Tandem Kayak Loading on Toyota 4Runner

All,

Can you all recommend the best way to load/unload a tandem kayak (Wildnerness Tarpon 130T) on the top of a Toyota 4Runner? I have yakima racks mounted to my factory racks, and then just the standard square foam blocks right now. My biggest need is to be able to unload/load it solo, as my 11 year old is not tall enough or strong enough to help me. I did use the search function, and the link below is the best I can find. I need to do it on the inexpensive side, so I thought I would start here...
Also, if anyone has a good recommended DIY Yak Cart link, I would love that too.

Thanks everyone in advance.

Link I found: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=52757.msg593194#msg593194

-Quinn

Get one of those bars that slide in/out of the yakima bars. Forget what they're called, but googling "yakima load assist bar" should find it.

www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/showthread.php?t=53033

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=52232.0

www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/showthread.php?t=53033

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=52232.0

Thanks Jeremy! Most appreciated!

Yep, Yakima boatloader. Nice and easy. Although, I once saw a guy use his car door with a pool noodle slipped onto the top edge.  Same concept... but seemed a bit iffy for the long term.

This site has a couple of DIY carts.  Look under the photos and video section for the 2nd cart. 

http://palmettokayakfishing.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-bulletproof-kayak-cart-build.html

I can only speak on the pvc version and it works well.  My only complaint is that the turn of the wheels will cause the nuts to either tighten or loosen.  I just used a zip tie to keep it in place and it seems to work ok for now.  Can't speak for long term durability.

The extender bar helps a lot. If your kayak  has a rudder then put the extender on the rear bar so you can lift the stern up first and have the rudder off the ground.

I put two types of saddles on my Thule rack, the front pair has a grippy rubber surface and the rear pair has a slick felt surface. It makes it easier to slide the kayak into position and still have it held in place while traveling.

You to want to use bow and stern tie-down straps as well or over time your SUV's roof rack mounts will loosen and then saltwater gets inside and corrodes the roof.

Thanks for all the advice all. I think I will go with the side bar. Sounds easy and cheaper than other solutions.

-Quinn

This site has a couple of DIY carts.  Look under the photos and video section for the 2nd cart. 

http://palmettokayakfishing.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-bulletproof-kayak-cart-build.html

I can only speak on the pvc version and it works well.  My only complaint is that the turn of the wheels will cause the nuts to either tighten or loosen.  I just used a zip tie to keep it in place and it seems to work ok for now.  Can't speak for long term durability.

Thanks Marcel! Great link. I will be building one this weekend!

This is what I use on my o7 5runner.I use to car top my 14pa

This is what I use on my o7 5runner.I use to car top my 14pa

Thanks Dune! This is unanimous. I will be ordering one soon! Thank you!