If your SUV has the factory luggage rack already installed with the cross bars, this is usually adequate to transport a kayak. If your SUV has the side rails but no crossbars, please skip to the aftermarket rack section. Almost all SUV crossbars are a similar shape, they are flat and thin and made out of a plastic composite type of material.
Some are rated for higher loads than others, but almost all can support the weight of a kayak. Your options become more limited with these crossbars unless Nissan or your manufacturer offers its own add-ons, but there are still options available to safely transport a kayak.
Read the next section, or take your vehicle to your local dealer, rack specialist, or kayak shop to see your options. Really there are two major manufacturers of aftermarket roof racks, Thule and Yakima. They are very similar systems with the most noticeable difference being the round bars from Yakima and the square bars of Thule. Both systems are similarly priced and fit an enormous range of vehicles. There are a number of ways that Thule and other aftermarket systems will attach to a vehicle.
Before diving too far into this section, be sure that whichever system is right for your vehicle is installed correctly and always double check the rack system itself in addition to the kayak before pulling out of your driveway. Always double-check your roof rack. The most basic is the crossbars themselves.
You can choose whichever length you like, none of these systems allow the crossbar to dead end into the mount. A longer crossbar will simply pass through the mounts and off the side of your vehicle.
The author of this article has extensive experience in that area, which may or may not be apparent through its affect on communication ability, and other motor functions. Look up your vehicle on Thule. The second piece to consider is the mount itself, or as Thule calls it a foot pack.
There are a variety of foot packs designed for different mounting options from SUV side rails to rain gutters to camper shells, and everything in between. Even the same vehicle may have multiple mounting options, so decide which method is best for your vehicle before purchasing the foot pack.
To add aftermarket crossbars onto the existing side rails of your SUV or mini-van, you would use a mount such as the Thule Crossroad. This is a simple install and gives you all the benefits over a factory rack. There is a type of mount that will clamp directly onto that lip called the Gutter Foot Pack.
This is a very versatile mount because with the addition of an artificial rain gutter it can be used on any flat surface such as a fiberglass camper shell, enclosed trailer, or RV where other systems will not work. Keep in mind, installing the artificial rain gutter will require drilling holes to install, but it is sometimes the only option on such vehicles.
The Podium foot pack is designed specifically to mount into one of those areas if you have a newer vehicle with that feature. Some vehicles also have a pair of tracks that run the length of the roof. Just like the addition of artificial rain gutters, the top tracks will require holes being drilled for installation.
The most common system, and the one that fits most modern cars on the road involves three components. A system such as this will elevate the kayak above the roof far enough to clear most roof mounted antennas and results in a completely solid mount with no flex in the rack, which is a big advantage over soft rack systems previously mentioned.
With the addition of some add-ons a hard mounted system can also be used for more than just kayaks. The fit kit is a simple, small metal bracket that mounts to the underside of each foot pack with the proper dimensions and angles to clamp onto the door jam of a particular vehicle. The portion that contacts the vehicle has a rubber pad that will not scuff or damage the vehicle.
To order a fit kit, please call us with the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Larger trucks can easily fit four kayaks, while smaller trucks may only be able to fit two. Lift the noses to latch the tailgate or leave them flat. You can now secure the boats to the truck using bungee cords, ratchet straps, or rope.
Wiggle each kayak to make sure it is properly secured. It should not move when you push or pull on it. A kayak can act like a sail. Be sure to attach a red flag to the end of one kayak a red rag will do. It is required by law in many jurisdictions. Regardless, this will help it be more visible to traffic.
Planning on kayaking frequently? You will probably want to invest in roof racks. They are a convenient and secure way to haul your kayaks. When selecting your roof racks, the type of vehicle you have and its size will be the biggest consideration. You will also want to determine if the racks are adjustable and fit your kayak and whether you will be transporting more than one kayak.
Always select roof racks made of durable, anti-corrosion material. This is particularly important for sea-kayakers that are frequently near salt-water. Last but certainly not least, the number of kayaks you will be hauling will affect the type of roof rack suitable for you. When transporting a single kayak, J-style racks are popular. When not in use, many of these racks fold down. Your kayak is held at a degree angle in a J-style rack.
This leaves a small amount of storage space on either side of your boat or room for a second J-style rack and another kayak. Choose racks constructed using corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty steel. Of note, all roof rack systems cause a whistling noise while traveling at highway speeds. Skip to content Skip to navigation. Skip to main content Skip to content navigation Close navigation. Learn Running and fitness tips Hiking and camping tips Cycling tips Rock climbing and bouldering tips Watersports tips How to choose a PFD How to choose a wetsuit How to choose a stand up paddleboard How to choose a canoe How to choose a canoe paddle Types of kayaks How to transport a kayak or canoe Choose a kayak sprayskirt How to choose a kayak paddle On-water safety: mandatory gear Canoe or kayak touring checklist Algonquin Park canoe trip checklist Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit checklist Backpack tips Outdoor clothing tips Travel tips Snowsports tips Product care and maintenance MEC packing lists.
How to transport a kayak or canoe. Positioning a canoe or kayak on your vehicle. Shop racks and straps. First, secure the hull straps: Place foam blocks under the hull or gunwales. Place a cam buckle against the boat. Run the other strap end over the end of the boat, under the roof rack bar, back up over the boat, under the rack bar, and up through the cam buckle. Tighten the strap by pulling down on the loose end.
Wrap the excess strap around the roof rack bar a few times, and tie if off with a half-hitch knot. A kayak trailer is an overall outstanding option for transporting your kayak — and one that offers ease of use and versatility that no other method of kayak transportation does. The only real requirement for a kayak trailer is that your car is equipped with a tow hitch and capable of pulling light loads.
Getting the kayak from your home to the desired paddling destination is only part of the story. You still have to carry it from wherever you parked your car to the actual launch spot — and back. The other is dragging the kayak by lifting one end and then towing the boat across the ground. This approach can cause wear and tear, especially on gravel and pavement, so a replaceable skid plate is generally recommended. Two wheels that slide beneath your kayak, transforming it into a lightweight, manually-towed trailer.
Plus, most can be assembled and disassembled quickly or boast a folding frame for maximum convenience. They are especially a godsend for those with reduced mobility or bad knees. Carrying, lifting, and loading a kayak is a common concern most beginner paddlers face. You realize that heavy-lifting — before and after each paddling session — is part of the deal, and doubt starts creeping in:.
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