Yakima vs Thule

Looking for the best rack system to transport my kayak on top of my truck. I have Yakima racks currently mounted on the shell of my truck, but debating which kayak pads to get...

Any feedback is appreciated.

If I have Yakima racks I would just use the covered pads and transport the kayaks deck side down. I have had all the saddles and hully rollers and to tell you the truth after awhile they just roll on the round bars. Now, Thule has a oblong shaped bar that resists the rolling off the kayak saddles or pads. To reinvest in new Thule crossbars is expensive so I would go with the covered pads. Look on Clavey River Equipments site and they have some. I just bought some for my truck and am in the process of changing over to the covered foam pads as opposed to the Mako pads and hully rollers. Deck down transportation will not create the warping in the hull either when its hot outside or the kayak is on the truck for an extended period of time.

What Craig said ... and I don't even use the pads, just the plain bars, deck side down.

-Allen

When I owned a rack it was pool noodle over the bars, strap down and good to go. Try to avoid over tightening if you use wratchet straps, they'll warp the bottom of your hull.   

With the amount of pimp'n he's done he's gona need a trailer!!!!

Your T-bars are done Brada!

If you must transport it with the deck up, then I would go with the squared Thule bars.  As mentioned earlier the rollers and saddles slip around on the round Yakima bars.  I had to use "non skid" step abrasive and contact cement to keep mine from moving on the Yakima bars and they still move from time to time.  I agree deck down is simpler if you can get away with it.-----Jeff

GREAT info here, I've been doing the deck down on yakima bars since day one.  I've been considering getting saddles or saddle/roller combo. 

This thread will probably convince to me the leave my setup the way it is.

I have Yakimas + pool noodle $5 still good after 1.5yrs. I have Thules for the wife's car and they are much louder than the Yakima's with the Kayak off she makes me take them off.

Craig what size of the covered pads does Clavey have how much do they say Clavey?

I have Yakimas + pool noodle $5 still good after 1.5yrs. I have Thules for the wife's car and they are much louder than the Yakima's with the Kayak off she makes me take them off.

I have 65 inch Thule bars and a Glide and Set mounted on top.  I added the Yakima Windjammer and the noise became negligible.  Its on my Chevy Tahoe that's also a family vehicle, no complaints so far.   

What Craig said ... and I don't even use the pads, just the plain bars, deck side down.

+1.

I'll never, EVER buy the round bars again 

I used to transport my yak upside down on my Thule bars. It was so easy and I didn't have any problems. Unfortunately when I got my 4.7 it has so much upward curvature that when I put it upside down the bow hit the roof of my truck. If you can get away with just the bars, I say go for it. I would if I could.

Just make sure you tie down correctly.

I'll never, EVER buy the round bars again 

Why not Al?

I used to transport my yak upside down on my Thule bars. It was so easy and I didn't have any problems. Unfortunately when I got my 4.7 it has so much upward curvature that when I put it upside down the bow hit the roof of my truck. If you can get away with just the bars, I say go for it. I would if I could.

Just make sure you tie down correctly.

Turn your kayak around Gabe. Will that work?

I used to transport my yak upside down on my Thule bars. It was so easy and I didn't have any problems. Unfortunately when I got my 4.7 it has so much upward curvature that when I put it upside down the bow hit the roof of my truck. If you can get away with just the bars, I say go for it. I would if I could.

Just make sure you tie down correctly.

Turn your kayak around Gabe. Will that work?

I wish. I tried it every way I could. I had to get it home with it hitting the roof. The center hatch is taller than on the Trident 13 and 15 so it limits the positions you can put it in. That was a big part of the problem. I may still try to figure out some way to get that extra inch.