kayaks on truck camper

does anyone have any experience with loading and carrying kayaks on a truck camper? i would appreciate any info.      gene

Just remember that the maximum height is 13' 6", (18 wheelers, or other rigs on main roads).  Another thing to watch out for is low overheads, trees, power lines on the secondary roads like we travel.

Couple routes you can go...  the best imo would be a lumber rack that works with the shell.

Or you can get a Thule or similar rack that mounts on the truck cab, and a Thule "Goal Post" or similar rack that mounts in a receiver hitch and extends up above the shell.  Cost will run about a couple hunerd bucks, or a little less. 

Easiest solution is to simply strap em in the bed with the tailgate down, if your bed is long enough and the yaks short enough, (you don't want half the yak bouncing around unsupported).

I installed tracks on the roof and went with a yakima setup. I'll get some photos posted tomorrow.

-Brian G

I've been using yakima gear, with the add-a-gutter mounts bolted through the shell. It was a little nerve-wracking drilling holes in my new shell. "measure twice, drill once".
Regardless of the setup, a bowline tie down for freeway travel is recommended IMHO.

I've been using yakima gear, with the add-a-gutter mounts bolted through the shell. It was a little nerve-wracking drilling holes in my new shell. "measure twice, drill once".
Regardless of the setup, a bowline tie down for freeway travel is recommended IMHO.

Ditto here, only I was a big sissy and had it installed by Rack n' Road instead of doing it myself.  This was the day before I headed down to Moss landing to pick up my Outback, and I didn't want my brandnewveryfirstyak to fly off on the freeway because I'd done a crappy rush job and missed something vital.    That said I'm very happy with the setup...I also went for the Yakima boat loader http://yakima.com/racks/kayak-rack/product/8004018/boatloader.aspx because my truck has a lift kit and the Outback is a heavy pig.

Here you go...

Thule racks, on false rain gutters, mounted on the far edges of a Snug Top camper shell to spread the weight of a Tarpon 160i.

The Tarpon is long enough so when I lean the yak on the back rack it doesn't touch the camper shell.  An easy shove moves the yak over the front mount for strapping down.  The bowline gives me confidence that things aren't moving around.

I can move the mounts over so I can tie down 2 yaks side-by-side for carpooling.

Gary

thanks guys but i am inquiring about a truck camper not a camper shell. i have a Lance truck camper which is much taller, wider and higher than a camper shell. i am wondering if anyone has found a way to carry a kayak on anything like that.     gene

thanks guys but i am inquiring about a truck camper not a camper shell. i have a Lance truck camper which is much taller, wider and higher than a camper shell. i am wondering if anyone has found a way to carry a kayak on anything like that.     gene

Do you have A pic of the camper?

did you look here?


http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,8271.0.html

I've got a 01 duramax with a 03 lance 820 and I have a pelican 116...I put down those foam pads made for yaks tie it down real nice twice...the carry rack up top has some ajustable sliding tie downs...it rules!!! and have gone up to WA and all over the place no prob...wish i had pics... but no worries... never had a problem...only place I thought I would was tacoma there was this tunnel that said 12' 6" it was along the bay, a side rd i turned around...

Mike....