Carrying Kayaks

xtremespeed2102 · March 19, 2015

Does anyone haul kayaks? I have two kayaks and I'm looking for an innovative idea that will be easy to load yet still give me covered storage in the bed (I have a Retrax pro).

I had an idea to mount a cross bar above the cover and use a bed extender. So far I have only found mounting options that require drilling. Also the only bed extenders I found are too low (made to be bed height) or are too high (made for roof) and too close so the tailgate cannot be opened. I did find Yakima's q clips however they won't offer and clarification on the different models due to liability.

I have also looked into trailers and I don't think that's the route I want to go.

Anyway I'm hoping for suggestions.

c0ld29 · March 19, 2015

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/165295-canoekayak-transport/page-2?hl=kayak

May be some help for ideas.

thefishhawk · March 19, 2015

I just went through this searching for bike racks that would fit over the bed. It is pretty difficult to find a decent solution that can be used with a tonneau, unless you want to mount rails and drill. especially if you want it low and not cab height. very few options.

I'm thinking you mean sea kayaks where the length is an issue, you are probably going to have to go up high like that picture in the other thead. Everything is river kayaks out here, nice and short.

doverarjim · March 19, 2015

You need to look at summit racks.com they have what you need. I have this installed on my truck. Sorry I forgot I can't share pictures with tapatalk now. I'll post it when I get home.

~Wicked~ · March 19, 2015

In for pics.

xtremespeed2102 · March 19, 2015

I'm okay with being too long. Half the kayak will be on the bed and I can get/make a hitch extender. Cool thing about kayaks is that you only need to grab them 1/3 in from each side (4' spread on, a 12', if that makes sense)

doverarjim · March 20, 2015

I used the Summit Racks drip rails, and then the Yakima stands and bars. It works very well. And it works with my RetraxPro

DirtyMarcus · March 20, 2015

I use a thule xsporter. Obviously that wont work with a bed cover but I have seen a specialized cover that comes with a rack. I dont remember the name of it though and it would require you to buy a new bed cover. It sounds like you already have one. The only other option would be to buy a crossbar to go over the cab and buy a bed extender that can be adjusted to hold the kayak over the bed.

Heres my rack adjusted down for times in not transporting my yaks.

Heres a pic to the bed extneder Im talking about. Of course you can position it to lay at bed height too.

http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/D/T/DTA944_v2_1000.jpg

~Wicked~ · March 20, 2015

I used the Summit Racks drip rails, and then the Yakima stands and bars. It works very well. And it works with my RetraxPro

Can you post more pics doverarjim? I have a RetraxPro too and would love to see the fit. Do you have the narrow or wide rails? I have the wide rails on my cover.

thecobra · March 20, 2015

Quick and easy!

~Wicked~ · March 20, 2015

Quick and easy!

Untitled.jpg

True.....if you don't want to carry anything else.

thecobra · March 20, 2015

True.....if you don't want to carry anything else.

I was going kayaking, not to war.

Doobs41378 · March 20, 2015

I used the Summit Racks drip rails, and then the Yakima stands and bars. It works very well. And it works with my RetraxPro

I guess I am not seeing how you would carry a kayak with that.Are you taking the black carrying case off and setting the kayak on there or is that a way he could use the bed for his kayaks and put other stuff in the carrying case. Please excuse me if I am missing the obvious, it is 2:45 am as I type this.....

xtremespeed2102 · March 20, 2015

I was going kayaking, not to war.

Sometimes that's how I feel packing for vacation.

xtremespeed2102 · March 20, 2015

I guess I am not seeing how you would carry a kayak with that.Are you taking the black carrying case off and setting the kayak on there or is that a way he could use the bed for his kayaks and put other stuff in the carrying case. Please excuse me if I am missing the obvious, it is 2:45 am as I type this.....

The retrax pro is a flat metal rolling cover. I think you a different product.