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.

[goducks10]

You won't be able to tighten them down to the frame because the lower skirting on the trailer is to flimsy. When you hook the strap to the frame it has to go under the skirting then up the sidewall. You'll crush the skirting when you tighten the strap.

No for the height issue. Unless you're under the height of the AC then you may have trouble.

[ksg5000]

No way would I consider putting kayaks, canoes or anything similar on the roof of any RV - some people refuse to even walk on them let alone put something that can act like a sail. Suggest you put them on the roof of the tow vehicle - some attach them to the rear of the RV (one end facing bumper the other the sky). Roofs and related leaks tend to be problem areas of many RV's.

[ford_truck_guy]

I would be scared to death that I would get small rub holes in my roof...

[hawkhill]

We put Thule rails on the top of our truck's cab to which we set up Yakima hullraiser(already had them in the past). We do have a front hitch on our truck that we could set up a T post to, but since our kayaks are only 8' we just attach a front and back bowline to them.

[Hvymtlc5]

Thanks to all for ideas and replies. These kayaks are very light so I don't have a problem standing on the rear rack and pushing them up top and they will not stick up any higher than the a/c unit or main roof height due to slope.

Didn't think about the strap flutter and paint wear....could be the limiting reason why we can't do this....pool noodles may be worth a try.

I'd stick them on the back rack, but the scooter is there, so maybe the over cab way would be the most secure

[Me_Again]

To big of a risk of damaging the roof. Not only where they rest, but at the corners where the straps rub. The straps will need to be twisted to keep them from flapping and then will rub the gelcoat on the side of the trailer. They will be hard to get up there.

Just a bad idea all around. Work out something like this!



Chris

[kampinguru]

Look into the front receiver option for your tow vehicle and get a set of goal post racks for the front to carry them. I do this with a single canoe but it is easily done with a pair of kayaks too. See the picture in my sig to get the idea.

[Oasisbob]

Might just work. I ratchet strap my three to my THULE van top rack. They never move. I see two possible problems. 1. Strap flutter on sides could take off paint. Cushion with swim noodles from dollar store. 2. Tension will be one sided on your roof. They could shift to the middle and loosen. Mine catch no air. However, if one comes loose it could be lethal for whoever it hits. Do you have room inside or a pass through storage?

[ependydad]

I've put a lot of thought into how to transport my 17' kayak. I gave the roof serious consideration.


The height will probably not be an issue due to the slope of most fifth wheels. Plus kayaks aren't a whole lot taller than air conditioners.

Getting it up onto the roof is the biggest challenge. At 8', they're too short to lean against the camper and use rollers to pull them up. But they're also too big to carry up the ladder with you.

And then, I just don't know how you would secure them up there without marring the finish on the side of the camper.

--

For an 8' boat, I'd probably consider this instead:

http://www.usrack.com/fifth_wheel_rack_heavy_duty.php

[mpfireman]

When we had our pop up unit we would haul our 12' canoe on the roof. but your unit is much higher and poses the question, how are you going to get them up there and off. We purchases foam pads to protect our roof, but is was aluminum, and your trailer roof is probably rubber. I have never seen anything secured to trailer roofs, only on the ladder going to the roof. Thus Protecting your roof might be the most important challenge you have.

[RustyJC]

Well, to start, how tall is your 5th wheel? How much height will the kayaks add (if any)? Will they protrude over the top of your rear A/C, and if so, by how much? You really need to stay under 13'6" at the highest point.

Rusty