Recommended Crossbars and Kayak Carrier for Two Heavy Kayaks

Updated 05/22/2024 | Published 05/20/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima OutPost HD Overland Truck Bed Rack - Aluminum - 500 lbs - 68" Crossbars

(22)

$1117.90

Yakima BigCatch Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(36)

$298.95

Yakima Kayak Trailer for 2 Kayaks with Cargo Basket - 250 lbs

(2)

$3884.75

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.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Revolution Weight
(click to enlarge)

Compass Weight
(click to enlarge)

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

Bryce D.

5/22/2024

@ChadV So if you're needing a tonneau cover also then I do recommend getting the Pace Edwards # 311-KRCA27A58 because you could then use both the tonneau cover and a ladder rack # Y01151-5955 at the same time, but if you just need a set of crossbars for your kayaks the Yakima # Y01152-58 would work fine by itself. Since your kayaks are much lighter than we thought initially, I'd recommend using two of the Yakima DeckHand Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # Y04083-2 on top of the crossbars.

Chad V.

5/22/2024

Thanks Bryce for your recommendations. I will order the items you and Kimberly recommended. What about my question regarding the bow and stern tie downs?

Bryce D.

5/22/2024

@ChadV Hey Chad, your best bet would be to use some Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops # Y04031 and run the bow strap over the front of your truck like shown in the video attached.

Helpful Links

tv-review-yakima-bow-stern-tie-downs-y04031.aspx