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Roof rack carrying kayaks

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by DCJeeper, Nov 18, 2020.

  1. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:44 PM
    #1
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hi, I recently bought 4 kayaks and want to carry them all on my Tacoma to nearby parks instead of driving two cars. My truck doesn't come with roof racks so I need to install a set and rooftop carriers first. I can load two 10 ft kayaks on the bed with tailgate down. Want to load the other two on the roof when roof rack is installed. I heard that the factory roof rack is not sturdy, wonder if anyone has experience carrying 4 kayaks? Should I consider other racks instead of OEM parts? I want to install it with bolts using the factory holes under the rubber seals, not those installed by clamping on the door seals.
     
  2. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:46 PM
    #2
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    If you're already filling up the bed, why not get a bed rack to load them onto?

    Something like this:
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:47 PM
    #3
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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  4. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:48 PM
    #4
    Sig45

    Sig45 Well-Known Member

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  5. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:54 PM
    #5
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. I have a soft tonneau cover so installing this kind of rack won't work.

     
  6. Nov 18, 2020 at 2:57 PM
    #6
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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  7. Nov 18, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #7
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    They may move around a bit at highway speeds unless you actually secure the ends of the kayaks.

    I'd recommend the OEM rack. Dynamic (while driving) capacity is 100lbs. When you're not using the rack, it easily folds into itself and is clean. With the OEM rack, you fully remove the roof trim and save it from modification. You can resell it for >$100 to offset the cost of the rack.

    Almost all other options are expensive metal that require you to cut up your expensive roof trim.
     
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  8. Nov 18, 2020 at 3:03 PM
    #8
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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  9. Nov 18, 2020 at 3:06 PM
    #9
    Sig45

    Sig45 Well-Known Member

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    You mark the rivet holes with the tracks bolted into the threaded holes. Hard not to align properly. I was concerned as well, but I have no leaks.
     
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  10. Nov 18, 2020 at 3:12 PM
    #10
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The OEM rack has curved crossbars. I have a set of Thule Compass carrier that may be able to carry two kayaks (about 90 lbs total). What I'm concerned is that the carrier set is installed in the single middle point of the crossbars so two kayak's weight will all be there. With high speed is there a risk of breaking the crossbars? I know other aftermarket bars are steel and stronger than factory flat bars.
     
  11. Nov 18, 2020 at 3:21 PM
    #11
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    They aren't curved that much.

    I've seen other people carry big kayaks on the OEM roof rack and haven't broken it.

    I would definitely run some paracord / straps from the bows down to the front bumper to reduce the stress on any rack they are mounted to with the wind/air resistance pulling up on them.
     
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  12. Nov 18, 2020 at 6:25 PM
    #12
    Camerasandcoffee

    Camerasandcoffee 900hp short of 1000hp

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  13. Nov 18, 2020 at 7:02 PM
    #13
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info. Don't have enough space for a trailer. Will consider either a roof rack or trunk mount rack.
     
  14. Nov 18, 2020 at 7:41 PM
    #14
    mrtonyd

    mrtonyd Well-Known Member

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    On voodoo makes similar bars that work with a tonneau cover
     
  15. Nov 18, 2020 at 8:19 PM
    #15
    Tallgrass05

    Tallgrass05 Well-Known Member

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  16. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:09 AM
    #16
    RushT

    RushT Amateur Everythingist

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    I believe for this rack, the mount points are adjustable so you could roll your cover, and still mount these. I think. Check specs and you might be in luck.
     
  17. Nov 19, 2020 at 4:56 AM
    #17
    WZ00R2

    WZ00R2 Well-Known Member

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    Using a be extender, I can easily put four 12' kayaks in my short bed along with coolers and fishing gear.
     
  18. Nov 19, 2020 at 6:52 AM
    #18
    Sweets

    Sweets Well-Known Member

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    I am a big fan of the Yakima Overhaul HD. I use the Yakima JayLow to carry my kayaks. Each pair of JayLows can carry a kayak, configured like any other J rack. Additionally, you can lock the arm vertically and easily carry 2 kayaks. I routinely carry 2 kayaks and a mountain bike on my Overhaul with room to spare. I may even be able to fit 4 kayaks with my mountain bike, but 4 kayaks alone would be an easy fit.
    https://yakima.com/products/overhaul-hd-system
    https://yakima.com/products/jaylow
     
  19. Nov 19, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #19
    EvergreenOffroad

    EvergreenOffroad Well-Known Member

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    We always mount our two kayaks to the Prinsu roof rack with some generic Amazon kayak racks.
     
  20. Nov 19, 2020 at 7:00 PM
    #20
    DCJeeper

    DCJeeper [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The price of Overhaul HD alone is $949, much more expensive than the OEM roof rack ...
     

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