Prototype home-built kayak or ladder rack

[NHStokie]

Couldn't find exactly what I was looking for so I built this from some scrap dimensional lumber. Rollers are repurposed from some old Harbor Freight roller stands. Have been using it for a few weeks now. Only problem is the paint isn't holding up, especially after a few hundred miles in heavy rain. I'm using it with the kayak the other way round such that it covers the antenna.

Comments, thoughts, ideas to improve.

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[Pequa1]

Nice, but why do the idiots at Ford insist on putting the antennae in the middle of the roof on a pickup truck that will often carry a ladder, canoe, etc.?

 

[rick52]

Looks great! Do you think you need a diagonal brace from the uprights to the horizontal rail, to prevent possible racking? Maybe just the front uprights.

 

[mrmagoo69]

Well done, looks so sturdy that drop down side panels for gear storage would look nice

 

[NHStokie]

Looks great! Do you think you need a diagonal brace from the uprights to the horizontal rail, to prevent possible racking? Maybe just the front uprights.

It's hard to tell from the pictures but it's 5-1/2" at the bottom and 3-1/2 at the top. It's held together with glue and long lag bolts, three at the bottom and 2 at the top.

 

[Timothyd]

Couldn't find exactly what I was looking for so I built this from some scrap dimensional lumber. Rollers are repurposed from some old Harbor Freight roller stands. Have been using it for a few weeks now. Only problem is the paint isn't holding up, especially after a few hundred miles in heavy rain. I'm using it with the kayak the other way round such that it covers the antenna.

Comments, thoughts, ideas to improve.

When you need to replace your present setup you might consider a hitch mounted T-bar. Works very well, takes a minute to install and inexpensive. It also converts to a bed extender.

 

[James K]

Looks great! Do you think you need a diagonal brace from the uprights to the horizontal rail, to prevent possible racking? Maybe just the front uprights.

I did on mine but since the rack went down to the bed, it had more lateral force.

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