Side mounted kayak rack

I'd like to hear what you all think about mounting a side rack on a Sprinter van for transporting kayaks over the highway.

I have a 3500 T1n long and tall cargo van. We have two sit-on-top kayaks, a 12 foot Prowler and a Mini X.

I believe I am legal on the highway as long as the vehicle and load is under 8' 6" wide.

My thought is to attach two rails or tie-down tracks of some sort on the driver side of the van. Then attach 2 pair of kayak -J-hooks to the rails to cradle the kayaks. I'd then use cam straps to secure the kayaks.

I currently carry the kayaks inside the van. This won't work on long trips since we can't live in the van with the kayaks. We also tow a Scamp camper so can't use a kayak trailer. I consider the roof of the van not to be a good option for us due to height and because there are already 2 vents and a solar panel up there. The roof of the Scamp won't work either due to space, height and load limits.

So, securing and locking the kayaks to the side of the van seems like a possible and convenient option. If the rack and load are sturdy and I maintain visibility from the side mirror, I don't see a problem.

What do you guys think? Am I missing something? Has anyone seen this done before?

I'm also posting this question on the Sprinter forum.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Rick
Whidbey Island, WA

If both kayaks are hanging off the same side, differential drag may pull the vehicle to that side particularly at highway speeds.  How about installing the side hangers and still transporting the kayaks inside the van, then storing them on the side hangers once at your destination and/or off the highway?

Inside transport would work, especially if we used two shorter kayaks (like Mini-Xs) stacked on the bed. Loading and securing the 12 footer is a chore as it runs from the very back of the van to just behind the driver. On the passenger side, it'd obstruct the sliding door. Also, the camper when connected, gets in the way of loading and unloading the kayaks.

Currently, the Mini-X rides on the bed at an angle. The Prowler also rides on the bed straight from back to front. I don't think I could carry both at the same time without some kind of rack on the passenger side.

Could maybe do something suspended from the ceiling....

I've not considered the drag due to loading on one side. I wonder if the vans/trucks rigged to transport glass on one side have issues....

Your best option may be one you haven't yet considered. But allow me to entertain your brain:
Sell the van to me at a good low price, and then purchase a much larger one if one exists
That is a really nice setup, I've been wanting one of these for a long time! I saw one years ago and fell in love with the inside.
But really, I think it would be possible to suspend at least one from the ceiling, but would it bother the structure of the van that much? I mean, is it designed for things to be suspended on the ceiling? Might want to throw in three points of securing as opposed to only two, to spread out the weight.

Best of luck!

     Odds are pretty good that your kayaks will weigh less than a 8X4' plate glass panel.Glass trucks carry several plates at a time when working a big job.Having driven all kinds of trucks for over 40 years,I really don't think wind resistance will be any kind of problem if you secure the kayaks properly.By properly,I mean,make sure there is no slop in your tie down,they don't move when strapped down,and your base has a firm footing on the side of your van.
    This is just my $0.02 but I'd say it will solve your problem.Try it...........

Dang, sweet van!

Dang, sweet van!

+1

I wanted to buy an old DHL van and do the same thing.  They get great mileage from what I hear.

Yes, we love this van. Been getting 20-21 mpg 

Didn't see a reason why you couldn't put them on the roof, but I would assume it's the added height of the van that may be the issue.  You could build a folding scaffolding on the sides of the van that allows you to stand at a good height to get the kayaks up there as well as tied them down.   With a ladder mounted on the back door, one person could just climb up there to assist pulling them up.

I tied some straps to my mini-x and hung it from the side of the van. Tried it both ways (hull facing in/out). Didn't really tickle my fancy.... and it stuck out further than I thought.  Looks like we're stuck with transporting them inside on the bed until I can find a suitable roof option.

Rick