Carrying two kayaks

[Bulletnjm]

I assume you have to tie a flag off the end when driving with them?

 

[ZBoater]

I assume you have to tie a flag off the end when driving with them?

Not sure. Good question. The carrier has reflective red tape at the end, but I don't know if that would satisfy any legal requirements.

 

[infinitereality]

Would getting a BlackFlip bed cover be another option and just load the yak up in the bed? Mine and another guy were carrying 2 yaks (3 of the 4 were 12.5ft) and just used ratchet straps. We hauled a couple ice chest, fishing gear, etc. We drove 4hrs, he drove around 8hrs.

 

[ZBoater]

I'm not sure. That would leave more than half the kayak dangling off the bed. I guess I could tie them down tight, but for $100 I think I'd rather support them on both ends. I don't think my kayaks would react well to being tied too tight. They're uber light and might flex or I might damage them. I just didn't want to spend $1000 on a rack I'll use twice a year.

 

[Ruger]

ZB, I'm no kayaker and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but with an arm that long sticking out of the trailer hitch you would really have to be careful about the terrain you drive over. If you're usually on paved roads on the way to where you put in, no problem. But if you're on steep or rocky Jeep trails, you could easily drag that thing or hang it up (vertically or horizontally). Think about trips you take and intend to take before you make your decision.

 

[infinitereality]

Mine are just typical sit on top yaks (Caster Perception), nothing special. While they're fairly durable, they do weight 60lbs. I don't think yours is as convenient to tie down as mine is, I just use the bed hooks and run it through the pole mount.

I'm following the thread to see your solution, wouldn't mind a easier way to carry it/them. Raptor is way easier to carry them than the roof rack on the wife's Terrain, I do know that.

 

[amphibian]

Not sure. Good question. The carrier has reflective red tape at the end, but I don't know if that would satisfy any legal requirements.

Typically the rule is anything that extends more than 4' beyond the taillights should have a flag/marker on it.

I pull sailboats a lot and they tend to hang off the back of the trailer, and then the mast hangs off beyond that. Typically I'll tie both a flag and a little "bike flasher" (blinking red light) if at night. Keeps the guy on his phone and eating a sandwich behind you from seeing your taillights and thinking he's got 10' to go when really it's 5'.

 

[ZBoater]

Thats a good point. If I'm wanting to go to a secluded spot to kayak and the terrain is rough, that hitch solution might be a problem. If I'm just going to different marinas or launch spots where it's all paved roads, then no problem. I'll have to think whether I'll ever want to do that.

 

[roybot]

Hey all, I know I'm diggin this up from the grave but just thought I'd post here since it is a relevant thread. Found a used TracRac on CL and picked it up. Fits great on the truck and perfect for carryjng my boards. I want to modify it to make it more functional and aesthetic. Here is what I hope to do:
1) cut crossbars shorter
2) shorten the vertical arms so that the crossbars lie just above the third brake light
3) powdercoat it black
4) add some supports for the crossbars like some of the other Thule racks
5) Figure out a way to attach it to the bedsides in a way that would allow me to use my BakFlip. Was thinking of mounting Ltrack on my bedsides and then drilling holes in the feet of the rack.





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