Transporting sea kayaks on a Outback

iarivers · November 2016

We are looking into an Outback model t@b, but need to bring the toys along; two 17' fiberglass sea kayaks (~50 lbs each) plus one or two 29er mountian bikes. The TV is a Nissan Xterra. I could mount the yaks on the Xterra, but am concerned about turning 'pinch' given the overhang of the boats off the back of the Xterra between the trailer. Has anyone experienced this? How about moving the Yakama rack farther up on top of the Outback and mounting the kayaks centered over the trailer. My concern there would be side drafting & rack damage to the roof/integrity from side torque (meeting trucks on the highway, etc). Thanks for any insiges!!

Fatman1966 · November 2016

I don't think it will work on the back of the Outback for the yaks. They are too heavy and length issues may come into play. Just my guess so others can commit. I find it hard the way they mount and with the weight being on the very back of trailer to get much use out of mine other than for small chairs, tent floor protector etc. Bikes are fine but not the yaks. I find the rack to look cooler than the function, so it's kinda a waste.

Tabaz · November 2016

Search "Outback Rack" for a prior discussion about weight limits with the rack. With the Outback spare tire on the rack, I believe only 24 lbs. of additional weight is recommended.

db_cooper · November 2016

I might be able to help.

Only possible on the Xterra, too much weight on the T@B. It would probably do serious damage with the bouncing around. We just had to move the racks as far forward as possible, and the kayaks are as far forward in the saddles as possible. The Xterra roof box makes it more challenging since you can only go so far forward, but there's enough clearance. Our kayaks are 17.5 ft. for reference. Bikes are on the T@B with Inno bike racks. Should have taken the mountain bikes on this trip rather the road bikes.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/3n/ziyhptf4srcf.jpg

Tabaz · November 2016

Thanks for responding DB. You are the only owners who have successfully mounted anything of substance to the Outback rack I'm aware of.

db_cooper · November 2016

It helps that we have light bikes, especially for lifting them up there. But the rack could take heavier bikes. We drug this setup around about a thousand miles so far trouble free. Even with a fair bit of rain, the bikes stayed pretty clean up there.

iarivers · November 2016

db_cooper....you are my hero! Many thanks!! This is the way I thought I would have to go. I was thinking of modifying the Xterra roof rack to mount the yaks a bit farther forward, but it looks like you have made it work. I was concerned they would be too much 'stern mounted' behind the cockpit. My concern with 'centering' the kayaks on the saddles on the Xterra would place them too far back & subject to turning 'pinch'. Could you post some more side shots to show how you put the kayaks on the Xterra? What saddles / rack set up did you use?

db_cooper · November 2016

I don't have a great side shot unfortunately. They are mounted on yakima crossbars and yakima saddles. Not the holy rollers, just regular saddles. The curve of the T@B and the curve of the rear of the boats compliment each other and get out of the way when turning. Of course, I did have the wife spot me while I tried turning tight to make sure. I also checked going up a steep driveway, if the vehicle is upward and the trailer flat it could hit in that direction too if too close. I would guess

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/57/uqw9nnrmi7oz.jpg

there is a good 2.5 ft. clearance between the tip of the boat and the T@B on level ground.

It's a pain to lift them up there, especially with a sub 5ft. wife (I'm 5 10 on a good day). Holy rollers would make it easier, but then you'd have to remove the camper to use them. I twist the outboard saddle down a bit to make it easier to lift over them, and then move it back up and tighten.

iarivers · November 2016

Thanks! This is the view I was looking for. It looks like you are able to get the front saddle & strap across the front of the kayak cockpit. Appreciate the tip on the curves of the stern & t@b working together to 'get more space'. Nice Romany! We have a Prana, Caribou, and a Impex Force (among others in the fleet)!
Looks like you have a great rig and a great trip!

Nomad · November 2016

Bikes on the back alway look weird to me - Look like they're ready to fly off.

TabberJohn · November 2016

That looks like a cool setup for adventurers who like whitewater and surf.
Us flatwater folks solve the carrying issue with an inflatable.

rfuss928 · November 2016

I occasionally use a "tire step" to help getting things up on the roof rack of the SUV. It quickly folds flat for transport.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tire-Wheel-Step-Truck-SUV-Up-Adjustable-Folding-Non-Slip-Ladder-300lb-Platform-/401035337772?hash=item5d5f91a02c:g:3DwAAOSwM4xXXwxa&vxp=mtr

Image: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3DwAAOSwM4xXXwxa/s-l1600.jpg

db_cooper · November 2016

The tire step looks useful, that's right about where we need it front and rear.

Mike_in_Atlanta · November 2016

db cooper - I've got the Yakima HullyRollers which are nice but won't work when your trailer is hitched. If getting your kayaks up on the roof is a problem you might want to look at the Thule Hullavator rack. It is expensive, especially for two of them, but loading your boat is much easier.

https://www.rei.com/product/886975/thule-hullavator-pro-kayak-carrier

mike

db_cooper · November 2016

I looked at those when I was researching options. Just way too expensive for as often as we'd use them. We already had the bars and cradles because we normally transport the boats on a Subaru. I made a homemade version of the Yakima Boat Loader (link below) that helped, but it's still a pain. Our British sea kayaks weigh a ton, so we'll probably be building ourselves some lighter Pygmy kayaks in the near future.

https://www.rei.com/product/679458/yakima-boat-loader?CAWELAID=120217890000776847&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=21009508720&CATCI=aud-129902659960:pla-70905457120&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_6159|6794580016|none|d229cca1-a4ae-4df1-97a6-ea673430f7b1|aud-129902659960:pla-70905457120&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_6159|6794580016|none|d229cca1-a4ae-4df1-97a6-ea673430f7b1|aud-129902659960:pla-70905457120&gclid=CPLuuJPDntACFYSEaQodbU0L0g

TabberJohn · November 2016

I realize the topic is hauling sea kayaks, but if anyone does mostly flatwater or if you don't mind getting wet in whitewater, the latest inflatables are very capable and can be stowed in your T@B or TV.
Check this one out: http://www.inflatablekayakworld.com/inflatable-kayak-review-393/

iarivers · December 2016

db_cooper:
Thanks for all of the info...could I ask just one more question...what racks to you use to carry your kayaks on the Xterra? Were you able to mount them on the Xterra's cross bars?
Thanks!

source3 · December 2016

Option: put an aftermarket full roof rack on Xterra. Then you will be able to move kayaks forward a bit. Both Gobi and FrontRunner make good racks.

Gobi link: http://www.gobiracks.com/product/nissan-xterra-00-04-stealth-no-sunroof/ . I think Gobi is currently offering a free rear ladder and free shipping.

Newer model xterra: http://www.gobiracks.com/product-category/nissan/xterra-2005-2015/gobi-rack-xterra-05-15/

If I recall, Gobi uses tubing size that is the same diameter as Yakima. So Yakima accessories fit.

db_cooper · December 2016

I remove the stock crossbars in the summer (leaving ski rack attachments on them), and put regular Yakima round bars with the kayak cradles on top. They make an attachment that connects to those fat Xterra roof rails.

dsatwork · December 2016

I roll with my bikes on top of my CR-V and use a RV platform step to give me the extra couple of inches I need. Make a huge difference and of course the CR-V is not as tall as an exterra, but these come in a variety of sizes and will serve a double purpose.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/platform-step/56799

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/xl/n9opa8czdxzr.jpg

ChanW · December 2016

That inflatable looks real nice; a good alternative. I wonder how it handles a more rough Great Lakes chop.
We bought a tandem polyethylene kayak last spring, with the intention of getting a single in the future, to be able to accommodate the two of us plus the grandson, or the dog. Haven't picked up the single yet though.
Definitely more fun with three.

TabberJohn said:

I realize the topic is hauling sea kayaks, but if anyone does mostly flatwater or if you don't mind getting wet in whitewater, the latest inflatables are very capable and can be stowed in your T@B or TV.
Check this one out: http://www.inflatablekayakworld.com/inflatable-kayak-review-393/

db_cooper · December 2016

https://www.rei.com/product/877618/oru-kayak-bay-folding-kayak

These look great for taking with the T@B, they also make a longer 16 ft. coastal model. Checked them out at REI, look to be well made. The 12 footer looks perfect for lake paddling.

DaveC · June 2017

I wanted to move my 2017 Outback crossbars up a few inches, but discovered that the lower crossbar 'Landing Pad" was screwed into the trailer instead of using the Yakama nut plate. After reviewing these posts, I think they did this to keep the crossbars from slipping, since the rack was designed for horizontal use. I now know why I received two extra nut plates and screws in the Yakama box! Bottom line, you can't move the lower crossbar without drilling new holes, which sounds like a bad idea.

Transporting sea kayaks on a Outback

Comments

Categories