Transporting kayak

timothylynn7

New member
Anyone haul their kayak inside their 4Runner? I have a roof rack but just had back surgery so loading my kayak up there is rough. Was thinking I could fit it in the rear with the seats down and maybe a little bit sticking out. Was wondering how to secure the the rear hatch door? I have since downsized from my 12’ posted below to a 10’6” old town.
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Is it too big that it won't slide through the rear window? Thinking you get one of those kayak slide mats, drop the window and slide in the back..I've got a 10 ft pelican that I carry on my roof..never tried it the way I just described but it might work..
 
Should definitely fit through that rear window with the seats down. If you are worries about weather during transport, they do make some slick roof racks that articulate down to the side of your vehicle for easier loading..
https://www.rei.com/product/123022/yakima-showdown-kayaksup-rack?sku=1230220001&store=42&cm_mmc=PLA_Bing%7C21700000001700551_1230220001%7C92700062069280891%7CNB%7C71700000081546093&gclid=f47f2e7550481cfd77f94c49d3d3b1c4&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=f47f2e7550481cfd77f94c49d3d3b1c4
 
Should definitely fit through that rear window with the seats down. If you are worries about weather during transport, they do make some slick roof racks that articulate down to the side of your vehicle for easier loading..
https://www.rei.com/product/123022/yakima-showdown-kayaksup-rack?sku=1230220001&store=42&cm_mmc=PLA_Bing%7C21700000001700551_1230220001%7C92700062069280891%7CNB%7C71700000081546093&gclid=f47f2e7550481cfd77f94c49d3d3b1c4&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=f47f2e7550481cfd77f94c49d3d3b1c4

Do bear in mind the Yakima Showdown and Thule's Hullavator require wider aftermarket crossbars to accommodate their drop-down feature.
Kinda bulky, but great options if you don't want to scuz up the interior.
 
J hooks are probably the hardest option available when it comes to loading a kayak on a roof. Love my trailer personally, but that isn't an option for everyone. This is how I loaded a 13 foot on my Expedition. Would be even easier with a 10 footer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS0zp3ti1mo


Definitely easier than the j hooks with a lifted suv. I’m just trying to eliminate lifting anything over my head. Just had some significant back surgery
 
Definitely easier than the j hooks with a lifted suv. I’m just trying to eliminate lifting anything over my head. Just had some significant back surgery

Can't really see it in the video, but I had folding J hooks on the passenger side of the vehicle. I also have some back issues, but I've been putting off the surgery since 2009. If you do what Dad told us and lift with your legs, this method is significantly easier to load. Just make sure you use something to protect the paint and rear glass.
 
I also have a PRO and have always heaved my kayaks onto the roof. But the PRO is so high with that rack, I had to lift them over my head and throw them into the J racks and then use a step ladder to climb up and strap them down. Taking them down was a pain as well as I had to climb the step ladder to lift them out of the J racks and hope I didn't slip off the ladder as the kayak was lifted over my head. I have some bad low back issues as well, so I just broke down and bought the Yakima Rack and Roll trailer. It was pricey but it'll last the rest of my life and the wife and I can easily place the kayaks on the trailer. I think it's the way to go.
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Definitely easier than the j hooks with a lifted suv. I’m just trying to eliminate lifting anything over my head. Just had some significant back surgery

I run a sea eagle inflatable yak. Easy to move around and only takes like five minutes to inflate. I float rivers a lot and drag all the time. Ive had mine five years now. They are super durable.
 
Can't really see it in the video, but I had folding J hooks on the passenger side of the vehicle. I also have some back issues, but I've been putting off the surgery since 2009. If you do what Dad told us and lift with your legs, this method is significantly easier to load. Just make sure you use something to protect the paint and rear glass.


Idk if using my legs more is gonna make the difference at this point ha
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I also have a PRO and have always heaved my kayaks onto the roof. But the PRO is so high with that rack, I had to lift them over my head and throw them into the J racks and then use a step ladder to climb up and strap them down. Taking them down was a pain as well as I had to climb the step ladder to lift them out of the J racks and hope I didn't slip off the ladder as the kayak was lifted over my head. I have some bad low back issues as well, so I just broke down and bought the Yakima Rack and Roll trailer. It was pricey but it'll last the rest of my life and the wife and I can easily place the kayaks on the trailer. I think it's the way to go.
a7548318281dfc37a4cdeb2d2040cf1a.jpg

3f200b3b5db245942ab9cdb970c8af97.jpg



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After selling my boat I don’t want another trailer in my driveway. Nice setup though!
 
I throw mine on roof rack. You could definitely fit most kayak's through the rear window too, back seats down.
 
Yup!
The wheels turn in so you can roll it against the wall.

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Yeah. It's a pretty awesome trailer. I live in a townhouse condo and can't store a trailer outside on the property. With the Yakima rack and roll trailer, I can remove the tongue and the wheels and just lean it up against the wall in the garage. It is very expensive. I paid $2750. Before Covid and the supply chain disaster, you could find them on sale for $1999 but those days are gone for now. But....it's very high quality and I'm pretty sure, with proper care, it'll last the rest of my life. It's all aluminum so rust will never be an issue. I have an appt in May for steroid shots in my back. If the trailer can save you from blowing out your back trying to throw your kayaks onto the roof, it's worth it.


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Yeah. It's a pretty awesome trailer. I live in a townhouse condo and can't store a trailer outside on the property. With the Yakima rack and roll trailer, I can remove the tongue and the wheels and just lean it up against the wall in the garage. It is very expensive. I paid $2750. Before Covid and the supply chain disaster, you could find them on sale for $1999 but those days are gone for now. But....it's very high quality and I'm pretty sure, with proper care, it'll last the rest of my life. It's all aluminum so rust will never be an issue. I have an appt in May for steroid shots in my back. If the trailer can save you from blowing out your back trying to throw your kayaks onto the roof, it's worth it.


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This is true. And a good way to sell it to my wife
 

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