Roof rack option for Kayak mounts with wide cross bars

[JAXJeremy]

Recently bought a kayak and I'm looking for mounting options. I have after market roof bars on my 4R from Artec industries, see pics below.

The rack rails are 5 inches across with about 3/4 inch clearance underneath..any recommendation on a mount that will work with this set, I can't seem to find anything and I'm sure there's got to be something out there..Thanks.

 

[fkheath]

Check out either Thule or Yakima web sites. Both have kayak mounting hardware.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Check out either Thule or Yakima web sites. Both have kayak mounting hardware.

I've looked but didn't really see anything that will work with these cross bars..it would pretty much require me to buy another set of bars which I'd really like to avoid if possible.

 

[jetmechG550]

Just one kayak? With that little clearance under the bar you're probably going to need one that the yak just lays flat like you would transport a SUP or canoe but then you may run into issues opening the rear tailgate with a kayak on top. If you are looking for upright versions, most wrap around the bars someway or another. Although the Malone is kind of an older style that has bolts that go through a top plate and a plate that goes under the bar. You may be able to use just the top plate and cut the bolts to length and line up with those slots on your crossbars?

 

[JAXJeremy]

Just one kayak? With that little clearance under the bar you're probably going to need one that the yak just lays flat like you would transport a SUP or canoe but then you may run into issues opening the rear tailgate with a kayak on top. If you are looking for upright versions, most wrap around the bars someway or another. Although the Malone is kind of an older style that has bolts that go through a top plate and a plate that goes under the bar. You may be able to use just the top plate and cut the bolts to length and line up with those slots on your crossbars?

yeah, just a single..you're right, the clearance under the bar is an issue..when I brought it home, with the kayak flat on the rack, the back wouldn't open, but I could always just drop the window. I'd like to be able use one of those j-cradle style mounts if possible..maybe I can fab something up to use as a base mount for the rack..

 

[jetmechG550]

yeah, just a single..you're right, the clearance under the bar is an issue..when I brought it home, with the kayak flat on the rack, the back wouldn't open, but I could always just drop the window. I'd like to be able use one of those j-cradle style mounts if possible..maybe I can fab something up to use as a base mount for the rack..

I will try and get a picture of my Malone J cradle to help explain what I mean by how they mount around the crossbar. I have a Yakima that I love and can mount two Kayaks on but you don't have enough clearance for it. I'm anxiously waiting my new roof rack so I can carry all three of my yaks

 

[zcruiser]

 

[JAXJeremy]

I will try and get a picture of my Malone J cradle to help explain what I mean by how they mount around the crossbar. I have a Yakima that I love and can mount two Kayaks on but you don't have enough clearance for it. I'm anxiously waiting my new roof rack so I can carry all three of my yaks

Thanks..I'm curious to see what it looks like mounted up close..maybe it will work..I'll never get to the point where I'm hauling 3, maybe 2 but that would be it..

 

[JAXJeremy]

that's one hell of a contraption..

 

[hunthorde]

Check out either Thule or Yakima web sites. Both have kayak mounting hardware.

I have a new Venture with the Yakima Megawarrior on top. In your opinion, is anything else needed to mount a kayak up top? Should I just lay it on top and strap it down, or would I need something additional up top?

 

[daytonaviolet]

Any pics with kayaks? Perhaps paint it black

 

[Big Daddy K]

Check out something like a Yakima Jay Hook that has 2 bolts that go down to a lower flat bar. You may get lucky on your hole spacing and it match up but more than likely you should be able to modify a hole or the lower mount to work. Many of the J cradle types have inline bolts that attach them to the mounts. You may be able to take off the mount and screw the cradle directly to you rack.

 

[zcruiser]

Any pics with kayaks? Perhaps paint it black

Sorry, I don't. They fit side-by-side, cockpits down. Black paint would just get chipped off and look worse.

 

[JAXJeremy]

Curious whether anyone is using a loader like this one for their kayaks..bought it because of the reviews, but now looking at the way it mounts on the rear window, I'm not sure it's going to work..that rear trim piece looks like it still might hit the bottom of the kayak..

[/IMG]

guess I need to take the kayak down and find out..