D.I.Y. Kayak Load Assist - Toyota 4Runner - Jackson Kayak Big Tuna

[@aerialplatforms2053]

Man this is a life saver, my brothers who i normally go fishing with are lazy and want to sleep till noon, now I can go at 4 in the AM without anyone to help load my Hobie Outback. I added a few more cross bars and used an end cap and a spare hitch with a bolt through the end cap so I can leave it on the car while I drive to and from the lake i am fishing. Thank you SIR!

[@writchie]

Aerial Platforms Thanks for the comments! I can’t really disparage your brothers as I like to sleep until noon myself (haha), but I’m very glad to hear that you were able to tweak the design some and get it to work out well for you!! Happy fishing!!

[@peggycathey3366]

Since I'm a 5' 6" female I had a hard time getting the bow up onto the roller. So I added a 2nd roller lower down (and further out) which allowed me to set the bow on it & then roll it up to the higher roller. It also gave additional support to the two upright pieces. I used cotter pins to keep it in place so I could still break the lower section down.

[@writchie]

That sounds like an awesome upgrade, Peggy!! Being 6'3" myself, I know that my height most definitely helps me when it comes to using my design. Very glad to hear that others are making modifications to fit their particular needs. The best thing is that I have learned that PVC Pipe is a great & cheap material that can be used to build things & to solve problems & to experiment with while not breaking a person's bank account!! :).

[@Coachmaasen]

Did you make a video of your system? I am 5’4 and looking for something to self load?

[@SandbarGirls]

Mahalo nui for this post. Our new 4 runner doesn't have the fin but still has that dumb ferring on the back. You would think Toyota woulda figured that out by now--but they haven't. Love your Good ol' American ingenuity and every explanatory video. This is a great idea. So glad your shared it. Aloha--Kathleen in Kaneohe (Hawaii)

[@milburntaylor2719]

Wade, my wife and I are pulling a new pop-up camper with out new 2016 Runner. I've been trying to avoid putting anything on top of the camper, but I understand it's done all the time. I may put one kayak on the car using your technique, and carry one on top of the camper. I looked at several other DIY kayak loaders, but hands down, your idea is the best! Thanks again.

[@writchie]

They have these "J-Style" kayak holders for roof racks, but I have never used them before. www.maloneautoracks.com/j-style-kayak-carriers.php. I just don't know if you would have enough room on the roof rack to load the first kayak, "roll it" on to its side to fit in the holder, and then load the second. Some after-market roof racks have cross bars that extend past the side of the vehicle to provide more width to work with, so you could try to figure out some sort of a D.I.Y. solution for that as well. Have fun with your 4Runner and your Camper!! I take my 4Runner camping all of the time and really put it to the test at times ... 4Runner has never let me down!! :).

[@wylieedwards]

That is such an ingenious and simple solution to a problem that anyone with a decent sized kayak will have. Gave me an idea about how I can get my big tuna onto my trailer a lot easier than it has been in the past. Thanks!

[@johncovey2678]

necessity the mother of invention...you did a fine job...the pieces resting on the pads on the roof can rest on the rear crossbar...they could even be made to pin on there...there are options undiscovered yet but easily mounting it single-handedly frees up the time to invent...clever,inexpensive,portable ,i like it

[@writchie]

john covey Thanks for the feedback, John! Glad you liked it!!

[@richsilvasatx]

How about using a couple of foam can koozies instead of the pads? Tie or tape to secure them in place.

[@ryverhyker5400]

The ingenuity of some never ceases to amaze me. I have a 17 foot canoe and a Tahoe...not 24 dead lifting 300 lbs anymore. Great Job!!!

[@ryverhyker5400]

***** Oh..no, the canoe is only 80 lbs...(im saying only 80 lbs, might as well be 300 after sitting at a desk for 17 years..ha, ha, ha). 3 versions of P90X since I got the first. Don't know if you idea will help me work out more, but it will let me get out more by myself (when no one else wants to go.) Thanks :-}

[@atcred3]

EXCELENT IDEA AND CONSTRUCTION!!!!.....NOW THIS IS HOW YOU PROBLEM SOLVE WITH INOVATION AND DETERMINATION!!...GREAT JOB SIR!!!!!!!

[@leslarson2642]

Interesting idea and well executed. Not sure how it would work with J-racks but might be worth investigating. I had been wondering how to avoid placing a load on the plastic wind visor. Thanks for the idea.

[@archer721]

Nice! 😎👍 simple and in expensive! Actually one of the best rear load systems I’ve seen. Fairly sturdy, inexpensive to build, can be easily disassembled and reassembled for transport. I would suggest cross drilling and pinning the joints that you want to be able to use to disassemble the rack. Pins don’t need to be anything more than a cheap tent pin or something as they will only be used for assembly and then removed. Thank for making this video! This is what I’m going to build for my Honda Pilot, I have the same issue with the antenna and have been side loading onto “J” racks… and that’s kind of a B****! I have used “J” racks and pads both to carry my kayak and have never found a load system the works very well for the pads so that I can carry my kayak flat.

[@brianusa394]

I planning on getting either a big rig or Coosa after the winter. I will be making one of your gadgets. I’ll probably look for some type of soft sack to store it in and tie it up next to the kayak to free up space in the suv. Great idea and it will be less costly that the ready made steel ones I’ve seen.

[@vfr661]

Great idea. Going to steal it for my 4Runner setup with Hobie Outback.

[@tmcd1911]

Made my first one out of I" PVC and was to lightweight for my sea kayak. Love this idea and going to build another one out 1" 1/2 to add some rigidness. Since my racks are Jay Lows also thinking I will try adding a second T on the roof H as a short uprights. Hopeful that to keep the kayak from falling off the side when I rotate on it's side. Great DYI and solution. I am 5"8" and got it on with the first one I built.

[@writchie]

So glad to hear that my video helped get you started! I’m sure with a couple of tweaks you’ll come up with the perfect set up for you! Thanks for the comment!!

[@tmcd1911]

@@writchie Will do Wade and thanks for sharing your D.I.Y. Love of 4Runner!!!

[@l.r.mckenzie4832]

It's fun to watch everyone's DIY loading solutions. I'm currently working on my own.

[@RedfishInc]

I like your solution, I don't have a receiver hitch on my car but I think I can adapt your design to be free standing. Food for thought. Thanks for sharing.

[@36742650885]

if you put 2 or 3 twists in the ratchet straps between where they contact the kayak and the rack it will stop the vibration noise

[@funkyfender1]

It's a great design... You could upgrade your design using square section aluminium tube, fastened together with locking pins. It might prove more durable over time and you could also duplicate it and make it available as a kit for other 4track suv owners on mail order!

[@Sydney-Ghumo]

You, Sir, just gave it up the rear end to Rhino Rack Loader. Saved me about 450 AU$. I'll have to reinforce the part that goes into the hitch as I plan to load a PA14 on my Kluger (Hughlander). THANK YOU!

[@writchie]

You are quite welcome, Faisal ... so glad to help! I had looked at various roof rack assist type loaders myself, and they were all just so expensive!!

[@DasPenguin85]

Either you have that camera on top of your head, or you're significantly taller than my already significantly tall 6'5" self. I have a 2005 4Runner and I can't see my roof from that angle at all! I have been having issues loading my WM Pompano 120 (basically a 2008 Tarpon 120). I've been scratching up my 4Runner mostly on the unloading process. Loading is fairly easy, I can usually just lift it and plonk it down onto the rack from the side of the truck, but I'm not tall enough to grab both sides for unloading. Figures, that's when I have sand or mud on the bottom of the hull and that occasionally grinds on my 4Runner. Thanks for sharing this, I'm probably gonna build something similar today to save my poor truck.

[@USMCRetiredGuns]

Excellent design to overcome your obstacles! A suggestion I have, instead of the pads you use, maybe find a ball, (Tennis Ball, or a Nerf type, soft ball? ) to make it a bit easier, and prevent a scratch to your Vehicle's Paint! Just stuff it tightly in the open end, walla! Thanks for sharing! I wish someone would come up with a loader like the Aussie's seem to have accomplished, or share their method of construction so we can possibly build it, but hey, this works too! I have that Shark Fin Antenna, as well, and will be getting a 2015 VW Sportwagen TDI Diesel, once the US Government EPA figures out how to spank VW for their Dieselgate issue! I want to put a 200 lb., Hobie, Tandem Island on it, which is nearly 20' long, as well! To do that, your design can also be incorporated as a Rear Prop by having the ability to shorten the Vertical legs of your design, perhaps? Again, thanks!

[@ryverhyker5400]

Oh...did I need to say I will be trying this/maybe with pvc joints w/a v in the center. But thanks...You have saved a lot of us 100s.

[@amyritter6290]

That's pretty awesome, Big Tuna!

[@rjsparling1696]

Fabulous solution! 2 inch receiver hitch? and what size pvc pipe?

[@writchie]

Thanks!! It is a 2 inch receiver hitch. I used 1.5 inch PVC for the entire rack along with a piece of 2 inch PVC for the roller assist section at top. Hope this helps!

[@rjsparling1696]

@@writchie thanks for a quick reply, it helps very much! It's on this weekend to do list 😄

[@oviedo2912]

Great idea! I'd strap the foam pads with some type of thin cord.

[@doclees11]

Nice. I've used PVC for so many tricks yet I forgot to consider it for this. Slight mods and it will work nice for my hobie Island.

[@TimShoemakerTimShuwy]

if you extended your top supports all the way to the cross bars of your rooftop, then you could attach them or even just lean them against it, and it would solve the bungee problem. Great solution to the problem.

[@LetsTubetalk]

I know this was posted forever ago but great idea. I would say to get rid of that play just extend that PVC (where you put those black foam) just extent them directly so it touches the roof racks so it has no place to go... just an idea. thanks for sharing

[@writchie]

Blacklist ... thanks so much for the comment! Great idea ... if I eventually have to rebuild the top section, then I most likely will lengthen it so that it reaches all of the way to the rear bar of the roof rack.

[@pfStream]

Thanks for the video Wade Ritchie! Have you try gluing the pads to the legs that go on the roof? Also, I agree with you about PVC being a great material. I've inserted dowels into them to make them less flexible,. If I need something stronger, I've used steel pipes. Just want to share.

[@writchie]

pfStream I haven't tried that, but great suggestion!! Someone else also suggested cutting holes in tennis balls and then inserting the PVC pipe feet into the tennis ball hole. As long as the hole makes for a tight fit, then the tennis balls should stay in place and should prevent any scratching of the vehicle. Anyway ... thanks for the comments!!

[@Jonny-gg3be]

Excellent job. Think I'll be stealing some of your idea. 😎😎😎

[@marks3478]

Simple and effective. Just cut and glue the foam pad to the bottom of the pvc and you will never forget to remove it from the car! :)

[@javierdeleon7597]

I have the exact 4runner I will definitely try to make your invention work for me. 😊 thanks!

[@sitoneda]

nice job. Instead of those foam pads, you could probably jam a tennis ball into each one of those 90s.

[@51metube]

I saw in another video where the guy inserted wood dowels into the PVC pipe to give it more rigidity.

[@PedroGalvan]

How about attaching the foam pads to the "feet" with zip ties?

[@tomrum42]

I recently bought a 2018 Explorer and it also has the rear fairing and centered shark fin antenna. I carry a canoe and at this point in time I have not yet determined how I am going to load the canoe. I unfortunately do not have a rear hitch receiver. I have a lot of thinking to do at this point in time. The rear spoilers and look nice but they do present problems. I wish that there was no rear spoiler. I eventually will figure something out.

[@writchie]

Tom Rumish Good luck figuring something out, Tom! I can totally empathize with your problem ... took me a lot of thinking and planning to figure out the best way not to damage the vehicle. Those rear fairings look sharp, but they definitely don’t make the job any easier. Thanks & best of luck!

[@tomrum42]

After spending most of the morning looking at KZbin videos I have decided on something like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raSle5d7pMiogJY I'll make my own by finding some tubing of the correct diameter and carry the tubes inside of my vehicle when not loading or unloading. Load from the side and not the rear. Problem solved.

[@writchie]

Tom Rumish That is pretty sharp. I originally thought about a side load option myself. Now I have a utility trailer that we put a rack on to pull 4 kayaks & canoes around, so thankfully I rarely have to put the boat up on the 4Runner roof anymore.

[@mannihh5274]

Make the top part a little longer and make slots in the front verticals to fit over the crossbar. You may need to spread the horizontals a little bit to go outside the cayak rest - no more foam pads - no back-and-forth movement anymore.

[@ellissmith2024]

Try soom plumbers grease but keep thread clean

[@writchie]

ellis smith Thanks for the tip!

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Great video of a great design!

[@writchie]

Glad you liked it, Vernon!

[@yoshione66]

I love ingenuity, well done sir!

[@globaltraveler2381]

This is the same exa t problem I have with my crv. A plastic over hanging lip spoiler and a shark fin antenna. This idea will work for me since I have a trailer hitch. Can you list the parts and sizes you used so I can make one as well ?

[@writchie]

All of the following are 1 1/2” OD PVC except for the final piece listed as 2” OD PVC. Your cut lengths might be a bit different based on your vehicle size. Hope this helps! 11" hitch pipe Tee from hitch 13" from hitch tee right 13" from hitch tee left 90 degree threaded elbow female 90 degree threaded elbow female Male threaded slip left Male threaded slip right 56" up left 56" up right Male threaded slip left Male threaded slip right 90 degree elbow female left 90 degree elbow male left 6" roof bar left - from vertical to horizontal slider tee 6" roof bar right - from vertical to horizontal slider tee 18" roof bar left - from slider tee to foot assembly 18" roof bar right - from slider tee to foot assembly 90 degree left 90 degree right 5" down roof bar foot left 5" down roof bar foot right Cap left w/ rubber end Cap right w/ rubber end 2 tees center top 27" center bar 20" center slider - bigger OD 2"

[@globaltraveler2381]

Thanks so much !

[@GinaGGilmore]

brilliant, absolutely brilliant. thank you

[@SteveSherron]

Nice job on this video. Very genius idea.

[@alamedajon1453]

Ad 2 couplings on each side. To extend the drop down pieces to your rack , a bumper. Good idea, now I have my own ideas. ty

[@writchie]

Alameda Jon Glad it helped! If you make any improvements or modifications that work out well, then be sure to let me know. Always trying to think of ways to upgrade / update / modify to a better design!

[@sherylclark243]

Wow! This is amazing. You are so clever!

[@writchie]

Thanks, Sheryl. Never underestimate the creativity of Kayak owners when it comes to PVC pipe!! lol

[@maryschatz8406]

I love your ingenuity and thank you for posting this. I do wish Toyota wouldn't make a utility vehicle with a roof rack you can't even use, how stupid is that? People talk about US auto manufactures poor engineering design - the wiper spoiler and antenna are just dumb. Of course the wiper spoiler is everywhere but the 4Runner is the last of the utility vehicles. I wish I was tall enough to make this work for me but I am not.

[@imadumas2]

Good job and nice explanation.

[@funkyfender1]

To prevent wind vibration on your load straps, try putting a twist in the strap. That'll disrupt the airflow and it is harder for the strap to oscillate in the air flow. 😎

[@writchie]

Thanks for the tip, Stephen! I'll definitely try that out cause the noise freaks out the dog!! Lol

[@Rocstoneau]

good tip thanks.

[@markb8954]

Stephen Bradley - Yes....this works and on some strap “kits” the Instructions even say to include a few twists to prevent vibration, etc. The noise on ours drove us nuts on one trip.....’til I saw this tip on our strap kit. A few twists and EUREKA, no noise!

[@wilvandermeulen4930]

Thats brilliant mate!

[@writchie]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!!

[@projectknifehand]

Good idea Wade. Ty!

[@milburntaylor2719]

Brilliant! I love the simplicity, and I've been trying to figure out how to put my kayak on top. Your video really helped. Thank you for posting it. Any ideas for two kayaks? Do you think the same principle will work? Your idea for the hood straps is great.

[@writchie]

Glad my video helped, Milburn! Thanks for the comments!! I've never given any thoughts to two kayaks, so unfortunately I don't have any good ideas for that problem. ;(

[@darylwchan]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@StephenWalkerAhoy-Boats]

Good job. I'm curious why you dismissed trailing as an option. So much quicker. Hitch up and off you go with your boat already loaded. Launching from the trailer and recovery to it are easy too. So can you please explain why you chose not to trail your boat?

[@writchie]

Stephen Walker ... thanks for the comment! I dismissed trailering as an option because I most often use my kayak while camping. At the time I made this video, I had a pull-behind camper trailer that I would hook up to the 4Runner hitch after the kayak was up on the roof. Now I have an actual motorhome and pull the 4Runner on a car trailer behind the motorhome, so I still have the need to put the kayak up on the 4Runner roof. But I do totally agree with you ... if I was just heading to a local lake, having the kayak on a kayak trailer would be so much easier.

[@StephenWalkerAhoy-Boats]

***** Ah, now I understand. Thanks.

[@rudyackerman5747]

Not everyone has a place to store a trailer. Also a trailer has to be tagged in most states.

[@raykupal]

... need to patent this. Its brilliant!

[@bassetthound1234]

Awesome idea.. Nice build...

[@jimtaylor6930]

Would it not be easier to just convert a jet ski trailer to haul the kayak ?

[@writchie]

Hi, Jim! Thanks for your comments. It definitely would be easier to convert a jet ski trailer. I actually now have a 5 x 8 utility trailer that I have added a rack to in order to carry 4 kayaks at once. Back when I made this video, I used my 4Runner to pull a little camper around and needed a way to put the kayak up on the roof since the camper was attached to the hitch. Since that time, I’ve traded my little camper in for a bigger Motorhome and can now just drive the Motorhome and pull the kayak / utility trailer behind me. Still occasionally need to put the kayak up on the roof of the 4Runner though, so I definitely keep my PVC loading rack around ... just don’t have to use it quite as often anymore.

[@ufonaught2003]

we have a ford galaxy 7 seater we are struggling to get 2 large kayaks on the roof I bet neighbours get a right how when we are going kayaking lol ocean prowler ultra 4.3 and a scupper pro ocean 4.5 lol the first being a heavy sod with rudder and extras about 80lbs just for that the other we can struggle with and get on side bars rucks but the large baby hit me at the edge lol scrapped and brusied my leg lolwe have a side bar that comes out at side and struggle to get kayak on it fine then when we try to turn it frightened it will hit the damn car lol. any ideas for 2 kayaks big mother f.......s lol we had no prob with our 2galaxy smaller kayaks just bought these and having fun .apart from that the car is fairly new and don't want to smash it up quite yet lol any ideas like a side rack or something like what you did looks great would it be strong enough for the prowler do you think like load this first then put the lighter one 16 kilos on the side ruck bars lol

[@writchie]

I don't know how to solve all of THAT, Julie!! lol. Sounds to me like you all just need a Big Ass Trailer to put all of that stuff on!! :)

[@jimhiggins353]

Great rack! Is this made out of 2" PVC? I assume the center roller pipe is 203" PVC. Is the pipe that goes into the hitch a smaller size like 1/12" or is it the 2"? Thanks for sharing....you should have this patterned in hard rubber or aluminum!

[@writchie]

Jim Higgins Hi, Jim! Thanks for the comments!! The rack is actually made out of 1 1/2" PVC. The center roller pipe is 2" PVC. Before building, I initially wondered if the 1 1/2" PVC would be strong enough ... it definitely is though and I'm sure it could handle even more weight than just a Big Tuna.

[@martran56]

Hi Wade. Love your design here as I too own an '08 4-Runner and I believe that my ferring is even higher than the newer designed 4-Runners. I'm also faced with the same dilemma of pulling a small travel trailer along with my kayak. Thanks so much for sharing this. Great job.

[@andreweddy86]

Any suggestions on loading it into a 6.4 truck bed without the possibility of a bed hitch extender? Bow or stern first, hull up/down,tailgate up or tailgate down? Of course I want to be safe and avoid any damage to the kayak. Any help would be awesome!!!... if not Big Rig it is!!!!

[@andreweddy86]

Thanks so much. Sorry I got you twice with the questions. Thought I clicked different Tuna video. My head is spinning with excitment

[@36742650885]

your best bet is buying a good strong truck cap, you can load it on top, it extends over the cab. and you still have mass storage for other stuff in the bed you can often find used truck caps pretty cheap and install mounting hardware for ratchet straps etc. i use pool noodles for padding between the cap and kayak,

[@shakeyfly]

are those factory bars? and what are the kayak holders on them?

[@writchie]

Hello! The cross bars are part of the factory roof rack. The four holders mounted to the cross bars can be found at this link ... www.maloneautoracks.com/saddle-up-pro.php. I picked those up at the kayak store when i bought the kayak. Hope this helps!!

[@shakeyfly]

Exactly the info I needed thanks! I just got a kayak with the factory rods and I HATE loading by putting weight on the spoiler. Thanks for the video

[@writchie]

+shakeyfly I never even tried putting weight on the spoiler because I figured it would break the very first time!!

[@pa1264]

What an awesome idea great video thank you.

[@writchie]

Glad you liked it!

[@pa1264]

@@writchie I'm going to try it out for my new kayak a 2020 hobie mirage compass my car a little lower a Hyundai i20.

[@jefh5281]

Good job.

[@flexk9996]

Great idea and design, thank you.

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Cool video, but why not get a kayak trailer?

[@writchie]

Thanks for the comment! I would use the hitch on the back of the vehicle to pull a small camper, so that is why I would have to put the kayak up on the vehicle roof.

[@jimhiggins353]

Oops! I meant 3" PVC not 203"!

[@georgezartman8117]

Where did you get those suction cups

[@writchie]

George Zartman Hi, George! There actually aren’t any suction cups, so I’m not sure what you are referring to with your question. If you can be more specific, then I’d be happy to answer.

[@ysidroavila6454]

Is this 1.5" or 2" pvc? Excellent idea and thanks for sharing and inspiring me

[@writchie]

Thanks for the comment! The entire rack was made with 1.5” PVC. Up top on the roof where I lift the front keel of the kayak is a piece of 2” PVC over top of 1.5” PVC so it acts like a roller when I push the kayak up to the roof. That is the only piece of 2” PVC on the whole rack. Hope this helps!!

[@jackhannayjr9008]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@andys92mustanglx]

nicely done!!!

[@DKing-br7cf]

How far apart are the cross bars on the 4runner from front to back?

[@writchie]

Dan K. Hi, Dan! I measured the cross bars for you. It is 34" from the center of the front bar to the center of the rear bar. The front bar could be moved forward a few more inches if needed, but Toyota has a recommended placement for the front bar to reduce wind noise. Just in case you were wondering about the width, the inside width from the driver's side rail to the passenger side rail is about 39". Hope this helps!! ... Wade

[@JimboHotWings]

where did you get those hood inserts? Great video by the way. i'm definitely going to try and do this

[@pfStream]

I've seen them at REI. Also try searching for "under-hood anchor strap". There are some good DYI ideas too.

[@markb8954]

I’m curious why take the rack off during transport? Only to have to re-assemble when you reach your destination? I built a similar rack for my truck, I just leave it on.

[@writchie]

Mark B ... Hi, Mark! I suppose you could leave it on with most vehicles. For the 4Runner, I built the rack extra tall to avoid the satellite radio antenna and the flimsy rear ferring. If I left the rack on, the rear of the kayak is elevated too high and wouldn’t sit on the rear kayak cradles mounted to the roof rack. I just remove the rack so that the kayak will be supported by the front and rear cradles for tie down stability. If it wasn’t for that satellite antenna and rear ferring, I’d have shortened the rack and just left it on during transport. Thanks for watching!!

[@writchie]

Mark ... One other reason I forgot to mention for why I take the rack off is to free up the hitch. At the time I made this video, I had a pull-behind camper trailer that I would hook up to the hitch and take with me for weekend trips with the kayak. Also could still use the hitch for a bike rack, etc. Thanks again!

[@markb8954]

Gotcha...that makes sense. Good DIY’er project!

[@alwiz6379]

Great idea. Thanks

[@glennl5420]

Nice job man!

[@jeffgee7899]

DO YOU AWAN TO REVIEW OUR ROOF RACK CROSSBAR?

[@mksdad]

Great video! How fast can you drive with those Malone pads and a larger kayak??

[@writchie]

Mississippi Leg Hound Sorry for the delay in reply, but I just saw your post. I can drive interstate speeds with the Malone pads and the larger kayak. I don’t usually drive fast anyway, but I’ve had the kayak up there going 70 to 75 mph. Thanks for watching!! ... Wade

[@lindafromidaho2932]

Well done!

[@dougnewton]

Can you send me the dimensions and what Size PVC for this build!? Very nice!! Thanks!!

[@greatscotmagic]

Please send me the information is well. Great job thank you! Happy holidays!

[@JACON77]

Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing...! God bless...

[@keepitreelcatfishing5883]

What kind of kayak saddle do you have?

[@writchie]

Are you asking about the the roof rack cradles that the kayak sits on when up top? If so, they are named Malone Saddle Up Pro ... company website is maloneautoracks.com. If you are asking about something else, then just let me know. Not too sure what you mean when you say saddle. Thanks!!

[@davidjeromedawson]

Did you use 1.5” for a reason such as fitting the trailer hitch or do you think 1” would be to weak?

[@writchie]

David Dawson Hi, David! I mainly picked the 1.5” for its sturdiness. I never tried to build a version of the rack with 1” so unfortunately I don’t know if it would work or not. I was working with 8’ long sections of PVC and cutting them down to the sizes that I needed. As I recall, the 8’ long section of 1” PVC seemed to be too bendy / too flexible for my liking. I didn’t think the 1” would necessarily break under the weight of my particular boat, but it did seem to me as if it might flex too much. Bigger is stronger, so ultimately that was the main reason I picked the 1.5” over the 1”. That’s not to say that the 1” wouldn’t be strong enough ... I just didn’t want to risk damaging to my vehicle to find out. Hope this helps and thanks for watching! ... Wade

[@TheDcrocks1]

good job

[@toddcranford8707]

Hi Wade, Can I get a list of the specifications for your rack? Size of pvc, etc. I would like to try and recreate it but am not a handy man. Thanks, Todd in Louisiana

[@writchie]

Todd Cranford Here you go. All of the pieces are 1 1/2" OD except for the center roller bar which is 2" OD. Hope this helps!! 11" hitch pipe Tee from hitch 13" from hitch tee right 13" from hitch tee left 90 degree threaded elbow female 90 degree threaded elbow female Male threaded slip left Male threaded slip right 56" up left 56" up right Male threaded slip left Male threaded slip right 90 degree elbow female left 90 degree elbow male left 6" roof bar left - from vertical to horizontal slider tee 6" roof bar right - from vertical to horizontal slider tee 18" roof bar left - from slider tee to foot assembly 18" roof bar right - from slider tee to foot assembly 90 degree left 90 degree right 5" down roof bar foot left 5" down roof bar foot right Cap left w/ rubber end Cap right w/ rubber end 2 tees center top 27" center bar 20" center slider - bigger OD 2"

[@laurenputthoff2402]

thank you!!! seriously this is a huge help!

[@greatscotmagic]

@@writchie thanks, just what I needed. I am going to adapt it to carrying a dingy

[@yakdockayak988]

An excellent solution,

[@stevenhurt8896]

You are genius!!

[@writchie]

Thanks, Steven! I can’t take all of the credit, though. Haha. I watched a lot of other KZbin videos which gave me the initial spark I needed to ultimately develop the idea I needed to fit my specific needs. Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@MrMoises27]

Great job.

[@writchie]

MOISES F IZURIETA Thanks so much for the comment!!

[@kathydembek1383]

Perfect

[@Rocstoneau]

this is a pretty good idea. :-)

[@wallpaperkilla]

Hoosier engineering is the best!

[@jorgeschmidt]

What brand of kayak roof rack do you have?

[@writchie]

Hi, Jorge! I have a factory roof rack & cross bars from Toyota. I then purchased 4 Malone kayak holders that mount to the cross bars and hold the kayak in place. Hope that this answers your question!! ... Wade

[@jorgeschmidt]

+Wade Ritchie Thank you. Awesome project.

[@rev5498]

excellent.

[@RKClements]

Brilliant!!

[@writchie]

Thanks, Richard! Hope that you got some good ideas from the video!!

[@shawnbebout]

Badass.

[@writchie]

shawn bebout Thanks, Shawn! 😜

[@JoeyRock333]

genius

[@mcnm69]

very good !

[@myjeepzia]

Thumbs Up

[@nunya8866]

Move your pads closer to the rack and make your whole top part longer to touch the actual rack problem solved. YW

[@brucegoose6717]

I quickly tired of improvising and just purchased a malone trailer

[@writchie]

Totally understand, Bruce! I use a modified utility trailer whenever I can, as it is so much easier. I do a lot of camping and mountain biking, so sometimes I just don’t have a free hitch space for the kayak trailer and have to go the roof rack route. That’s why I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on a load-assist roof rack, as I just don’t have to put the kayak up on the roof all of the time.

[@rp5041]

I’m out. I’m not about to destroy my new 4Runner over a 500 dollar kayak

[@robertengstrom1183]

Great idea. Thank you

[@hectoralers84]

Brilliant!