Securing kayaks to a roof rack

I just out a trackrac for my pickup bed, and I am trying to figure out the best (and safest) way to secure the kayaks to the rack. I've heard most people like to tie the kayaks down directly to the bars. It seems like you could easily deform the kayak if you aren't careful though. It also seems like it could be hard to get the kayak from slipping around. I also need the kayaks to not overhang the back too far since I am pulling a travel trailer.

Here are a couple of pics. Hope they work...

As a side note, it was more challenging getting the kayaks up there than I expected! Any sage advice from you seasoned kayakers on loading would be appreciated!

Pssst ... turn your yaks over!   

-Allen

I use Yakima cradles for the front and hully rollers on the rear. similar to this but on a taller suv.



I lift the front onto the hully rollers and then push the boat up to the front cradle.  By pulling down on the rear of the boat while pushing, I can balance it on the rear hully rollers and keep it from hitting the top of the vehicle.  I don't trust the yakima straps that only connect to the craddle.  I always worry that if the cradle failed, there goes the boat.  I double up on ratcheting tarp straps 


or the non ratcheting kind


And strap it around the bars.

-Craig

Just some pipe insulation on the rack, and flip'em upside down. Simple, and they won't move.

Just some pipe insulation on the rack, and flip'em upside down. Simple, and they won't move.

Bingo!  Cheap, easy and rock solid with ratchet style straps.  Glad you are enjoying the yaks. 

Bingo!  Cheap, easy and rock solid with ratchet style straps.  Glad you are enjoying the yaks.

Glad the check cleared :-) (just kidding!)

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk

Easy with the ratchet straps.  They are easy to over-tighten.

-Allen

I only use the non ratcheting type for the yaks. Straight on the bar upside down. Loop the strap around the bar and run both straps over the top of the boat. Cinch tight and you are good to go. On the Subaru I run bow and stern lines on the Tacoma I just run a stern line.

If you do not or can not dead lift your yak onto the rack, you can throw down a floor mat/packing quilt/whatever, tilt the yak up on one end resting on the rear crossbar, then lift and slide forward.

If you do not or can not dead lift your yak onto the rack, you can throw down a floor mat/packing quilt/whatever, tilt the yak up on one end resting on the rear crossbar, then lift and slide forward.

Yep.  That's how I get my Tarpon 160 up to the Thule Rack on my Ranger.

I only use the non ratcheting type for the yaks. Straight on the bar upside down. Loop the strap around the bar and run both straps over the top of the boat. Cinch tight and you are good to go. On the Subaru I run bow and stern lines on the Tacoma I just run a stern line.

I like regular compression straps rather then the ratchet type and I just run the excess around the vertical bar and tie it off so it doesn't flap

Just some pipe insulation on the rack, and flip'em upside down. Simple, and they won't move.

I pad the pipes with foam that was made for the Thule system but now I see I would've been just as well off with pipe insulation and saved some dough.

I don't even use any padding and have never had any problems with that.

-Allen

I run mine upside down (unless hauling 3) with simple cam/compression straps, no padding and a bow tiedown. 
Never had an issue....yet.

The wind resistance is minmal when upside down and it doesn't seem to affect my mileage at all.

Like others have said, be carefull when using ratches.  The compression applied when the yak is cold can cause stretch and oil-canning in your hull once the sun hits it.

-Spot-

I second the no foam. I think that hard against hard allows for a more secure tie down. These are plastic boats so I don't worry about marring the finish. Except when I land on the sand I lay out padding first so I don't scratch the hull.