Kayak on Trailer Roof Question

[Hvymtlc5]

New to RVing - just bought a 34 Montana - Is there any reason why I can't put my two 8 foot kayaks on the rear roof (one on either side of the A/C unit) and use ratchet straps to tie them down? Straps will run over the top and down the side to the frame rail. Again, a newbie and this approach sounds easy....but never know til ya ask.

[Bowti]

Here's another example

[fredcrowley]

Here's how I transport my Hobie Tandem Island (18' long with 2 outriggers and sail). I used a mixture of Thule and Yakima components. The main body is too heavy for me to lift, The front T support mounts in a front 2" receiver hitch, and can be pivoted down and forward to ease getting it up on top of the truck. The 2 rollers on the front T simplify things significantly.

[rgstarnes]

I use a Thule goal post in the front hitch of my TV and a rack on the top front of the TV. I carry two kayaks on it, one 11'6" and one 14 ft.
I have seen kayaks on the top of the RV , but it looks like they added a rack system to the roof to carry them on.

[2014MegaRam4x4]

Here is the information, I picked up the roof rails from E-trailer, they where the cheapest and largest weigh capacity I could find (135.00

http://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Rack/Rhino-Rack/DH1375HS.html

The front receiver, copied the design from the one E-trailer sells for 178.00

http://www.etrailer.com/Front-Hitch/Ram/3500/2014/65063.html?vehicleid=201414807

The goal post, I made from 1.5 x 4 tube steel, but can be found on E-trailer or amazon for around 229.00

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Thule/TH997.html

[Bowti]

BB,
Just google (Front receiver hitch for a dodge truck). They are very common and should cost around $150 shipped to your door Do the same for the Receiver goal post kayak carrier, and roof top carrier), Depending on where you live you can also shop for these things locally. Also a you can check for used items on Craigslist.

[bbaker2001]

Mr Mega Ram
could you tell me where you got your equipment.

[2014MegaRam4x4]

Actually this is a topic I have done a lot of research on and looked a many options from this:



to this:



and ended going with this due to the cost and the time and resources. The rear carrier holding the kayak vertically just would not work with my 12 ft kayaks, and the roof mounted option on the trailer would not work due to the weight limits on the roof, and the challenges to getting a 75lb kayak up there. Went with this and so far no issues, it was extremely cost effective, (less than $400 invested) simple to set up and carry and does not impact visibility.





I copied this little gadget and loading and unloading is a simple one person job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NE_lWaCSDQ

[bbaker2001]

sounds good thanks

[Bowti]

bbaker2001 wrote:
I would like to put 2 receivers on front of 2015 ram 3500 so I could install upright to mount kayaks to. not just a Tee. can I replace the tow hooks with a receiver

BB I do not see a need for two posts, as one will hold the load easily, as the load is usually just over a 100lbs for a couple of kayaks. Front end receiver hitches are inexpensive and very available for all makes.

[Bowti]

Most use a setup like this.

[FlatBroke]

We have an open living room, kitchen. Put my wife's kayak inside the trailer and wrap the ends with blankets. On our way to AZ for the winter when we stop for the night we put out the slides and put it to the side. Plenty of room for a one night stay.

[Cummins12V98]

We considered many options and the best for us was to buy a QUALITY two person inflatable Kayak.

[bbaker2001]

I would like to put 2 receivers on front of 2015 ram 3500 so I could install upright to mount kayaks to. not just a Tee. can I replace the tow hooks with a receiver

[lhenry8113]

We carry to 10ft kayaks on the roof of the truck. We use 2 Thule roof racks that mount into the top of the door frames and are locked into position. If the weather gets really bad will put them into the 5vr--1 on the master bed and 1 over the couch and dinette table. Lars