Thule J Racks

I keep losing the round plastic end-caps from my J-Racks, leaving a relatively sharp, open ended, metal tube - which can gouge my kayaks.

Anyone else have this problem?  Thoughts on solutions?

Right now I'm thinking about obviously obtaining some new ones, then wrapping them with electrical or duct tape before putting them back in, to make it a tighter fit.  Any other ideas?

If the caps are a push "in" deal, scuff the tube inside and the area of the cap that goes inside the tube with 100 grit sandpaper, clean both with rubbing alcohol, apply Marine Goop to the cap...insert and wipe off extra. 

Once cured them suckers aren't gunna come off any time soon after this remedy. 

If you're loosing them, as in can't find them....

Just buy pvc end caps in the appropriate size and use the above method to glue them on.

besides this cap issue how are folks liking the J racks?
I need to carry more boats (4+) on my lumber rack for some upcoming extended road trips and was thinking about going wth the J racks from Thule.
any other issues?
has anyone attached these to a rack other than Thule brand?
any other brands that someone can recommend?
I need to carry a variety of boats and was curious as to how these racks handle odd shapes like the Mini-X or the WS Kaos and there may even be a SUP in the mix.
thanks.

I too have a lumber/ladder rack (Kargo Master) on my ranger and was wondering if there are any options for J brackets for them since I have three kayaks when we go camping.

I have some older model Thule J-Racks on my GOBI roof rack and they seem to fit fine w/o issue.  I believe the crossbars on my rack are comparable to Yakima's round bars, maybe a bit bigger.  To keep them upright when a kayak isn't in them I wrapped the tube with stair tape and it works like a charm.

I have Thule "Hull-A-Ports" and "Glide & Sets" on my round truck rack (Kargo Master).  I needed to buy the longer bolts from Thule for the Hull-a-Port which pissed me off a bit - they sent them free for the Glide & Set.  Stair tape under the clamps keeps the carriers from spinning.  For solo loading and unloading I use the Glide & Sets.  When I have a second yak and a partner I use the Hull-a-Ports.  

I did find these



I think they may work but I can't decide if I want to put the Kayak on top or on the side.

If you're carrying 4 yaks, I'd put two on the sides and two up top, flat on their backs, no J rack.  J racks are not very conducive to more than 2 yaks.  You'll have no issues using J racks on the two yaks that are on the far left and right, but the ones in the middle will be a PITA to strap down and even get up there in the first place.  I'd go with slide and glide for the middle two yaks, or nothing at all. 

I did find these



I think they may work but I can't decide if I want to put the Kayak on top or on the side.

What is this called and who in the manufacturer?
that may be perfect for the SUP and the Kaos then I may try to get 3 J racks across the top for big boats.
thanks

they are accessories to a Kargo Master Ladder Rack here is a page that shows the accessories
http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Ladder_racks/Kargo_master/kargo_master_ladder_rack_accessories.htm
if you have a different manufacture for you ladder rack I would Google accessories for that brand.

Thanks for the info. unfortunately my rack was a custom job but this is pointing me in the right direction.