Update: Thule Xsporter Mid Rack with kayak loaded

[Nwduffer]

For those that followed on my previous post https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ed-rack-is-a-great-fit-on-2022-maverick.5782/ about the Xsporter MId Rack being a nice fit, some asked to see it with a kayak up top for clearance reference. Finally got a break in the weather, so here is the Xsporter Mid with the Thule Aero Hull-a-Port 838 jcradle racks and a 10 ft fishing kayak on top.

Also shown is my Bonafide RS117 in the back of the bed, as someone asked about the fit of that specific kayak in the back. For short trips to my local ponds and lakes, I would likely just strap it down in back and at the tailgate and call it good. For longer trips, or if I was stacking two back there, I'd use the bed extender I have from Harbor Freight. I also mentioned my rolling cart I keep it on for quick loading too, which is also pictured. Ready for next season!Few different photos and angles

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[Dman]

Thanks for this info and photos. Do you know how far past the end of the dropped tailgate the kayak in the bed is extending? I believe in Texas the maximum allowed is 4 ft. I know some people are not concerned about following those restrictions, but I am. I'm trying to figure out how to get a safe and strong (easily removable) bed rack that extends well over the cab so that I can put long loads up top to prevent violating the maximum rear overhang... For example the long kayak on the rack (or long lumber) and the short kayak in the bed. I think harbor freight makes a rack that extends over the cab, but from what I can tell it might take a lot of modification to make it work with the Mav. Looking for good ideas.

 

[TCK]

Thanks for the pictures! Exactly what I needed to finalize that decision

 

[Nwduffer]

Thanks for this info and photos. Do you know how far past the end of the dropped tailgate the kayak in the bed is extending? I believe in Texas the maximum allowed is 4 ft. I know some people are not concerned about following those restrictions, but I am. I'm trying to figure out how to get a safe and strong (easily removable) bed rack that extends well over the cab so that I can put long loads up top to prevent violating the maximum rear overhang... For example the long kayak on the rack (or long lumber) and the short kayak in the bed. I think harbor freight makes a rack that extends over the cab, but from what I can tell it might take a lot of modification to make it work with the Mav. Looking for good ideas.

Yeah, I forgot to mention in my previous post that the RS117 is 11ft and 7 inches long. That leaves about 4ft 9 inches hanging out past the bed the way I have it here. Couple thoughts:

Depending on the size of your kayak, you could put it up on the j-racks, like I have with the 10 ft kayak, and it would easily clear the bed. like to keep my seat in the kayak, and a lot of my accessories in the boat while transporting, so the bed is easiest.

Thule also makes some kayak racks for loading flat, which would also help get the kayak up over the cab easily. Of course, both of these options are with the specific rack that I'm using here on my truck. You can always get a taller rack, as you've mentioned. I have that Harbor Freight rack on my Dakota, and thought I might move it over, but it's really tall, especially for the lower Maverick cab.

I initially was going to track down the Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height version, so I could drop it below the cab when I didn't need items to clear the cab, and then raise it for lumber, etc.
https://www.rerack.com/thule-xsporter-pro-multi-height-aluminum-truck-rack-w-load-stops/

Do you know the regulations on using a bed extender via the hitch in Texas? Does that help you get around the restrictions, or is it strictly based on the tailgate length?

 

[Nwduffer]

Thanks for the pictures! Exactly what I needed to finalize that decision

Awesome! Glad they are of some help!

 

[Dman]

Yeah, I forgot to mention in my previous post that the RS117 is 11ft and 7 inches long. That leaves about 4ft 9 inches hanging out past the bed the way I have it here. Couple thoughts:

Depending on the size of your kayak, you could put it up on the j-racks, like I have with the 10 ft kayak, and it would easily clear the bed. like to keep my seat in the kayak, and a lot of my accessories in the boat while transporting, so the bed is easiest.

Thule also makes some kayak racks for loading flat, which would also help get the kayak up over the cab easily. Of course, both of these options are with the specific rack that I'm using here on my truck. You can always get a taller rack, as you've mentioned. I have that Harbor Freight rack on my Dakota, and thought I might move it over, but it's really tall, especially for the lower Maverick cab.

I initially was going to track down the Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height version, so I could drop it below the cab when I didn't need items to clear the cab, and then raise it for lumber, etc.
https://www.rerack.com/thule-xsporter-pro-multi-height-aluminum-truck-rack-w-load-stops/

Do you know the regulations on using a bed extender via the hitch in Texas? Does that help you get around the restrictions, or is it strictly based on the tailgate length?

Thanks again for all your detailed explanations... Great stuff. But no, I do not know if the bed extender in the receiver hitch affects the regulation.

 

[Lyle]

I hauled my Native yak which was 14.5’ in the 5.5’ Dakota bed with a bed extender in the 2” receiver, up and down the Gulf coast of Texas. Did that for ten years while living in Pearland Tx. Never had one bit of trouble with law enforcement, never pulled over never questioned.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Yeah, I forgot to mention in my previous post that the RS117 is 11ft and 7 inches long. That leaves about 4ft 9 inches hanging out past the bed the way I have it here. Couple thoughts:

Depending on the size of your kayak, you could put it up on the j-racks, like I have with the 10 ft kayak, and it would easily clear the bed. like to keep my seat in the kayak, and a lot of my accessories in the boat while transporting, so the bed is easiest.

Thule also makes some kayak racks for loading flat, which would also help get the kayak up over the cab easily. Of course, both of these options are with the specific rack that I'm using here on my truck. You can always get a taller rack, as you've mentioned. I have that Harbor Freight rack on my Dakota, and thought I might move it over, but it's really tall, especially for the lower Maverick cab.

I initially was going to track down the Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height version, so I could drop it below the cab when I didn't need items to clear the cab, and then raise it for lumber, etc.
https://www.rerack.com/thule-xsporter-pro-multi-height-aluminum-truck-rack-w-load-stops/

Do you know the regulations on using a bed extender via the hitch in Texas? Does that help you get around the restrictions, or is it strictly based on the tailgate length?

In Texas anything over 48" past the tail lights on the vehicle has to be red flagged. Use the bed extender and equip it with clearance, stop and turn signal lights (check with DMV for exact requirements possibly might need "over size load" banners.

 

[Nwduffer]

In Texas anything over 48" past the tail lights on the vehicle has to be red flagged. Use the bed extender and equip it with clearance, stop and turn signal lights (check with DMV for exact requirements possibly might need "over size load" banners.

Nice. I've actually got a set of magnetic trailers lights sitting around, they'd stick right on the cross bar of the bed extender. Good idea!

 

[LadyMav]

Yay, for the cactus grey, your setup looks awesome!
I probably need a bed extender, my kayak is a 10.5’.

 

[8-fingers]

Now that is a nice looking setup! @Nwduffer What is the interior dimension between the two vertical rack towers at the bed level and between the front and rear rail?

 

[Nwduffer]

Now that is a nice looking setup! @Nwduffer What is the interior dimension between the two vertical rack towers at the bed level and between the front and rear rail?

There are probably a few measurements worth noting at the bed level:
* Inside mounting bracket to bracket - more or less 51"
* Inside vertical tower to tower - about 52 1/4"
* Inside mounting clamp to clamp - just a bit over 49"
* Inside front and rear rail lengthwise - about 40 3/4"

There's probably a tad bit of space on the width as mine seem to hang over just a bit on the inside, maybe another 1/4-1/2 inch to play with, and probably another 3" or so that you could increase the distance between the racks if you pushed it all the way to the back of the bed.

 

[8-fingers]

There are probably a few measurements worth noting at the bed level:
* Inside mounting bracket to bracket - more or less 51"
* Inside vertical tower to tower - about 52 1/4"
* Inside mounting clamp to clamp - just a bit over 49"
* Inside front and rear rail lengthwise - about 40 3/4"

There's probably a tad bit of space on the width as mine seem to hang over just a bit on the inside, maybe another 1/4-1/2 inch to play with, and probably another 3" or so that you could increase the distance between the racks if you pushed it all the way to the back of the bed.

Thank you for the info! It is the rails, length of bed that was the most important dimension. I was trying to see if a small (narrow) tent would fit in this distance (was hoping for 42") and set it up similar to a rack mounted top tent except at the top of the bed rails and when collapsed, fits under the kayak installation.. If that makes sense?

My current rails have about 42" spacing on the Metris and that is just about right for the kayak mounts relative to the kayaks and a pair of 200W solar panels mounted between the front and rear rails...

 

[Nwduffer]

Thank you for the info! It is the rails, length of bed that was the most important dimension. I was trying to see if a small (narrow) tent would fit in this distance (was hoping for 42") and set it up similar to a rack mounted top tent except at the top of the bead rails and when collapsed, fits under the kayak installation.. If that makes sense?

My current rails have about 42" spacing on the Metris and that is just about right for the kayak mounts relative to the kayaks and a pair of 200W solar panels mounted between the front and rear rails...

Yeah, been thinking about the same thing. I have an instant pop up tent that I think could fit in between like that as well. I also have an old tent that all the shock legs finally gave out on that I'm thinking about taking apart and just showing as custom fit slide on sides/top, that would also have two arms for extending out the length of the tailgate laid down.

 

[Dalbaugh]

For those that followed on my previous post https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ed-rack-is-a-great-fit-on-2022-maverick.5782/ about the Xsporter MId Rack being a nice fit, some asked to see it with a kayak up top for clearance reference. Finally got a break in the weather, so here is the Xsporter Mid with the Thule Aero Hull-a-Port 838 jcradle racks and a 10 ft fishing kayak on top.

Also shown is my Bonafide RS117 in the back of the bed, as someone asked about the fit of that specific kayak in the back. For short trips to my local ponds and lakes, I would likely just strap it down in back and at the tailgate and call it good. For longer trips, or if I was stacking two back there, I'd use the bed extender I have from Harbor Freight. I also mentioned my rolling cart I keep it on for quick loading too, which is also pictured. Ready for next season!Few different photos and angles

Thanks so much for posting this! Perfect information! I’m planning the hitch extension (have it). Fishing a Old Town 106 and your pics and information show me I will not have issues. Thank you!

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