Recommended Crossbars and Kayak Carrier for Two Heavy Kayaks
Updated 05/22/2024 | Published 05/20/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im looking for advice on how to transport two large fishing kayaks without a trailer. The two kayaks are: Hobie Compass 12 x 34 and Hobie Mirage Revolution II 116 x 29. Both weigh approximately 80 lbs. My vehicle is a 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country, crew cab with a 58 truck bed length. Ive looked at bed extenders, however the two kayaks do not fit in the back of the truck laying flat next to each other. Ive considered a truck bed rack that and/or a roof rack to hold the kayaks up above my truck cab. Possibly using the Thule Hull-a-Port XTR system on the truck bed/roof rack to turn the kayaks at angle. Im curious to hear your recommendation for my current needs. Thanks, Chad
asked by: Chad V
Expert Reply:
Hey Chad, so I'd actually recommend a mid size ladder rack like the Yakima OutPost HD Overland Truck Bed Rack # Y01152-58. This is by far going to be your best bet if you don't want to trailer your kayaks. These bars have a 500 lb weight capacity, has a 36" - 95-7/8" crossbar spread, and will work great with a kayak carrier like the Yakima BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack # Y04091.
The only issue is this kayak carrier has a max weight capacity of 150 lbs per kayak, so for this to work you'd need to use two systems.
If you don't like that idea, then your only other options are to either load them in the bed and use a tie down, or tow a small kayak trailer with # Y74TR.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima OutPost HD Overland Truck Bed Rack - Aluminum - 500 lbs - 68" Crossbars
- Ladder Racks
- Truck Bed
- Fixed Rack
- Bikes and Watersports
- Camping and Overlanding
- Not Tonneau Compatible
- Mid-Cab Height
- 500 lbs
- Over the Bed
- No Drilling Required
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: kayak racks
- Search Results: thule compass
- Search Results: yakima big catch
- Q&A: Will Hooks of Yakima BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack # Y04091 Scratch Vehicle
- Search Results: utility trailer
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Thule ProBar Evo Crossbars - Black Aluminum - 69" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Black
- Shop: Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
- Shop: Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Malone TradeSport Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Load Stops - Aluminum - 800 lbs
- Q&A: What Rear-Loading Kayak Will Work for My Tandem Hobie Kayak that Weighs 99 Pounds?
- Q&A: What High-Capacity Kayak Carrier Fits Yakima HD Crossbars?
- Q&A: Retractable Tonneau Cover and Ladder Rack Combo for Heavy Kayaks on 2019 Ram 1500
- Q&A: How to Add Crossbars to a 2024 Honda CR-V w/ Flush Roof Rails
- Video: How to Set Up Your Yakima BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs on a 2014 Infiniti Q50
- Video: Using your MOS Uplift Roof Rack Lift Assist for Different Adventures
- Video: Malone SeaWing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs Review
- Video: Choosing The Best Kayak Carrier Lift Assist For You
- Shop: Yakima HD Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 68" Long - Qty 2
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: aluminum wheels
- Q&A: Can 2 Kayaks Fit on 50 Inch Long Yakima JetStream Roof Rack Crossbars
- Q&A: Why are There Multiple Sizes of Crossbars for a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Video: DIY 2023 Ford F-150 Installation for the Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack
- Search Results: yakima bed rack
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Review of Lionshead Trailer Tires and Wheels - Aluminum Gunmetal Gray Margay Wheel - LH69VR
- Video: The Low-Down on the Aluminum AM03 Series Gunmetal Gray Machined Trailer Wheel
on Ladder Racks
Chad V.
5/22/2024
Hi Bryce, Appreciate the response. The two kayaks have a hull weight of 68 lbs and 64 lbs each. They won't be fully rigged since I'll store all the rigging in my truck bed. I spoke with a representative at your company last night and they recommended the Yakima Overhaul HD Adjustable truck bed rack (Item # Y01151-5955). It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs with a cross bar of 78" so that I could lay both kayaks down flat. This would be accompanied with a Pace Edwards UltraGroove Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover (Item # 311-KRCA27A58) so that I could lock down by bed and still have the bed rack installed. My plan is to center the kayaks on the truck bed rack with 3 ft overhang above the crew cab and 3 ft overhang from the back tailgate. I've contacted Yakima on what they recommend as the best kayak roof rack & tie downs for my specific Hobie kayaks. I'm curious if they recommend the lay down saddles or if they recommend the J-Cradles for these larger kayaks on long-distant trips. Finally, I'm want to figure out the best way to tie down the bow and stern of the kayaks, particularly since the bow will be extended only 3 feet above the crew cab of the truck. I was considering installing a roof rack on the top of the crew cab that could be used to anchor the front stern of the kayaks, but I wasn't sure if this was proper use of the roof rack. I believe the kayaks will be secure without the stern being tied down, but it would be an emergency safety measure. Your thoughts? Thanks! Chad