by Rack Magic Woman on November 11, 2011
Q: I’m wondering does anyone (either Thule or Yakima or whoever) sell a carrier that supports surfboard/kayak/bike all-in-one? I’m going to be buying a new SUV soon and wanted to find out this info first and would rather just get it all-in-one. If not, what’s the best product for just surfboard/kayak?
A: The INA-444 is a great carrier for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or surfboards. It works very well with plastic recreational boats, but probably isn’t the best choice for Kevlar or fiberglass touring kayaks.
And with a base rack system by Thule, Yakima or Inno, you could simultaneously use both the surf/kayak carrier and any of a number of bike carriers offered on our site. With wide enough crossbars, it will likely be possible to carry two bikes alongside your watersports carrier.
by admin on September 2, 2011
Q: We have a Honda CRV 2011 with factory installed roof rack. We would like to get a J style kayak rack for two sea kayaks. Yakima has always worked well for us — we have also had some Thule products. We like the Yakima Bow Down Kayak Rack (and it folds) but wonder if it will work on our CRV racks. Before ordering, I’d like some confirmation that they will work.
Also, what is your experience with Rack and Roll trailer for kayaks — we’ve heard mixed reviews.
A: I confirmed, through the Yakima fit guide, that the Yakima Bow Down will fit on your 2011 Honda CRV with factory rack and cross bars. The only thing you will want to double check whenever you are using factory cross bars as a base set up is the maximum load for the bars. Besides the weight of the kayaks, the Bow Downs weigh 15 lbs each.
If you like the Yakima then stick with that. There are other similar options from Thule (Hull-a-Port Pro) and Malone (DownLoader) with similar features and pricing. You can learn more by using the links.
And lastly, yes, we have had excellent experience and feedback with the Rack and Roll Trailers. One thing to consider whether you plan on using the trailer at higher speeds on the highway and/or for long distance trips. If this is the case then you would want to go with the Rack and Roll Trailer with 72” bars as it will be more stable.
by rackdawg on August 25, 2011
Picture of the all-new INA446 Inno SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker for use as a stand-up paddleboard rack, kayak rack, canoe rack and more. Universally fits factory roof rack crossbars as well as base rack systems from Inno, Yakima, Whispbar, Thule and more.
Image of the INA445 Inno SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker - an economical version of the INA446 and does not include the car rack cross bar pads.
Now available from Inno Racks dealers in the United States and Canada are the new, improved versions of the famously popular Inno INA444 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker – the Inno Racks INA446 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker and the Inno INA445 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker – both feature innovative updates that allow for even more factory roof rack cross bar fits, more robust theft prevention and better protection and stability of equipment during transport. Instead of a pair of foam blocks (included with the INA444), the INA446 version now includes a pair of crossbar pads that deliver superior ease of loading and unloading and wear-restistance that’ll last a lifetime. The INA445 version does not include rack pads and is targeted as a more value priced option for users that do not need rack pads for added equipment protection, ease of loading / unloading or increased prevention of lateral shifting of gear during transport (also a great option for users that already own a pair of car rack cross bar pads or foam blocks). Both models feature redesigned locking rack straps that deliver increased protection from theft of gear or the rack itself when left unattended. They also feature universal clamp hardware that fits even more factory racks as well as any after-market base rack system crossbars from Inno Racks, Yakima Racks, Whispbar Racks, Thule Racks and more. The Inno INA446 Locker and Inno INA445 Locker are the most versatile watersport carriers available on the market today and work equally well for hauling any canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard ( SUP ), surfboard (both short and long boards), windsurfer, wakeboard etc. Works great as a ladder rack as well. The integrated ratcheting mechanism makes it an effortless process to tighten the straps around the gear, and the included Inno locks and keys ensure everything is safe and secure from anyone stealing your gear or the rack itself. They both also adjust to any width along the cross bars to custom fit the item(s) you are carrying.
Tagged as:
canoe rack,
factory rack carrier,
Inno INA445 SUP Kayak Canoe Locker,
Inno INA446 SUP Kayak Canoe Locker,
Inno Racks,
kayak rack,
kayak roof rack,
ladder rack,
rack pads,
stand-up paddleboard racks,
SUP rack,
surfboard rack
by Rack James on June 22, 2011
Image of a (hidden) 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer for 2" receiver hitch using the fantastic Malone MPG460G Microsport trailer with two Malone MPG106MD AutoLoader kayak racks.
You’ll just have to take our word that this is a 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer for two kayaks. Have we ever lied to you? Of course not. Regardless, what is certain, is that it is carrying a very, very nice kayak using the Malone MPG106MD AutoLoader kayak carriers mounted to the crossbars of the Malone MPG406G Microsport kayak trailer. But it could be any vehicle as long as that vehicle has a 2″ receiver hitch and it could be set up to carry a canoe, bicycles, a cargo box etc. The bottom line is that the Malone Microsport trailer is a great solution for carring gear and loading and unloading, especially when it comes to kayaks, is much easier than on a roof top.
More info and installation details for 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer.
by Rack James on June 1, 2011
by Rack Magic Woman on May 11, 2011
Q: I am wanting to get a roof rack for my 2010 Toyota Highlander. I will be using it primarily to carry a canoe.
I understand that a Thule 450 Crossroad Railing Foot Rack with a 579XT Canoe Carrier will work, but wondered if there was a similar solution available for the Thule 450R Crossroad Railing Foot Rack. I like the rounder load bars.
A: You could use the 450 Rapid Complete System instead, but this system requires the RB53 (53”) bars and you cannot use a longer bar with the rapid system, so you’d want to measure the width of your canoe to be sure the boat isn’t too wide for the bars, and that you still have enough space on either side to strap the boat down on the bars. The 579xt canoe carrier would not work with the rapid bars, but you could use the Malone BigFoot canoe carrier instead, which is compatible.
by rackdawg on April 25, 2011
Photo of the Thule 803 Surf Pads and Thule 804 Surf Pads, designed specifically for use on factory racks, Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack bars etc. Ideal cor carrying SUP's, surfboards, windsurf boards etc.
- Picture of the Thule 801 Surf Pads and Thule 802 Surf Pads, Thule Racks new rack pads designed for carrying surfboards, sailboards, stand-up paddleboards and other gear on Thule square load bars, Yakima round cross bars etc.
Thule Racks has gone back to the drawing board and completely redesigned and released a new series of roof rack pads for carrying stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers, surfboards, canoe, kayak and more. The rack pads are available in two different styles, the Thule 801 Surf Pads / Thule 802 Surf Pads and the Thule 803 Surf Pads / Thule 804 Surf Pads. The 801 (18 inches in length) and 802 (24 inches in length) are designed to mount to the standard Thule rack square load bars, Yakima round cross bars, Inno cross bars etc. The 803 (18 inches in length) and 804 (24 inches in length) are meant for using on factory racks, Thule Rapid Aero bars, Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack crossbars and other ‘aero’ shaped cross bars. Using the surf pads in combination with a pair of rack straps or the Thule 531 Express surf straps is a solid, economical way to carry standup paddle boards, surfboards, windsurfers, kayak, canoe etc.
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
foam blocks,
rack pads,
stand-up paddleboard pads,
stand-up paddleboard racks,
surfboard pads,
surfboard rack,
Thule 801 Surf Pad,
Thule 802 Surf Pad,
Thule 803 Surf Pad,
Thule 804 Surf Pad,
windsurf board rack
by Rack James on March 7, 2011
Stellar shot of a 2010 VW Jetta TDI SportWagon Boat Trailer and Luggage Rack using the Yakima Rack and Roll 66 Trailer with the Yakima Mako Kayak Saddles and the Yakima Rocket Box 16 Gear carrier.
Here is an awesome example of safe, modern and convenient gear transport for a sedan, wagon, SUV, truck, van, or just about any vehicle with a class I, II, or III trailer hitch. This 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI kayak/canoe trailer and cargo box is starring the Yakima RACKandROll 66 Trailer with 66″ crossbars decked out with the Yakima Mako Kayak saddles and the Yakima RocketBox 16 cargo carrier for all the gear. Simply unhitch the Yakima boat trailer when you’re not heading for the water, and you’ve got the perfect storage for your boats, or in this case, pontoon boat.
See complete details and more photos for 2010 VW Jetta Wagon Fishing Pontoon Boat Trailer and Storage Box.
by rackdawg on February 27, 2011
Picture of the premium MPG501 Malone HandiKart with its patented Camba Technology hemi-spherical wheel system and inclined axles. Supports up to 200 lbs. All-terrain transport.
Picture of the deluxe MPG502 Malone Clipper with 10" inflatable tires, adjustable foam padding and 2-point kick stand. Supports up to 200 lbs. All-terrain transport.
Photo of the standard MPG503 Malone Nomad with 10" inflatable tires,foam padding and built-in kick stand. Supports up to 150 lbs. All-terrain transport.
Now available from Malone Auto Racks are a complete line of canoe carts and kayak carts for easily moving boats around on the ground when getting the canoe or kayak to and from the boat launch or storing the boat away when you’ve taken it off the roof rack. All models support plenty of boat weight and feature all terrain maneuverability. The top of the line Malone MPG501 HandiKart is a truly unique product that delivers unrivaled canoe cart and kayak cart features. With patented Camba Technology hemi-spherical wheel system and inclined axles, the HandiKart combines top notch design styling with best in class easy boat loading and transport over sand, rocky terrain and more. Holds up to 200 lbs. Two more classic center style canoe trolley-kayak trolley products are also offered from Malone Racks. The deluxe model Malone MPG502 Clipper has a 2-point kick stand for total stability when loading and unloading the canoe or kayak. Adjustable foam padding as well. Holds up to 200 lbs. The standard model Malone MPG503 Nomad offers many of the same features as the Clipper and can cary up to 150 lbs. Both the Clipper and the Nomad have 10 inch inflatable knobby tires for all-terrain access when rolling your canoe or kayak to and from the water.
view all Malone kayak carts and canoe carts
Tagged as:
kayak carts-canoe carts,
MPG501 Malone HandiKart,
MPG502 Malone Clipper,
MPG503 Malone Nomad
by Rack James on February 25, 2011
by Rack James on February 23, 2011
by Rack James on February 19, 2011
by Rack Princess on November 11, 2010
Image of 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew pickup truck rack. Features Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack. Includes Thule Xstop load stops so rack can be used as pickup truck canoe rack as in this picture.
A heavy duty pickup truck rack for a 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew, the Thule 422XT Xporter truck rack shown here mounts to the Ford F150 pickup truck bed and includes a set of Thule Xstop load stops which are perfect for using the pickup truck rack to carry a canoe, ladders, lumber and more. It also includes Thule locks and keys so you can lock the truck rack to the pickup truck.
More info on 2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew pickup truck rack.
by Rack Princess on November 1, 2010
Photo of 1997 Chevy S-10 Pickup truck kayak rack. Features Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack and Thule 883 Glide & Set Kayak Rack.
This 1997 Chevy S-10 pickup truck kayak rack makes it easy to load and haul a kayak whenever the rapids call you. Featuring the Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack which mounts to the 1997 Chevy S-10 Truck bed and the Thule 883 Glide & Set Kayak rack this kayak rack and truck rack system works great even if just one person is available to load the kayak on your truck. The Thule 422XT Xsporter also adjusts up and down enough that you can carry mountain bikes underneath in the truck bed as well.
More Chevy S-10 Kayak rack information.
by Rack James on August 12, 2010
Nice action shot of a Toyota Tundra truck bed canoe rack using the Thule 422XT XSporter truck bed rack with the Thule XK2 Adapter Kit for use with the Tundra bed mounted track system.
Here’s a great shot of a Toyota Tundra truck rack transporting not one but two canoes. It can be done and here is photographic proof. The Thule 422XT XSporter truck rack is mounted to the Toyota Tundra bed rails via the Tundra bed mounted channel track system using the Thule XK2 adapter kit.
Install page for Toyota Tundra truck canoe rack.
by Rack James on July 14, 2010
This 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bike and Canoe Rack easily transports one canoe and two bicycles using: for the roof, the Yakima Railgrab roof rail system which attaches to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Track factory side rails, and the Yakima Gunwale Brackets Canoe Carrier. The Tonneau cover bike rack uses the Yakima Control Tower base rack with two pairs of the Yakima Landing Pad 6 and two Yakima High Roller Bike Racks.
This is how you do it folks. This is a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac canoe roof rack and Tonneau cover bike rack using all Yakima racks. Mounted to the ’10 Ford Explorer factory side rails is the Yakima RailGrab rail rack system with Yakima 48″ round crossbars. Attached to the roundbars is the Yakima Gunwale Brackets canoe rack, which comes with the necessary straps and tie downs. On the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Track Tonneau cover is the Yakima Control Tower base sytem attached to the tonno cover using two sets of the Yakima Landing Pad 6 Permanent Landing Pads for tonneau covers, camper shells, etc. Mounted to the yakima 48″ crossbars are two Yakima Highroller bike racks. If my math is correct, a Yakima SKS 8 Lock Pack would lock down the two Yakima base rack systems and the two Yakima bike racks, and all with one Yakima SKS key.
More photos and omplete installation details for 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Canoe Rack and Bike Rack.
by Rack Princess on July 2, 2010
2001 Ford Econoline Van canoe rack and luggage bag. Combination includes Inno IN-AD Raingutters roof rack , Inno BRA120 Flex Top 18 Cargo bag and Inno IN762 Canoe Pads.
If you want to carry a canoe on a 2001 Ford Econoline 250 Van roof top canoe rack and still have room for all your other gear this set up works well. It consists of the Inno IN-AD RainGutters Roof Rack with an extra pair if IN-AD Stays and an extra single Inno crossbar, the Inno BRA 120 Flex Top 18 Cargo Roof Bag and Inno IN762 Canoe pads. The Inno BRA 120 Flex Top 18 roof bag for a 2001 Ford Econoline van has 18 cubic feet of storage space and folds up when not in use.
Read more info on this setup of a roof top canoe rack for 2001 Ford Econoline Van…
by Rack James on June 30, 2010
by Rack Princess on June 23, 2010
by Rack Princess on June 14, 2010
by rackdawg on June 10, 2010
by rackdawg on June 10, 2010
Yakima DryDock hitch rack
An excellent solution for transporting long equpiment and gear, such as a canoe, extra-long kayaks, rowing shell, lumber, ladders and more, is to mount the Yakima DryDock T-bar hitch mast to any 2 inch trailer hitch receiver combined with a half pack roof rack system used on the front of the vehicle (in this video the Yakima Q Towers Half Pack roof rack is mounted to the pickup truck cab roof). Video includes a demonstration of how the 8002589 Yakima Dry Dock mounts to any 2″ trailer hitch, offers a broad range of height adjustability. Cross bar sold separately to allow for the selection of the cross bar length that suits your needs. The very long items you are hauling, such as canoe, kayaks, ladders, lumber etc., can then span between the front half pack roof rack crossbar and the rear Yakima DryDock crossbar.
Yakima DryDock video
Tagged as:
ladder rack,
lumber rack,
truck canoe rack,
truck kayak rack,
Yakima DryDock
by Rack James on June 8, 2010
by rackdawg on May 27, 2010
by rackdawg on May 26, 2010
Thule 997 GoalPost hitch rack
Looking for a superb vehicle rack solution for transporting very long gear and equipment such as ladders, lumber, canoe, very long kayaks etc? You’ll definitely want to watch this Thule 997 GoalPost video from ORS Racks Direct. Includes a demonstration of how the 997 Thule Goal Post mounts to any vehicle 2 inch trailer hitch, offers a wide range of height adjustability and includes a crossbar. The most common configuration is to use the Thule GoalPost on a rear hitch receiver and a single crossbar style half pack roof rack system up front on the vehicle roof top (video uses the Thule 480 Traverse Half Pack roof rack mounted to a Toyota Tundra pickup truck cab roof top). The very long items you are transporting, such as canoe, kayaks, ladders, lumber etc., can then span between the front half pack roof rack crossbar and the rear Thule 997 GoalPost crossbar.
Thule 997 GoalPost video
Tagged as:
Thule 997 GoalPost,
truck canoe rack,
truck kayak rack
by Rack James on May 25, 2010
Terrific shot of a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck kayak rack system with Yakima Q-Tower Half Pack System (Yakima Q-Tower Half Pack, Yakima Q118 Q-Clips, Yakima 66" crossbar) and Yakima DryDock hitch mounted rack with Yakima 66" bar and Yakima HullyRollers kayak rollers and Yakima Mako Saddles combo.
This customer needed to carry his kayak on his 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 and he has suceeded with flying colors. For longer loads such as kayaks, canoes, and lumber, it’s best to achieve maximum crossbar spread between the front and rear crossbars, and this system allows that. For the front crossbar on the truck cab, he has installed the Yakima Q-Tower Half pack system which is made up of a Yakima Q-Tower Half pack, one set of Yakima Q 118 Q clips, and a single Yakima 66″ roundbar. For the rear crossbar, he is utilizing his receiver hitch and has installed a Yakima DryDock rack matched up with another single Yakima 66″ crossbar. For supporting the kayak, he has a pair of Yakima HullyRollers on the rear crossbar for easy loading and unloading, and on the front crossbar he has a set of Yakima Mako saddles. The truck bed remains empty for loading up all his gear. Great job!
Complete 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 kayak truck rack customer install details.
Tagged as:
2005 Dodge Ram 1500,
truck kayak rack,
Yakima DryDock,
Yakima HullyRoller,
Yakima Mako Saddles,
Yakima Q Clips,
Yakima Q Towers
by rackdawg on May 10, 2010
- Excellent photo of a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Super Cab canoe truck rack system using the Yakima Q Towers Half Pack, Yakima Outdoorsman 300 pickup truckbed rack and Gunwale Brackets canoe carrier.
The perfect picture to illustrate how to transport a canoe or any long items such as kayaks, ladders, lumber and more on a pickup truck. This customer installation features a 1999 Ford F250 canoe truck rack that is configured using the Yakima Q Tower Half Pack mounted to the Ford F-250 Super Duty cab roof (Q Tower Half Pack includes a pair of Yakima Q58 clips, pair of Q Towers and a single crossbar), full-size model Yakima Outdoorsman 300 truck rack half set mounted to the Ford F-250 pickup truck bed rails (Outdoorsman 300 Half Set includes a pair of upright Towers and also using a single crossbar of the same length as used on the Q Tower Half Pack cab roof rack) and Yakima GunWale Brackets canoe rack mounted to the crossbars.
1999 Ford F-250 canoe truck rack install details
Tagged as:
canoe rack,
Ford F250,
Truck Racks,
Yakima Gunwale Brackets,
Yakima Outdoorsman 300,
Yakima Q Towers
by rackdawg on April 12, 2010
by rackdawg on February 27, 2010
Image depicts some of the various canoe trailer and kayak trailer complete packages offered by Malone Auto Racks.
Malone Auto Racks now offers several kayak trailer and canoe trailer complete packages. Each package includes the base model Malone MicroSport tow trailer and trailer spare tire kit. Where the packages differ is in the various kayak carrier and canoe carrier options bundled with each specific package. Whether you plan to transport 4 kayaks on a trailer at the same time or combine a canoe with a couple of kayaks, carry stand up paddle boards on the trailer or even carry a couple of kayaks and still have room left on the Malone MicroSport trailer cross rails to also attach a cargo luggage box or bike racks etc., you will likely find a Malone Auto Racks complete trailer package available for your needs. Packages are also priced more cheaply than if buying the base trailer and the kayak carriers, canoe carriers and stand up paddle board racks separately. If you thought you could only carry kayaks, standup paddle boards and canoes on a car roof rack, then you should look into a tow trailer as another option. It is much easier to load and unload boats on trailers because they sit low to the ground. Several Malone Trailer Accessories are also available, including a storage trunk, upgradeable aluminum allow spoke wheels, extra long 78 inch cross rails, removable trailer tongue kit etc. The various Malone MicroSport Trailer packages available include the mpg461g, mpg461gs, mpg461gu, mpg461gl, mpg461gb and mpg462g.
Tagged as:
kayak trailer,
Malone Auto Racks,
Malone MicroSport Trailer
by rackdawg on February 9, 2010
Image shown depicts the 4055 Yakima Universal Canoe Carrier Foam Blocks, which work on all style of base roof rack system crossbars. Also available is the 8004056 Yakima Standard Canoe Foam Blocks, which work on Yakima crossbars. Both models of canoe foam blocks also work on any car with no roof rack installed on the car rooftop.
Yakima Racks has recently introduced a line of foam blocks for carrying a canoe on car roof tops. This can be a cheap alternative to other canoe rack options available. The
Yakima Universal canoe foam blocks fit all styles of roof rack crossbars including factory racks. The
Yakima Standard canoe foam blocks fit Yakima bars only. Both models also work on any car that has no type of roof rack system installed. The foam blocks can be placed directly on the car rooftop.
Tagged as:
canoe rack,
foam blocks
