Kayaks on OEM Roof Rack - anyone done this? (1 Viewer)

[Maintz]

I'm looking for some kayak saddle mounts that will attach to the OEM roof rack, and allow me to carry two kayaks. The load is not a problem as the total weight will only be around 85 lbs., but several people have warned me against wind buffeting putting too much stress on the crossbar connectors.
Any experience out there? Thanks!!

 

[FJKarma]

Yep, so has a co-worker. Co-worker purchased foam w/cutouts for crossbars and carries two open cockpit poly kayaks with no problem. I use my Thule mounts and crossbars and can carry two kevlar sea kayaks with no problem at all. I prefer the Thule crossbars for my saddles for stability and clearance over the side rails of the OEM roof rack.

Mike

 

[BRICKTOP]

I bought the Hullivators. Even WITHOUT the kayaks you can feel the WIND RESISTANCE...but...they look frickin awesome! I am the only FJ in town that looks like a bloody moose! And the way they drop down on the side of the vehicle makes it a lot easier to get the boats on top when you have a lift. Spendy, but worth it.

 

[Maintz]

I bought the Hullivators. Even WITHOUT the kayaks you can feel the WIND RESISTANCE...but...they look frickin awesome! I am the only FJ in town that looks like a bloody moose! And the way they drop down on the side of the vehicle makes it a lot easier to get the boats on top when you have a lift. Spendy, but worth it.

Got some pictures?

 

[monniepoo]

I was thinking as I was reading this thread, How can I put surfboards on the factory roof rack? Is there something Ill have to get for it?

 

[BRICKTOP]

pic of Hullivator

Don't know how this is going to come out. Took it on my phone. The top mounts are hinged and drop down to the side of the rig so you only have to lift the kayak to about waist heigth. Then the lift assist thing makes pushing it up on the roof a breeze. (Don't even try parking in a garage though!

 

[Maintz]

The Hullivator is made by Thule? From the picutre, it looks like you didn't use a crossbar, but mounted the Hullivator directly to the OEM sidebars,... is that correct?

It also appears that the kayaks would rest at a slight angle up to the inside,..... what is the approximate width of the side-to-side space needed for each kayak? Which kayaks are you hauling?

Thanks for the help,.... would love to see a pic with the kayaks mounted!

 

[BRICKTOP]

The kayaks actually sit level. The inside (or top when lowered to the side of the rig) bracket slides to adjust to your kayak's width. There is a pretty significant gap between the two kayaks which looks a little funky, but I like the set up enough that I really don't care. I have not been in high winds and don't know how it would affect it. I do have a couple pics of the kayaks on the rig and I'll post them if I can find them.

 

[brs4703a]

Not OEM but..

I thought I would post anyway.

I didn't like the added noise and permanence of the OEM rack so I installed a Yakima. I removed the white plastic covers and machined some adapters that go between the roof and the Yak towers.

The racks lock in place and can be removed (with the key) in about 2 minutes.

The only disadvantage so far is that I can't see the kayak while driving. The advantages are I can add any Yak attachment made (including a third bar in the forward location) and when not in use they come off leaving only a small plastic "pad".

 

[FirstToy]

I was thinking as I was reading this thread, How can I put surfboards on the factory roof rack? Is there something Ill have to get for it?

a good trick is to wrap the crossbars w/ bicycle innertubes nice n tight. lay the board upside down on it and ratchet strap it down.

 

[aubuc1]

kayak rack

I have the gullwing by malone to carry my heritage 14' kayak. I think it would do fine with two. Or you could get the ones that are a little skewed to one side.

 

[gon2srf]

I'm looking for some kayak saddle mounts that will attach to the OEM roof rack, and allow me to carry two kayaks. The load is not a problem as the total weight will only be around 85 lbs., but several people have warned me against wind buffeting putting too much stress on the crossbar connectors.
Any experience out there? Thanks!!

Thule makes kayak mounts that will attach directly to the stock crossbars. They work great for surfboards also. The problem is you will only be able to fit one kayak on top with the stock rack. You will need to fabricated something to go two wide.