Used this with ONE kayak? If so, what was your experience regarding stability and cross-wind effect. Any trouble with plastic tightner coming loose?
1420601
We use this with 2 kayaks on our CRV that we tow behind the motorhome. We do not notice any cross-wind effect and stop regularly to check the tighteners. They have never needed major adjusting.
1420602
I have used it with just one kayak without having any problems. I just stick it on the passenger side. No stability problems here. As far as the plastic tightener coming loose, I test it every time I have used it, but barely any slippage, even if it has been a couple weeks.
1420603
I've used this with one and two kayaks. The only problem i had was with the length of the screws holding the brackets on. The forward crossbar on my mountaineer was closer to the roof and the weight of the kayaks made the screw rub on the roof. My crossbars were flat and the brackets didn't fit that well. i made some modifications and it was pretty secure. Not a bad roof rack for the $$. I like the way this rack system folds down when not in use. I think the J racks are better by far but they're so pricey.
1420604
We have used it with both one and two kayaks with no problem. It is very stable. As long as the straps are tight and both front and back ties are on, there is no movement with the wind. I always check the plastic tightners before each trip but they have never been loose.
1420605
PS don't skimp on the tie downs. use the bow and stern ropes as well as the straps no matter what system you use. Overkill is better than having a kayak fly off on the highway and causing an accident!
1420606
I have used the rack with one kayak without any problems; however, I use a different set of straps that I preferred from previous use. I use the "Sea to Summit Solution Gear Tie Down Straps with Neoprene Buckle Cover (Pairs) - 15 Ft" which I purchased on Amazon some time ago.
1500623
My kayak is 9 feet long and I don't use any additional tie downs for it. I feel that my kayak is very secure up on top of my vehicle. I take it on the highway no problem.
1062769
We purchased the KC-103 Double Kayak that stores two kayaks. Looks like the KC-12 only handles one as you mentioned. I love the one we got.
986488
It's not easy if you have a high vehicle. First, I use ratcheting straps, not those that came with the set. I suggest a ladder on a firm surface. I typically hook one end to the outside of the j-rack, toss it over the kayak, loop under the crossbar, back over the kayak and hook again to the front of the j-rack. Then I tighten with the ratchet. It's pretty secure.
1621855
Since you posted this, did you take your dog on the kayak, and how did it work out? Is there a problem keeping him in the boat - does he need to be tied in somehow? If you used the towel recommendation, did that work out?
27470
You would need two of them for two kayaks. Make sure you have the long roof rack bars. If you can raise your hands and reach a foot over your roof you will be fine. Just make sure you secure them from the front and rear after they are on the rack.
323033
There's a little bit of upward flex, but I wouldn't expect enough to meet the "V" needs you describe. You'd really have to cinch your straps down to achieve that, and it would probably deform your kayak as well.
2194317
Has not been a problem. The unit is heavy enough and has a low center of gravity and seems stable. I use it in a canoe.
994133
I have only strapped the frint and back of the kayak. Not thru the windows. Have had no issues as of yet. Have only gone about 40 miles at most at speeds of about 55 to 60 mhp.
1261374
You can lean a kayak or board on either side of the rack, allowing for two kayaks, one on either side. The rack is only there to stabilize the kayaks, not hold them down, so yes, you will need tie downs-probably one set for each kayak. When I purchased the rack, it came with one set of tie downs.
2237131
Hi Natalie, sorry I didn't reply sooner. I've used my Coleman 2-person a few times with just me and it handled pretty well. Since it's longer, it won't manuever quite as well as a smaller single, but as long as you're not making a lot of tight turns I wouldn't think it would be a problem. FYI, I bought the double because my 20-year old daughter (150 lbs) has cerebral palsy and can't do many outdoor activities, but she can ride in the front seat and I paddle from the back. I've also taken along a large male friend who couldn't paddle due to shoulder issues and was able to handle all the paddling--we weren't going very fast but were able to keep up with some others fairly well. Let me know if you'd like more info.
1656955
I just went to Homedepot and grabbed something with a large flat head. I also got some one way washers because I had trouble finding a place within reach on my kayak where the rob holder would mount flush to the surface. I was worried about it becoming loose over time but so far after months of use I haven't had any issues. I don't think you will have trouble finding something to fit, just make sure the head of the screw is big enough to not slip through. AND DOUBLE CHECK YOUR HOLES BEFORE DRILLING.
591649
I use a kayak and that sucker (pun intended) stays put. In fact, I have trouble removing it when I am done. It does not move at all when I am paddling through undergrowth either.
1494297
Absolutely. I ride in it with my preschooler, which means, one person in charge plus some (wiggly) extra weight. A downside to this kayak is that it sits high on the water, so very high profile and can be hard to control in wind -- maybe more of an issue for a single rider/paddler (just one set of arms to resist). But a cinch, on the other hand, to drift down a calmish but shallow river, as the boat sits so high it passes over things that catch other kayaks.
2090459
We have taken it down class 3's and it has flipped during tight bends in the river. If you're more experienced, you may be able to keep it upright. We have had no issues with punctures from sticks or jagged rocks. We are pretty rough with the kayak and have taken it down rivers at least 10 times over the last 2 years so it's impressive that it still works great!
838149
Yes it will work. I bought two additional flexible connections tie downs at a hardware store to help hold the cart in place when I roil over deep sand.I use the belt that is attached to the cart as a front support and the two additional flex connections in the back to hold the cart in place.You attach the cart in the middle of the kayak then when you lift the front of the kayak the weight is balanced so as you pull it you are not then holding up the full weight of the kayakbecause it is being balanced by the cart. I open the cart up set it next to the kayak then lift the front of the kayak and set it on the cart tie it in place and you are ready to go. Yes it will work. I bought two additional flexible connections tie downs at a hardware store to help hold the cart in place when I roil over deep sand.I use the belt that is attached to the cart as a front support and the two additional flex connections in the back to hold the cart in place.You attach the cart in the middle of the kayak then when you lift the front of the kayak the weight is balanced so as you pull it you are not then holding up the full weight of the kayakbecause it is being balanced by the cart. I open the cart up set it next to the kayak then lift the... » Read More Yes it will work. I bought two additional flexible connections tie downs at a hardware store to help hold the cart in place when I roil over deep sand.I use the belt that is attached to the cart as a front support and the two additional flex connections in the back to hold the cart in place.You attach the cart in the middle of the kayak then when you lift the front of the kayak the weight is balanced so as you pull it you are not then holding up the full weight of the kayakbecause it is being balanced by the cart. I open the cart up set it next to the kayak then lift the front of the kayak and set it on the cart tie it in place and you are ready to go. « Show Less
526725
Rhonda, in my case I would have to say it is only good for one. I have a Moken 12.5 that is 32" wide. I have been looking at getting a touring kayak, and I have been thinking the same question about transporting two.