.com/new/products/boat.asp?type=recreational&ID=103).
I can't imagine having two side by side with the stock Toyota roof rack, and at 80lbs I think it might be too much to stand on it's side. But if I ever decide to get two singles instead of one two seater I think i'd rather have them flat, it's just looks safer to me.
Here are a couple of pictures of my kayak setup.

I've got a V shapped rack up front, and two rollers set up on the back, everything from Yakima.

<img src="http://www.polvadis.com/kayak1.jpg">
<img src="http://www.polvadis.com/kayak2.jpg">

 

[Bad Luck]

If you’re looking to move kayaks then a bed rack would suit your needs more & there’s quite a few more options available. I’ve searched far & wide for a roof rack for the new body style & the only thing I’ve found is by KC. Looks great, follows the contours of the roof, but I’m not sure that it’d be great for kayaks.

15 years since the last post. Congratulations on making it into the top 3 on the necromancy board

 

[Auce]

Bump, Has anyone mounted their kayak on a cargo basket top? My load says 75lbs, and I really don't want to crush the fairing on it.

 

[GhostRing]

Bump, Has anyone mounted their kayak on a cargo basket top? My load says 75lbs, and I really don't want to crush the fairing on it.

I have round bar attached to my basket and carry 2 kayaks on it all the time.
The major caveat is the basket is mounted directly to the OEM roof track
via custom brackets. I would not trust the factory cross bars to do the same.

 

[Auce]

I have round bar attached to my basket and carry 2 kayaks on it all the time.
The major caveat is the basket is mounted directly to the OEM roof track
via custom brackets. I would not trust the factory cross bars to do the same.

Yeah, my basket is mounted the same with them on the stock cross bars.

 

[scshack]

I currently have a cheap roof "basket" off Amazon and I bolted two 1x1in aluminum bars that I use to mount my J-hooks to. Here is a picture of my setup.

 

[Twisted Sid]

If you’re looking to move kayaks then a bed rack would suit your needs more & there’s quite a few more options available. I’ve searched far & wide for a roof rack for the new body style & the only thing I’ve found is by KC. Looks great, follows the contours of the roof, but I’m not sure that it’d be great for kayaks.

How do you put a bed rack on a 4runner?

 

[3bears]

I currently have a cheap roof "basket" off Amazon and I bolted two 1x1in aluminum bars that I use to mount my J-hooks to. Here is a picture of my setup.

thats pretty much my set up too, although my basket is a bit bigger. It has held up well for me for many years . I also run some straps down front and back to the basket. my kayaks have grab handles front and back. might be overkill

 

[Auce]

I currently have a cheap roof "basket" off Amazon and I bolted two 1x1in aluminum bars that I use to mount my J-hooks to. Here is a picture of my setup.

SC, that's awesome. I had no idea we could mount J racks on top of the cargo basket.

 

[scshack]

SC, that's awesome. I had no idea we could mount J racks on top of the cargo basket.

They won’t mount directly to the roof basket, I had to modify mine with 1x1in aluminum square tubing. Basically drilled holes through to tubing of the basket rack and the square aluminum. Secured them with bolts and nuts for secure fit. That’s the only way I could get J-hooks mounted, was directly to the 1x1in square tubing bolted directly to the top part of the roof basket.

 

[jross20]

I just ordered a bajarack regular length rack as they have a sale and finally redesigned it to get rid of that dumb bowed top rail. (Used to bow up in the center making it taller, now it is more compact).

I think they have attachments for stuff and they also have a cheaper "flat rack" for mounting stuff vs a basket.

The sale is 15% which is pretty good.

 

[5 Speed Dave]

Don't trust the OLD factory cross bars

Best wishes in carrying your kayaks and other stuff on adventures in your 4Runner. I learned the hard way about using the OLD crossbars. On 2 different trips while kayaks were on top (using Malone folding kayak carriers) the factory cross bars started separating from the end parts that attach to the roof channel. Came close to losing 1 of the kayaks the 2nd time. Ordered some Rhino Rack heavy duty cross bars that bolt in to the factory channel. These are super strong and NO MORE worries about losing kayaks or other stuff on top of the roof.