Kayak rack question

[riven1950]

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

[wbrown62]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.