Roof Rack vs Bed Rack, which is better for long Kayak?

[mav_can]

I just got a 14’ Fishing Kayak, and I’m wondering whether a roof rack or a bed rack would be a better investment for carrying it back and forth where I need it to go. Picking it up from the store without a rack was an ordeal, but doable. I had to tie it down using all of the bed points as well as hooking into the hood of the truck to keep the front from flying off (Pic attached for your amusement). Didn’t have any problems going about 40 miles at 55-60 mph.

Obviously this isn’t sustainable, so I’m thinking I could buy the Yakima adjustable bed rack ($1k+) using my ford points and the discounting dealers, or I could get the roof rack (about $600) and attach it there. The bed rack is probably more versatile but isn’t removable afaik, meanwhile the roof rack will probably do the job (tie down the back half to the bed points) and can be transferred to another vehicle.

Any suggestions?

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[bgillen35]

Why not flexbed it up with some 2 x 4s? Slide some lumber through the sliding tie down points like TFL did in their video and then screw a cross brace on top even with your roof line. Rest the front part of the kayak ontop of your cab (with protection of course) and the rear end over the wooden structure you built. Bam! $15 kayak carrier.

 

[mav_can]

Why not flexbed it up with some 2 x 4s? Slide some lumber through the sliding tie down points like TFL did in their video and then screw a cross brace on top even with your roof line. Rest the front part of the kayak ontop of your cab (with protection of course) and the rear end over the wooden structure you built. Bam! $15 kayak carrier.

This is a good idea. I don’t have the Lux package so I’ll need to make the sliding tie downs, but that’s no big deal. What would you suggest though for tie down points over the cab? I was originally going to go through the doors but I didn’t like how it was rubbing so much on the weather stripping, which is why I went for the hood eventually.

 

[bgillen35]

This is a good idea. I don’t have the Lux package so I’ll need to make the sliding tie downs, but that’s no big deal. What would you suggest though for tie down points over the cab? I was originally going to go through the doors but I didn’t like how it was rubbing so much on the weather stripping, which is why I went for the hood eventually.

I've seen strapping it under the hood like you have it is pretty common. I guess it depends on how often you plan on doing this and if the roof rail system you linked would be worth the investment to protect your roof and give you that tie down point. If I was only going to do this a few times a year, I would just strap the front down to the hood.

If you're just looking at kayaks, you could also consider something like this from Ford.. They probably make universal ones that are cheaper.

 

[kcirevam]

Go find a 300 dollar jet ski trailer.

 

[mav_can]

Go find a 300 dollar jet ski trailer.

Just like the simulations...

 

[SkeeterB]

This was my first try. Since I have cut both racks down six inches. Kayak is 14 foot sit on top.

You get the idea. Vertical hitch extender is from Harbor Freight, $65

 

[The Weatherman]

I just got a 14’ Fishing Kayak, and I’m wondering whether a roof rack or a bed rack would be a better investment for carrying it back and forth where I need it to go. Picking it up from the store without a rack was an ordeal, but doable. I had to tie it down using all of the bed points as well as hooking into the hood of the truck to keep the front from flying off (Pic attached for your amusement). Didn’t have any problems going about 40 miles at 55-60 mph.

Obviously this isn’t sustainable, so I’m thinking I could buy the Yakima adjustable bed rack ($1k+) using my ford points and the discounting dealers, or I could get the roof rack (about $600) and attach it there. The bed rack is probably more versatile but isn’t removable afaik, meanwhile the roof rack will probably do the job (tie down the back half to the bed points) and can be transferred to another vehicle.

Any suggestions?

Here is my 15.5’ touring boat. Easy load and tie down.

 

[Mavsarecool]

Here is my 15.5’ touring boat. Easy load and tie down.

Looks great! Which rack is this?

 

[The Weatherman]

Looks great! Which rack is this?

Its called an Angry Elephant. I bought the Tonneau and Racks from :

https://www.tonneaufactoryoutlet.co...uxedo-pro-x15-angry-elephant-rack-system.html

 

[SkeeterB]

Finished mine. Going to the shore Wednesday

 

[Mavsarecool]

Its called an Angry Elephant. I bought the Tonneau and Racks from :

https://www.tonneaufactoryoutlet.co...uxedo-pro-x15-angry-elephant-rack-system.html

Great, thanks.

 

[sunismymed]

Finished mine. Going to the shore Wednesday

Nice. Did you choose different material for the front rack, or just paint some wood?
Would love to see a close up of the front rack. Have a hitch extender already like the one you'
ve got.

 

[SkeeterB]

Here are some partial pictures. I have now received my Thule rack so the wood only went to the shore three times.

 

[sunismymed]

Thanks, that's helpful.

I'm looking for a solution that's only twice a season, and not high speed. So a wood support up front and a tow hitch bar at the back might do it for me. Though, there's always the temptation to make something more versatile.

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