kayak carrier

Wondering what roof rack/carrier most would recommend.

I've been using foam blocks which seem to work okay (I have factory racks) -- a little movement but not much.  Recently I got my hands on a set of Yakima Evenkeel racks. They seem to hold the kayak pretty well, but seem plasticy and like they won't last very long. (I have a Cuda 14 which does weigh a fare amount).

Questions:
• Any reason not to use foam carriers?
• Anyone use Evenkeel carrier? How do they work? Will they last?
• Any recommendations for what to use with factory racks?

Thanks for your advice.

JW

I use Yakima railmount carriers.the towers mount on to my 4runner factory roof racks.easy,simple works.will out last my 4runner I'm sure

I recommend taking off the factory racks, getting some Yakima/Thule rack and putting your boat upside down on the crossbars.

Most factory racks are/were not designed to carry/support a load; they were more so to keep the load from shifting and have a place to tied down to.

As mentioned, remove the existing factory cross bars and install a set of Yakima or Thule uprights and bars; both manufacturers off a host of kayak carriers.

You should talk to Ariel at Rack Solid in San Francisco, great guy and he know his $h!t; plus he gives a 20% discount to NCKA members.....

use the "search" feature and you will find more options and opinions for others

Yakima=round bars, Thule=square. On round bars the attached saddles, etc, can rotate some, with square they do not. The slight rotation can be helpful tho in some cases, such as on its edge the yak tapers to the front n rear so a shift in the saddle will match the contour. Just an FYI to think about.

I recommend taking off the factory racks, getting some Yakima/Thule rack and putting your boat upside down on the crossbars.

Yes, this. Factory racks scare me... If your racks slide on side rails, I recommend the Yakima RailGrab mounts. Then just flop your boat on upside down (I don't use any sort of pad), strap it down with a couple ratchet tie downs, and your set.

Yakima=round bars, Thule=square. On round bars the attached saddles, etc, can rotate some, with square they do not. The slight rotation can be helpful tho in some cases, such as on its edge the yak tapers to the front n rear so a shift in the saddle will match the contour. Just an FYI to think about.

This is true.

Another FYI - Round bars are inherently stronger than square (thus round tubes used for bikes, etc). Can't comment on whether Yakima or Thule bars are stronger. Bottom line is they are both plenty strong.

I have Jeep Grand Cherokee and have a factory rack ! I dont have any problem!  and I also use foam block from REI.   


Kiel

I've used the Yakima and just the factory racks and have had no problems with either. Just ask dealer or even REI will look up the rating on the factory racks to see if it will handle your kayak weight. I got tired of car topping and just got a truck which is allot easier.