How to Attach Kayaks to Pickups
If you have ever wondered how to attach kayaks to your pickup, you’ve come to the right place. The simple answer is to use a J-style kayak carrier, which is mounted closer to the vehicle’s roof than most other types of carriers. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to secure it to the vehicle’s crossbars. Once secured, you can begin exploring the waters. You’ll want to find the right location for your kayak, so that you can safely launch it into the water. cheap kayaks for fishing
A truck utility rack is another option for transporting kayaks. It can easily carry two kayaks while still leaving your pickup’s bed free for other equipment. These racks attach to the truck’s bed in the same manner as a bed rack, but have more anchor points and storage space than the bed rack. In essence, it’s a hybrid of a roof rack and truck rack. Once you’ve attached your rack to the truck, you’re ready to go!
Firstly, make sure that the front of the kayak is facing forward. This will prevent it from rolling off the roof. If you are using a lumber rack, make sure you loop the strap under the crossbar. If you don’t have a crossbar, try using a saddle system. Once you’ve done this several times, you’ll be ready for a long road trip. It’s a simple process once you get used to it.
Next, you need to secure the yak. You can secure it to your pickup bed by using cam straps. Ideally, two straps across either end of the yak are enough. However, you may need to use additional straps if you have extenders and have an open tailgate. It’s important to keep the cam straps secure and ensure that the kayak isn’t damaged. Another useful tool is a locking cable. This is an optional extra, but it can prevent theft from happening.
Once you’ve secured the kayak in the pickup truck, you’ll need to tie it down to prevent the vehicle from rolling. This can be done by using two cam buckle tie-down straps that connect to the body of the truck. Lower loops are ideal for this purpose, but higher ones can be purchased separately or from a specialty store. A great place to find tie-down anchors is Bull Ring. A few of these straps can be bought online or at a local hardware store.
Installing the J-cradle is an important step. It’s important to make sure that your kayak has enough anchor points. For example, you should purchase two straps and connect the handles of the straps. It’s important to get a J-cradle if you’re transporting a plastic kayak. This helps prevent the kayak from warping. Additionally, the J-cradle can be used to transport more than one kayak at a time.
Lastly, you should secure your cam buckle straps. Place the buckle at one end of the crossbar and loop the other end under the carrier. Be sure to secure both ends with a knot to prevent the kayak from slipping while you drive. This is the easiest way to secure your kayak to your pickup without damaging it. Then, you’re ready to drive. While you’re at it, don’t forget to shake the kayak and hook up the grab handle.