DIY Roof rack for Kayaks

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to show a project I have been working on for a couple of days. I was wanting to get a roof rack for the kayaks that could hold the kayaks and all my fishing gear. This is as far as I have gotten (I am running out of energy today!), but I think it is a good start. It is super sturdy and I got grab it and hang on it with no issues. If I shake the rack, only the truck moves! All in for the expense, I used 11 2x4's, eight 3/8" lag bolts and nuts, a bag of 1" washers, and four eyelets for the tie downs and a box of decking screws. I used wood glue on the joined surfaces but I had that. That expense came out to about $50 and then $6.99 for the ratchet straps from Harbor Freight on sale. I built the system so the two sides and the top come apart so it can be stored. I can put it on my myself in about 10 minutes with no issues. So for all you out there, it can be done way cheaper than going to buy any of the more expensive systems like the Thule, Yakima and other various rack systems.

 

wow looks pretty good! Hopefully it lasts, i found that the 1st rack i made for my truck for holding canoes had one flaw... screws. When i was driving on rough roads the screws simply werent strong enough and broke in half. Hopefully you dont have the same issue.

My 2nd design is completely screwless and everything is notched together, then held solidly in place when the canoe is ratcheted to the box. This was all for my old truck, so perhaps ill do a writeup when i make a new one for my taco....

 

Props for DIY build but where would you store it if not used along with is it chemically treated for the elements?

 

Curious about this as well. Love the DIY projects, but am concerned about the elements.

 

Awesome creativity.... I have two ascend kayaks and i just put one on top of each other with ratchet straps and it handles it pretty well.

 

Thanks for all the props on it! I built it to disassemble into parts so I can store it in my garage when I am not using it. Four lag bolts hold the top to the sides and small pieces on the outside of the side stands support the top in place while I bolt it in. I can take it on/off by myself in about ten minutes and get it very secure. I want the ability to still put the truck in the garage until I get it lifted. We can get some freak weather here in Tennessee and I like to the opportunity to put the truck inside if need be.

As far as protecting it from the elements, I plan to use Thompson's Water Seal or something similar. I still need to finish the build (I am working on rod holders, mounts for the kayaks and padding, a ratcheting system for the kayaks, and a roller assembly to get them on top. I will post some more comprehensive pics after this weekend to demonstrate how to do it. It is really sturdy and just gives me options on how I want to configure it.

 

I added my the padding to the top and my rod holders on the sides. I need to drill a couple of holes in each of the main rod holder seats to use a small bungee cord to secure them. Other than that, if anyone has any good ideas that I haven't thought of it would be great to get some input.

 

Badass. Love the rod holders.

 

I think this is the best DIY rack that I've seen yet. I got started on building one just like it today. I'll post some picks as I progress.

 

Good job, that looks sick!

 

I appreciate all the feedback. I still need to add a couple of notches in the crossmembers to allow the cam straps a guide to sit in, and sand/seal it, but I honestly want to use it a bit first before I do! I attached a couple of pics with 2 Wilderness Systems Ride 135 kayaks on it (these are 13.5' each for size reference) and show how the rack breaks down. I want to mount some wheels to the rear to roll the kayaks up and add some storage on the inside. I plan to modify a tent to go around the rack so we can use it when we are camping.

 

Why not try that deck restore product that Home Depot sells? It goes on pretty thick and seals minor cracks in the wood. It also forms a protective and durable plastic/rubber like barrier on the wood. You could choose a nice color to contrast with your white Taco. This would really enhance an already very nice project.


Chris

 

I made a quick, down and dirty one for my big canoe when I wanted to take it camping, it was supposed to be temporary until I got a real rack, but after the first year I realized it was going to hold up. So I painted it with black enamel and it's still around 5 years later- and it lives outside in the yard- doubles as a canoe storage rack in the yard.

 

Here's how mine turned out. Basically the same design but painted it black. I think it goes well with the truck. The top frame is pretty heavy, but it's still possible for one person to put it together or take it apart on 10 minutes or less, just like the original poster said.

 

I like it! I hope the design worked out for you. Like you mentioned, I can put it up/take it down by myself as well. It's heavy but manageable by one person for sure. I just didn't want to take up space in the garage with a trailer so this was the best alternative. Looks good!

 

Have you guys road tested this yet at 75mph+? Going camping this weekend and thinking of cranking this out tonight for the trip!

 

I have driven it a few times out to LBL and to east of Nashville. It really is much quieter than I expected it to be. I noticed that it is quieter if I mount the kayaks on upside down rather than upright. But otherwise, it works very well for us!

 

It turned out pretty sweet! I made it Saturday, and went out with it on Sunday! All-in-all about $100 for me with wood, straps, hardware, paint, and padding (paint was $35 for a gallon of good outdoor weather-resistant paint - but I do have lots leftover for future projects).

 

Just wanted to stop in and say a big thanks to Jeff for the original plans on this rack. I built one myself and so far its doing great! I made my own plans for the build and if anyone would like them let me know.

Rich

 

I'm going to try my hand at building a rack and appreciate all the input here. I have an access cab truck with the longer bed so I may just use the foot print of the bed and not extend the rack over the roof and tailgate. Any downside to using pressure treated wood?