[GracieUnicorn]

Yep, it is. Apparently there are a number of other companies using the same "Master rack design" that Halrai developed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBdN9f-Q9gc

That profile though.....

I think I am going to buy a trailer, but it is neat to see what options are out there. Plus, the trailer would have other uses when working around the house.

I'm drooling over the kayak - and laughing!! Those are the Lambos of paddling - and they weigh like, 3 lbs....LOL! I'd be more impressed by a system that lifts a big ol' burly bass-fishing kayak at about 80 lbs....

 

[mntransit]

Vertical kayak on hitch
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/dodge-sprinter-conversion/

 

[Eka]

My kayak is short enough that I can strap it to the ceiling inside on the longer wheelbase vans.

 

[markley]

Finally found a solution to getting our kayaks on the roof. Mounted Yakima towers and 70 inch bars to 80/20 side rails, telescoping ladder, and use a rhino rack side load bar. Surprisingly easy to get on and off..at least with two of us. Also can still open roof vent!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[dray2009]

Finally found a solution to getting our kayaks on the roof. Mounted Yakima towers and 70 inch bars to 80/20 side rails, telescoping ladder, and use a rhino rack side load bar. Surprisingly easy to get on and off..at least with two of us. Also can still open roof vent!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

This is great. Thanks for posting. Two related questions:

1) What length telescoping ladder did you get?

2) I'd like to carry our two sea kayaks as well, with solar, but I have the high roof. How much more trouble do you think that would be? The much higher roof and 17-foot boats?

Much thanks.

 

[markley]

This is great. Thanks for posting. Two related questions:

1) What length telescoping ladder did you get?

2) I'd like to carry our two sea kayaks as well, with solar, but I have the high roof. How much more trouble do you think that would be? The much higher roof and 17-foot boats?

Much thanks.

I have the 12.5 ft ladder..and still do not need to fully extend (have mediums roof).

Not sure how much more difficult it would be with high roof. I will say our boats weigh 62lbs a piece and it is surprising easy to lift straight up until they sorta balance out and sorta teeter totters. Then just have to climb ladder to get the back on, then move ladder back to front to get it in place. Your 17 ft boats (ours are 12) may also play in your favor. We also have to put the keel down so that straps,seats, etc don't slap against the solar panels.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[WOW]

Yep, it is. Apparently there are a number of other companies using the same "Master rack design" that Halrai developed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBdN9f-Q9gc

That profile though.....

I think I am going to buy a trailer, but it is neat to see what options are out there. Plus, the trailer would have other uses when working around the house.

I am loving that rack.

 

[dray2009]

Check out this vid. Guy on his own putting up a 15+ foot sea kayak on the roof. Good system.

 

[ricphoto]

Check out this vid. Guy on his own putting up a 15+ foot sea kayak on the roof. Good system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUcd8lCZNVo

That's the same yakima extension bar and cradles that I tried with mine while trying to finger this out...2 ladders and a lot of back and forth...works but...

I now use a small boat trailer...14' galv eazy-loader with bunks...much cheaper than a specialty Kayak trailer...paid $200 on CL...The boats stay on the trailer (covered and pre-loaded w/ gear) and are always ready to go...16' & 18' just fit w/ minimal overhang front/rear...changing things up to use the 16' canoe takes minutes...

 

[dray2009]

That's the same yakima extension bar and cradles that I tried with mine while trying to finger this out...2 ladders and a lot of back and forth...works but...

I now use a small boat trailer...14' galv eazy-loader with bunks...much cheaper than a specialty Kayak trailer...paid $200 on CL...The boats stay on the trailer (covered and pre-loaded w/ gear) and are always ready to go...16' & 18' just fit w/ minimal overhang front/rear...changing things up to use the 16' canoe takes minutes...

Nice. Love to see a pic of your trailer setup when you've got a sec. I'm toying with the idea of a trailer, too, and the kayak specific ones are pricey.

 

[ricphoto]

Nice. Love to see a pic of your trailer setup when you've got a sec. I'm toying with the idea of a trailer, too, and the kayak specific ones are pricey.

I'll grab a few shots when I get back next week...pretty simple just added 2 crossbars and the Yakima saddles...this old back loves ground level ops

 

[jnrock]

My Solution

We often haul two kayaks and needed a solution for the roof of our 148" medium roof Transit. I fabricated a roof rack out of Unistrut and attached J-Bar kayak racks to it. Works great even with the Dometic AC on the roof and still have room for a future fan and solar panel. The rack is not completely finished; we had some kayaking to do! Right now we're using a step ladder to get them up there, but will eventually add a ladder to the back door.

 

[shizzle]

We got an Aluminess rack with a ladder on the side with the intention of adding solar panels in the future. Had the optional cross bars installed to carry a canoe. With a canoe it's a two person job but fairly easy. Of course I'm 6'-5" and it's a nice light kevlar canoe so handing the canoe up to somebody on the roof is fairly easy. May get more difficult once solar panels are installed to move around on the roof.

For a kayak I could envision a solution with a kayak rack off to the side using the rack ladder, but that would only allow for one kayak.

howdy, i know im 8 years late to the party but i was hoping you may have some insight on how i could fix a couple roof bars to my van setup for canoe transport. it looks like your aluminess has a similar rail so i was hoping to get some intel on how ya did that. thanks for any help!