Racks! (Kayak & Bike)

[NurseBetty2Staxx]

I need a bike rack for the Runner - I would like it to hold 2 bikes. I have done a thread search and I am seeing discussions regarding several different hitch mounts or roof racks. Is it possible to use a "trunk mount" style bike rack on a 4Runner? I have a mountain bike and a beach cruiser, and the cruiser is especially heavy. I don't have a hitch on my Runner, and I don't anticipate towing anything with it. I'm wondering if I need to have a hitch installed just for the sake of transporting my bikes around?

Also - to any kayakers on the board, I am new to the sport and am researching a set-up that optimizes one-person loading. I like the sound of the Thule Hullivator, but that sucker is $500+; being new to the sport I'm a bit nervous to invest that much up front in the instance that I don't love it like I anticipate I will. I was looking at the Thule Slipstream, or maybe using the Thule Glide & Set combined with a Water Slide mat?

Or - do I even need an actual RACK for the kayak? Could I get away with some roof rack pads and some really good kayak straps?

I welcome any feedback and perspectives! :hello:

 

[Wheeler]

if you want the looks and really want to get a rack for the kayaks then you can, but laying down a pad or towel and ratcheting them down to the factory roofrack will do you just fine with no issues. And you save a chunk of change this way also.. spend in on something else..

For the bikes i think your best bet is one of the roof racks considering you dont have a hitch, and im not sure about the trunk mount racks, but id venture to say they might not have enough support on the flat back of the 4runners. Thula and Yakima, among others, make some great setups.

If you really want to buy a rack, there are setups that incorporate multiple accessories (ie bikes, skis, cargo, etc) that you could see if they have a bike/kayak combo, although im not sure if the size of the kayak would leave enough room to do it.

Also, If youre loading and unloading this on your own, heres a way i do it to help with the load. Hook straps to the kayak and run them over and around coming back under the opposite side rail (acting as a pulley of sorts). When you are on the other side of the truck, pulling the straps will raise the kayak, and loosening will let it down. Made it a little easier to give yourself some leverage when doing it alone.

 

[1st.Gen.Runner]

check craigslist

also i have the Yakima j rack, which i got off craigs for like 75 bucks. i have a little play boat and i just throw it in my truck. unless im going on a trip ill put it on the roof for more room. but if you have a open water boat youll probably want a rack, so before you drop some coin id look around and find a steal.

:cheers:

 

[BucknutBob]

I second the Thule/Yakima set-ups--their crossbars are designed for any of their accessories, so you can get cradles that stand the kayak on its side to save space, then put one or two bikes right next to it on rails. Be careful of the flat-carry with straps on the kayak--if pulled down too tight, or left on too long, it can affect the hull shape over time. They have nice sponge-rubber blocks that will protect the roof and boat if you go that route, and the surface friction holds them side-to-side.

 

[jshill]

I didn't know the 4Runners came WITHOUT a hitch! Bummer, because my hitch rack for my bikes is a lot easier than going with roof mounts! I can also keep an eye on them while driving.

You can safely strap one or two kayaks to the roof rack crossbars. Any more than that, I would go with a kayak-specific roof rack SYSTEM. There are a number of good systems you can get, and you can always sell them if you do not continue kayaking.

 

[NurseBetty2Staxx]

Thanks for the valuable feedback everyone! You all gave me some ideas/options that I didn't know I had... I really appreciate the responses! Now if you'll excuse me, I must begin piecing together my ideal setup! :artist2:

 

[RAD4Runner]

Plain Crossbars with Padding Will Do

...to any kayakers on the board, I am new to the sport and am researching a set-up that optimizes one-person loading. ... I'm a bit nervous to invest that much up front in the instance that I don't love it like I anticipate I will...Could I get away with some roof rack pads and some really good kayak straps?

You're right in not investing too much in an activity you're not sure about, yet.

...laying down a pad or towel and ratcheting them down to the factory roofrack... spend in on something else..
... a bike/kayak combo, although im not sure if the size of the kayak would leave enough room to do it.

Agree; Plain Yakima/Thule crossbars with padding would do until you're really sure you want to keep on kayaking. My little Civic with plain crossbars carries 2 kayaks, and in one occasion 3 (2 singles and a tandem). So can a 4Runner.

No need for special cradles. Just load them upside down, and overlap one side if needed. OR get extra-length crossbars so you can put them both upside down and side by side.

My 135-pound skinny donkey usually load/unload the kayaks alone. It helps having additional bars running front to back tied to front and rear crossbars- forming a rectangle. I'd place one end of kayak on front-back bar, with kayak perpendicular to car, then swivel -slide kayak unto crossbars.

Caution: Ratcheting straps not recommended. They are easy to over-tighten around the plastic kayak and deform your boat, especially if left under the sun. I recommend cam-lock straps like these. Just tighten by pulling.

For long-term use padding:
Pad bar with neoprene foam from any good industrial hardware store then wrap with 20-mil pipe wrap tape like this. This combo is tough, UV-resistant, withstands abrasion, and could easily outlast the kayak. It is inexpensive because you're not paying for some logo and less likely to be stolen, unlike specialty store padding that are easy to remove.

check craigslist
also i have the Yakima j rack, which i got off craigs for like 75 bucks. i have a little play boat and i just throw it in my truck. ...if you have a open water boat youll probably want a rack

Yep, good to use the J-rack if you also have a bike on the roof.

Folks, I'm also researching rack solutions for my 1986. I want to start with rails that sit flat (similar to that on second gen Runners) for better load distribution on the fiberglas shell. Considering pulling from the junk yard. Does anyone know of a factory roof rail that would fit the First-Gen shell? Maybe 2nd-gens rails would fit?