From the category archives:

Kayak Racks

An excellent solution for carrying a kayak on factory racks, this image highlights a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee roof rack kayak rack system using the Yakima BowDown kayak carrier on the Jeep Grand Cherokee factory rack cross rails.

An excellent solution for carrying a kayak on factory racks, this image highlights a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee roof rack kayak rack system using the Yakima BowDown kayak carrier on the Jeep Grand Cherokee factory rack cross rails.

The chance to mount a kayak rack directly to factory rack cross rails offers a great way to save money by not having to invest in an after-market multi-purpose base rack system. This customer installation picture demonstrates that solution via a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee kayak rack on factory rack cross rails. The kayak carrier used is the 8004042 Yakima Bowdown cradles, which connect directly to the Jeep Grand Cherokee factory rack cross bars. A pair of yakima locks is also used to lock the Bowdown to the roof rack.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee kayak rack install details

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Thule 480 Traverse Review by ‘Derek’

by rackdawg on March 10, 2010

Thule 480 Traverse car rack review by 'Derek'. He is using the 480 Traverse system as a 2005 Honda Accord roof rack. The Thule 835Pro Hull-a-Port is then attached to the 480 Traverse cross rails.

Thule 480 Traverse car rack review by 'Derek'. He is using the 480 Traverse system as a 2005 Honda Accord roof rack. The Thule 835Pro Hull-a-Port is then attached to the 480 Traverse cross rails.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)

Configuration: 2005 Honda Accord roof rack for carrying a kayak

“Installing the Thule 480 Traverse roof rack system was a snap! I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it by myself, but I was very pleased with how easily it all went together. I also use the Thule Hull-a-port Pro for carrying my kayak, and I am very pleased with how stable everything is! I never have to worry about transporting my kayak again.”

all Thule 480 Traverse car rack reviews

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An admittedly poor quality photo of Mr. LeRose standing next to his good lookin' Toyota Tacoma truck rack setup that includes the Yakima Frontloader bike rack and Yakima Mako Saddles - HullyRoller kayak rack combination.
An admittedly poor quality photo of Mr. LeRose standing next to his good lookin’ Toyota Tacoma truck rack setup that includes the Yakima Frontloader bike rack and Yakima Mako Saddles – HullyRoller kayak rack combination.

ORS Racks Direct enjoyed a great day hanging out with Mr. LeRose, Yakima Racks Eastern Regional Sales Director, going over the new 2010 Yakima Racks product lineup. Looking great indeed, with new products such as the Yakima Frontloader bike rack, Yakima EvenKeel kayak carrier, Yakima SpareTime spare tire mount bike rack and more! Of course we just had to snap a quick pic of his Toyota Tacoma truck rack setup (apologies for the terrible picture quality, combination of blackberry camera and a foggy day!) He is using the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system mounted to permanently installed Yakima Tracks on his Toyota Tacoma cab roof. Connected to the roof rack crossbars is the Yakima Frontloader bike rack and the Yakima Mako Saddles - HullyRoller kayak rack combination. See you soon Dan and thanks for lunch!

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Malone Canoe Kayak Trailer Packages

by rackdawg on February 27, 2010

Image depicts some of the various canoe trailer and kayak trailer complete packages offered by Malone Auto Racks.

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.

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Malone Seawing Stinger Combo Kayak Rack

by rackdawg on February 25, 2010

Image of the MPG113MD Malone Seawing Stinger Combo kayak rack system. Malone Racks has packaged together the Seawing kayak saddles and the Stinger kayak lift-assist.

Image of the MPG113MD Malone Seawing Stinger Combo kayak rack system. Malone Racks has packaged together the Seawing kayak saddles and the Stinger kayak lift-assist.

Cool news from the good folks at Malone Auto Racks, located just next door to us in Maine. Just in time for the 2010 kayak season is the MPG113MD Malone Seawing Stinger Combo kayak carrier, a complete kayak rack package that includes both the Malone Seawing kayak saddles and the Malone Stinger kayak lift assist. Malone Racks has smartly discounted the price of the complete Seawing Stinger combo package also. The kayak saddles feature a unique v-wing design with center mounting capability. This allows the kayak saddles to be installed very close to the outer edge of any vehicle’s multi-purpose base rack cross bars. The benefits of this design include the ability to mount another Seawing Stinger Combo package next to the first system so you can haul two kayaks next to each other on the car roof top if desired. It also allows for more room on the car rack cross bars to atach othe gear carriers like bike racks, a cargo luggage box etc. Includes Malone JAWZ universal mounting hardware for attaching the kayak rack directly to any factory racks and any aftermarket car rack crossbars from Yakima, Inno, Thule etc. The Stinger lift assist does a great job of preventing the kayak from making contact with the car, and also makes it very easy for one person to load and unload a kayak of any size.

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Yakima Kayak Foam Blocks

by rackdawg on February 9, 2010

Image shown depicts the 4053 Yakima Universal Kayak Carrier Foam Blocks, which work on all style of base roof rack system crossbars. Also available is the 8004054 Yakima Standard Kayak Foam Blocks, which work on Yakima crossbars. Both models of kayak foam blocks also work on any car with no roof rack installed on the car rooftop.

Image shown depicts the 4053 Yakima Universal Kayak Carrier Foam Blocks, which work on all style of base roof rack system crossbars. Also available is the 8004054 Yakima Standard Kayak Foam Blocks, which work on Yakima crossbars. Both models of kayak 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 kayak on car roof tops. This can be a cheap alternative to other kayak rack options available. The Yakima Universal kayak foam blocks fit all styles of roof rack crossbars including factory racks. The Yakima Standard kayak 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.

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Yakima EvenKeel Kayak Rack Saddles

by rackdawg on February 4, 2010

Image of the 8004052 Yakima EvenKeel kayak rack for carrying any kayak on a car roof top. Attaches to any factory racks as well as the crossbars found on roof racks from Yakima, Thule, inno etc.

Image of the 8004052 Yakima EvenKeel kayak rack for carrying any kayak on a car roof top. Attaches to any factory racks as well as the crossbars found on roof racks from Yakima, Thule, Inno etc.

Brand new from Yakima Racks is the 8004052 Yakima EvenKeel Kayak Rack Saddles. A very affordable solution for carrying any style of kayak - recreational / sea kayaks, SOT Sit-On-Top kayaks, whitewater kayaks, tandem kayaks etc – on your car’s rooftop. The Yakima EvenKeel mounts directly to any factory rack crossbars as well as the cross bars found on roof rack systems  from Yakima, Thule, Inno and more. Includes straps and a pair of bow and stern tie-downs. No need to manually adjust the saddles to fit your kayak’s specific hull shape, simply load the boat and as you strap the kayak down, the EvenKeel saddles automatically flex (using FlexHull technology built into the saddles) and snugly fit and protect the kayak while in transit.

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Honda Pilot roof top cargo system using Yakima Railgrab sytem with Yakima Skybox LoPro roof box, Yakima Sprocket Rocket bike rack and Yakima Kayak Stacker with Yakima RackandRoll trailer with Yakima ForkLift bike tray.  Phew.

Honda Pilot roof top cargo system using Yakima Railgrab sytem with Yakima Skybox LoPro roof box, Yakima Sprocket Rocket bike rack and Yakima Kayak Stacker with Yakima RackandRoll trailer with Yakima ForkLift bike tray. Phew.

Either this person is the ultimate rack star or our Yakima rep.  Either way, someone knows how to use auto racks to carry lots and lots of gear and cargo.   From the top of this 2006 Honda Pilot is the Yakima Railgrab system mounted to the factory side rails upon which is mounted the Yakima SkyBox LoPro cargo box, the Yakima Sprocket Rocket fork mounted bike carrier, and out of view but nonetheless present is the Yakima Kayak Stacker.  On the roof of this Honda Pilot alone, a bicycle, two kayaks, and lots of gear can be safely and securely carried.  But that wasn’t enough for this rack king of the road.  To really go over the top, this Pilot is towing a Yakima RackandRoll trailer with 66″ roundbars which can carry just about any Yakima, (such as the Yakima ForkLift bike rack pictured here) Thule, Inno, Malone, or RockyMounts accessory, as well as general cargo such as cardboard boxes, held securely down with Yakima Heavy Duty loadstraps.  There’s not much room left over to rack this ride, but in this case, I think that is ok.

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Dodge Stratus Roof Kayak Rack

by Rack James on November 15, 2009

Dodge Stratus roo rack system using Thule 400XT base system and Thule 883 Glide and Set kayak carrier.

Dodge Stratus roof rack system using Thule 400XT base system and Thule 883 Glide and Set kayak carrier.

 If you drive a Dodge Stratus, it doesn’t mean you can’t carry your toys.  All you need is the right rack set up and you’re good to go.  This Dodge Stratus rack system is using the Thule 400XT base rack, and to carry a kayak, we see the Thule 883 Glide and Set kayak saddles.

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Q: Does anyone make a rooftop car rack system for a 2008 Range Rover?  I’ve checked both Yakima and Thule and nothing is coming up.  They only offer racks for Range Rovers with factory racks and mine has none.  I want to carry two bicycles and maybe a kayak.  Thanks!

A: You’re right, Yak and Thule don’t provide a fit, but Inno does makes a base rack system that will attach to the naked roof of your Range Rover.  It is the Inno IN-SU complete base rack system.  It is a great rack system with corssbars that are identical to Thule’s.  With the IN-SU system installed, you are free to mount virtually any bike carrrier or kayak carrier you like.  A few good examples: Inno INA383 Fork Lock II and Inno INA450 Kayak Rack.

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Toyota Sienna Kayak Rack and Luggage Rack using Yakima RailGrab Roof Rack System with Yakima Bowdown Kayak Carriers and Yakima Rocket Box 15 Cargo Box

October 15, 2009

If y0u’ve ever wondered whether you can carry two kayaks and a cargo box for all your gear on the top of your vehicle, here is proof.  This Toyota Sienna with factory raised side rails has the Yakima RailGrab base system with a Yakima Rocket Box 15 cargo carrier flanked by two Yakima BowDown kayak racks, [...]

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2002 Chevrolet Malibu Roof Rack and 2 Kayak Racks Install

October 5, 2009

This customer installation photo of a 2002 Chevy Malibu kayak roof rack system offers a nice visual image of the Yakima Q Towers, Q87 clips and pair of crossbars mounted to the Chevrolet Malibu roof top. Then for carrying one kayak the Yakima Hullraiser j-cradles kayak carrier is used. And for the other kayak a [...]

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2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Roof Rack and Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Rack Install

October 4, 2009

Get a load of how easy it is to load a kayak with the Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack side loading lift assist system. This 2004 Chevy Trailblazer roof rack and kayak rack customer installation photo highlights how the Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak carrier is mounted to the Thule 430 Tracker II car rack system, [...]

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Toyota Highlander with Kayak Racks and Bike Racks

October 1, 2009

Photo of a Toyota Higlander Factory Rack loaded up with SportRack ABR511 kayak cradles, Thule 835 Hullaport Pro folding kayak rack and Rocky Mounts Noose SL bike rack

This is the boss’s wife’s ride, making the most out of the carrying capacity of the Toyota Highlander’s factory roof racks.  On the left is a SportRack ABR511 [...]

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Yakima LandShark Saddles Kayak Rack Video

September 30, 2009

Yakima LandShark kayak rack saddles
Do you think you should be able to load and unload your kayak and transport it completely worry free? We agree, and we’ve put together a snappy video of just the perfect choice for a solid and affordable kayak carrier, the Yakima LandShark kayak rack. These aren’t cheap kayak foam blocks, [...]

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Yakima ShowBoat Roller Video

September 29, 2009

Yakima Racks Showboat Roller
After one use the Yakima Showboat roller lift assist device will quickly become your new best friend. Forget about ever stressing over whether you’ll have enough energy left after a long paddle to get your canoe or kayak back up on top of your car. The Yakima Showboat makes it effortless for [...]

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Saab 95 Kayak Roof Rack and Roller Lift Assist Device

September 29, 2009

Looking for the perfect solution for effortless one person loading and unloading of kayaks. This photo illustrates how a Saab 9-5 kayak roof rack and roller setup using the Yakima ShowBoat roller, Yakima HullRaiser kayak rack and complete set of Yakima Mako Saddles (2 pairs) can serve as the dream ticket for using up virtually [...]

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2008 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Kayak Rack for Factory CrossBars

September 29, 2009

This picture features a customer installation of a 2008 Toyota Tacoma double cab truck roofrack for carrying 2 kayaks. The Inno INA450 kayak stacker rack is mounted directly to the Toyota Tacoma factory rack cross bars. A solid and economical solution for transporting multiple kayaks. Loading and tying down the kayaks is a cinch with the [...]

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2008 Pontiac Vibe Roof Rack for Hauling 2 Kayaks

September 29, 2009

Q: What do you recommend for a 2008 Pontiac Vibe kayak raoof rack to carry 2 kayaks? The 08 Pontiac Vibe has factory side rails currently but no cross bars. I need crossbars to attach the kayak carriers to correct?
A: Yes, you need to install a roof rack system with crossbars on your 2008 Pontiac [...]

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2006 Subaru Forester Roof Rack for Carrying Kayaks

September 28, 2009

An excellent example of how you can save some cash if you have a car factory rack and you want to carry a kayak. This customer install photograph shows how nicely a 2006 Subaru Forester kayak roof rack can look with the Yakima BowDown kayak rack attached to the Subaru Forrester factory rack crossbars. This [...]

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