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Kayaks on roll bars???

21K views 26 replies 13 participants last post by  pahanorlando 
#1 ·
Hello:

I have 2 kayaks, one is 13 (75 lbs) foot long and the other is 14 foot long (120 lbs). For short trips (low speed and maybe 4 miles) do you think these could be strapped resting on the back roll bars and windshield? Could only do 1 at a time with this method as they are both over 30 inches wide, but could the windshield hold a 120 pound kayak?

Also, I have been looking for a "Thule" type product that can be attached directly to the side roll bars. Does anyone know of such a product that is wide enough to attach to the roll bars?

I have a trailer being built but in the mean time I would like to be able to cart them around to different locations. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
#2 ·
Did a quick Google search and it looks like these people have done it. They have some kind of bars underneath it probably the protect the kayak and jeep from damage. For the short trip I think you'll be fine as long as it is secured well. (Although the kayak on theirs looks much shorter.) Maybe put a 2x4 wrapped in foam or a towel underneath to brace the weight.
 

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#3 ·
I've done it plenty of times with hwy speeds with only one boat. NO issues, just put a pool noodle or towel on the windshield to pad it.

Here is what I have for when the top is down and I use the jeep. Can carry up to 4 boats, depending on the accessories you have. Yakima RailGrab Jeep Wrangler Roll Bar Roof Rack Kit

However, You do have to remove the roll bar padding to use these. It doesn't state that, but there is no way they fit around with the padding. I had to remove mine. Also if you have a soft top, the door surrounds have to be removed to fit the yakima clamp in there. The bonus is the set up can be moved to different vehicles as you get 3 different size clamps/claws to use.

I'll be investing in a kayak trailer soon...I am short and getting tired of loading kayaks up top.
 
#4 ·
to be honest, you could probably just buy pipe and clamp it to the bars for much cheaper than paying for yakima.

here's a pic of one of my kayaks(50 lbs) before I got the yakima bars. Drove 400 mile round trip on the hwy with this set up. I think you'll be fine going that short distance. I wouldn't worry about the weight of the boat. The weight will be displaced, so the full 120 won't be resting on the windshield.
 

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#8 ·
I don't think that would be a problem at all. I can't recall the excact weight capacity. Just tie down at the bow and stern for extra safety. I used my yakima bars on my Rav4 recently and carried 3 boats up in the 180 range total. A lot of the time the weight capacity has to do with the rails the crossbars attach to. Since you'll be attaching to jeep roll bars, no worries on that.

thanks for the link on trailers. I'll take a look. This is where I was going to get one from. Right-On Trailer System
 
#10 ·
Still researching trailers, put a hold on the build. Checked out the "Right on" site. They are large trailers. The hobie pro angler is the problem...sucker is big. I am being rather specific in my search...as I want the lightest and smallest trailer possible with the durability and weight capacity required. I don't have much storage space left and I am hoping to find a trailer or specs for something that is light and has a retractable arm...so storage is easier. Will let you know what I find.
 
#13 ·
XT, I have been debating the sport cage. Problem is that my TJ is becoming inconvenient (in regard to space) and I have been pondering the JK. Don't want to switch as I have my TJ the way I want it...line X on the whole inside, flood lights, Spider web shade covers, safari straps, etc....I would have to start all over, plus I love the straight 6 engine, plus it's only got 65K miles. Don't know what the near future would bring, so spending on the cage right now could be throwing money away.
 
#19 ·
Yakima rack and roll is a great setup, but as noted extremely pricey. My needs were holding 3 kayaks and able to cruise the interstate at highway speeds and still handle a rough road to the water. After the price shock I've been happy overall.


Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Automotive tire
 
#21 ·
I put two 9 foot kayaks right on top of the Jeep and use ratchet straps going from the front handles to the bumper, criss-crossed like an X to pull them into each other, and the same thing on the rear going to my hitch. I used to take my Rampage top off, but once it started leaking I just said screw it and put them right on top with a couple pool noodles under them where they make the most contact. Never had a problem even going two hours on the highway to get to the Greenbrier.
 
#23 ·
I love my Trailex kayak trailer. I have a conversion kit that can fit two but I use the single one..this way I can load up my boat and just slide it into the water. I've had it since 2007 and drive it at highway speeds all over the place. No problems at all. It cost a little over $1000.

It's all aluminum and very lightweight. I can lift the trailer and boat up and move it around without a problem, even when the boat is fully loaded. My sea kayak weighs around 60lbs.

The Yakima is a beautiful trailer but it's twice the price.

Trailex has a large assortment of trailers.

Trailex Home Page

In the pictures below: The first one is with the single boat set up..that's my 16' sea kayak on it and how it looks nice. The other pic is when I had it set up for two boats and you could put one boat on each side. I also have a smaller 10' rec boat but I found I rarely put two boats on the trailer so I prefer the single boat set up.
 
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