How To Load A Kayak By Yourself (Simple SUV Trick)

Want to see a cool trick on how to load your kayak on top of a van, SUV, or any other high vehicle? Then check out this simple way to load a kayak without any help.
Here is all you need:
1) Kayak cart/kayak dolly/kayak trolley
2) Latching strap (like a normal kayak roof strap)
3) Short rope (about half the length of kayak)
4) Thick towel or foam pad
5) Two small hand towels
Then strap the kayak cart upside down (wheels facing up) to the back bar of your roof rack and slide the kayak up on the roof.
Note: if you don't have a kayak roof cradle, simply flip the kayak over once you have it up on the roof.
What do you think? Pretty cook way to get your kayak up on the roof.
Do you have any other tips for loading a kayak on a suv, van, or truck?
Let us know in the comments.
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www.saltstrong.com

[@kwajlady]

Been nearly two years since I first watched this video. The tip about using a line connected from the back of the vehicle to the stern of the kayak (which keeps the kayak from slipping away from you when you lift up the bow) was a game-changer for me! Love sharing the tips in this video with fellow kayakers --- especially the others like me who are really short (5'3") and loading 50 lb boats. Thanks again, Tony!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your support!

[@leegale8597]

Used this loading option with a 100 lbs Big Fish 120 on a Toyota Highlander. Worked like a champ! I used my life jacket as the padding between the rear window and the cart. This saved me a fortune in transport cost. Thanks for sharing the video!

[@sisterena]

This was the most helpful realistic video Ive ever seen on this subject. I finally did it, by myself, and I’m only 5’1”!!!!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it helped!

[@janallen3124]

I am vertically challenged and over 60 and love to be able to do things myself. This is absolutely genius…..I was about to return the cradles that I had purchased. Now I have a fresh outlook.

[@JustJobeMY]

Brilliant. This is EXACTLY what i needed. Recently switched from a low vehicle to a tall MPV and was no longer able to solo load/unload my yak. Great tip mate!

[@karismrie]

This is fabulous! As a petite woman with a 50# kayak, I'm excited to have this method. Works great!

[@johnlafleur7480]

I never would have thought of using the cradle with wheels to assist in getting the kayak on and off the vehicle. Pretty smart.

[@cricketthoffman9499]

Love how you consider protecting the car and the kayak. I have one of these carts laying around so it will be drafted for this job. This 50+ really appreciates your video. I have a 14ft touring kayak and no one to help at 5am.

[@cpf383]

If I only saw this prior to breaking a tail light and window washing thingy. You are at kayak pimp status, sir! Impressive!

[@bushfiresimulations6790]

Fantastic tip! Thank you. I was looking for a sit-on-top trolley to cart my kayak and simply slide my 4.5m kayak over a towel draped over the rear of the car (risky but it works). Now thanks to your tip I've saved myself some money with a cheaper trolley but I now have a super good kayak loader too. Seeing as I've saved $ I can now invest in a cradle too!

[@22voeter40]

Thank you for this great idea! After this video I run outside, and put my kayak car on my Mercedes Vito van. It fit perfect, topping my kayak is easy now, and no danger of having scratches on my van.

[@kwajlady]

I can't believe how many snotty people (ego maniacs) posted negative comments. I watched dozens of videos on this topic and this was the first system that worked perfectly for me. Thanks so much for posting this video!

[@doctorkayak]

I didn't see any snarky comments...

[@kwajlady]

Can't help what you couldn't see. The comments were there.

[@brapamaldi7666]

Thanks so much for making this video. Bought a tandem kayak and was able to load it up myself today for a solo paddle. Such an awesome little trick that makes life that little bit easier. Thanks again!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it helped!

[@serenitynow2435]

Great tips brother. Just getting a new kayak this week and found your system interesting. Will garnish what I need and apply to mine. Thanks from Australia 😃

[@masterthee]

I do this after watching Tony show how and it is literally a life saver when i go on my own. THANK YOU TONY!!!

[@josephn1572]

Hi I have a question do I need those extra bars or can I just have the 2 on the sides

[@masterthee]

@@josephn1572 you really need the 2 cross bars. The side rails don’t hold the kayak up at all. Btw…back 2 years later, I still use this trick but I do put the top rung of the cart on the top of the car and the bottom rung on the glass. Haven’t broken my rear glass yet but I do worry every time.

[@fernandovalbuena6951]

That is brilliant! I have all the same parts available. Now I can fine tune my loading. Thanks.

[@PeripateticProfessor]

Tony, my boat went up magically the first time. Thank you. I went out and spent $30 and made a carrier, too. I made a video of my experience and credited your video here. Here's my addition and credit to you. It was a first for me.

[@alanlee1093]

It is genius. I did not use the help of my trolley cart & rope before. Now I could get the loading job much easier. Thank you.

[@saracheng1454]

Thanks so much for this. Total gamer changer, I don’t have to rely on other people to help me, I can now do it all by myself. Yippee!

[@seayak]

Brilliant, now I don't have to buy a second roller loader, since I already have the same kayak cart. Thanks so much for posting this!!

[@brianhumphrey8875]

How awesome!!! I have been looking at everything on the internet so I can take my new kayak on my SUV and didn't want the suction cup thingy. Don't trust it and wife afraid of me breaking the glass. I'm going to try this!!! Will let you know. Razor

[@kayakmanonthego]

I went through at least 2 dozen videos before stumbling upon yours. Terrific idea. I have almost exactly the same vehicle (with the "lip" problem at the rear of the roof) and dolly. You've just saved my back (and possibly a couple of heart attacks down the road). Many, many thanks! 🍻🍻🍻

[@Saltstrong]

so glad that you found this video helpful!

[@IowaMom]

I love the way you are using what we already have! Thank you!

[@barbgianelli]

Thank you! What a great way to use the kayak transporter to actually get the kayak on my car! Really appreciate your tip!

[@MrDinkelacker]

Clever use of the trolley, exactly the type of low cost but reliable solution I was looking for, really appreciate the video!

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@nukedim2276]

Bright idea for using kayak cart to load a kayak! Thank you for sharing!

[@richdunn9774]

Awesome video. Just got a hobie outback and was trying to figure out the easiest way to load it if I'm solo. Definitely stealing this idea.

[@sunshinebreck]

I’m short and have a CRV. This helped me load and unload completely alone! Thanks 🙏

[@cristinan5402]

Awesome! So much easier and no scratches on the car from dropping a 70 lb kayak. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it!

[@tamkim2828]

Just one word SMART! Thank you so much for your sharing.

[@marlew2000]

And genius. Never did I dream of using my trolley for that. Looking forward to spring so I can try it out

[@myfourbits6901]

WOW!!! That is soooooo simple!!! Here I am thinking of sliding racks etc. Back to Basics!!! Thank you. Very well done. Especially for an Ol' GUY!

[@dhuanabsa774]

Thank you so much. Wonderful tips. Genius. Getting my own Hobie pedal kayak very soon.👍👍👍👍👍

[@rarmstrong7]

Just wanted to thank you for this (brilliant) tip! I bought a used 13' SoT and was wonder how the heck I was going to get it on top of my Jeep solo. This worked PERFECTLY! I was even able to find the exact yak cart that you have in the video at Academy Sports for about $35. Thanks again SaltStrong. Super handy

[@MSUICEMAN]

Which one is it? Thinking about getting an atak 140 but worried about getting it onto my expedition when by myself.

[@stuartedmond7372]

I know I'm a little late to the party, but just wanted to thank you for this great video. I know it's something simple and should be logical, but it's helped me get my monster of a canoe loaded onto my car for the first time. I was quite surprised how simple it actually was. So cheers, here's to great days paddling on the water

[@user-sc6oz8jp8e]

Can't wait to try it. I depend on neighbors or buddies to help me load and unload! Thanks for the video.

[@marcireale]

Cool! All stuff I already have, and I can do this.

[@frizzle9199]

Awesome idea! I gonna try this on my next trip. Thanks for sharing :)

[@Borok85]

Man, I was having so much trouble because my ocean kayak is the long one. I always forget why i have so much trouble and it's the slipping out part! Thank you!!!

[@lakiraly]

What a great common-sense way of loading a heavier kayak...kudos! Thanks for the video :-)

[@robinking8847]

Super great video. Just what I was looking for. Thank You!

[@reamer2002]

Thanks for the great video, I just bought a heavy kayak and I have a tall SUV. I will be trying this.

[@glennosullivan8925]

Brilliant Tony,you just saved me 300 euro,I have just carried out two trial runs and it worked perfectly,I owe you a pint🇮🇪👍,Thanks,Glenn Dublin

[@KristaLynnWilson]

Brilliant!!! Thanks so much for this great strategy!

[@gianpaolobasaglia7516]

Tried this morning: it works great! Thanks.

[@charlylee1834]

That is really the best way I saw till now. Thanks a lot.

[@gabe428]

Awesome tip, simplicity at it's best. thank you for a great video will pass it around

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment on this kayak loading video. Tight Lines!

[@OfficeofthePacific]

Great job. I just bought a new Outback and dropped it, the first time I took it off my Honda Element Roof Rack. I think I damaged the rudder already and I've owned it for a whopping 2 hours. So bummed, but this was very helpful at least I have some other options in the future to load my 90# boat 7' over my head! Thanks

[@fimbuloutdoors]

Very cool trick! Thanks for sharing.

[@pattymaun9732]

Thank you! This will make my kayaking life a lot easier!

[@HenryFMora]

I have done most of this to lift my sea kayak onto my Jeep Liberty. I’m testing it now. So far so good.

[@Thiboti]

Thanks so much ! I done the same for my so heavy Malibu 2 xxl. So easy now!

[@FaisalJan]

Watched many videos and ideas, and this is the best and brilliant so far. Bravo.. 👍👍👍

[@christopherappoldt1424]

Brilliant - worked like a charm with a Hobie Outback and Honda CR-V. Thanks!

[@primal_aperture_photo]

This total genius! Thanks for the great tip!

[@ibfishy3878]

Boom... this video made my day, just what I was looking for.

[@bclendenen1]

Bravo.....You are a genius.

[@meganekblad9392]

That's amazing, thank you so much!

[@yurarao]

amzing video. Just had a worst afternoon after picking up my first Kayak, and thought I made a terriable decision. Now my mind can finally rest

[@Johnlin196]

Thank you so much ! This video help me a lot.Thanks again !

[@Thekla666]

I always thought of buying a Kayak but never did because I didn't know how to handle it on my own. Now I can get one! Thanks so much for sharing this trick!

[@Saltstrong]

Our pleasure! Glad to see that you enjoyed this video about loading a kayak.

[@alisonarendsee2436]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful when loading my 12ft kayak by myself.

[@mfrutchey]

Wow - this is so helpful. Thanks for the video !!

[@lolatopsom5195]

Brilliant. I'm flooded right now, need to get 18km home with my two dogs and supplies for a week but just couldn't get my barge of a kayak on the top of my 4x4 by myself. With be making the wheels cart tomorrow... cheers x

[@4rmtinc]

Brilliant idea! I've been searching for a solution for my Toyota 4Runner that has almost vertical rear window and large spoiler. This seems that it will solve that problem. No need to buy other equipment nor DYI PVC pipes. I got already the same kayak cart so that should be good. Hopefully I can make it to work. Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@ohmom2001]

Could you do a quick video on how to get the cart secured properly to use it like a load assist roller?

[@steelcitybassin8964]

Great tips! Thanks

[@pgamacorreia]

Very ingenious, congrats!

[@OMOLMentoringinc]

So simple but genius thanks Tony

[@SmashTheAdventure]

I've been using your awesome technique for over a year. Works a treat!

[@Saltstrong]

Great to hear!

[@barbarawood119]

Thank you so much for this info!!

[@RogerFMorris]

Love it-thank you!

[@will2540]

Was about to pull the trigger on a kayak lift assist and have this same cart..... This is absolutely brilliant and a money saver

[@Saltstrong]

Definitely is!

[@ShibuHara]

Genius! Thank you!

[@richarde1355]

Nice! How simple and practical! Thanks for sharing!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to see that you enjoyed this kayak loading video. Tight Lines!

[@niknikloves08]

New to kayaking so this will help a lot.

[@garyrobinson7128]

Fantastic thank you so much!

[@peteraaf1com]

Super concept!

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

That is a neat trick. It’ll work a treat with my car van. Many thanks

[@mikeanda6735]

great idea I will give it a go.. thank you :)

[@gmr146]

The best idea with I saw in KZbin, masterman.👏

[@bhh965]

First time I've seen this method, very smart!

[@Redzircon]

Ingenious. Excellent and clear explanation. I wonder if a suction cup with two cups could be used under the lowest part to secure it.

[@diranu605]

Awesome! Thank you!!

[@reginr]

Great Idea thanks!!!!!

[@markgil9249]

Great thinking

[@klh102240]

Thank you, I'm a new Hobie 70 lb Passport owner. Thank you for saving my arse. Great learning tip!

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome!

[@perlago21]

Tanks so much, I have an ascend 10t not the heaviest kayak out there but it is a pain to carry above my head and put in the rak of my suv this is genio is Ty so much

[@stoked4fishin478]

This is a great video! Can you list the make/model of the saddles you have installed on the roof racks?

[@ARamCZV]

Awesome tip brother

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment on this kayak loading video. Tight Lines!

[@surfr8]

Brilliant!

[@kenkieffer2251]

Brilliant-thanks

[@6591del]

Excellent video thanks for posting, going out side to try that when It stops raining on the Sussex Coast in Little Olde England.

[@pitchkapizda8355]

Bloody genius using the cart 👍🏼

[@jenb402]

I really appreciate this video - very helpful. Love the idea of using the cart. What brand/model of cart are you using in the video? Thanks!

[@Cad1900]

Genius brother... thank you 🙏

[@zam200864]

Great idea in using the wheels for double duty

[@TheGratitudeAttitude]

Thank you so much for this!!! ~ Maria

[@stephenleitschuh5857]

Best setup I've ever seen...

[@AncientMantis]

Thats Awesome...

[@jacqueline5659]

Wow, thank you so much! This is so helpful for me!