Long Kayak Mount Question

[msand1977]

Quick Question for you guys running 12-14' kayaks. Can you still open the back hatch when kayak is mounted? If so what kinda mounts did you use? Im thinking about getting a Jackson Big Tuna, and I am trying to figure out all the details. I was thinking about using the Malone Seawing Paddle Sport, Transport, Loading and Storage Systems | Malone Auto Racks But I think the Big Tuna might be a bit too heavy and wide. Any one have experience with this mount?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Jhalko]

Maybe [MENTION=104766]CatskillsRunner[/MENTION] can help or [MENTION=87188]Hellamatic[/MENTION]

 

[Hellamatic]

I have a cheapie set (Sportrack, I think,) of saddles mounted on my Bajarack. It clears the liftgate fine as long as you have the kayak (ironically) mounted far enough back - the taper of the hull actually puts the stern farther away from the gate of its farther towards the back of the truck.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

So...many...innuendos...must resist must resist:yield:

 

[934x4]

I think it really depends on how you mount the kayak and how high the carrier is. I use the stock roof rack a couple of regular foam saddles that have a low point about 2 inches over the rack crossbars. My 14 foot all purpose kayak sits upside down and with it mounted there is no way I can get the rear hatch open. The spoiler hits the kayak when the hatch is about 1/3 up. It's nice that the rear window can drop, but all my inside access is done through the rear doors with the rear seats down. I'd think with a sideways mount carrier you would have better luck.

 

[alangranvue]

These are only 11' but my hatch opens fine with them. This is one of the double racks that Dicks Sporting sells.

 

[CatskillsRunner]

I have the Yakima Evenkeel. I think I paid 99 on Amazon Prime. I like it but it was easier to use with my factory rack; now, with the Gobi rack, the back middle saddle tends to want to walk out toward the middle of the rack. I think the Gobi bars are narrower than the Yakima crossbars and attribute the movement to that.

I can get the back open, but it's a pain in the arse. You likely would not have an issue, tho...mine is 17 feet. I usually unload the boat then get my gear out.

 

[desertred]

Not kayaks, but I carry 20+ foot outrigger canoes on my T4R. I cannot open the rear hatch with them loaded (primarily due to the spoiler), but that is why I find the roll down window of the 4Runner invaluable. It lets me have access to the items in the cargo area without having to lift the rear gate.

 

[MSinDC]

Here's a 12' using Yakima Jaylow's. I honestly assumed I'm not able to open the rear gate but now that I'm looking at it I may be able to. If I get it in the water this weekend I'll post an update after I try it.

 

[Dsking85]

I use a Thule rack for my 2 12' malibus. I mount them laying flat on the top. I cannot open the rear gate and I don't see any way to do it without having the front of the kayaks sticking 5' over the windshield. With shorter kayaks I don't see a problem but i've tried a few configurations with the 12' and have never been able to.

 

[cctt]

Here's a 12' using Yakima Jaylow's. I honestly assumed I'm not able to open the rear gate but now that I'm looking at it I may be able to. If I get it in the water this weekend I'll post an update after I try it.

I like the design of the jaylow. Nice to fold it down when you aren't using it.

Are you using it with factory crossbar? or do you have to get one of their system?

 

[MSinDC]

Are you using it with factory crossbar? or do you have to get one of their system?

Factory crossbar. I've been very pleased with the setup.

 

[msand1977]

How is driving long distances with J racks? I plan on taking this down to Baja.