Question about kayak racks for car
- This topic has 13 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated Dec 2, 2010 at 6:45 pm by
.
-
Posts
-
Neil, you should be fine with either, just be careful when ratcheting down your kayak to the front/rear of the vehicle, that you do not over stress it.
I have a tahoe with the factory rack and I strap mine on it with regularity and it does fine.
I would keep the rack that you have though and install it because it might project out further and prevent door or mirror damage in the event that your kayak falls off of the side of your car while loading/unloading.
Depends on how much you like your Native!
Neil,
I’d definitely trust the Yak rack over the factory issue. They are bomb proof! And, the Yakima cradles are terrific. I’ve spent a small fortune on new towers over the years so I could continue using my Yakima ski, kayak and canoe rack accessories.
I would also recommend getting the kayak carrying accessory. Also, if you can get the adapters that attach the rack to your rain gutters rather than the factory roof rack I think you will like that better. Those rain gutter racks are strong as an ox.
Neil,
When I ordered my ARE bed cap, I asked for the Yakima rails to be installed. I got the 6-foot bars so I could get two Native 12s up top. With that said…I am constantly amazed at the fitment of the Yakima rack. It is topnotch all the way. I’m sure you know that. They are rock solid and I hauled my boats from ATL to the FL Keys with no problems. One word of note….I haul them upside down for long distances…but upright when going short distances (as in the photo). Upright….so I can throw the paddles and other wet and muddy gear in the boat.
Neal…I’ve traveled quite a bit with our Native Ultimate 14.5 Tandem on top of the Honda Element with a Yakima bars with no issue. We’ve made several trips from South Carolina to Michigan with any problems.
I agree that you need to be careful that you don’t stress the kayak with over pressure on your straps.
I don’t see a huge benefit to the added cost of the Yakima kayak cradles. The Native Ultimate is flat on both top and bottom so it can be secured easily with straps.
When I am using only one of my kayaks, I use the factory rack. I have some kayak crossbar covers (like pool noodles with a cordura cover) and use cam straps to strap it down. Any SUV factory cross bars should be rated for enough capacity.
I just got a new Outback and had to modify the rack system for my extended cross bars for two kayaks. If I were you, I would keep the Yakima system. I also wouldn’t get a “J” rack or “V” saddles. I don’t trust the “J” racks and I never use my “V” saddles (an Ultimate wouldn’t fit in the anyway with the pontoon hull shape).
Once you get your kayak, let me know.
I can only fit one kayak on the factory bars. When I haul two kayaks I have to attach my extension crossbars. On the new Outback, they have to clamp to the crossbars rather than the normal side rails. They are 59 inches.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.