You might be wondering how to transport kayaks on a car. There are a couple of tips you can follow to ensure your kayak is safe and secure. Using roof racks is a great idea for securing your kayak, and some have roller bars that rest your kayak on. This makes loading and unloading your kayak much easier. You’ll also want to ensure that your car’s doors are open. pedal kayaks for fishing
If you do not have a roof rack, there are still ways to safely transport your kayak on your car. The most secure option is to use a factory-installed roof rack, as this will ensure proper weight distribution. A side rail roof rack will need additional crossbars. Once you’ve secured your kayak on your roof rack, you can then choose the attachments that will best secure the kayak. Saddles are the most secure option, offering a “hug”-like hold on the kayak’s bottom.
Another method for transporting kayaks is to use a kayak carrier. This is often easier than carrying the kayaks on your back. You’ll want to mount the kayak carrier on your vehicle’s roof, with its crossbars extending over the roof. A load assist bar can be a convenient option if you need to carry more than one kayak. A side-loading cradle allows you to easily load the kayak while still having space for the other kayaks.
Another option for securing your kayak is to use a trucker’s hitch. In some jurisdictions, this is a requirement, but it will make your kayak more visible to drivers. A good way to avoid having to wait until traffic clears the area before loading the kayak on your car is by attaching a red flag to the end of the kayak. When driving, always check your kayak after fifteen minutes of driving, because the straps can loosen or fall off during the journey.
The straps you use should be tightened tightly. Remember to always use a cam strap on the crossbar, and keep the buckle against the hull of the kayak. Ensure that the straps are not too loose, as this can damage the shape of the kayak. Once you have secured the straps, you can pull them down to secure the kayak. Be sure to tighten the straps firmly so that the kayak does not move or twist.
While foam blocks can be economical, they are not ideal. If you’re not looking for the cheapest option, a roof rack system may be the best option for you. Unlike a trunk, a roof rack system does not require a side rail, and it will prevent the kayak from pressing down on the vehicle. It’s a good option for station wagons or vehicles with little trunk space. If you’re worried about windy conditions, you can install roof racks on the top or the sides of the car.
If you don’t have an SUV or a truck, you can still transport a kayak on a car using a cargo trailer. The truck bed is large enough to secure a kayak and will leave the top of the car open for easy loading and unloading. The downside of a cargo trailer is that you must secure the kayak before driving. Leaving it unlocked is not a good option for your kayaks, but if you have a truck bed, you can load up four kayaks. Alternatively, you can store them in the tailgate.