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Old 12-27-2017, 06:32 AM   #1
C424
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Hauling kayaks

I got 2 kayaks for Christmas and need some ideas for hauling them. They are 10’ long and I have a short bed gmc with a bumper pull trailer. I’m looking at getting a bed cover this spring for the truck, probably a retrax. I’ve looked at the overhead cargo rack and not many options to go with a bed cover. Any suggestions on how to haul these things?


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Old 12-27-2017, 07:09 AM   #2
Dave B
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I had the same problem with my Hobie PA14 and just finished installing a rack and kayak cradle on my truck. The PA is a challenge to get up there but your 10 footers would be much easier.




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Old 12-27-2017, 07:12 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C424 View Post
I got 2 kayaks for Christmas and need some ideas for hauling them. They are 10’ long and I have a short bed gmc with a bumper pull trailer. I’m looking at getting a bed cover this spring for the truck, probably a retrax. I’ve looked at the overhead cargo rack and not many options to go with a bed cover. Any suggestions on how to haul these things?


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I have the Chevy Colorado (duramax) and installed two Thule aero bars over the cab. This is where my 12 foot kayaks go when I’m towing my trailer. I have two adult bikes that go on top of my Tanno cover, (I installed ‘T’ channel raises on top of my roll-up cover that mount a set of Yakama Aero blades and two bike racks.). Supplies go in the truck bed and are still accessible with a roll up instead of a flip fold cover. So with the smaller truck I have 2 kayaks, 2 bikes, gear that stays dry and pull a 25 foot trailer.


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Old 12-27-2017, 07:18 AM   #4
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I have the Chevy Colorado (duramax) and installed two Thule aero bars over the cab. This is where my 12 foot kayaks go when I’m towing my trailer. I have two adult bikes that go on top of my Tanno cover, (I installed ‘T’ channel raises on top of my roll-up cover that mount a set of Yakama Aero blades and two bike racks.). Supplies go in the truck bed and are still accessible with a roll up instead of a flip fold cover. So with the smaller truck I have 2 kayaks, 2 bikes, gear that stays dry and pull a 25 foot trailer.


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We bought 2 Kayaks last year and used them a few times, just stuffed them in the box (bed). Now with the new TT I have been looking at my options. I was looking at the Thule bars that go on top of the cab with two Hull-A-Ports.

https://cap-it.com/product/thule-hull-port

Do you have a photo of your set-up ?

.
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Old 12-27-2017, 07:22 AM   #5
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I had the same problem with my Hobie PA14 and just finished installing a rack and kayak cradle on my truck. The PA is a challenge to get up there but your 10 footers would be much easier.




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I’ve also thought about the camper shell but afraid it may limit the use of the truck bed for other things like hauling furniture and larger items. Have you found that to be the case?


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Old 12-27-2017, 07:36 AM   #6
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I’ve also thought about the camper shell but afraid it may limit the use of the truck bed for other things like hauling furniture and larger items. Have you found that to be the case?


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Yes, it can inhibit the hauling of larger items and I hate how it blocks my view out the back. That said however, I find that I can't be without it because of our Oregon weather. I very frequently haul large items that I need to keep dry and they don't fit in the car. It's also a fairly secure place to store things while out camping. I'd switch to a simple bed cap but they don't provide quite enough space for our use. This is a lot like RV's in that there isn't a perfect solution that fits all needs.


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Old 12-27-2017, 07:49 AM   #7
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Here's 4 possibles. IMHO, you'll want a vehicle based rack, not a trailer based rack. That way, once you get where you're towing, you'll still have mobility for the kayak's to travel to other locations where you might want to take them.
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Old 12-27-2017, 08:05 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by C424 View Post
I got 2 kayaks for Christmas and need some ideas for hauling them. They are 10’ long and I have a short bed gmc with a bumper pull trailer. I’m looking at getting a bed cover this spring for the truck, probably a retrax. I’ve looked at the overhead cargo rack and not many options to go with a bed cover. Any suggestions on how to haul these things?


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I'm sure you will get some excellent suggestions and one that hopefully will fill your needs. I do know from where I sit here in this RV park in FL, if there is a will, there is a way to haul kayaks. I've seen many, many ways a kayak can be carried in/on a truck/trailer. I'm sitting here looking at a little Conquest 5th wheel with 2 kayaks and 2 bicycles hanging off the back...... Good luck on finding a solution that works for you.
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Old 12-27-2017, 08:14 AM   #9
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I'm sure you will get some excellent suggestions and one that hopefully will fill your needs. I do know from where I sit here in this RV park in FL, if there is a will, there is a way to haul kayaks. I've seen many, many ways a kayak can be carried in/on a truck/trailer. I'm sitting here looking at a little Conquest 5th wheel with 2 kayaks and 2 bicycles hanging off the back...... Good luck on finding a solution that works for you.


Thank you, the roof rack idea may be a cheaper option. I have found some racks that fit in the stakes but they are very pricey.


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Old 12-27-2017, 09:09 AM   #10
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I would haul 2 in my camper, last thing to be loaded


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Old 12-27-2017, 10:10 AM   #11
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We have two 9-foot kayaks that fit in the back of this pickup with a Leer topper. The kayaks sat side by side and "upright" (tailgate closed) with the back window left open and held up by the two telescoping struts. We had plenty of room between kayak tips and the front of the trailer. Toss in the paddles and head for a campsite near water.

(both truck and trailer have been sold in favor of newer & larger but we still have the kayaks)
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Old 12-28-2017, 01:52 AM   #12
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This is our old setup before upgrading our trailer and TV. We plan to install the same setup on our new Silverado. We use the cap as our garage, hauling our bikes and other equipment, while keeping them secure and out of the elements.



Here is a picture of our friends custom rack setup on the back of their Class C for their bike and kayaks. This does limit the length of their kayaks.

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Old 12-28-2017, 08:18 AM   #13
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.

That rear of class C is a different solution. Would have to watch/remove them in some of the campsites around here.

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Old 01-09-2018, 08:35 AM   #14
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Hauling Kayake

We have two 10’6” sit inside kayaks. I can fit them inside our Keystone 21RBSWE on the bed. Just go slow when moving the kayaks to not damage anything. We put outdoor blankets on the bed and use cardboard at the walls where the kayaks touch. I strap the kayaks together on top of each other. Our pickup has a tonneau cover. When at camp I put the kayaks in the bed of the pickup under the cover with the tailgate up to go to the lake or river, even with other stuff in the truck. I usually don’t even tie them down. We also have folding bikes which go in the pickup. We have bikes, kayaks, generator, an even an inflatable boat with electric motor but none is visible when traveling.
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Old 01-09-2018, 10:39 AM   #15
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Kayak pickup rack

Take a look at the TracRac. I have a short box 2500 and can haul a 15 foot canoe and a couple kayaks if needed.

Still have access to a roll up tonneau cover too. Although the cover must be an inside mount. TracRac rails mount in the stake pockets of the bed. Racks can be slid anywhere on the rails forward or backwards to accommodate your positioning. With just kayaks, I usually slide them forward and lay the kayaks flat.

Would like to go to a 5th wheel but then I cannot take the fun things along.

Enjoy the outdoors!!
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Old 01-09-2018, 11:20 AM   #16
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no bed cover but you don't have to carry the bikes this way.
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Old 01-09-2018, 12:20 PM   #17
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I used a rack that mount via the pocket holes. It did allow for a tri fold cover. I have it for sale now cheap but not willing to ship it. $175. If you find your way up north i'll sell it to ya.
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Old 01-09-2018, 06:34 PM   #18
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Look at pace Edwards they have a rail option (it has grooves that allow you to add a lumber rack) easy on/off.
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Old 06-02-2019, 01:56 PM   #19
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Yakima racks.
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Old 06-02-2019, 02:55 PM   #20
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Our new setup

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