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riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014

Kayak rack question

I just bought a new Kaku fishing kayak. Looking forward to putting it to use in Florida etc..

I would like ideas / suggestions on a kayak rack for my 2013 F150 ECO CC. The complication is I have a tool box mounted in the bed and the bed is a short bed ( 5.5 ' I think )

I want to be able to carry two 12' kayaks over the truck while towing my TT. I am considering either making or buying racks. Problem is the short distance between the rear of the tool box and rear of the truck bed.

Also I have thought about using one Thule or similar car top roof rack along with one truck rack to carry the load.

If anyone has addressed this issue or has ideas, either homemade or factory, I would appreciate it.

One other question...When you transport kayak over a truck bed etc. do you carry them top up or bottom up, or does it matter?

Thanks
Seeking Advice
  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Deb and Ed M.....thanks...I am leaning toward that idea. A custom car top rack over the CC and a single truck bed rack in back.

    In that situation, would I need to have a tie down off the front and or rear of the kayaks? I know the answer may depend on whether I have them adequately secured to the racks. So, IF they are secured to the racks properly, do I need front / rear tie downs??
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2014
    You CAN buy just one Thule or Yakima rack, and then a truck-bed rack for the back and it works just fine. Definitely load the fishing kayak upside down - most SOTs (sit-on-tops) haul the best that way. You can use either the foam blocks designed for canoes; or "pool noodles" on the crossbars. Otherwise, you'll need saddles/cradles or something to cup the hull and a cockpit cover for a sit-in.

    Regarding a 2-person on the back of a 5th wheel?? Probably not; most are 12' long or longer. I personally bought a Sea Eagle Fast Track inflatable kayak that can be paddled single or double for our 5th wheel - very easy to inflate and paddle!
  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Thanks for all the info. Got the Oak Orchard site bookmarked. I will send them a message or call and see what they recommend. Other ideas will be appreciated!!
  • wbrown62's avatar
    wbrown62
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    I purchased a rack setup for my Chevy a number of years ago from Oak Orchard Canoe online. It uses a homemade rack in the bed and factory made Yakima Q-towers on top of the cab of the truck. The instructions had me mount the rear portion of the rack to the rear of the bed, but I eventually moved it to the front of the bed since I have an extended cab truck. The bar spread is not too great this way. I carry 2 14' kayaks with ease. I use style #1 as shown on this page. Oak Orchard Canoe
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    we carry a 12' fishing kayak on our truck with Thule roof racks only and fold down supports. Have driven coast to coast with nary a problem.
  • Bmach's avatar
    Bmach
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2014
    Carry them top down or get cockpit covers and it does not matter.

    You can get a cargo rack that mounts to the bed of your truck and pair it up with a roof mount.

    But with that short of a yak you should be able to just use a Thule/Yakima cargo rack and your choice of yak supports.
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    We carry 3 on our van Thule roof rack. We always load the two outside yaks facing forward top up. Middle yak goes upside down on the rack. We use saddle racks for outer two. I have seen what you need in my travels. So it is possible. I am sure others here can give you more specifics. Good luck
  • afraid_of_bears's avatar
    afraid_of_bears
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2014
    Can't help you with the first question, but as for the second... We usually carried ours with the holes down. That way, if it rained we didn't end up with kayaks full of water. Other times, holes up because they were easier to load that way.

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