I recently got myself an Oldtown Sportsman 120 kayak and I strapped it to the roof rack with ratchet straps and tied the front to the tow hitch on the front of my 4Runner. It was a pain running the straps through the car (safest option at the moment) and the transporting of the kayak is my biggest deterrent to getting out there and using it. Can yall give me your methods for transport and names of products to help me shop? I’m really just looking for the quickest and easiest method where I can just throw the kayak up there secure it and go.
Posted by roreycobinson
4 Comments
I think berley pro makes a lift assist. That goes in your hitch that makes it a lot easier.
Don’t use ratchet straps, you can easily over tighten it and warp the hull, use CAM straps instead.
Take the tag end of the strap and loop it underneath the bars that run perpendicular to the kayak and then toss them over the side and do the same, then tighten.
I also use bow and stern straps.
https://preview.redd.it/am83tjf1j2cf1.png?width=1745&format=png&auto=webp&s=15f0cb3d4f96b096fdc0861318c1be751983916b
Not sure if this pictures helps to describe it so here’s a video: [https://youtu.be/B3goCUlVnLE?si=YEglcWigZlXjS-Sr](https://youtu.be/B3goCUlVnLE?si=YEglcWigZlXjS-Sr)
I can load my kayak in 5-10 mins like this and it’s probably the way everyone else does, you don’t want to take shortcuts as you will be liable for any damages or death caused if this plastic boat flies off ur car at terminal velocity
A full length roof rack with tie down points and cross bars will help. It’s a bit expensive but look into a prinsu rack or similar for your Runner. I use crossbar pads to help with cinching down the exact same kayak and only need to use 3 cam straps. A hitch mounting lift assist also helps if roof loading is your only option.
Pivot it onto roof like a man. Flip upside down next to car, lift front up onto car along driver door. Make sure it’s not sliding around, I put a towel under it. Then lift back of kayak sliding it into place. Easy