NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Safety First => Topic started by: Ronaldo on December 14, 2016, 08:52:43 AM

Title: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Ronaldo on December 14, 2016, 08:52:43 AM
I nearly took out my side mirror on my SUV while loading my kayak...again!  After fishing the other day I went to put the still wet kayak on the roof and when I lifted it up WHOOSH! it went sliding around all over the roof...off the roof... narrowly missing the windshield and side mirror!  It did hit and scratch the hood but no dent.  I don't have kayak racks so I use my roof's cross bars to haul my kayak around.  I load my kayak from the side of my SUV and when it's wet the thing can slide around up there like it's ice.  Any ideas?  I don't want to be buying a new mirror, or even worse someone else's mirror who is parked next to me.  I'm due for a kayak rack I suppose, which I'm sure will solve the problem.  I can justify the expense to the boss by saying it's either a kayak rack or a new mirror every once in a while!   :smt002 
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: RBark on December 14, 2016, 08:57:23 AM
Speaking as someone who paid $2500 to repair someone's car after my kayak did the same, get a rack.lol
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Archie Marx on December 14, 2016, 09:01:54 AM
This might work as a cheap alternative until you get the that racks you want:

http://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html)
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: bioman on December 14, 2016, 09:24:26 AM
Hey Ronaldo-
How about wrapping some pipe insulation (only  need 1-2 feet) around your racks and cable tie or vinyl tape them in place. Just enough friction to keep the kayak from flying off, and a little cushioning too..

Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Cabeza de Martillo on December 14, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
I'd buy a rack before you hurt someone or yourself. A mirror is nothing compared to a broken leg or worse.
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: SmokeOnTheWater on December 14, 2016, 10:21:14 AM
I'd buy a rack before you hurt someone or yourself. A mirror is nothing compared to a broken leg or worse.

Or potentially having the kayak slide off the car while driving.  I can't imagine strapping down the kayak too hard without a rack. 

Be safe dude, look for a used rack.
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Herb Superb on December 14, 2016, 11:10:15 AM
Try laying down grip liners (tool chest or kitchen cabinet liners) on those crossbars when you load your kayak.
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Fishcomb on December 14, 2016, 11:25:02 AM
Give this a try

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=75682.msg863913#msg863913
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Baitman on December 14, 2016, 11:42:51 AM
 Post a photo of your SUV,,,  I need to make sure I don't park near you.   LOL...    just kidding ,   
   At least you know what not to do next time.   adding foam insulation to the crossbars will keep it from sliding.

Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Jinggo on December 14, 2016, 12:29:07 PM
Have your kayak ride shotgun!lol
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: yakyakyak on December 14, 2016, 01:45:03 PM
I'd buy a rack before you hurt someone or yourself. A mirror is nothing compared to a broken leg or worse.

+1 on this.  Just fixing a scratch/dent will cover the cost of a Hullavator....  used ones or end of year sales can knock of decent $$ of the price.

Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: SteveS doesn't kayak anymore on December 14, 2016, 03:17:44 PM
Dude. Had my WRX about 2 weeks.  Loaded yak up on the roof rack.  Realized i hadn't put my wet suit back in the rear hatch. Lifted hatch.  Levered Yak up...and down it slid sandy bottom and all right across my hood and into the parking lot.  Perfectly sanded the roof, the hood scoop and the front of the hood.

Straps First. Straps. First...

don't be a SteveS
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: americanargile on December 14, 2016, 03:47:49 PM
That was a big fear of mine/ just difficult since I would be alone a lot of the time and just ended up getting a trailer. Regarding racks though, totally random but I'd check out the your local REI used gear sale on the 31st. I know the Sac. store is pretty big on paddling and it's still a long shot but you might get lucky. Either that or a reasonably priced, universal/ aftermarket J rack will do just fine.
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Bushy on December 14, 2016, 06:46:21 PM
Dude. Had my WRX about 2 weeks.  Loaded yak up on the roof rack.  Realized i hadn't put my wet suit back in the rear hatch. Lifted hatch.  Levered Yak up...and down it slid sandy bottom and all right across my hood and into the parking lot.  Perfectly sanded the roof, the hood scoop and the front of the hood.

Straps First. Straps. First...

don't be a SteveS

That was a nice car.

Bushy
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: newfuturevintage on December 15, 2016, 07:03:04 AM
I'd start with anything to increase the friction on the roof rails: foam insulation, throw a rubber mat or car floor mat up while loading (or wrap one around the crossbars).

If you want to accessorize on the cheap, the 2 pair for $40-ish J-racks from Amazon work fine. I've had 2 pair on my van for a couple years and have had no issue.

Tip: swap out the included galvanized bolts for stainless and they'll last longer. The racks will rust out on you in a year or two if you don't remove/wash them after salt, but for the price, who cares?

I also replace the handscrew mounting hardware with nylocks to reassure myself that they won't rattle off on the road (I leave mine up all the time).
Title: Re: Stupid kayak trick loading the kayak on top of my SUV
Post by: Dannarchy on December 15, 2016, 10:05:01 AM
J-Racks for under $45.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00873J0YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00873J0YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)