Kayak Loading

[camelracer]

I'm starting to plan for this years Baja adventure and need some advice from the experts out there on getting the kayaks secured on top of the camper. This is my first year with the Grandby and I'm not sure how to easily get the kayaks up there and secured. Previously I had a shell on the truck so it was pretty easy getting them up there but the top of the Grandby is just under 8 ft off the ground and I can't climb on the roof.

I have 3 Yakima bars with saddles and was thinking of getting a roller for the rear to get the boats over the back edge. I have the rear steps on the camper so tying down the rear of the boats should not be much of a problem. What I can't figure out is how to get the boat in the front saddle and tied down without a ladder. The kayaks are 14 ft long and weigh about 60 lbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[dsrtrat]

Take a look at the Yakima Hully Rollers. A lot of paddlers use a set on the rear crossbar. You roll the bow up and then rotate the roller to use as a saddle. You have to push down on the stern to clear the saddle on the other crossbar.
Desertrat

 

[camelracer]

dsrtrat,

That's what I was thinking of for the rear. My concern is getting the boat in the front saddle and then tying it down. I guess I could crawl along the kayak to get to the front if the racks and roof will support my fat ars.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

The hully rollers seem to be a good way to go (popular).


Thule just came out with a product called the Hullivator

Check out a video on Youtube here ...

It is a side load rack that swings down. We have been wanting to install on on a camper for some time now but just haven't had much demand for it and haven't made the time to try it out. Not sure how well it will work on a FWC ?


I have also seen some customers install a small steel plate under the camper over hang (towards the front of the camper -- between the edge of the camper and the bed rail of the truck -- bolted through the edge of the camper base behind the couch where the carpet is) to use as a step. It looked like a good idea.


Hope this helps.




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