Truck top with kayak rack - load capacity?
I am going to buy a truck top for my Dodge Ram 2500. I see some come with racks. I'd like to carry my Kayaks up there. At 65 pounds each I am a little concerned that the typical capacity of ~150-20...
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Yeah, another who loaded heavier sit-on-top kayaks on my canopy. I have (2) 12' SIT kayaks that weigh in about 60-65lbs each. My canopy was a SungTop Super Sport. I had the Yakama Rails mounted and the rails only increased the canopy height by 1/2" by themselves, of course the landing pads and then the rack itself would increase the add height even more. But nice thing was it is very easy to remove the actual racks and leave the rails landing pads for a reduced height.
Probably the biggest issue with those heavy kayaks on top of a canopy was actually loading them. The trucks now a days are high to begin with and trying to get those 65lbs kayaks up there is a bit of a challenge by myself. I know some just make sure the trailing rack is situated more towards the rear to make it easier to load from the back, but the might leave extended hang-over. I side loaded mine and could do it by myself but again, not the easiest thing. Other than that, I never had any issues with the kayaks up there.
Make sure you always bring a good, heavy duty step stool to help with loading/unloading.
Probably the biggest issue with those heavy kayaks on top of a canopy was actually loading them. The trucks now a days are high to begin with and trying to get those 65lbs kayaks up there is a bit of a challenge by myself. I know some just make sure the trailing rack is situated more towards the rear to make it easier to load from the back, but the might leave extended hang-over. I side loaded mine and could do it by myself but again, not the easiest thing. Other than that, I never had any issues with the kayaks up there.
Make sure you always bring a good, heavy duty step stool to help with loading/unloading.
