Transporting Kayak without a roof rack?

[jasonkosi]

So I’ve been looking at getting a 10’ sit in Kayak, the only issue I’m having is how to transport it. I have a 2 door hard top, no roof rack. My idea was to put foam blocks at either end, tie down the bow to the trail sights and the stern to the tow hitch, then throw a ratchet strap around the center through the doors. Is there any issue with doing that? The other question is with the doors being frameless, would the strap get in the way of the windows closing properly? And is that kind of setup safe for highway speed and long distances?

Now I’m wishing I had gotten the roof rails from the factory since Ford wants more than double to get it through the parts dept. I’ve looked online regarding this, seems like a lot of conflicting information on whether or not it’s safe to transport without a roof rack, hoping some 6G folks have some experience in the matter.

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[dgorsett]

So I’ve been looking at getting a 10’ sit in Kayak, the only issue I’m having is how to transport it. I have a 2 door hard top, no roof rack. My idea was to put foam blocks at either end, tie down the bow to the trail sights and the stern to the tow hitch, then throw a ratchet strap around the center through the doors. Is there any issue with doing that? The other question is with the doors being frameless, would the strap get in the way of the windows closing properly? And is that kind of setup safe for highway speed and long distances?

Now I’m wishing I had gotten the roof rails from the factory since Ford wants more than double to get it through the parts dept. I’ve looked online regarding this, seems like a lot of conflicting information on whether or not it’s safe to transport without a roof rack, hoping some 6G folks have some experience in the matter.

Maybe, but I would be concerned with the strap passing through the doors. I don't think the frameless windows would work well with that set up.

 

[Rough Rider]

transporting a kayak has been done for a long time on sedan roofs with pool noodles.

dont worry about the frameless doors if the windows are down...I assume if you are kayaking the weather is nice enough for windows down travel....

 

[Tricky Dick]

I would use the foam blocks, trail sights, and a flat hook strap across the back of the clamshell.

 

[dan79]

go kayaking with a friend that has a truck lol It can be done i have plenty of friends that throw theirs on their car strapped down no issues. This was a problem four me with my wifes and my two kids each having their own kayaks four on a bronco? I kept my super duty and I am still hoping they come out with the bronco with a bed

 

[hozer]

13ft on a 4 door. I used pool noodles. Was a bit sketchy but with proper parts be no issue. and yes the other one is hanging out the back... Not a proud moment but it worked for the 4km I had to drive

 

[jasonkosi]

Maybe, but I would be concerned with the strap passing through the doors. I don't think the frameless windows would work well with that set up.

That’s what I was thinking. Maybe if I lift the front panels of the roof and run the strap around them instead?

transporting a kayak has been done for a long time on sedan roofs with pool noodles.

dont worry about the frameless doors if the windows are down...I assume if you are kayaking the weather is nice enough for windows down travel....

I’m planning on some longer road trips that I’d like to take a kayak with me on. I like driving with windows down, but for hundreds of km on the highway I’d want the windows to be up

 

[jasonkosi]

go kayaking with a friend that has a truck lol It can be done i have plenty of friends that throw theirs on their car strapped down no issues. This was a problem four me with my wifes and my two kids each having their own kayaks four on a bronco? I kept my super duty and I am still hoping they come out with the bronco with a bed

You assume I have friends?

 

[jasonkosi]

13ft on a 4 door. I used pool noodles. Was a bit sketchy but with proper parts be no issue. and yes the other one is hanging out the back... Not a proud moment but it worked for the 4km I had to drive

Did you try closing the windows at all? Or just left them open? From the looks of the angle that the strap is at the windows probably wouldn’t seal correctly, which is what I figured

 

[hozer]

Did you try closing the windows at all? Or just left them open? From the looks of the angle that the strap is at the windows probably wouldn’t seal correctly, which is what I figured

Windows do not seal correctly, you are correct. What might be possible is running them under the roof panels. Didn't try that though

 

[lairgeral]

I have these Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck. I can tell you they are very strong.
This marvelous hitch extender doesn’t take much space when folded and comes with a red flag and a receiver hitch. 350 pounds weight capacity. Can be stored flat behind the seat. Steel construction.

 

[broadicustomworks]

You can tie it down from the trail sights and (if equipped), rear hitch.
If no rear hitch, you may have to get inventive and run a strap to your spare or the tow loop.
10' sit-ins are relatively light. Pool noodles underneath it.
Drive a few miles, stop and check it, adjust as necessary.

 

[JT58Bronc]

I am in the exact same dilemma. I traded my Silverado Double Cab Truck for the Bronco. I have 2 kayaks and 2 paddle bards to transport- long distance for vacations. I have a 2 door, no roof rack. It seems very difficult and very expensive to get a roof rack- then you need the in between cross bars, then the kayak holders, etc. Probably a 2K expense. My Silverado was way more practical......but I HAD to have the Bronco, you know what I mean LOL. I thought of using the small foldable trailer that is around $600 as an option although I will need to store it when not in use. I have no where to store it it- even folded- have to get a storage unit and they are stupid expensive, going up by the day around where I live.

I wish aftermarket manufacturers would start making roof rack options. More offerings might bring the price down a little? Seems as though there is a huge market for the racks. The connecting points are very logical on the Bronco and if I had tubing and a welder (and knew how to weld LOL) could easily design and build a roof rack for a few hundred dollars.

 

[Ripcurl]

They do make those small kayak trailers since you have a tow hitch......but that's more $ obviously

 

[DrewBronc21]

I was looking at a hitch mount rack so I could go with the top or topless. Downside is it will make access to the back difficult

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