mounting kayak 1500 mile trip

[theliman]

Hi guys,

I'm moving back east in a few days and am shipping most of my stuff Greyhound. But I am camping/biking the day before I leave so I will have *some* stuff. I think it will all fit with my kayak in the car (picture) and my front seat all the way down/headrest off, but it would be nice to have a completely empty car as I plan my shipping.

So, the alternative is strapping it to the top of the truck, which I have never done. It is barely hanging on in the pictures but I could move the box over maybe an inch. I am sure it can be done, but should it be? It will also suck to remove when staying in a hotel over one night. I may be answering my own question here.

Thoughts?

 

[williamlv282]

If you're going to mount it to your roof, do it the correct way. I wouldn't mount it the way it is sitting currently. Remove the box and lay it flat, or buy a set of Yakima or Thule Kayak mounts. If you go the roof route, routinely check the straps to make sure it is secure when you're driving.

What is going to be in your rooftop basket? Can you remove that and put it in your 4runner? It looks much shorter. You'd probably still have plenty of room for other stuff.

Another alternative is to sell the kayak where you are and pick up another one on craigslist wherever you end up.

 

[collierunner]

I'd overnight myself some cheapie amazon rooftop kayak racks. Make sure you strap it down well and that you roof racks bolts are all tight.

 

[theliman]

Good thoughts. I am doing a test-run of packing today and I think everything will fit with the kayak inside, so I will probably go that route. If it doesn't work, I will look into other options, but will not mount it as pictured. Thanks!

 

[philsey]

I don't have any solution for you, but the very last thing I'd do is drive cross-country with that kayak impeding my outward vision like that.

 

[rick_reno]

Is selling it and buying another one when you get to your destination not an option? Thule makes a roof mounting system that should work with your box on the roof, the kayak sits on it's side and gets strapped down.

 

[theliman]

Is selling it and buying another one when you get to your destination not an option? Thule makes a roof mounting system that should work with your box on the roof, the kayak sits on it's side and gets strapped down.

It is an option - but I really like my kayak, and I'm also moving in 4 days so I wouldn't get much for it. If I had considered this plan earlier, yeah.

I'm afraid the sideways mounts still don't have enough room with that huge box on there, but I will double-check, thanks!

I've decided to nix the Greyhound shipping after reading a large number of awful reviews, so I'll be stuffing my car completely full and won't have room anywhere inside for the kayak. BUT - it appears Southwest will still allow you to check a kayak for $75, so I'll store it here in the basement and next time I come visit, I'll check it back through Southwest!

 

[PWD4R]

It is an option - but I really like my kayak, and I'm also moving in 4 days so I wouldn't get much for it. If I had considered this plan earlier, yeah.

I'm afraid the sideways mounts still don't have enough room with that huge box on there, but I will double-check, thanks!

I've decided to nix the Greyhound shipping after reading a large number of awful reviews, so I'll be stuffing my car completely full and won't have room anywhere inside for the kayak. BUT - it appears Southwest will still allow you to check a kayak for $75, so I'll store it here in the basement and next time I come visit, I'll check it back through Southwest!

If you're storing it you can just get a friend where you live to sell it for you. Time is on your side then


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[revox92]

That is the only good way to put the kayak inside so your rear view mirror is still useful. Lying flat on the roof rack is still way better.

 

[collierunner]

Why not rent a uhaul trailer and pull it behind at this point.

Also feel free to drop the kayak at my house is portland. I'm looking for a boat . I was thinking maybe a dagger katana. I want something that can handle the White Salmon and play with in the Willamette.

 

[theliman]

Why not rent a uhaul trailer and pull it behind at this point.

those trailers are $372 minimum, plus extra weight and just a more "difficult" trip, i felt was a little overkill since i can get everything else in my car. but i definitely looked into it!

 

[williamlv282]

Why can't you put the rooftop box in your trunk and the kayak on your roof?

 

[mphillips_90]

Ive strapped a tandem sit on top kayak to the roof of a 2 door, yes 2 door, honda civic. When you wanna fish youll make anything work. Anyway I had no problems haha

 

[theliman]

Why can't you put the rooftop box in your trunk and the kayak on your roof?

4Runner filled to the brim with all of my stuff!

Anyway, because I know the forum was waiting, breath bated, to know what happened... I was able to push the skybox over just a hair more, which was enough to mount a Thule J-cradle rack. Made 14 hrs today, no problems. Except calculated gas mileage as low as 16.2 with that aerodynamic footprint. Oh well.

 

[williamlv282]

4Runner filled to the brim with all of my stuff!

Anyway, because I know the forum was waiting, breath bated, to know what happened... I was able to push the skybox over just a hair more, which was enough to mount a Thule J-cradle rack. Made 14 hrs today, no problems. Except calculated gas mileage as low as 16.2 with that aerodynamic footprint. Oh well.

Nice! That's definitely the way to do it!

 

[loafer]

If all else fails then use pool noodles. they are cheap and make great foam blocks. cheep and good in a pinch.

 

[PWD4R]

That's better mileage than I get lol.


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[manesfesto]

I went from a taco to a 4runner recently and am thinking about fabricating some sort of cradle mounts for my yakima basket so I dont have to take it on and off.

Maybe modify some straps to length and radius a cradle with flat bar or something.