T-force Rack (solo loading kayak help)

[hogwild86]

I just purchased a new to me 2017 T-Force edition 4runner with the factory T-Force rack. I tried loading my 60 lb kayak yesterday on top and am a bit too short. Besides growing a few inches, do you have any recommendations to solo loading my kayak?

I think something like a Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader would make a world of difference but I'm not sure if that would attach to the current rack setup.

#RUSL - Rhino-Rack Universal Side Loader | Rhino-Rack

I've also watched a few videos on simple placing a rubber mat on the back lip of the 4runner and sliding it up top however in the video the SUV did not have a lip like the 4runner.

I'm use to yakima cross bars so the basket style rack is something I am trying to figure out what attachments would fit/work with that system. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[GChristo]

I have a rear door ladder that I purchased just for loading our 15' 75lbs kayak onto the roofrack. Rest one end of the kayak on the top of the ladder, then slide the rest on up and can be done solo. Also have bought a loading roller like in the photo below but have still yet to try it.

 

[hogwild86]

That is exactly what I need! Does this stay on your 4runner or do you remove it and can you give me the name and model of this product?

Thank you

 

[GChristo]

I can't recall the name of the one I had bought but if you image search for "kayak roller" you'll land in the right places. Oh and edit: It's temporary. Has a rubber bottom with a fin to stay in the door groove.

 

[Jwhuffman]

I had similar problems. In the end I mounted my Thule aero bars onto my gobi and then used the rhino rack side loader. Works perfectly for my hobie outback kayak. Before I had the gobi I did the same with the stock rack and it was great.

 

[cctt]

if you kayak a lot I highly recommend getting a thule hullavator. It makes life so much easier to load and tie down!

The system is pricey but it will save your back and makes loading up quicker

 

[hogwild86]

I had similar problems. In the end I mounted my Thule aero bars onto my gobi and then used the rhino rack side loader. Works perfectly for my hobie outback kayak. Before I had the gobi I did the same with the stock rack and it was great.

Would the rhino rack side loader attach direct to the rack currently on my vehicle or are cross bars required? Here is a photo of the rack--

 

[hogwild86]

Yeah, I go multiple times a week...In my gen 3, I would just slide my kayak in the back and shut the trunk but I can't think of a good way to protect the interior on the new to me truck..That is by far the easiest answer, but I'd love the hullavator, out of the price range at the moment. Thanks for all the replies though!!

 

[Hybryd40]

I use the Malone Seawings. About 150.00 a pair. Very easy to load

 

[Big Daddy K]

I have Yakima Jay-Low and an Amazon one that folds flat. Both have their pros and cons. The yak is a little easier to load but has a lot more plastic so feels more flexy. Never had an issue with either of them.
But keeping a folding step stool has made the biggest difference in being able to chuck the yak up there. Still tough but a step helps a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/Acko-Portabl...d=1554412318&s=home-garden&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

 

[Jwhuffman]

Would the rhino rack side loader attach direct to the rack currently on my vehicle or are cross bars required? Here is a photo of the rack--

You can try with just the side loader but I found I was not getting the boat out far enough away from the truck and got a few scratches. The aero bars let you get the side loader further out and therefore the boat further away from your 4rnr. I had the hullavator and loved it but my current kayak is too wide for it.

 

[hogwild86]

if you kayak a lot I highly recommend getting a thule hullavator. It makes life so much easier to load and tie down!

The system is pricey but it will save your back and makes loading up quicker

Could you provide me with your full setup for the hullavator including the length and types of crossbars/accessories needed to make this work? I will need to be able to carry two kayaks, however I only need one hullavator.

 

[DallasStarsFan]

This is the method I use. Place a large towel through the stock cross rail and back over the top to hold it in place and keep you from scratching it. AND for us short people and lifted 4Runners a cooler to stand on is a big help.

YouTube

 

[Shakeyfly]

I had similar problems. In the end I mounted my Thule aero bars onto my gobi and then used the rhino rack side loader. Works perfectly for my hobie outback kayak. Before I had the gobi I did the same with the stock rack and it was great.

I've been doing some research.. Do you need the Aero bars for the Side loader? Or will the side loader work with the Gobi standard bars?

 

[csnow]

I put a ladder on the back of my 4 runner. I lift the front of the kayak up on top of the ladder and then pick up the back end and slide it forward up onto the rack. It’s a 13’ Hobie so not ultralight by any means. Works great! I have Thule cross bars with surf pads around them.

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