Kayaks on top...

[flatfendershop]

Hi,
Does anyone else like to take their boats with them? We do. We have either 3 or 4 that we transport, so I built this rack for them. Admittedly, it looks a little silly - but works well. I have to bring a 4 foot ladder so I can reach to get the boats strapped on but its not a big problem.

I was adamant that the rack could be taken off with no trace of it having been there, in the event we sell the camper someday. It bolts to the frame with some big U bolts.

Here we're camped at Lake Powell in April.
Flat.

[mcbrew]

Silly question... Why not carry the kayaks on top of the truck?

[flatfendershop]

I'm not one to drill holes in stuff and didn't want to drill holes in the fiberglass truck shell to mount a rack. If we just take the boats without the camper, we use a small utility trailer that has racks bolted to it.

[james kent]

Originally Posted by mcbrew

Silly question... Why not carry the kayaks on top of the truck?

My thought as well. If your campsite is not at the waters edge does one move the trailer to the launch ramp?

[mcbrew]

Originally Posted by flatfendershop

I'm not one to drill holes in stuff and didn't want to drill holes in the fiberglass truck shell to mount a rack. If we just take the boats without the camper, we use a small utility trailer that has racks bolted to it.

O understand the thinking... But if you do it right, you'll forget all about the holes, and you'll love the added usefulness of The roof rack on your truck.

Nothing against the way you are doing it. Just hate to see someone miss out on something for fear of drilling a few holes. after years of working on carsand RVs, I have nearly gotten over my fear of drilling. To me, it's like worrying about the first ding in your car's door. It doesn't do you any good to worry about it. You might spend the first few weeks or months parking a new car far away from any other car. Once you getthat first ding, all that worrying was for nothing.

[HikeSticks]

I carry my 2 kayaks on the roof of my car; much easier for me to get at. My member picture shows my set up. Most folks around here that carry canoes and kayaks on the roof of their trucks have a rack that extends from the rear bumper to above the level of the caps with another on the roof of the cab. Nothing connects to or bear weight on the cap.
However, the rack you installed certainly seems to do the trick for you. There are so many interesting mods being shared here. We are using our eggs for so many different uses it's interesting to see the variety.
Barrie

[Donna D.]

Looks like you really thought this through, quite an engineering feat for your trailer. I too don't want to drill holes in the top of the A.R.E. canopy on my truck and have looked at "over the top" racks. The legs mount under the lip of the canopy and the whole rack is on the outside and doesn't touch the fiberglass. Unfortunately I don't weld and they're expensive commercially. For the few times I'd need it (hauling lumber), it's not for me... but, may be for others.

[Mike Magee]

Your kayaks are so over the top! Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.

Do they have much effect on fuel economy?

[flatfendershop]

I don't know Mike, if the boats affect fuel consumption or not. They're pretty stealth. Here's my take on fuel economy...I don't check it. I need the truck, can't do what I need to do without it. If I check the mileage, all it does is depress me - so I don't. It uses what it uses. I'm as frugal as I can be, but I can't get along with a ford fiesta. If you hang out with me much, you'll soon see that all my toys are human powered - makes up for the gas mileage...what ever it may be!
Flat.

[Donna D.]

Alright Flat, what is the name on your birth certificate? I can't call you Flat forever.... reminds me of my Dad's haircut (career Army).

I don't track the mileage for my F-150 either.... it is, what it is... can't afford (and don't want to) replace the tug just because the MPG tanks when I pull the trailer. My F-150 is my daily driver... and I LOVE it.

[flatfendershop]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Alright Flat, what is the name on your birth certificate? I can't call you Flat forever.... reminds me of my Dad's haircut (career Army).

I don't track the mileage for my F-150 either.... it is, what it is... can't afford (and don't want to) replace the tug just because the MPG tanks when I pull the trailer. My F-150 is my daily driver... and I LOVE it.

Donna, If (when) we pull our rig to OR perhaps we can share a pot of coffee and discuss names. For now, Flat will have to do! (ps. thanks for the positive comments in your posts, its refreshing. As a moderator you set a good example!)

[Radar1]

On my Subaru I'm able to just clamp the Yakima crossover bars to the rack and carry my kayaks there. The downside of that is I can't fully open the rear liftgate because it hits the kayaks when about halfway opened.
On my truck, I have a T-bar that goes up vertically from the back bumper, and I set one of my Yakima crossbars from the car into two foam pads and strap that to the top of the truck cab, so no holes. The downside of that setup is that I can't open the tailgate because the T-bar is in the way.

John

[Steve DeWeese]

Flat Fender Shop makes me think that your one of those Jeep nuts. Are you a Jeep nut like me? I love my Willys.

[Calud13]

Originally Posted by Steve DeWeese

Flat Fender Shop makes me think that your one of those Jeep nuts. Are you a Jeep nut like me? I love my Willys.

I am a Jeep nut, EggFulltimer, and retired Army (24yrs) call me whatever you want LOL! bet Ive heard it before! LOL.. nice Job! Flat.

[flatfendershop]

Dude, Jeeps are it. I have a 1944 Willys MB that I restored from the ground up. We are brothers...those Harley boys got nothin' on us!

I also like bikes, kayaks, and my wife is the bomb (aka way hot!)

Back on topic here...
Thanks for the notes on the rack. I wasn't really trying to convince anyone to put one on their camper - I can see you all like your boats on the car.

Be cool. (this is for you Donna...) Flat!

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by flatfendershop

Be cool. (this is for you Donna...) Flat!

I'm going to call you STANLEY.... as in Flat Stanley. Anyone have kids that had that character in their past lives? Hey, he traveled too.

[Calud13]

LOL I know you were joking!.. your right, jeep nuts are worse than Harley boyz, and the toys for our toy are more expensive.. (so hmmmm maybe they have it right?) haha. back on topic, that is a great idea, but I need the clearence as I boondock in deep woods at times where no one goes and it would just get hung up, I put my spot lights on the windshield with relocation brackets on the jeep because I have seen way too many jeepers with light racks bust there windshields from the stress of a tree branch hung up.. but if your not going into deep woods with a low canopy that is a great idea to keep your campout gear all in one tow package!

[EddyEd]

I LOVE THIS. I have been trying to figure out a way to carry my kayaks on my Cloud since I bought it. So far I just squeeze the two 8 footers (my kids) in the camper and mine goes on top of the Jeep. Your set up would be perfect for me. Great job and thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by flatfendershop

Hi,
Does anyone else like to take their boats with them? We do. We have either 3 or 4 that we transport, so I built this rack for them. Admittedly, it looks a little silly - but works well. I have to bring a 4 foot ladder so I can reach to get the boats strapped on but its not a big problem.

I was adamant that the rack could be taken off with no trace of it having been there, in the event we sell the camper someday. It bolts to the frame with some big U bolts.

Here we're camped at Lake Powell in April.
Flat.

[lamimartin]

Originally Posted by flatfendershop

Hi,
Does anyone else like to take their boats with them? We do. We have either 3 or 4 that we transport, so I built this rack for them. Admittedly, it looks a little silly - but works well. I have to bring a 4 foot ladder so I can reach to get the boats strapped on but its not a big problem.
I was adamant that the rack could be taken off with no trace of it having been there, in the event we sell the camper someday. It bolts to the frame with some big U bolts.
Flat.

Smart idea, reversible and safe. Welding on the thin Trillium 4500 frame would not be as safe as the U-bolts you used. Good way to protect resale value of both truck and RV. I don't see it as "looking silly". For such a light load with little wind resistance, this is a bright idea !

Thanks for sharing