Traveling with a Kayak?

[rvcycleguy]

For those TM owners who enjoy kayaking, do you take it with you while camping in the TM? How do you carry it? Is it possible carry it on the roof of the TM. I don't want to install any type of permanent rack to the roofs, but think that a strap system would be sufficient? Maybe a sit-in style kayak and carry it upside down with the AC inside the well of the kayak. I'm not able to carry it on top of the TV. I use a Tundra and also carry our motorcycle in the truck bed. The bike is taller than the truck as cargo, so no way to carry a kayak there. When we go, we go for days, up to 2 weeks and like to have our toys...

If the AC fits inside the "well of the kayak" you must be planning on carrying a boat. The AC is larger than most kayaks I have seen.

[fourteener]

We have a 2-person Sevylor Colorado inflatable. The kayak fits in the bench storage next to the heater with 2-life vest. 2-life vest (youth) fit in the cabinet above the bed (the one the speakers are mounted on). And the paddles fit in the storage locker I built that is mounted under the frame. We love it and have even thrown around purchasing an additional one.

[trailbiker]

We carry 20' tandem kayak when we go camping. You might be able get a rack from this company www.usrack.com . When rack I ordered arrived it was taller than I expected. They offered to customize it for me at no extra cost. The person i talked to name is Chris. Tell them what you need an they might be able to help. They actually make their racks in the U.S.

Tried USArack.com Domain is for sale. Nothing there.

[Lesherp]

I have a Tundra and am going to use a Yakima rack to carry my kayaks. I have everything I need but have not gone anywhere I wanted to take the kayaks yet. There is a weight limit on the rack, but I think it is going to work fine even with a rocket box for accessories.

[rvcycleguy]

Originally Posted by rumbleweed

If the AC fits inside the "well of the kayak" you must be planning on carrying a boat. The AC is larger than most kayaks I have seen.

I've not made any measurements yet. Your probably right. My plan is to acquire a tandem kayak. I prefer not to go the inflatable route. I'm really looking for suggestions of how to carry it on the TM. We camp several times per year on the San Marcos river that is perfect for our needs. Close to the Hill Country for motorcycling and the river is accessible for kayaking. My sisters each have kayaks and weve been borrowing theirs when they visit our campground but that always leaves someone behind to accommodate the wife and I.

[trailbiker]

Originally Posted by rumbleweed

Tried USArack.com Domain is for sale. Nothing there.

Sorry, It's www.usrack.com

[Bill]

Hey, we haven't seen this topic in several years. It used to come up quite often, and we had some real good discussions about the weight-bearing capacity of the roofs of the TM shells, various kinds of commercial racks, and racks that would bring the weight down directly on the rear bumper and the hitch area. A search on "canoe" or "kayak" or even "boat" will bring up a lot of good information, especially if you start with the oldest threads and work forward.

Bill

[FujiPedaler]

We use a Thule rack with their Haul-a-vator. It comes down/ folds down to about 4 foot off the ground making it very easy to load a full size sea kayak. It is gas assisted so it is really easy to put up on the roof of our 4 Runner.

You should be able to mount your motor Cycle so that it is to one side of the truck bed and there for have your kayak on the other side and the type of holder will give you enough room for your "bike".

Not cheap, but we think the investment was really worth it. We carry two at a time plus carry our bikes off the back of our TM 3326 with a receiver type bike rack. Works just great. Wait for the REI sale and get 20% off.

I'll see if I can find a picture.

Good Luck and enjoy.