Carrying kayaks on top of truck while towing 5er

[nremtp143]

Hello again guys! I took several of your ideas and copied them to be able to carry my kayaks while towing the 5er without having to go in two different vehicles. A Curt hitch and Rhino Rack T-Loader on the front with Thule crossbars on the roof of the truck does the trick. Thanks for the ideas! Oh, here are some pics.




The first trip went well. Need to adjust a couple of straps to better location, but it worked just like I wanted.

[nremtp143]

Geodude wrote:
For most trucks you can buy a hitch that bolts on to the frame. Hitches are pretty inexpensive and the bolt-on is a DIY, although it's a bit awkward. I found that offering post-installation beers is a great incentive to getting the required extra pair of hands from a friend.

Exactly! The hitches run under $200 for most applications. I just had to cut a small hole in my front valance for mine. Not a big deal, but an extra set of hands does come in handy.

[Community Alumni]

For most trucks you can buy a hitch that bolts on to the frame. Hitches are pretty inexpensive and the bolt-on is a DIY, although it's a bit awkward. I found that offering post-installation beers is a great incentive to getting the required extra pair of hands from a friend.

[brunella]

How did you mount 2" reciever to front of truck?

[Community Alumni]

Nice! Does it move at all when you're driving? It looks rock solid, that's for sure.

[Me_Again]

Metal straps to my tow hooks work well. Chris

[Community Alumni]

I've found the straps work pretty well, but really need to haul on them to get them tight enough. I've wondered if some kind of turnbuckle setup would work so I'd sure be interested in seeing if it works for anyone.

[Swampman597]

Geodude, your set-up is similiar to mine and I have a question. I also run the tie-down straps to the tow hooks which works pretty good but I've been considering replacing the straps with something solid like a threaded rod or cable with a turnbuckle on each side for tightening it up. Wanted to ask in case someone else tried it and it didn't work.

I have the Darby T-bar (2½" square tube on top) that a 2 x 2" aluminum tube fits in. I simply slide it out a couple of feet, load the front of the kayak onto this extended part, then put the other end on the roof rack, and then move the front of the kayak into position. Then, the extender tube goes out the other side and I do the same for the other one. The 2x2 aluminum is what is used for screening in a pool or porch.

Its raining good now or I'd get a few pix to show it.

[nremtp143]

Thanks for the close up pic Geodude! Will try to duplicate that as that is an awesome setup.

[Community Alumni]

We use cockpit covers on ours whenever we aren't in the boats. This keeps the critters and the water out.

We store paddling vests, paddles and rescue kit in them at all times.

[Me_Again]

For those that carry their kayaks right side up, do you use the collected rain water in your trailer? And how do you get it to the tank? Chris

[Community Alumni]

nrempt, nice rack! I like your setup.

Here's a closeup of mine.

[nremtp143]

If I add the grille guard to the front of my truck, I will have to something very similar! Thanks for sharing and would love a pic that is more close up if you ever get the opportunity. Thanks!

[Community Alumni]

We have been using the Goalpost since 2011 no problem. I had it modified two years ago to move the crossbar back, in order to have the saddles grab the kayaks in a better spot. So far so good. Here's a link to a hi res picture, hopefully you can see it ok.

https://picasaweb.google.com/106711389998236597454/20150517WestcottBeachStatePark#615112980433265707...

[nremtp143]

brussie wrote:
I have a question about hauling 2 12' kayaks on the cab of my 2011 ford truck with the use of the thule goalpost , has anyone done this and if so any problems with the cross bar holding up, because I worry about the holes drilled through the cross bar braking.

I am not sure I understand your question. Basically, the setup I have is nearly a copy of the Goalpost. The cross bars on the cab are Thule on mine, and any should work. There is very little weight on the bars themselves. Actually there may even be some lift at highway speeds. I am not sure what holes in the cross bar you are referring to though.