Racks For Carrying Long Boats

[dgaines]

Hi, I'm very close to buying a Maverick Hybrid AWD as an all-in-one vehicle (I've always owned both a car and a pickup in the past-- car died last weekend). One of my requirements is the ability to carry both my 18' surfski kayak and 24' rowing shell on crossbars spaced far enough apart front to back-- ideally 6-7 feet-- so that they are properly supported without excessive overhangs. It seems like this would be possible by installing one rack/crossbar over the bed, and then a crossbar of equal height above the cab. The attached photo is close, but overkill-- that middle bed rack wouldn't be needed. Does anyone have a setup like Ive described? And if so, which manufacturers did you purchase your racks from? (I'm sure I could get a single over-the-cab rack from Thule or Yakima; a single above-the-bed rack--adjustable for height so it would be level with the cab crossbar-- might be harder to find, as they tend to be sold in pairs). THANKS in advance for any advice, products or photos you can share! (this would also seem to make sense for carrying full sheets of plywood, 8'+ lengths of lumber, ladders, box springs, etc ;-)

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[icegradner]

You'll quickly find out that roof racks and bed racks come in pairs from retail locations, once you'd paid for it, might as well put it on. One way to save money, if that is your objective, would be to use the low cost foam style racks that you can put on the roof and strap inside through the doors.

I guess you could try to get single pieces from the manufacture directly.

 

[dgaines]

Thanks-- Haven't shopped for racks in a while, in the past I was able to find single items but I suspect the market has changed.... will do a deeper dive into what's available online.

 

[KailuaBound51]

Alternatively, buy the pairs. List the "extras" here at a competitive rate (shipping included). If you are in so CA, I might be interested as I'm purchasing an OC-1 (a paddling outrigger).

 

[Earl313]

Just returned from 2.5 hour trip with kayaks on this setup

 

[sunglint]

Just returned from 2.5 hour trip with kayaks on this setup

Is that the hitch mounted one? I have that in the truck but haven't needed it yet. Mine was around $80, pretty reasonable for what it can do.

 

[Jah.]

It has been years but I was able to buy one Yakima rack for my F150 because already had a rack on my fiberglass capper . I resized it to fit maverick . haven't needed it yet . would buy a hitch rack extension if needed for long items .

 

[Earl313]

Yes hitch mount this one cost about 110.00. Kayaks are about 15 feet long with a little weight. The whole setup cradles, roof bars and hitch mount cost less than 300.00. Pre tariff purchases.

 

[Earl313]

Yes hitch mount this one cost about 110.00. Kayaks are about 15 feet long with a little weight. The whole setup cradles, roof bars and hitch mount cost less than 300.00. Pre tariff purchases.

 

[Tbone289]

Here's my setup with the hitch-type rack. For single roof racks, I just buy a pair of used towers on ebay and use them with the Yakima roundbars I've had for decades. You can buy new roof clips from Yakima in pairs instead of all four.

This is a 14' solo, but it has capacity for a much longer boat.

 

[Earl313]

Nice. I was surprised how well the hitch mount works. Still gives access to bird

 

[Tbone289]

Nice. I was surprised how well the hitch mount works. Still gives access to bird

Yeah, it works great but the obvious drawback is not being able to combine it with a trailer. It's no big deal for me, but noteworthy.

My hitch rack is the type that converts for long loads level with the bed, so it's multiple pieces. Due to that, it has a tendency to sway a bit due to the pieces not fitting together tightly. I just strap one end of the rack to the chain loops on the hitch to prevent the sway as shown in the picture, so it's not really a problem.

 

[Thoron99]

If you’re the DIY type maybe a variant of this? Haven’t tried building one myself yet though (for lumber).

 

[sunglint]

Yeah, it works great but the obvious drawback is not being able to combine it with a trailer. It's no big deal for me, but noteworthy.

My hitch rack is the type that converts for long loads level with the bed, so it's multiple pieces. Due to that, it has a tendency to sway a bit due to the pieces not fitting together tightly. I just strap one end of the rack to the chain loops on the hitch to prevent the sway as shown in the picture, so it's not really a problem.

I was thinking it would be a little goosey. When I got my hitch rack I set it up in both configurations. I assume I'll need to tension the sides somewhat.
Also, Harbor Freight has a hitch doubler, it has two openings, just stacked tubes. That might let you do trailer and rack. If not Harbor Freight then it might have been Northern Tool I saw it at.

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