DIY Kayak Rack

[bieber]

I wanted one of those Viking racks but the bed is too narrow for one, so I just went ahead and shamelessly copied their design. My version bolts on to the unistrut bed rail. Everything feels solid so far, but I still have to test actually driving around with it

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[rch75]

Bieber,
That’s a BIG YAK JACK!
My little 10 footer fits in there good on a HarborFreight bed extender

 

[Maverickman74]

Nice! I dig it.looks like exactly what you needed.

 

[bieber]

Bieber,
My little 10 footer fits in there good on a HarborFreight bed extender

Initially I just put mine across the 2x4 and 2x6 I keep in the bed + the tailgate in half down position, with a Sheett bed extender. It worked basically fine, but I was always really paranoid about the amount that hung out the back (this one is 11', our tandem is 12'). Hopefully this one will feel a little bit secure with just a little bit hanging out, plus I've got better access to the bed now

 

[Aspidochelone]

I thought about all that stuff and just went with an inflatable kayak; sea eagle 420x. They are way more convenient since you can put them on a plane in a suitcase. Mine is 14ft long and weighs 44lbs with an 855lb WLL. I could probably put a ton of them in the bed and shut the tailgate. I'm probably going to buy one more that is fully drop stitched. I pump it up with the portable dewalt tire pump that runs off 20v's.

 

[tom_tucker]

The woodworking of bieber's rack is impressive, IMO. That looks like a nice kayak too. I also have a Sea Eagle 420x. I think I'd rather much have that mahi kayak in Florida. Looks like you could SUP on it too. The 420x is a whitewater boat. It can get pushed by the wind in open waters. I prefer to SUP over sitting now.

 

[brielee3]

I wanted one of those Viking racks but the bed is too narrow for one, so I just went ahead and shamelessly copied their design. My version bolts on to the unistrut bed rail. Everything feels solid so far, but I still have to test actually driving around with it

Great idea! Do you have a

I wanted one of those Viking racks but the bed is too narrow for one, so I just went ahead and shamelessly copied their design. My version bolts on to the unistrut bed rail. Everything feels solid so far, but I still have to test actually driving around with it

Great idea! Do you have a close up pick of how you attached to unistrut rail?

 

[bieber]

Great idea! Do you have a close up pick of how you attached to unistrut rail?

I just notched some pieces of 2x4, then drilled and counterbored holes for 3/8 bolts that go into cone nuts

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