How To Secure A Kayak To A Soft Roof Rack

If you have a short cab and you must you can lay you kayak flat in the bed using a tailgate extender to support the stern.

How to secure a kayak to a soft roof rack.

Tie the straps down with cam buckles to secure the kayak. The last thing you want is your kayak slipping off the roof if you need to brake suddenly. Just be extra careful when backing up. Unless you are carrying two kayaks or other gear side by side on the roof your kayak should be centered on your vehicle roof.

In this article i m going to give you a few ideas on how to transport a kayak without a roof rack including my number one recommended soft roof rack system as well as how to use pool noodles in a pinch. Once the kayak is in position on the roof rack and the straps are laying over the kayak it is time to strap it down. If you like the idea of carrying your kayak on the roof of your vehicle but are lacking the necessary side rails cross bars needed for a roof rack then a foam car top carrier is a great solution. Then slide each strap so that the buckle lays against the hull of the kayak.

Assuming your roof rack and kayak carrier are already installed lift your kayak onto your vehicle roof. Ensure the straps are laying flat against the kayak and that they are not crossed. The foam carrier consists of two foam blocks that are secured using ratchet straps that run through the inside of your car in both the front and the back. The easiest way most secure way to haul your kayak around is to purchase a universal soft roof rack system.

Run 2 boat straps over the top of the kayak and them under the roof rack bars then bring the straps to the other side of the kayak and loop them under the roof rack bars on that side. To completely secure your yak thread another set of ratchet straps through the front toggles or carry handles of the kayak and then secure them to the tie down spots underneath your vehicle using either a carabiner or securing hook. You can purchase a kayak carrier with integrated load assist or you can purchase a load assist system separately. There are several ways to transport a kayak when you don t have a roof rack on your car or suv.

To tie down a kayak place it right side up on your roof rack and center it.