How to best utilize rear Yakima rack on Tab320

TommyBoy

Hi all, we have never used our rear Yakima rack on our Tab 320. Any suggestions or items you are using?  Either a carrier or a basket and net?  I know it can’t hold much in terms of weight, and trying to minimize sway, but it seems a waste not to utilize if for something? Our spare is already factory mounted in the front of the trailer, so no specific need to out the spare back there. But that could be an option. Would like e to get ideas from you all. Thanks 

CharlieRN

I use a car-top carrier and a waterproof bag. The bag holds two large camp chairs, a large folding camp table, the Shade Wing, an outdoor rug and other miscellaneous odds and ends. I don't have a photo with the bag in place, but here is a shot the carrier on the Yakima rack:

WayneW

We use the rack to carry our 10x10 E-Z up canopy and/or our Gazelle bug shelter.  They are long and took up too much room in the bed of the pickup and it seems they were always in the way when taking other stuff out.  I wanted a way to support them from the bottom and my wife came up with the idea of a horse feed bag.  It works great!  They are draft horse size feed bags and the strap wraps around the bottom cross bar.  They are now out of the way and it's easy to pull them off if needed.  We use NRS straps to secure them to the crossbars and the horse feed bags support them from the bottom.  We've traveled thousands of miles in all kind of weather and haven't had any issues.  I just need to remember that I can't have them on when backing into the garage!!

The gazelle shelter is a life saver for us.  We have a black lab who is neurotic about bugs.  The shelter keeps her (and us) calmer if mosquitoes, flies, yellow jackets, etc. are around.  It's just like the Clam shelter.

AnOldUR

Not the Yakima rack, but might give you some ideas.
The box on the left is an inflatable kayak.

pthomas745

Many owners have made use of the roof rack.  Here is an "image" search here for the Forums.  Click the image for a link to the thread.

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALiCzsbS-Yxvmcpc7CVmT5bgUTMSI1ZW2g:1665951535358&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=roof+rack+uses+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&fir=KHpomB0PXTgB1M%2C6GuHi2QvwAbKyM%2C_%3ByPqX_oayM4TrMM%2CXWRCoQBY2unEdM%2C_%3Bby669dXCR0VGXM%2CokeqLUPyEiZYvM%2C_%3BxZQXDGX5wTd3VM%2C7Aibq4YN1Uwl4M%2C_%3BhqhAHUzJkVUaKM%2CIIZx1V8z6ZTm9M%2C_%3BvC9OGuKoB7AWLM%2C_kad3s4twaJtFM%2C_%3BWk1vMv0lC4zC1M%2C6GuHi2QvwAbKyM%2C_%3BJRMGz6UWfQn6wM%2CHkxNrxtqGj9TtM%2C_%3BjO_MBKobgRNq4M%2C8G2_ZuIu2-h3zM%2C_%3BGcW1PUcHzwQl-M%2CIIZx1V8z6ZTm9M%2C_&usg=AI4_-kSanIq19VoeWPa9XKDZc2VRat5O1w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRlemLyeX6AhUvDkQIHaNGDywQjJkEegQIDhAC&biw=1920&bih=1088&dpr=1

scott14

We have the rack installed but have yet to use it!  What is the maximum weight allowed on the rack?  I would assume this weight would also affect (positively or negatively) the tongue weight.  For those of you that carry cargo on the rack what has your experience been with the load altering the tongue weight?

AnOldUR

@scott14 For us, the weight has not made a significant difference. There are owners who carry random gear in their trailer; in the bath, on the bed, on the floor. We like to keep the inside uncluttered to the point that we can pull over for lunch and have easy access to the table, bath and kitchen without moving anything. We also have the bed permanently set up so that nothing has to be moved when we stop for the night. To that end, we have gear on the back or in a large storage box on the front so that the tongue weight is at the accepted 10-15% range.