Community Forums

nwtfhunter · 05-25-2014, 09:08 AM

We tow a Wrangler and I want to get a rack to carry my 10 ft. kayak. Interested in recommendations or experiences others may have with such.

vsheetz · 05-25-2014, 10:14 AM

Soft top or hard top?

If hardtop Yakima and Thule make universal rail kits that you can install to the top. Then feet attach to the rails which will carry accessory bars, racks, cargo boxes, etc. I researched this awhile back for my Jeep but never implemented. Makes for a flexible system. Many of the accessory item are available via Craigslist.

If soft top, then something like the Warrior or Wilderness racks with frames that extend to the tub are needed.

doc · 05-25-2014, 10:17 AM

I too tow a Wrangler ('13 Unlimited) We have considered what it would take to add a rack. While the fiberglass is pretty tough I would hate to overload it and crack it. I think it could be accomplished by adding a bit of reinforcement on the top and bottom of the roof. Sorta like laying down on thin ice to avoid crashing through by spreading the weight out over a larger area.
We have two removable front roof panels so the real panel would have to carry the load. I have no idea what to use on the outside for a non-rust (if metal is used) reinforcement. Interior might not be as big as a problem. Let me know how you deal with this?

Bumps · 05-25-2014, 10:39 AM

We carry two 14 foot kayaks (and sometimes a roof box) on the Smittybilt 76713 SRC. We added the Thule pads to protect the kayaks. Works with the top both on and off the Wrangler. \ken

Bumps · 05-25-2014, 10:43 AM

Here is a picture without the kayaks. \ken

nwtfhunter · 05-26-2014, 07:59 AM

Ken,
Looks like what I am hoping to get for my kayak. After I add a rack I was wondering about how to support the kayak. Looks like the Thule pads you have would work fine. How do the fasten to the rack and what size are they?
Thanks

Bumps · 05-26-2014, 08:24 AM

The picture is not too clear; I'll attempt to describe: Using a standard rachet/tiedown strap, I start on the driver-side of the rack. I hook one end on the rack's cross-beam and loop up-and-over the first kayak wrapping the strap under the cross-beam and then back up-and-over the second kayak. I hook the other end of the strap to the cross-beam on the passenger-side of the rack, and then ratchet tight. I repeat the process for the other end of the kayaks.

If we are using the Thule box AND carrying two kayaks, I use the same process except that I stand the kayaks on their sides and use a third strap to hold the kayaks together (the SmittyBilt comes with three cross-beams) anchoring on the center cross-beam. On our kayaks, when on their sides, the cockpit is in just the right place to hold the fore and aft straps apart so they do not creep together from road vibrations.

HDX 12 ft. Ratchet Tie-Downs (4-Pack)-FH-8383 at The Home Depot