Best truck rack mount?

I know I may be opening the Pandora’s box of opinion, but I need some advice. Brand new Hobie Outback. Transporting on Truck Rack bars (Thule knockoffs that don’t collapse). What is the best way to mount the yak? One guy said just strap it down inverted. I’ve looked at the paddles, wheel/paddle combos, J’s, etc. the cross bars are 4.25” so I have yet to find a pad that will fit, and a lot of the attach type holders don’t fit.  It does have a rail mount type slot along the top, but I don’t think that was meant for 85lbs. What’s your suggestion for mounting for long trips hauling a trailer...?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thx
Ryan

It’s a hobie and it’s heavy so mount it upside down on the racks. Look for aero bar pads and you will find some that fit. I’m using some dakine ones from amazon, but previously used Thule branded ones (I actually liked those better). Oh and I have a 19 outback on truck racks too.

A suggestion is to use the load stops on the cross bars to keep the kayak centered. Also screw in two stoppers on the front rails to keep the kayak from sliding forward and it allows you to really cinch it down forward. Something like a Scotty geartrack adapter works well.

ThreemoneyJ nailed it.
you need a pad so you can cinch down tight and not destroy your boat. I used a custom wrapped pool noodle.
I have yet to bother with load stops other than the doubled up cam straps used to tighten the boat to the bars, and I have a bowline on the front end that I secure to the rack to prevent sliding.

Aloha,

Isao

Upside down with rack pads


@cowman kayak

My 19 Outback on my bed extender.
So fast , so easy, no rotator cuff damage.
Rests on a block of foam in the front and Hully rollers in the back.
Cinched down with  foam pads on the vertical bars that lock into place!
10 different people do it 10 different ways!
Scotty

Outstanding. Confirmed I don’t need to buy a bunch of bolt on. Thanks everyone.

Ryan

So after exhausting search for a market product...I made my own “rack pad”. It seems to be good. Will let you know in a week (on vacation) after I hit several Sierra lakes. The cam strap is because I may have spilled my “Beverage” on the carpet tape [emoji51]. May have to re-do that one.

Three inch foam, indoor/outdoor carpet, 3M 77 spray glue, and double sided carpet tape (sticky shi...stuff)

Looks prettier than the foam pads I glued together, and I bet it works real nice too!

DIY for the win.