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Topic: Truck Rack Question...  (Read 2408 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

SkellyCa

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: Union City
  • Date Registered: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 211
I have a 2000 Dodge Ram. I need a rack to haul 2 yaks. Which do you think would be better?...

From Amazon for $99 I can get this...

TMS PICK-UP-RACK 650-Pound Adjustable Fit 2 Bars Utility Ladder Truck Pick Up Rack

Then from Harbor Freight for $280 I could get this...

Full Size Truck Rack

Then I need a way to get a kayak up there by myself. So what do you think about this? Or is there a better option?

StrongArm Kayak Loader

or the Rhino Loader?

Rhino Kayak Loader

Thoughts?
Comments?
Other options?
« Last Edit: December 02, 2015, 06:32:59 PM by SkellyCa »


reelmccoy

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: Santa Rosa
  • Date Registered: May 2015
  • Posts: 232
If your going to carry two yaks, the utility ladder bars or the full truck rack will likely be he easiest to use.

I had a track rack on my Ram prior to getting a shell, and it worked great except it was really expensive.


agoodhi

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: San Jose
  • Date Registered: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 1585
depending on your yak/vehicle, the bow may hit the roof of the cab when loaded upside down.  i had to get adjustable ones so i can drop the rear bars down to keep the bow from hitting the cab.


e2g

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • 53 lb seabass
  • Location: Aptos
  • Date Registered: Jul 2006
  • Posts: 3032
I have a full truck rack for work purposes and love it for the yaks. I have had up to 4 yaks, each tied down separately. It was ugly but it worked. Like agoodhi mentioned, my trident 15 does rub if flipped upside down. I just move it back until it doesnt touch the roof. I would put a red flag on it but the darn thing is orange anyway
Winner 2011 MBK Derby
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Winner 2008 MBK Derby


snapperhead

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Livermore
  • Date Registered: Jun 2006
  • Posts: 2434
You could also just cut the rear bar off, lower it and weld it back on :smt003
"Life is like a school of rockfish, you never know what you're gonna get"


eelkram

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • it's my name, backwards
  • Location: SFO
  • Date Registered: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 1766
depending on your yak/vehicle, the bow may hit the roof of the cab when loaded upside down.  i had to get adjustable ones so i can drop the rear bars down to keep the bow from hitting the cab.

What about just loading it stern first?  :smt003
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SkellyCa

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: Union City
  • Date Registered: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 211
Once I get the FF on the yak, loading upside down won't be an option?


Sin Coast

  • AOTY committee
  • Global Moderator
  • Pat Kuhl
  • Turf Image
  • Location: Mbay
  • Date Registered: Jul 2006
  • Posts: 14710
I use the first rack above (from Amazon) on my 97 Dodge Ram. Bought it ~4 years ago and have used it about 100 times. Works great. Only complaint is the hardware that it comes with...rusted out quickly, so use true stainless bolts instead.
Loading the yak is actually really easy (I keep threatening to make a video to demonstrate because that would be easier than explaining it haha).
The front crossbar has a 18" section of pvc that acts like a roller [spins freely].
1) I just set my yak in the bed, push down on the stern until the bow is higher than the front crossbar.
2) Slide kayak forward, then hop on the tailgate and keep pushing yak forward until the stern clears the rear crossbar.
3) Place stern on rear crossbar, then flip it over and strap it down.
It helps if you throw a towel over the front crossbar and back of the tailgate (to avoid scratches and it's easier/smoother).
This takes me about 3 minutes.
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SkellyCa

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: Union City
  • Date Registered: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 211
I use the first rack above (from Amazon) on my 97 Dodge Ram. Bought it ~4 years ago and have used it about 100 times. Works great. Only complaint is the hardware that it comes with...rusted out quickly, so use true stainless bolts instead.
Loading the yak is actually really easy (I keep threatening to make a video to demonstrate because that would be easier than explaining it haha).
The front crossbar has a 18" section of pvc that acts like a roller [spins freely].
1) I just set my yak in the bed, push down on the stern until the bow is higher than the front crossbar.
2) Slide kayak forward, then hop on the tailgate and keep pushing yak forward until the stern clears the rear crossbar.
3) Place stern on rear crossbar, then flip it over and strap it down.
It helps if you throw a towel over the front crossbar and back of the tailgate (to avoid scratches and it's easier/smoother).
This takes me about 3 minutes.

Yeah, I agree, a video of that would be great!  :smt003


agoodhi

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: San Jose
  • Date Registered: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 1585
What about just loading it stern first?  :smt003

that's like wearing your underwear inside out  :smt005

1) I just set my yak in the bed, push down on the stern until the bow is higher than the front crossbar.

i'm trying to picture this... so you're raising the yak, bow first, between the towers?


Sfspearo

  • Sardine
  • *
  • Location: SF Ocean Beach
  • Date Registered: Nov 2015
  • Posts: 4
I load it stern first and let the bow hang off the back a couple feet. This is flipped upside down.
"out of water, I am nothing" Duke Kahanamoku